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Taimen fishing in Mongolia is a lot like fly fishing for oversized Atlantic salmon or steelhead on a dry fly. It is similar because you are fishing for taimen in the current and, consequently, need to keep your fly riding high in the water. By riffle hitching a mouse,
large muddler or streamer, fishermen can keep their fly twitching through the surface film. Taimen have a true weakness for flies presented in this fashion.
For fly fishermen, though, getting your fly to ride properly is the least of your problems. Keep in mind that some of these fish are 4 -- 6 feet long. Now imagine a fish that large visibly chasing down your fly. In some cases taimen will come completely out of the water and hit your fly on their way back into the water. Other times taimen will simply follow it slowly with their tail out of the water some four feet behind the fly and
attempt to gulp it in slowly like a Montana cutthroat. Whatever the case, more often than not it is a spectacle that will bewilder even the most experienced, and the result is that the fisherman will pull the fly away from the fish before an actual take.
Remember, like Atlantic salmon and steelhead fishing, it is crucial that you let the fish take down the fly before striking. If you get that far, once the fish is hooked up try to keep calm (because the fish won't!). Don't run down the shoreline trying to get below the fish. It is far more crucial to keep control on a fish this large. By running you will probably just stumble and break a rod. Once the fish has made its initial run, then
walk down trying to get even with the fish keeping good tension.
Landing taimen is an extremely tricky matter. They simply don't make nets large enough. Consequently it is important to pull the fish into the shallows until just the eyes are out of the water. At this point, hold it tight until the fish relaxes and allows you to approach it. Then, believe it or not, you can slide a hand under their gill without damaging the fish.
Do not try to hoist a huge taimen with one hand. They will twist your hand and make you quite sorry. This all sounds fairly terrifying, but in reality it is simple -- let your guide take care of it.
Keep in mind that all taimen are released, so please treat them with great care! Do not pull them onto the shore under any circumstances.
Location:
The main draw to Mongolia is unquestionably Taimen. Taimen are the World’s largest salmonoids and have been recorded at over 200 lbs. The camp record to date is a massive 62” fish which weighed between 40-50 pounds. The average size is between 28” and 30”. In my week of fishing the largest fish brought to hand was 40” but most of us had shots at larger specimens. One of the most impressive characteristics of these fish is their fondness of surface patterns and the aggressiveness of their strike. In short, their take is explosive. What makes it even better is that you can spend the entire week skating dry flies much as one would for steelhead or Atlantic salmon.
The rivers fished are low gradient and some are clear while others have a slight tannin tint. Most are 40-120 ft wide and easy to wade. You will access these rivers via 18 ft Lowe boats with 55 horse Mariner jets. On occasion, you will fish from the boat, but the majority of the time, expect to wade.
Accomodations:
The outfitters now have four camps set up on privately leased land in different areas of the country. Three of the camps are considered to be in the northern part of the country just miles from the Russian boarder. They are strategically positioned to allow access to over 90 river miles. This is a beautiful region characterized by rolling forests of larch, birch, and alder. I spent a week at one of these camps and thought it was wonderful. The other camp is located further south in an area of vast grasslands. This camp is fished primarily in the Fall to take advantage of its slightly warmer climate.
Anglers stay in traditional Mongolia Gers, which are felt tents wrapped around a collapsible wooden frame. They are equipped with single beds, a wood stove and a small table and chairs.
Mongolia - Taimen Guiding Staff:
Our guiding staff at the camps consists of highly experienced guides, who are professionals and well respected in the fly fishing world. More importantly, though, they are very personable and will do everything possible to make your fishing vacation in Mongolia a memorable one.
Mongolia - Taimen Boats and Equipment:
Fishermen will fish from 18 -- ft aluminum semi – v Lowe boats powered by 55 -- hp Mariner jet units with two fishermen to a boat. The majority of the fishing will be wading rather than boat fishing.
However, Atlantic salmon-style drops are possible for fishermen that enjoy a break from wading. Each boat is equipped with life vests, an emergency kit, and a cooler for food and drinks during the day.
Mongolia - Taimen Cuisine:
Food is prepared by an experienced Mongolian kitchen staff, and, generally, clients have been quite pleased with the food. Daily meals include a wide range of traditional Mongolian and American dishes. After a soup course, grilled lamb, beef, chicken and fish prepared in a variety of fashions may accompany side dishes of steamed carrots, beets, cabbage, potatoes and other vegetables. Mixed salads are served nightly.
On the river, fishermen can enjoy a shore lunch of barbecued steak, venison or pork. If fishermen find it impossible to take a break from the fishing, more simple lunches of soup, sandwiches and desserts are always available.
All food is prepared with properly filtered water, so there is no need to pack bottled water.
Transportation:
Traveling to Mongolia is not nearly as difficult as it would seem. Ulaanbaatar, is just a two-hour flight from Beijing or a three hour from Seoul by commercial airline.
Sample Itinerary
Wednesday: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar. Here you will be met by a representative from the outfitter’s Mongolian travel partner and be taken to your hotel. That evening you will have the opportunity to see a traditional Mongolian performance, which I would highly recommend.
Thursday: Breakfast at the Hotel.
Fly to camp (approximately 3 hours) in a Mait helicopter.
Fish ½ day.
Friday-Wednesday: Six full days of fishing.
A day in the life at camp goes like this:
6:30 a.m. camp person will come into your Ger and light a fire in you woodstove.
7:00 a.m. Coffee will be ready.
8:00 a.m. Breakfast.
9:00 a.m. On the river.
6:00 p.m. Back at camp. (showers are always hot in the evening)
8:00 p.m. Dinner.
Thursday: Pack and fly back to Ulaanbaatar
Friday: Depart Mongolia
Rates:
2005 Mongolia - Taimen Pricing
$5200 per person per week. (based on double occupancy)
Included
Accommodations and meals in Ulaanbaatur on arrival and departure day, all transportation within the country, all meals including beer and occasionally wine at the camp, flies.
Not Included
Gratuities, alcohol, transportation to and from Ulaanbaatur.
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