Mongolia Taimen Fishing

Special Taimen River

This breathtaking freestone river flows over 200 miles through a magnificent canyon, where limestone and granite cliffs rise hundreds of feet above the water. Steep gorges, filled with larch and birch forests, cascade down to the valley floor. Large taimen lie in wait within the easily navigable rapids and rock gardens. The riverbanks are lined with willows, leading to deep pools, sparkling braids, and wide gravel bars.
Minimal Impact:  Since taimen thrive in cold, clean water, our outfitter prioritizes sustainable practices.

The Fishing Program

Season:  June - August.
River Miles:  Trips range from 80 to 100 river miles. You'll cover ten to 12 miles of water each day.
Boats:  Inflatable NRS drift boats and rafts are used.
Guides:  Mongolian and international English-speaking fly fishing guides. Two anglers per guide. You'll fish with a different guide each day and new water daily.
Equipment:  Taimen and trout flies are provided. You will need to bring your own gear. A detailed packing list is included in our confirmation packet.
Best Taimen Rods:  Single-handed 8–9 weight. Dry fly and streamer.
Best Trout Rods:  Single-handed 4–6 weight. Primarily dry fly.
Fishing License:  A $500 Mongolian fishing license and taimen permit are included in the package.

Taimen

Mongolian Trout (Lenok) and Grayling

Headwaters Expedition - Package #1

Headwaters Expedition - 9-nights and 6-days on the River
2025 USD Rate:  $7,950.00 per person
Group Size:  4 anglers per trip or one group of up to 6 upon request.
This trip combines fly fishing with an incredible cultural experience. The first part of the adventure focuses on walk-and-wade fishing, while the last two days involve floating through the upper canyon. You should be proficient with a two-handed rod (either spey or switch) or have a solid double haul technique to effectively cover the water during the walk-and-wade portion of the expedition.
Physical Condition:  You must be in excellent physical condition. You should be able to hike or ride horses several miles into the backcountry and be comfortable with wilderness conditions. You must also be able to walk and wade along a river with a rocky bottom and strong current.

Package #1

Package #1:  During your first morning on the river, the guides load the camels and horses to begin the upriver journey. You’ll often travel up to twelve miles (20km) into the headwaters to reach the uppermost camp. Guests can hike or ride horses upstream while camel transport gear.
The route has a gradual rise in elevation and isn't too rugged. You'll make several river crossings either on horseback or with rafts.
You'll spend the next few days fishing your way downstream. You'll stay in comfortable expedition camps with great home water to tap into in the evenings.
After you reach the base camp, the last two days of the trip, you'll fish from rafts and NRS inflatable drift boats, covering over 25 miles (40 km) of river. The final two camps are fully-equipped ger/yurt camps below the base camp.

Classic Canyon Adventure - Package #2

10-nights and 7-days on the river
2025 USD Rate:  $7,950.00 per person
Group Size:  Four to six anglers per trip.
This incredible valley, carved through limestone and granite, is bordered by magnificent cliffs and rock pinnacles. You'll stay in comfortable streamside ger camps. Rafts transport your gear. The package includes a domestic flight and 4x4 to and from the river.
This trip is the original Fish Mongolia adventure. You'll journey through remote access points into the heart of this majestic canyon, spending the next seven days floating through stunning scenic wilderness. These sections of the river are loaded with trout and grayling, and every riffle and pool has the potential to catch a large taimen.

Package #2

Package #2:  Luxury ger (yurt) camps are situated along the river’s canyon section. These camps provide access to and protect nearly 150 miles (250 km) of the river, nestled between magnificent granite cliffs and rock pinnacles.
Each traditional ger camp is well-appointed with comfortable beds, linens, wood-burning stoves, and a hot shower.
The dedicated camp staff takes excellent care of you, delivering hot coffee to your ger each morning and serving cocktails at sunset.
The Upper Canyon package includes two hotel nights (first and last) in Ulaanbaatar, domestic flights, and a 4x4 ground transfer to the river. Journey to the land of Genghis Khan and experience the nomadic lifestyle that has remained largely unchanged for over a thousand years.

Combine Two Trips - Package #3

15-nights and 12-days on the river.
2025 USD Rate:  $14,500.00 per person
Combine a Headwaters Expedition with a Classic Canyon float trip for a walk-and-wade/drift boat taimen fishing adventure.

Lodging at all Camps

Camps:  You'll float ten to 12 river miles each day, staying at a different camp each evening. Camps are situated along core sections of the river.
Camp Staff:  The professional camp staff transfers all gear downstream and sets up the evening camp. You arrive at camp to a cold drink, a warm fire, and a delicious meal.
All Camps:  Camps are designed for minimal impact, with no permanent infrastructure. Taimen need cold, clean water, which is why our outfitter, Fish Mongolia, pays close attention to carbon.
Teepees or Gers:  You'll stay in comfortable teepees or gers (the traditional felt-covered dwellings known as yurts or canvas Tipitents). You will need to bring your own sleeping bag.

Teepees along the River

Two anglers per teepee or ger (yurt), depending on your package.

Gers along the River

The camps are one day’s float apart, each situated along a uniquely beautiful stretch of river where great fishing is a stone's throw from your tent.
All Camps:  All camps have simple shower and toilet facilities housed in specially designed tents.
Teepees or Gers:  You'll stay in comfortable gers (traditional felt-covered dwellings known as yurts) or canvas Tipitents along the river. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag rated to 15F.

Interior of Ger

The gers are approximately nine feet high and twenty feet in diameter. Each ger has a wood-burning stove, a wash basin, a small writing table, camp chairs, two beds, and woolen carpets. There are plenty of hooks for hanging jackets, waders, and gear.

Meals at Camps

Meals:  Excellent streamside meals are prepared by veteran chefs. Fresh meats, vegetables, breads, and an assortment of Mongolian dishes and classic Western fare. Breakfast and dinner are served in a dedicated dining ger (yurt). In very remote camps, meals are served in a central wall tent with tables, chairs, and a wood stove. Every morning starts with coffee/tea service in your ger or teepee and a fresh fire in the stove. A dedicated “shore lunch” crew sets up tables and chairs for mid-day dining along the river. Candle-lit multi-course dinners. Special diets can be accommodated. Enjoy sun-downers and hors d'oeuvres around the fire.
Beverages:  Coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine, and Mongolian vodka are available at camp and included in the package.

Beautiful River Scenery

Getting Here:

1.)  Upon arrival in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, an English-speaking guide and driver transfer guests to a comfortable hotel near the city center.
2.)  Early the next morning, you'll take a 90-minute commercial flight to the small town of Murun. There is a baggage weight limit of 45 pounds per person. (The package includes the domestic flights between UB and Murun.)
3.)  From Murun, the group will take a five to six-hour drive across the Mongolian countryside to the base camp, which has comfortable gers for dining and accommodation.
Departure Day:  On your last morning on the river, you'll wake up early, enjoy breakfast, and prepare for your flight back to Ulaanbaatar (UB). The group will embark on a two-hour drive across the hills to the Murun airstrip. You'll take a 90-minute return flight to UB, typically arriving in the early afternoon. A driver and an English-speaking guide will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.

The Packages Include:

• Ground transfers in Mongolia
• Two single-occupancy hotel nights in Ulaanbaatar (UB)
• Breakfast in UB
• Domestic flights between UB and Murun
• Lodging on the River
• Meals on the River
• All beverages, including alcohol, while at camp
• Guided fishing
• A $500 Mongolian fishing license
• Taimen and trout flies

The Packages Do Not Include:

• International airfare
• Taxes or visa fees
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
• Fishing gear
• Gratuities to guides and staff
• Lunches and dinners in UB
• Sleeping bag rated to 15F.
• $13 departure tax
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.