Fish Mongolia 2026 | A Taimen Adventure

10 Days in the Mongolian Outback

October 1st-11th, 2026

For many, Mongolia may conjure images of Genghis Khan leading his men on horseback through vast, rugged mountains and never-ending grasslands. For fly anglers, it may bring images of the world’s largest salmonid; a beast that will readily eat just about anything that falls into it’s path: the Taimen.

At the intersection of these two worlds lies the headwaters of the picturesque Onon River in Northeast Mongolia. For 3 adventurous anglers, the headwaters of this protected sanctuary could become home for nine days.

One of our very own, Kaden Leeper, is partnering with Fly Water Travel and Fish Mongolia to bring 3 anglers on the trip of the lifetime in the world’s least densely populated country in search of monstrous taimen, eager grayling, lenok, and the ultra-rare Amur Trout.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Mongolia

After arriving at Chingis Khan Int’l Airport (UBN), guests will be greeted by a local driver, who will take them to their hotel. After settling in, guests are welcome to explore Mongolia’s capital city, Ulaanbaatar!

Day 2: Overland Journey to Base Camp

After checking out of the hotel, guests will embark on the trek into the backcountry of the world’s lease densely populated country. The journey into base camp is half paved, and half overlanding Mongolia’s mountainous terrain. In extreme weather cases, this trip can take can take two days (though this is unlikely). Frequent stops to enjoy the sight with plenty of drinks and food turns the drive into a sightseeing expedition!

Day 3-9: Life in Camp and Floating the River!

- Generally, guests will spend two to three nights in the Buryat Base Camp, shuttling upriver to float two very scenic and highly productive stretches of river from the border down to the upper camp.

- The pace is relaxed and you’ll have plenty of time to get out and wade interesting stretches with your guide. We’ve found it’s best to cover an average of twelve kilometers (eight – ten miles) of river each day. A hearty lunch is served streamside each day and there are plenty of drinks and snacks on the boats.

- With their wooden lattice frames, wood burning stoves and insulating felt walls, sleeping in a cozy Mongolian ger is a great experience. It’s much like having a spacious streamside hotel room. The gers have wood stoves. On cool mornings, one of the camp staff will enter at your request and light the stove before sunrise… a great way to start the day! The tents (tipis) are also very comfortable. The tipis are over ten feet tall and nearly eighteen feet wide.

- This trip operates on what are believed to be the two best taimen rivers in the world. These rivers have incredibly healthy taimen populations and the locals and outfitter work hard to protect these special fish. However, taimen fishing is not always easy. Some days you may see many fish; other days could be a lot of casting in search of that one memorable “fish-of-a-lifetime”. Come prepared for a super fun challenge!
  - - Other species to catch: lenok, grayling, Amur trout and the occasional pike

Day 10: Back to Ulaanbaatar!

Guests will be traveling overland from the river to UB via comfortable 4×4, generally Toyota Land Cruisers. We’ll have a picnic lunch en route and the vehicles are equipped with plenty of drinks and snacks. Anticipate arriving back at the hotel late in the afternoon with plenty of time to take a long, hot-shower before heading out for dinner!

Day 11: Heading home

Your guide will meet you at the hotel to give you a ride to the
airport and make certain all goes smoothly with check-in and departure.

A Sneak Peak!

For those who appreciate a more visual experience, the video below is the 2023 version of this trip:

Rates and Details

2026 Rate: $7,950 per person – 10 days, 6-7 fishing (depending on travel into camp)

Included: Two nights hotel in Ulaanbaatar, airport transfers, transfers to/from the river, fishing permits, guide services, accommodations and meals including soft drinks, beer, wine and classic Mongolian vodka at camp, $500 Conservation fee

Not Included: International airfare, meals and drinks in Ulaanbaatar, and guide gratuities

Species: Taimen, lenok, grayling, Amur trout