Fly Fishing Mongolia
Fly fishing in Mongolia is fascinating! You can fish for the world’s largest salmonid, the taimen, as well as other species such as the lenok, the grayling, and the pike, in the land of nomads and Genghis Khan. The most famous rivers for fishing in Mongolia are the Onon, Khalkh, Eg, Delger Moron, and Tengis.
Fly Fishing Mongolia is a fly fishing guide company that prioritizes the fishing experience and the economical cost of the trip over five-star meals and luxury services.
FLY FISHING TRIPS TO MONGOLIA 2026
Here are our upcoming organized fly fishing trips to Mongolia for 2025:
4 free spots
Nomadic Mongolia
- Duration: 11 days of ground services (7 days of fishing) / 10 nights
- Dates: June 30 to July 10
- Maximum group size: 4 people
- Whith local guide equipment, but wothout fly fishing guides.
- Price: 5.650 $
4 free spots
Nomadic Mongolia
- Duration: 11 days of ground services (7 days of fishing) / 10 nights
- Dates: August 18 to August 28
- Maximum group size: 4 people
- Whith local guide equipment, but wothout fly fishing guides.
- Price: 5.650 $
4 free spots
Nomadic Mongolia
- Duration: 11 days of ground services (7 days of fishing) / 10 nights
- Dates: To be determined
- Maximum group size: 4 people
- Whith local guide equipment, but wothout fly fishing guides.
- Price: 5.650 $
FLY FISHING GUIDES IN MONGOLIA
Our company of fly fishing guides in Mongolia is in Mörön, province of Hövsgöl. Surrounded by the best rivers, lakes, and streams for fly fishing in Mongolia. This place is one of the best protected natural paradises in the country!
We’ve specialized in conducting guided fly fishing trips for taimen and lenok fishing. We also offer side activities where we combine fishing with experiences with local nomads like the Tsaatan tribes.
Are you looking for a fishing guide company in Mongolia? We want to be your hosts!
WHY CHOOSE OUR FLY FISHING GUIDE COMPANY?
- Our fishing trips are tailored for those seeking adventures without the need for a high budget. We emphasize providing economical value and a great fishing experience rather than luxury services.
- We offer a different experience from other companies. We don’t have floating trips. Our fishing is wading.
- We don’t focus exclusively on taimen fishing. We also look for small rivers, easy to wade, crystal clear waters and incredible populations of Asiatic trout or lenok. We believe that the basis of success is combining both. Taimen fishing in large rivers can be very hard and it’s very common not to have any catches.
- We want you to interact with the local population! Nomadic culture is fascinating and is part of the trip’s experience!
- We offer affordable trips with a good service and with all the necessary permits and authorizations to carry out all activities.
- We’re an independent company and work without intermediaries. That’s why we can offer you a more competitive price with no commissions.
- We were born here! We live in Mongolia and we’re perfectly familiar with every corner of this beautiful country!
enjoy a fly fishing trip in Mongolia
OUR FLY FISHING TRIPS IN MONGOLIA:
Fly fishing in nomadic Mongolia
FISHING FOR TAIMENS (Coming soon)
EXPRESS TRIP IN HÖVSGÖL
WHY IS FLY FISHING IN MONGOLIA FASCINATING?
Mongolian culture is noted for its nomadic and equestrian traditions including eagle hunting and the annual Naadam festival with wrestling, archery, and horse racing competitions.
Mongolia attracts fishermen from all over the world who want to fish for the world's largest salmonid, the taimen. In addition, lenok fishing is equally fascinating. All this in almost virgin rivers.
Experience first-hand culture of nomadic herders, experience life in traditional gers or take in breathtaking landscapes on a journey packed with adventure!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Select your trip and contact us at flyfishingmng@gmail.com
Adrian will help you create your tailormade travel plan. We think like fishermen, but we don’t ever forget the companions!
Confirm the reservation, pack your bags, and start dreaming!
Fly fishing species in Mongolia:
One day a client told me that the rivers of Mongolia were in a state of conservation like the “day of creation”, he wasn’t wrong. Talking about fly-fishing in Mongolia is talking about one of the last practically virgin paradises in the world. Multiple species of interest for fly-fishing live in its rivers such as the taimen, the largest salmon in the world, the lenok or Asian trout, graylings, pikes, and other native species such as the Altai Osman Fish. Are you going to miss this?
- The Taimen: it’s the great tourist attraction for fishermen who want to travel to Mongolia. This salmonid is the largest in the world. Even though catching one of them does happen occasionally, fishing for them is spectacular! This large predator attacks mouse imitations on the surface with explosive force. In Mongolia, the taimen is known as the “River Wolf”.
- The Lenok also called Asiatic trout (Brachymystax lenok): it’s a fish that reaches sizes larger than those of the brown trout. Many fishermen are unaware of its existence and interest for fly-fishing; we consider this to be the star fish in our country. Fishing for them with large land flies in rivers of crystal-clear water is truly spectacular!
- Mongolian Grayling: in Mongolia there are several subspecies of grayling depending on the basin where we fish. One of the most striking cases is the giant grayling from the Altay region. The scientific name of this fish is “Thymallus Brevirostris Kessler” and it reaches these sizes due to the lack of predators such as the taimen. Another very characteristic subspecies is that of the Amur river basin, the scientific name of this grayling is Thymallus Grubii.
- Pike: in Mongolia there are two species of pike. The common or European pike and the pike of the Amur river basin. The latter is very striking for its livery and aggressiveness.
- Amur trout (Brachymystax Savinovi): this species of trout is unique to the Amur River basin and is not found anywhere else in the world. Amur trout are very aggressive and are a fish that bears certain similarities to the lenok. You can enjoy fishing for them in rivers like the Onon.
- Altay Osman: this prehistoric-looking fish is a living relic of the Alga Region. The “Oreoleuciscus Potanini Kessler” is a large predatory fish with great sporting interest that inhabits lakes and lagoons and shares a habitat with the giant grayling.
Would you like to learn more about the three main species of interest for fly fishing in Mongolia? We recommend that you read the following articles:
TAIMEN
LENOK
GRAYLING
ALTAI OSMAN
PIKE
10 Best Places for Fly Fishing in Mongolia
1- Shishkid or Shishged River:
Location: This river is situated in the Khovsgol province, known as the Switzerland of Mongolia. It is an area of beautiful meadows and taiga located on the border between Mongolia and Siberia in the northwest of the country. Flowing near Russia, it runs alongside the forested taiga of the eastern Sayan Mountains, a rugged and inaccessible mountain range with peaks reaching 13,500 feet, home to the reindeer herders of the Tsaatan tribe. The Shishkid River traverses the vast Darhat Basin and has several tributaries, including the Sharga, Tengis, Khug, and Hog.
Scenery Description: It is a sizable river, with some areas being challenging to access, either by horseback or boat, and boat fishing is recommended. National park inspectors strictly enforce fishing regulations, contributing to a healthy population of Taimen.
Species: Primary species include Taimen, Asian trout or Lenok, and the colorful yellowtail grayling.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The season kicks off in mid-June and extends until mid-October, with the prime months being from late August to late September.
Location Map:
2- Selenge River:
Location: The Selenge River is a vast river originating in Mongolia and flowing through the central-southern part of Siberia, Russia. It is formed by the confluence of the Ider and Delgermoron rivers, eventually emptying into Lake Baikal. This river is an integral part of the Yenisei-Angara-Baikal-Selenge-Ider river system, ranked as the fifth-longest river in the world.
Scenery Description: The Selenge River is the largest river in Mongolia, and boat fishing is recommended. It is also possible to fish from the shore using 4×4 vehicles. This river is particularly suitable for spin fishing.
Species: The Selenge River hosts 26 types of fish species. Notable species for fly fishing include pike, lenok, perch, and taimen.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The most successful season spans from mid-September to late October.
Location Map:
3- Uur River:
Location: The Üür River is situated in the Khövsgöl aimag, northern Mongolia. Its course begins approximately 30 km from the Russian border in Tsagaan-Üür sum, where it originates from the confluence of Old Üür and Young Üür. This river is a tributary of the Eg River and is located in a reserve area of extraordinary beauty and wild nature.
Scenery Description: The Üür River is characterized by being a plain river, with calm waters meandering through bends, currents, and deep areas.
Species: Predominant species in this river include taimen, lenoks, and graylings.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The most favorable season for fly fishing on the Üür River spans from late August to October.
Location Map:
4- Tengis River:
Location: The Tengis River (Mongolian: Тэнгис гол) is situated near the town of Tsagaannuur in the Khövsgöl province, northern Mongolia. Originating near the Russian border at the northern tip of Mongolia, it is a tributary of the Shishkid or Shishged River. The course of this river runs alongside the forested taiga of the eastern Sayan Mountains, a rugged and inaccessible mountain range with peaks reaching 13,500 feet, home to the reindeer herders of the Tsaatan tribe.
Scenery Description: The Tengis River is characterized by its crystal-clear waters, medium size, and expansive currents. Accessing this river requires a lengthy 4×4 vehicle journey from Murin. Subsequently, horseback and raft transfers are necessary.
Species: The Tengis River hosts species such as Taimen, Asian trout or Lenok, and the colorful yellowtail grayling.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The fishing season kicks off in mid-June and concludes in mid-October, with September considered the prime month.
Location Map:
5- ALTAI LAKES:
Location: The Altai Mountains are a mountain range in Central Asia that spans Russia, China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. Known as Ek-tagh, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 due to its unique biodiversity. This region is home to iconic animals such as ibex, snow leopards, bears, wolves, and various species of deer. In the Mongolian Altai, the prime fishing areas are within the Altai Tavan Bogd National Park, with notable spots being Lakes Khoton and Khurgan, as well as the Khovd River flowing into the former.
Scenery Description: Fishing scenarios in Altai are diverse, featuring crystal-clear rivers and deep lakes, such as Lakes Khoton and Khurgan. Anglers revel in fishing in wild and pristine highlands, surrounded by forests and the majestic snow-capped Altai Mountains. The environment offers a stunning and tranquil backdrop for fishing. Notably, Lakes Khoton and Khurgan are the second-largest and clearest lakes in Mongolia. The landscape around the lakes is breathtaking, with forests and snow-covered Altai Mountains.
Species: The region is home to the world’s largest subspecies of Grayling, known as the Mongolian Grayling (Thymallus arcticus), a highly predatory species. Other species include the Baikal Grayling and the prehistoric Altai Osman (Oreoleuciscus angusticephalus). Additionally, Lenok (Brachymystax) can also be caught.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The optimal time for fly fishing in Altai is early June when trophy graylings migrate from deep lakes to crystal-clear rivers.
Location Map:
6- Khalkhin River:
Location: The Khalkhin River (Mongolian: Халхин-Гол, Jaljin Gol) is a border river between eastern Mongolia and northern China, stretching 232 km and flowing into the endorheic Lake Buir. This area is part of Manchuria, a historical region located in the northeast of China and the eastern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The river belongs to the Amur River basin, a mighty river in southeastern Siberia.
Scenery Description: It is a meandering river that winds through open plains, green hills, and endless seas of grass. Fishing from the shore can be challenging, especially with fly fishing, due to abundant vegetation in some stretches. This river is more suitable for boat fishing. It is an excellent spot for fly fishing and also of great interest for wildlife observation, with opportunities to spot moose, deer, antelopes, wolves, and bears.
Species:
In the Khalkhin River, which is part of the Amur River basin, one can fish for Amur pike (Esox Reicherti Dybowski), large taimen, and two types of lenok trout: the Sharp-snouted Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) and the Blunt-snouted Lenok (Brachymystax tumensis). The presence of an endemic grayling species in this basin is also noteworthy, known as the Amur grayling (Thymallus tugarinae). Additionally, one can find the Mongolian asp (Pseudaspius Leptocephalus) and the Amur catfish, along with other fish species endemic to eastern Mongolia.
Best Fly Fishing Months: Recommended dates in spring and autumn, when the water level is low, for a successful fishing expedition.
Location Map:
7- Delger Moron River:
Location: The Delger Moron River flows through the province of Khövsgöl, traversing the capital of this province, which is near the border with Russia.
Scenery Description: The setting is characterized by Mongolian nomads’ yurts, grassy meadows, and herds of yaks. The river alternates between rapids and deep pools alongside large cliffs carved in limestone. While fishing can be done in some spots from the shore, rafting is recommended to explore its entirety.
Species: The Delger Moron River is home to Taimen, lenok, and grayling.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The most favorable season for fly fishing on this river spans the months of August and September.
Location Map:
8- Onon River:
Location: The Onon River originates in eastern Mongolia, but a significant portion of its course flows through Russia. It runs close to the Khentii Mountains and is part of the Siberian Amur basin. During its first 445 km, it traverses Mongolia, fed by the Khurkh, Eg, Balj, Barkh, and Shus rivers. In Mongolia, it passes near the birthplace of Chinggis Khaan.
Scenery Description: It is a medium to large-sized river, with slow-flowing waters, meandering through areas of lush vegetation. The Onon Valley is also home to white-naped cranes, swan geese, and other rare birds.
Species: The Onon River is inhabited by Amur pike, taimen, lenok, Amur grayling, and Onon trout.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The most favorable season for fly fishing on the Onon River spans the months of August, September, and October.
Location Map:
9- Eg River:
Location: The Eg River, also known as Egiin Gol, is a tributary of the Selenge River in Mongolia, originating in Lake Khovsgol and joining the Uur River. It is located in the central-northern part of Mongolia.
Scenery Description: The extensive Eg River system has been one of Mongolia’s most renowned rivers for Taimen fly fishing. Flowing through inaccessible areas, the use of a boat is essential. Along its banks, unlike other rivers, there is vegetation that serves as a refuge for wolves and bears.
Species: In the middle and lower reaches of the Eg River, one can find lenok, taimen, and pike.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The most favorable season for fly fishing on the Eg River spans from August to October.
Location Map:
10- Edelweis River:
Location: The secret location of our star river is kept confidential.
Scenery Description: This small to medium-sized river is perfect for wade fishing. Along its banks, you’ll find beautiful yurts, herds of yaks, and abundant edelweiss. It boasts an excellent population of lenoks and graylings, making it an exceptional spot for dry fly fishing. Considered the most beautiful river in Mongolia for anglers who enjoy fishing with mice and large dry flies.
Species: The species found in this river include trout, grayling, and lenok.
Best Fly Fishing Months: The ideal season for fly fishing on this river spans from July to October.
Mongolia, a top fly fishing destination
Mongolia is an incredible journey that merges landscapes, nomadic culture, low population density, wildlife, and excellent fishing in rivers with a unique state of conservation in the world.
The main reasons why you should take a fly-fishing trip to Mongolia are the following:
- Variety of unique fishing species in the world: many fishermen travel to Mongolia thinking of catching the world’s largest salmonid, but return fascinated by the possibilities it offers for lenok, grayling and even pike fishing.
- Low human pressure & virgin settings: Mongolia has a population of approximately 3.3 million people, of whom, almost half live in the capital. The surface-inhabitant ratio is approximately 1.8 inhabitants per km², the lowest in the world. In addition, there are almost no tourist infrastructures, communication routes, and tourism are a symbolic activity. In summary, you’ll enjoy fishing in solitude in settings with zero fishing pressure.
- Nomadic culture: Mongolia is known for its nomadic culture and its yak and reindeer herders. Mongolian nomads have lived in the traditional way for centuries, raising animals and moving their herds through the country’s wild pastures. This traditional way of life is an important part of Mongolian culture and can be experienced through visits to nomad camps and hiking trips with local herdsmen.
- Wild landscapes: Mongolia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, ranging from the Altai mountains to steppes and larch forests. Most of the territory is mountainous and has a continental climate with a wide variety of ecosystems ranging from cedar forests in the north to grassy steppes in the south.
- Traditions: the yurt, the Nadaam Festival, the eagles to hunt foxes and wolves or their stunning clothing are unique traditions worth knowing.
Licenses and Permits for Fly Fishing in Mongolia
All foreign and domestic fishermen must have a fishing license. There are two types:
- “Taimen permit”: has an approximate cost of $400. It allows you to fish taimen and other smaller fish species.
- “Small fish permit”: has an approximate cost of $150 to $200. With this permit you can fish for lenok, grayling, pike, and other species. You can’t fish taimen.
Permits must be purchased through a specialized fly-fishing travel agency, these agencies (such as ours) must be recognized and licensed by the Mongolian Department of Fishing and Hunting.
The Department of Environment, in charge of managing hunting and fishing in Mongolia, allocates approximately two hundred taimen permits for the entire country. Aiming to maintain conserving existing populations.
If you go on a fly-fishing trip to Mongolia it’s important that you make sure that your guides have the authority to operate and obtain taimen fishing permits.
You must carry the permit during the fishing day. The local nomads have the authority to request it at any time of the day and notify the area’s ranger. The license must have the logo of the Ministry of the Environment, the dates and place of fishing.
Finally, in addition to fishing licenses, you should know that to travel through certain border areas with Russia it’s necessary to have certain border permits. These permits must be requested at the corresponding army checkpoints. This permit must show the number of days you’ll be in the area and the activity that you plan to carry out. Fly Fishing Mongolia takes care of processing these permits, and they’re included in the price.
Regions for Fly Fishing in Mongolia
Mongolia divides its rivers and lakes into three major drainage systems: the Arctic drainage, the Pacific Ocean drainage or Amur River, and the internal drainage of Central Asia. Species vary within each of these systems, resulting in different fishing opportunities. The diversity of fish species of interest for fishing in Mongolia is notable due to the existence of these three unconnected basins and the absence of exotic species.
- Central Asian Closed Basin: This endorheic system encompasses the mountain lakes of the Mongolian Altai, the lakes of the Gobi Valley, and some lakes of the Hangayn Mountain Plateau. In this region, there are 15 native species, with the Altai Osman and the Mongolian Grayling being the most prominent species for fly fishing.
- Arctic Basin: This region, where rivers flow towards the Arctic, hosts a wide variety of species of interest for fly fishing, including the Black Grayling, the Arctic Grayling from Lake Baikal, the Grayling from Selenge, the blunt-nosed and sharp-nosed lenok trout, the Hucho, and the Northern Pike. The main rivers of this basin are the Selenge, Orkhon, Tuul, and Shiskhed.
- Pacific Basin: The Pacific basin, mainly represented by the Amur River, provides the opportunity to catch Pacific pike, taimen, Amur grayling, and two species of lenok.
Best Months for Fly Fishing in Mongolia
The fishing season in Mongolia legally opens in June and closes in November. The best months for fly fishing in Mongolia are from the beginning of June to the end of September, coinciding with the warmest months of the year.
The country’s climate is continental. Keep in mind that the country’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, is the coldest city in the world with record winter temperatures of -45°C (-49° F). In Mongolia, it rains very little, however, the middle of summer is historically when the risk of rain and water is highest.
During the summer months, fish are in full activity making it the time that they must feed and gain reserves for winter. Both lenok and taimen fish don’t miss the opportunity to feed and attack all kinds of large flies explosively. In those months, the waters are in optimal conditions for fishing. However, it’s important to take into account that weather conditions can vary, and we can have frosty nights in the middle of August.
In these weeks of exploding amounts of life, incredible phenomena occur periodically such as an increase in the mouse population. These exponential increases in rodents in a short period of time lead them to search for new territories to feed, at which time they cross rivers swimming on the surface.
These “hatchings” of rodents are used by taimens and lenok fish to capture them on the surface. Therefore, if you go fishing in Mongolia in summer you should always carry imitation mice in your fly box.
Our Fly Fishing Trips in Mongolia: Locations and Highlights
At Fly Fishing Mongolia we’ve selected the location in northern Mongolia where we can offer the best fly-fishing trips in the Asian country. This place is Möron, the capital of the province of Hovsgol, a city with basic tourist services such as hotels and an airport. All our guided fly-fishing trips start here.
The trips take place very close to Khovsgol Lake National Park and the Ulaan Taiga Bio Reserve, in one of the last sanctuaries for taimen and lenok fishing.
We mainly fish the Delguer Moron river and its tributaries, river basin of the Eg-UUr and the rivers of the Tengis river basin.
The type of settings where we fish are characterized by:
- We prioritize safety. We never look for dangerous fishing areas or areas that are difficult to escape in case of an accident.
- We’re always nearby areas with telephone coverage.
- Our goal is to offer you the best fishing in the right place.
What’s included in our guided fly fishing trips in Mongolia?
Our guided fly fishing trips in Mongolia are aimed at fishermen, couples, and small groups of friends who want to fish and get to know the Asian country.
We think of the fishermen, but also in their companions. Therefore, we offer the following types of trips:
- Exclusive fly fishing trips with a cultural component and interaction with nomadic herders.
- Trips in which fishing is combined with other activities such as specific routes to get to know the Tasaatan tribes.
- Tailor-made trips.
Our fly fishing packages include everything: transfers, accommodations, guided fishing days, domestic flights, fishing licenses, fishing gear and meals. All this starting at arrival in the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
Our intention is that you don’t have to worry about anything from your arrival at the Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Ulaanbaatar.