Mongolia - The Ultimate Fly Fishing Adventure

Fishing for taimen (a.k.a. huchen), the world's largest salmonid, in the wilderness of Mongolia.....The Ultimate Fly Fishing Adventure

MONGOLIA

CONTENTS

About Mongolia

About Our Camp

The Fishing
Program

The Fishery

Mongolian Fly
Fishing

Go Fishing

ACUTE
ANGLING

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The Ultimate Fly Fishing Adventure

   ABOUT MONGOLIA

Like no other place on earth, Mongolia remains out of the realm of the Western world. In fact, even today after its successful independence from Russia and its transformation to a democracy, it remains largely unchanged. For the most part, life in Mongolia still revolves around herding. Even outside of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, nomadic herders still live in gers and wander around with their livestock in search of better grass. One appreciable change in Mongolia has been the recent advent of tourism. During the years under Russia's rule, it was very difficult to visit this spectacular country. Today, with an official invitation from our Mongolian outfitter, getting a visa is no problem. Accommodations have improved vastly. Hotels in Ulaanbaatar are both professional

and competitive. We suggest spending a day in Ulaanbaatar

on theway to the province to be fished. Visits to theGaandan

Hiid Buddhist Monastery, the Winter and Summer Palaces,

the Gobi Cashmere Factory, the local museums and markets

are both colorful and enjoyable. Combination trips to

other destinations in Mongolia can also be arranged.

ABOUT OUR CAMP

Our camp is located near the confluence of the Bator and Aryol rivers. These rivers cut through wide fertile valleys and gorgeous mountain ranges inhabited by elk, bear, wild boar, wolves, waterfowl and upland birds. While fishing, guests will stay in fully equipped gers. Gers are a practical round felt tent used by the nomads of Mongolia. Our gers are 9 feet high and 15 feet in diameter and allow fishermen plenty of room to relax. Each ger has a wood floor with a stove in the center, and is


Taimen flies drying on a ger	A 62 inch dry fly taimen......can bring on more than just a smile	Return to a beautiful, comfortable camp

furnished with an area to sit and relax. There is also ample space to store fishing gear. Cuisine at the camp is a variety of American and Mongolian style dishes. At night you will enjoy meals like charcoal grilled leg of lamb, beef dumplings, crispy Mongolian noodles in an onion sauce, steamed potatoes, cabbage and carrots, a variety of salads and other dishes. On the river, our American guides will behappy to prepare a shore lunch of Grayling or Lenok. That is, if you can find the time while fishing.

THE FISHING PROGRAM

Depending on the group, and the weather, we will typically eat an eight o'clock breakfast, and hit the river at nine. This allows anglers time to wash up, and prepare for the day's fishing. Preparation and careful inspection of your gear is essential when you are after Taimen. Broken rods and leaders are the norm on these incredible fish. Keep in mind that we limit our programs to six fishermen in order to remain flexible. If you want to sleep in, or fish a little later, just let us know.

Our guiding staff consists of Jeff Vermillion, the camp owner, and another highly experienced American guide. They will give fly fishermen the choice of species, and then take them via jet boat to the water suited to their interests. With over 90 miles of water to fish on two rivers, this is never a problem. The rivers around the camp are a fly fisherman's dream, with moderate flow, easy

wading, and predictable banks.
During August and September, the weather is generally sunny. Still Mongolian weather is similar to Montana's, so it is good to come prepared. In the past we have enjoyed hot sunny days with crisp cool nights the perfect recipe for spot fishing with dries!

Margaret Vermillion with a nice lenok caught on a mouse pattern

THE FISHERY

The Strike!

Depending on the fisherman, it is possible to fish steelhead style through a run or to walk the banks New Zealand style and spot fish to Taimen and Lenok. Even the angler with poor spotting eyes will be able to see Taimen. Their greenish heads, reddish tail and large size make them standout nicely. Taimen range anywhere from 12 inches to 75 inches. On average they probably run

Margaret Vermillion with a nice lenok caught on a mouse pattern

around 32 inches. To date our largest Taimen was 62 inches and was caught on a mouse pattern. Certainly the most exciting aspect of Taimen fishing is that they are top water oriented. A large part of their diet consists of mice, lemmings, ducks and prairie dogs that fall into the river. It is an unforgettable spectacle to see such a fish clear the water.
Lenok, though, are a little more difficult to see. Often all you will see is the rise form of the fish taking a terrestrial. Surprisingly, when you throw in your hopper, more often than not, you are onto a 20-plus inch fish.
The rivers of Mongolia are full of aquatic life - caddis and mayfly hatches occur frequently. These hatches are a frantic time for fish and fisherman alike. Grayling and Lenok rise steadily, and the Taimen cruise beneath them until they pick out dinner. They then hammer their unlucky prey. At times like this, it is difficult to decide whether to throw a mayfly or a mouse.

MONGOLIAN FLY FISHING

Mongolia today stirs the same sentiments among Westerners that it has since the days of Genghis Khan. Visions of a harsh cold land and fierce nomads continue to discourage even the most intrepid adventurers from visiting this wonderful country. Today, nothing could be further from truth. The Mongolians are a kind and generous people with a deep appreciation of nature. In addition, its landscape rivals the best of the national parks in the Western United States. And while you may not want to visit Mongolia during the winter, the summer and fall weather is incredible - the days are long and full of sunshine. Mongolia has one of the planets largest tracts of untouched wilderness. Its

landscape abounds with snow capped peaks; vast river valleys lined with unbroken larch and birch forests; huge rolling meadows ablaze with wildflowers; elk, bear, wolves, eagles and, of course, crystal clear rivers full of Taimen, Lenok and Grayling.
For Fly Fishermen the real treasure in Mongolia lies within these clear waters. After all, where else on earth is it possible to sight cast dry flies daily to fish over 50 pounds. For most fly fishermen, seeing a 50-75 inch Taimen explode on a mouse will be the experience of a lifetime. But if big fish aren't your game, then perhaps stalking the bank and sight fishing to Mongolian trout that average 2-6 pounds with hoppers and other attractors will be. Fishermen that are not fanatics can just lay back in the tall prairie grass beneath the seemingly endless blue sky and enjoy the fact that there isn't a fence, mall, or sign of modern civilization for hundreds of miles.

GO FISHING FOR TAIMEN

FYI
Guided taimen fishing trips in Mongolia are available during
September, October.
For more information on booking a taimen fishing adventure,
contact:
Paul Reiss at (908) 832-2987
E-Mail Paul Reiss, or:
Garry Reiss at (908) 431-1668
E-Mail Garry Reiss

A typical fishing day begins with breakfast at 8 AM. After a leisurely breakfast we will begin the fishing day. A typical fishing day is from 10 AM to 7 PM - a long day by any standard. Rods are split three to a boat/American guide. Depending on conditions, we will choose a stretch of river within an hour from camp. According to the water and individual interests, anglers will fish from either the boat or wade fish from the bank. On the bank the anglers can choose to spot fish or fish down and across with mice patterns. Most fishing is done with floating lines and skated flies with single or double handed rods. Gourmet lunches are prepared daily by your American guide. These lunches include homemade bread, grilled fish, pork or steak, a salad, side dish of potatoes or vegetables, and a variety of condiments.

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