River X - The Taimen Stream of Dreams

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?

Some of you will know where we’re talking about, others will have a hunch, so why “River X” ? Taimen rivers are fragile, and the last remaining pristine fisheries are threatened. Some rivers are becoming a victim of their own success; fly-fishing outfitters have put Mongolian Taimen rivers on the destination fly-fishing map, only to see increasing pressure from irresponsible outfitters or independent anglers who are ignorant of catch-and-release, don’t have permits, and who are making no contribution to taimen conservation nor to the local communities.

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

Taimen fishing is never easy and getting into River X is always a challenge. For 2008 we plan a series of expedition-style fly-fishing adventures, and we will also open a landing strip to fly in direct to a comfortable ‘ger’ camp. We are still exploring the fishery, working out how to access the best pools and how to distribute anglers on the river. The river isn’t suitable for jet-boats, and we don’t drive off-road past base-camp; so river access will be on foot, horse-back and inflatable boats.

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".