A couple of years ago we began exploring an overlooked and inaccesible river system in a remote corner of Mongolia. Two spectacularly successful exploratory expeditions, in spring and fall of 2007, exceeded our wildest hopes: abundant Taimen, big Taimen, small Taimen, Taimen in skinny streams, Taimen in big holes, Taimen eating Lenok, Taimen attacking Taimen, Taimen smashing flies! We stumbled on one of the most pristine Taimen fisheries left in Mongolia, perhaps the best. To protect the location from unwanted attention we have designated it as River X: so you won’t see the name of the river on our website. Those who know me well, know that I don’t like hype; but this is the mythical taimen stream of dreams. As good as it gets.
Exploring River X: Jesse paddles the saddles cross river while the horses swim. Kayak from Advanced Elements. Photo: Marty G.
So why River X?
So for now this is a DESTINATION X we won’t be publishing the location or name of the river, and we’ll be working hard with the local community and authorities to protect this amazing wilderness fishery. Of course if you are seriously interested in travelling with us, we’ll let you know where it is.
Exploring River X: Marty G releases a juvenile taimen.Photo: Jesse Thompson
What to Expect
You will need to be reasonably fit and adventurous; however, you will most probably be
fly fishing for Taimen that have never seen a fly. We’ll do everything we can to make your trip a success, but don’t expect a luxury lodge or a slick jet boat operation. The fish are there, camps are comfortable, guides are professional and our catering is some of the best in-country, but theres still an element of adventure.In my next posts I’ll be adding photos and stories of our exploratory trips. In the meantime anyone interested can email me at “fishmongolia at gmail dot com”.
4 Comments
Nice blog, huge fish and the river “X”… nice name for a river,
I`ve put a link from my blog to this blog.
Bye from Spain !
Nice pics, Have you guys tried float-tubing or using float pontoons down that river ? or maybe its too shallow and a inflatable kayak would be more preferable ? Thanks for the report!
We used watermasters with the Trout Bum crew in October. Great boats to fish from, easily packed on the horses, you can pack them up with gear, and they handle serious water. Also no framework to pack or assemble.
This river needs a boats that’s easily horse packable. For 2008 we have ideas for a ‘guide boat’ that will be light enough to pack in, but can take two anglers rowed by a guide.
check out watermasters at Water Master Rafts