The perfect trip for the Northern Pike angler who has done just about everything else

11 night/12 day holiday, fishing for Amur Pike in Eastern Mongolia's Onon River

The Onon River flows out of the Khentii Mountains which form the southern boundary of the Siberian Taiga. The Onon flows for just short of 300 kilometres in Mongolia before joining the Ingoda River and Russian territory. Later the Ingoda River flows into the Shilka, a tributary of the Amur River.

The main target for many anglers will probably be the Amur Pike - Esox reichertii to give them their scientific name. Though little different in shape and habit from the more common Northern Pike - Esox lucius - the Amur Pike has vivid spotted flanks that make it a notable and attractive target for dedicated pike anglers looking for something a little different.

For variety, the Onon River also holds Lenok, Taimen, Amur Catfish, Burbot, Carp and Perch. You can fish with live or dead baits, with lures or with flies, whatever style suits you; make the most of the great opportunity and enjoy the delightful location.

Our fishing holiday uses Russian 4WD vans to take you right to the action and to offer some mobility during the five fishing days. We spread the drive to and from the base over two days in each direction taking a slightly different route each time so as to show you more of the wonderful wilderness.

We camp but in style, with a mess tent, shower tent and kitchen staff. This trip is for serious anglers and, if tempted, you can be sure to enjoy the cameraderie as well as the great fishing.

View the Key Points Mentioned in the Itinerary on a Google Map here

Day 1: Arrival Day

You will be met at the airport and transferred to our comfortable hotel close to the centre of town. There is a welcome dinner together later.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Tourist Class Hotel

Day 2: Ulaan Bataar - Blue Lake

After breakfast we get into the vans and head East out of Ulaan Bataar. The first 130 kilometres is tarmac - but in such a bad condition that we can consider all of the driving an off road experience.

We end the day at the lovely Blue Lake - an important historic spot - for our first camp in the wilderness.

Meals: BLD - Breakfast at your hotel, lunch en-route and dinner at camp

Drive: Approx 230km, Minimum 7 hours

Accommodation: Tent Camp

Day 3: Blue Lake - Onon River

Awaken beside the lake where Chinggis Khan was crowned - twice. Once in 1189 as the Khan of all Mongols and again in 1206 as Khan of the whole Mongolian Empire.

After breakfast we continue to the fishing grounds on the Onon River. We will set up base here, though this can be moved if necessary.

Meals: BLD - Breakfast and dinner at the respective campstites. Lunch en-route.

Drive: 190 km, Minimum 6 hours

Accommodation: Tent Camp

Day 4 to Day 9: Fishing in the Onon River

Each day will revolve around the fishing. The local guides will try to match your preferred target(s) and style against the beats available - on the Onon River and on some of its tributaries.

Vans may be used for short local transfers but much of the access will be by foot.

In the evenings the whole group will return to camp for dinner - and, no doubt, tales of the day.

Meals: BLD - Breakfast and dinner from the camp kitchen. A packed lunch will be provided to be eaten by the riverside.

Drive: Local transfers only

Accommodation: Tent Camp

Day 10: Onon River - Gungaluut Nature Reserve

We pack up our fishing tackle and base camp ready for the drive back towards civilization.

The drive takes us further south than on the outward trip, ending at a ger camp in the Gungaluut Nature Reserve. We can enjoy a few more creature comforts with the beautiful Kherlen River as a backdrop.

Meals: BLD - Breakfast from the camp kitchen, lunch en-route and dinner at the ger camp

Drive: 200km, Minimum 7 hours

Accommodation: Ger Camp

Day 11: Gungaluut Nature Reserve - Ulaan Bataar

There is a chance to ride a horse before we return to the vans and head back to Ulaanbaatar.

After freshening up there is some free time for shopping or sightseeing before a farewell dinner.

Meals: BD - Breakfast at the ger camp. A special farewell dinner together at a restaurant

Drive: 130km, 3 hours

Accommodation: Tourist Class Hotel

Day 12: Depart for home

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.

Meals: B - Breakfast at your hotel