Taimen
Taimen - The Largest Trout in the World
Taimen are a pre-historic mega-fish. They’re not just big…they’re mean. Taimen are top-tier predators, renowned for a ferocious appetite and an explosive strike. They own the river and if they think they can eat it they will. Trout and grayling are their favorite prey, but we frequently see taimen eat ducklings, mice, and even gophers that are unfortunate enough to fall into the river.
Taimen will absolutely explode on the fly, sometimes coming completely out of the water. If they miss at first, taimen will usually come back and absolutely hammer your fly multiple times.
This is perhaps the world’s most incredible fly fishing experience. Every taimen you encounter – whether you miss it or land it – is sure to create a lasting memory.
Taimen FAQ
How big?
Most taimen caught on the fly measure from 25 to 40 inches (around 1 meter). We usually catch several taimen every week over 40 inches. There are many taimen in this river well over fifty inches (1.25 meters). The largest taimen in this river are 60+ inches (1.5 meters). You’ll very likely see extremely big fish and we certainly catch them, though taimen over fifty inches are wise old fish and don’t come easy. Taimen don’t even start to spawn until they are seven. A fifty inch fish is very likely 40-50 years old.
How many?
This is a highly productive taimen system that has benefited from many years of aggressive conservation action. There are lots of taimen in this river. We catch and safely release hundreds of taimen each season. Anglers may anticipate several taimen encounters daily. However, taimen fishing is not easy. One day, the river may reward with double-digits. The next, the taimen might get very finicky. You might swear all morning there’s not a taimen in the river and then “wham!” your fly disappears in a tidal waive explosion. Herculean casting skills are not required to catch taimen. Persistence and attitude win the day.
Where are they?
Again, taimen own the river. They are the top of the food chain. Taimen can be anywhere…and sometimes nowhere. A mature taimen will use one-hundred kilometers of river every year for winter habitat, spawning beds, and in search of prey. They are frequently ambush predators, sometimes working in groups of two or three, waiting in places where they can strike unsuspecting prey. Groups of hunting taimen commonly “herd” baitfish into the shallows where they are vulnerable to attack, hence the nickname of the “river wolf.”
How do we know?
Our fishing operations are actually giant scientific research expeditions. Each taimen release is monitored and recorded. The head of every taimen has a unique spotting pattern, effectively their individual “fingerprint.” We measure and photograph the taimen and enter the information into our taimen data-base managed with the Wild Salmon Center. In this way, every taimen our anglers catch and release helps our science team monitor the taimen population.
Surface Fly or Streamer?
Both top-water flies and streamer fishing are highly effective for taimen. Watching a taimen destroy a dry fly is very addicting. Taimen will often explode on a surface fly repeatedly. Imagine someone throwing a cinder block at your fly and you’ve got the image of a crazed taimen strike. Connect with a taimen and you’re battling a monster.
What to bring?
We will provide you with a comprehensive packing list for your fly fishing adventure. Fish Mongolia supplies all taimen flies. Guests bring suitable fishing clothing and gear. The best taimen rod for this river is a single hand 8 or 9 weight with a floating line and strong leader. You will also want a smaller weight rod for the outstanding trout fishing.
Come to Mongolia prepared for a wonderful taimen angling challenge, celebrate every fish, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
