Fishing in Mongolia

Mongolia is a landlocked country located in the heart of Central Asia. It is known for vast, untouched landscapes and rich cultural heritage that goes beyond Genghis Khan and his invincible warriors. Ironically, the aspect of local culture that makes Mongolia especially attractive to visiting anglers is that the ancient Mongols had a taboo on eating fish. Even today most Mongols aren’t keen on fishing, which results in near zero fishing pressure and allows the fish to reach truly monstrous sizes. This untamed and unspoiled fishing makes Mongolia a great destination for visiting anglers. However, some things need to be taken into account before planning your visit. Anglers must obtain a valid fishing permit, which can be arranged through licensed tour operators and local guides. Always check the latest regulations before your trip to ensure compliance and to help preserve Mongolia’s rich aquatic ecosystems. The fishing season in Mongolia starts on the 15th of June. Mongolia has a continental climate, with harsh winters and warm summers. From mid-June to July it can be very hot, and countless insects can make your life miserable in two ways: first, by sucking your blood, second, by providing the fish with enough food to make them immune to your fly. October and November, just before the ice, is the time when fish feed like crazy, but the conditions may be a bit too harsh for many. September is recommended by most experts as the best compromise for a fishing trip to Mongolia. Plan your fishing adventure in Mongolia today and explore the angler’s paradise that awaits in this beautiful Central Asian country.

Mongolia’s waters are home to a diverse array of fish species, but the prime attraction for visiting anglers are the unique members of the salmonid family. Those include the lenok trout, a distinct genus of salmon found in central and eastern Asia, as well as several local species of grayling, including the Mongolian grayling and the endemic Khovsgol grayling, particularly favored by fly fishermen for their unique appearance and spirited fights. And of course the kind of Mongolian rivers is the taimen. The world’s largest salmonid, that can reach lengths of up to 80 inches and are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, is a highlight for many anglers.

Fly fishing and spinning are the best if not the only techniques to fish in Mongolia’s waters. One lure that you must take to Mongolia is the one that imitates a mouse or a small rodent swimming across the river. That is the best way to catch a taimen or a big lenok. For other lures and flies, experts advise to pick those that a big trout or salmon is likely to catch, and grayling fishing in Mongolia is no different than fishing for this species elsewhere in the world.