Taimen Lodge

The fishing is centred on Siberian taimen, the largest salmonid in the world and one of freshwater fishing’s most distinctive trophy species. Taimen are long-lived, slow-growing predators capable of reaching exceptional size, although the very largest fish are extremely rare. They inhabit cold, free-flowing rivers and hold around deep bends, current seams, rocky banks, gravel bars and the edges of quieter water.

Anglers can fish with fly or spinning tackle. Fly fishing generally involves large streamers, baitfish patterns and surface flies that imitate rodents and other prey. Conventional anglers use spoons, plugs and other large artificial lures. The fishing is based on covering water rather than producing large numbers of fish, and anglers should expect long days, repeated casting and periods between opportunities.

Fishing areas are reached by jet boat, four-wheel-drive vehicle and on foot. Some sessions involve travelling to a distant section before wading and working downstream, while other days focus on pools and runs closer to camp. Lenok and grayling provide more consistent action on lighter tackle, while Amur trout and Amur pike may also be encountered in parts of the river system.

Accommodation is based at a remote riverside camp in northern Mongolia. Anglers stay in a mixture of traditional Mongolian yurts and practical log cabin-style accommodation, with the exact room arrangement confirmed according to group size.

The camp is comfortable but deliberately simple. Facilities include shared dining and relaxation areas, showers and a sauna. Connectivity is limited, and anglers should expect to be largely disconnected while at camp and on the river.

Full-board meals are provided throughout the camp stay, together with non-alcoholic drinks. Breakfast is served before fishing, lunch is provided during the day and dinner is served after anglers return to camp. Local cooks, boatmen and support staff remain with the group throughout the program.

An optional headwaters itinerary uses wilderness tents beside the river. This is a more expedition-style arrangement, with fewer permanent facilities and a greater emphasis on mobile camping close to remote upper water.

The fishing takes place in Khövsgöl Province in northern Mongolia, near the country’s border with Siberia. The Shishged and Tengis rivers are among the principal systems in the region and form part of the wider Yenisei drainage.

International anglers fly into Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s capital and main international gateway. Airport pickup and hotel accommodation in the city are included in the standard package.

From Ulaanbaatar, anglers continue north by domestic or private charter flight. The precise airport depends on the itinerary, but routes may travel through Murun or land closer to the fishing area. A four-wheel-drive transfer then continues across rural Mongolia to the river camp.

The journey can take most of the day and is part of the experience, moving from the capital through open steppe, mountain valleys and increasingly remote forest country. Internal flights and vehicle transfers are included, but schedules remain subject to weather and local operating conditions.

Rates Per Angler:
Starting from $5,000.00 per person

What’s Included:

What’s Not Included:

Day 1: Arrival in Ulaanbaatar
Arrive at Ulaanbaatar International Airport, where anglers are met and transferred to the included hotel. The remainder of the day is available for resting, organising equipment and preparing for the journey north.

Day 2: Travel to Taimen Lodge
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the domestic or charter flight into northern Mongolia. Continue by four-wheel-drive vehicle through the steppe and mountain valleys to the riverside camp. On arrival, anglers settle into their accommodation, meet the guides and prepare tackle.

Days 3 to 9: Guided Fishing Days
Spend seven full days fishing for Siberian taimen, lenok, grayling, Amur trout and Amur pike. Each day covers a different section of river using jet boats, vehicles and access on foot. Lunch is served beside the river, with anglers returning to camp for dinner, a sauna and preparation for the following day.

Day 10: Return to Ulaanbaatar
After breakfast, leave camp and begin the return journey by four-wheel-drive vehicle and domestic or charter flight. Transfer to the included hotel in Ulaanbaatar on arrival.

Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Ulaanbaatar International Airport for the onward international flight or continue with a wider Mongolia itinerary.

What level of fishing experience is required?
Taimen Lodge can accommodate anglers using either fly or spinning tackle. Previous experience with heavy fly rods or large conventional lures is useful, as the fishing involves long days and repeated casting. Guides assist with tackle selection, presentations and river access.

How physically demanding is the fishing?
Fishing may involve wading, walking across gravel bars and uneven riverbanks, entering and leaving boats and spending long periods outdoors. Anglers should have reasonable mobility and be comfortable fishing in changing weather.

What fishing equipment should anglers bring?
Fishing equipment is not included. Anglers should bring their own fly or spinning outfits, suitable lines, leaders, flies, lures and terminal tackle. Waders and supportive wading boots are essential, and a spare rod and reel are recommended.

What fly tackle is suitable for taimen?
Heavy single-handed or two-handed fly rods capable of casting large streamers and surface patterns are recommended. Reels should have a dependable drag and sufficient backing. A mixture of floating, intermediate and sinking-tip lines provides flexibility across different pools and river levels.

Is taimen fishing productive every day?
Taimen are not a high-numbers species. They are territorial and spread across large river systems, so anglers may fish for long periods between encounters. Lenok, grayling and other species provide additional opportunities during the week.

Is guiding included?
Yes. The package includes local English-speaking fishing guides, together with boatmen, cooks and camp support staff.

Are fishing licences included?
Yes. The required fishing licences and conservation fees are included in the standard package.

Is internet available at camp?
Connectivity is limited. Some reception or Wi-Fi may occasionally be available, but anglers should expect to be largely disconnected for the duration of the camp stay.

What clothing should anglers bring?
Northern Mongolia can experience sun, wind, rain and cold temperatures during the same week. Anglers should pack warm base layers, insulating clothing, waterproof outerwear, gloves, a warm hat and practical footwear for camp.