Serious Taimen
Last Updated
4th Nov, 2008
Great fishing in remote areas. New challenges for serious anglers. A great opportunity to land yourself a mighty Taimen
11 night/12 day holiday, fishing for Taimen in Mongolia
This fishing holiday in Mongolia takes you to an area north-west of Ulaanbaatar close to Lake Khovsgol. The fishing is divided between the rivers of the Darkhad Depression (which flow out into the Yenisey River in Siberia) and the tributaries of the Selenge River (which flows into Lake Baikal in Siberia). Both areas are recognised as being amongst the best for Taimen fishing in Mongolia.
We fly to the closest airport and then use the sturdy Russian 4WD vans preferred by locals to get to the action.
We operate out of a tented base camp which offers convenience (it can be set up close to the fishing grounds, and moved if necessary) and some home comforts (food will be cooked for you, and showers will be available). Please do accept though that this is essentially wilderness and that you won't have all the modern conveniences.
Day 1: Arrive Ulaanbaatar
Transfer from airport to your comfortable hotel in the heart of the city. Once everyone is ready, your tour leader will give a short briefing followed by an orientation tour. There is free time before a welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner at a restaurant
Accommodation: Tourist Class Hotel
Day 2: Transfer to the wilderness
We transfer back to the airport for a short (90 minute) flight to Murun (sometimes spelled Moron), the small and mostly wooden capital of northern Mongolia where we meet the local fishing guides and cooks. We take 4WD vans from there to our first campsite by the Beltes River. Be warned, the roads are rough on this section - but that keeps the crowds away!
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch as appropriate and dinner
Drive: 110 Km, Three hours
Flight: 90 minutes, from Ulaanbaatar to Murun
Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Into the Darkhad Depression
We continue on worsening roads until we reach the secluded (Upper or Northern) White Lake at the bottom of the Darkhad Depression, a region that is rarely reached and where the people still regularly practice Shamanistic rituals. We will set up a base camp and then start the fishing. This will be mostly in the upper reaches of the Shishgid and Khug Rivers, both tributaries of the mighty Yenisey River that flows out through Siberia into the Arctic Ocean. Expect mixed bags of Lenok, Grayling and, of course, Taimen.
Please note: All fishing is on a catch and release basis.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from the camp kitchen
Drive: 110 Km, Five hours
Accommodation: Camping
Day 4 to Day 6: Fishing. Lots of fishing
The next three days are about fishing. You can appreciate the magnificent scenery between fish, but make the most of your time here. It is a long drive if you then do not take advantage of the hungry fish.
These days are totally flexible. The campsite can be moved to suit local conditions and meals can be served by the riverside if requested.
The local fishing guides will ensure that you select the most suitable tackle and that you fish the best spots. Transfers will be by vehicle where possible, though some of the best spots can only be reached on foot.
Your tour leader will ensure that everyone is getting all the fishing they want, and having fun whenever they are not.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from the camp kitchen
Accommodation: Camping
Day 7: Return to Murun for some creature comforts
We drive back to Murun where the wooden shanty town of your recent memory will reappear as the heart of all civilization. We stay at a hotel which, though basic, will allow you to freshen up after your first wilderness experience.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch from the camp kitchen. A simple dinner in Murun
Drive: 220Km, 8 hours driving
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 to Day 10: Fishing the Selenge River Tributaries
The plan is to fish at the confluence of Ider and Delgermurun Rivers and at the Chuluut River. These are recognised as some of the best Taimen fishing rivers anywhere.
Again, our camping style means that we are free to move to where the fishing is best.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from camp kitchen
Drive: 110 Km, Three hours on the first day, then transfers to the fishing grounds as appropriate thereafter
Accommodation: Camping
Day 11: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Transfer back to Murun for our flight to Ulaanbaatar. Some free time for shopping or sightseeing before a farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast at camp, lunch as appropriate and dinner at a restaurant
Drive: 110 Km, Three hours
Flight: 90 minutes, Murun to Ulaanbaatar
Accommodation: Tourist Class Hotel
Day 12: Depart for home
Transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel