Mongolia's Secret Salmonids

By Ian Ford

Did you know that Taimen (scientific name Hucho taimen) are the world's largest Salmonid. That's the group that contains all species of salmon and trout. Taimen have been known to reach in excess of 2 metres (yes, that's over 6 feet), weighing in at nearly 100 kilograms (an amazing 200 pounds).

Taimen inhabit the rivers of Siberia that exit into the Arctic Ocean and right around east to the Amur River. Mongolia's rivers flow into this system and, given that the Mongolians have traditionally shunned fish as a food source, some of the best fishing is now to be had here.

Unlike many Salmonids, Taimen do not migrate to the sea but live their entire lives in rivers and lakes. They prefer fast flowing stretches with deep pools where they can shelter from the extremes of heat. This means they are most often found in remote mountainous areas, and fishing for them becomes a true wilderness experience.

Young Taimen survive largely upon insects, both the larval and adult stages. Older fish cannot remain on this diet and take pretty much anything they can catch. They will eat birds and rodents from the surface and even from the shore as well as any other smaller fish that they can catch in the river.

The options for anglers are fantastic. There are many sections of river that have never been fished and many other game species available anyway. The same rivers that are productive for Taimen are usually also teeming with Arctic Grayling and Lenok. All three species will take fly patterns on the surface - the bigger fish being taken on mouse patterns fished at dusk.

The best month for fishing is September though the recognized season extends from mid-June until early October. The fish spawn in May so should be left well alone at that time, and the weather is just too cold once the summer sun fades away.

The Mongolian Government have listened to visiting anglers and conservationists and taken the wise step of introducing regulations to protect fish stocks - especially Taimen. These are now Catch & Release only, a move that most anglers will support anyway.

In order to ensure that released fish have the best chance of survival it is best to bring suitable tackle and equipment. The preferred option is to fish only with fly patterns, as these result in a proper hook placement most frequently, tied onto a single barbless hook. Special Catch & Release Nets are available and can minimize the damage to the fish's protective layer of slime during the unhooking process. Of course, any tool that aids the swift removal of the hook is also welcome.

Don't forget that you will also need proper equipment. The areas where you will go fishing are remote and wild places. You will have to take along good quality clothing to cover long days out in the sun as well as the potential for a sudden change to cold and wet. When the winds shift to the north there can be snow however the day started out.

Whether you want to catch a big fish or just love wild places, consider a fishing holiday to Mongolia. It has so much to offer the adventurous angler and doesn't cost the earth.

Ian has lived and travelled extensively in Asia over the last seven years. He has been a passionate fisherman from school-days and is now combining the two fields by offering exciting & affordable fishing holidays abroad for individuals and groups.

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