Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page
The Fishing
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Bountiful fish. Peaceful fishing. We have access agreements for approximately one hundred and fifty miles of incredible water. The fishery is exceptionally healthy, with great water quality, species diversity and riparian habitat. The river supports robust populations of wild Taimen (the world's largest salmonid), trout, grayling and lenok.
Taimen: The stream's most famous residents are the gigantic Taimen (Hucho taimen). Taimen have bragging rights as the world's largest member of the Salmonidae family. In Mongolia, Taimen will typically average 80 - 100 cm (over three feet) and we regularly encounter monsters that approach 150 cm (fifty inches or more).
Watching a forty-inch fish explode out of a gin-clear stream to take your dry fly is truly a life altering experience!
This ancient animal was once found from Eastern Europe to Northern Japan. However, Taimen are a sensitive species requiring the purest of ecological systems. Now healthy Taimen populations occur only in Mongolia and even here they are only plentiful in a few pristine river systems.
Taimen fishing is challenging. Compare it to fishing for steelhead. You'll see plenty of big fish and while several clients have hooked more than six good-sized fish in a single day, anglers can realistically expect to hook at least one Taimen daily.
Trout and Lenok: The streams produce phenomenal numbers of trout and lenok. Clients frequently describe MRO trips as the best trout fishing they have experienced anywhere in the world… better than Kamchatka, Montana, New Zealand, or South America. On a fine dry-fly day, a decent angler may easily catch well over twenty good sized fish.
Trout: The Amur trout (Brachymystax savinovi) is a species unknown to most fly anglers. It is a beautiful, thick bodied fish distinguished by a golden brown body accented with large black spots. The trout's aggressive attitude reminds most folks of big browns. This spectacular fish commonly measures well over 55 cm (twenty-two inches), making them a fantastic challenge on a light fly rod. (Bring on the hoppers!) In Mongolia, this species is found only on MRO's streams.
Lenok: The lenok (Brachymystax lenok) are awesome fun. They are another endemic distinguished from the trout by their bright red sides and slightly down-turned mouth. Lenok are found throughout Mongolia.
Guides. Most of our fly-fishing guides are from the US. Without question, they are some of the finest professionals in the business… intelligent, fun and enthusiastic anglers who absolutely love these waters.
Boats.We use non-motorized oar boats (US manufactured Aire "Super Duper Pumas") outfitted with full-house casting frames, including padded, swivel seats. Each thirteen plus foot boat easily carries two clients and their guide with plenty of cargo space for lunch and other necessities. It's a wonderful way to experience the peaceful Mongolian countryside.
No Shuttles. Each season we establish a series of fully equipped ger camps along the stream. Our "no shuttle" schedule means your time on the river is maximized with new water and fresh fish all day, every day. You don't waste mornings and evenings (the peak Taimen fishing periods) driving up and down stream.
You wake up in the morning, eat breakfast, get into a boat and start fishing right where you left off the evening before. While your luggage and other personal items are transported overland, you're fishing a fresh stretch of water. In the evening when you float into the next ger camp, the fires are lit, our camp staff has dinner prepared, and your luggage is waiting in your fully outfitted ger.
Catch and Release. We insist that all clients practice catch and release fly-fishing using only barb-less hooks. It takes a Taimen approximately seven years to reach sexual maturity. A trophy Taimen may be over twenty-five years old. Respecting these amazing animals is paramount.
Conserving the last best places. Our prime concern is the long-term conservation of this amazing fishery. We work with and invest significantly in the local community for this purpose. This includes establishing stringent regulations to conserve the entire watershed and backing this up with public education and anti-poaching efforts. Our cohort includes an International Ecotourism Society board member, Montana licensed fishing guides, and respected international conservationists. Our latest endeavor involves working with local governments and WWF to promote a landscape level effort to conserve Mongolia's wild salmonids.
The Water. The stream compares favorably with the Yellowstone River of Montana and the Henry's Fork of Idaho. Although the water levels fluctuate with weather, there are no significant "rapids". Placing flies into a variety of pools, riffles, banks and eddies with a consistent medium and short cast is usually productive.
Equipment. Taimen will aggressively take large surface or streamer patterns cast with a nine-weight rod. We suggest a five-weight rod for the trout and grayling. We have developed our own fly patterns and will provide you with flies. There's also a comprehensive supply of tying equipment at camp if you're an enthusiast. Prior to your departure, we will provide you with a very thorough trip planner and packing list.
Angler Numbers: We have a weekly rod limit of 6 persons. With over one hundred miles of river to fish every season, this is truly a unique and private experience.
Ed Blank's Adventures Main Page
PO BOX 180446 BOSTON MA 02118
Phone: 888-857-6700
Fax: 617-427-7890
ed@flyfishingheaven.com