Fish Mongolia and IF Adventures just announced new Fish Bum style Mongolia fly fishing options in This is Fly edition # 22. Check out the Hucho hucho aka European Taimen or Danube Salmon article in the same issue.
Fly Fishing Mongolia on a shoestring
Mongolia is an inspirational destination for many anglers who dream of hooking into a five foot long taimen on a dry fly. But is it possible to fish Mongolia on a budget, un-guided, on a DIY trip? The short answer is no; the permit system is such that effectively all foreign anglers have to go through licensed outfitters that hold contracts for the specific rivers where they operate. This leaves the choice of booking an expensive guided trip through reputable international outfitters, or taking a chance on booking a cheaper trip direct with a local company that may or may not know much about fishing, and may or may not get you the appropriate licenses.
Now there is a third choice; well established, British-Mongolian outfitter, Fish Mongolia has teamed up with IF Adventures to offer more affordable and flexible Mongolian fly fishing opportunities. IF Adventures are the company that introduced cutting edge self drive fly fishing options for New Zealand and Montana, while Fish Mongolia have been operating exceptionally outfitted float trips and more adventurous expeditions in Mongolia since 2003.
Lets face it, Mongolia is never going to be a cheap fly fishing destination considering the cost of logistics, but prices are based on a ‘what you pay is what you get’ principle. At the very least you’ll need a Russian van, driver, translator, and a fishing permit, so small groups of four or more anglers will get the best deal.
Mongolia is big, rivers are remote, many are still pristine, but some are heavily poached, taimen are elusive and a challenge on the fly, you need good local knowledge. Options range from ‘no frills’ drive out trips in Russian vans, to horse packing into remote catchments, and logistical support and raft rental for DIY float trips.
Optimum conditions and best fishing are usually found in June, which is early summer, and the fall season in September when temperatures start dropping. On some rivers fishing can continue well into October before it gets too cold, while in the summer months of July and August good fishing can still be found in the headwaters; this is the time to horse pack into the mountains. Be ready for an adventure.
For more information check out the trips section of this site, where you can find a selection of fly-fishing packages with local guides and outfitters available for groups of three or four, or more. We also offer an ‘a la carte’ trip planning service for no-frills and custom trip options.
