MRO Buryat Headwaters Expedition

A Buryat Headwaters Expedition with Mongolia River Outfitters is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural and fishing adventure to a place where wild rivers flow through a landscape reminiscent of the American West hundreds of years ago. The primary target here is the Taimen, the world’s largest salmonid, aptly nicknamed the ‘river wolf’ due to its predatory nature. In addition to the mighty Taimen, the river here also holds Trout, Grayling, and Pike species unique to Mongolia. The species diversity and the potential for trophy Taimen make this trip something truly special for anglers of any ability level.

Mongolia River Outfitters (MRO) is the premier provider of multi-day fly fishing float trips in Northern Mongolia. On an MRO Buryat Headwaters Expedition, you’ll embark on a weeklong float trip supported by gear boats and camp staff. Each day you’ll cover miles of untouched water in Western-style drift boats with your expert guide. The river camps feature tipi-style tents, replete with wool carpets and comfortable cots. The cuisine is a unique blend of traditional Mongolian fare and nourishing Western dishes. The guides and staff at MRO are consummate professionals, equally adept at rowing, finding fish, cooking, entertaining, and camp duties. You’d be hard-pressed to find a team of more professional and friendly people anywhere in the world. This is the ultimate Taimen fishing experience, completely unplugged from the outside world for a week in the Mongolian wilderness.

Who It’s For

•  Venturesome anglers
•  Fishing-oriented couples/groups

When To Go

The legal fishing season in Mongolia runs from June 15 through the end of October. MRO Buryat Headwaters Expeditions are available from late August to mid-October. This late-season window brings cooler weather and more aggressive fish behavior. This is typically regarded as the best time of the year to target trophy class (40” or larger) Taimen. As these are wild, undammed rivers, flows may fluctuate due to storms throughout the year. Fortunately, the fishing can remain good in off-color water, as Taimen are ferocious predators that continue to feed in turbid water conditions. When the water is very clear, sight fishing becomes possible, and is an exciting visual experience akin to Tarpon fishing in the Florida Keys. This is a very technical and fun challenge if you are lucky enough to have the proper conditions. Overall, the entire season can fish productively, and when you should go depends on your goals, and when you can make it.

Taimen

Known as the ‘river wolf’, Taimen are the largest Salmonid species on the planet. An average-sized Taimen in this region is around 30 inches, and much larger fish exceeding 40 inches are caught throughout the season - especially in the fall. These oversized relatives of Trout share the appetite and behavior of species like Musky and large Brown Trout. Their primary prey includes Lenok, Amur Trout, Grayling, and even rodents; so they are very responsive to larger patterns. Mouse patterns, gurglers, terrestrials, and streamers are all utilized to fool these clever, old fish.

Lenok
Although Taimen is the primary draw, Mongolia also offers some incredible Trout fishing. The Lenok is a Siberian Trout, closely resembling a Brown Trout but with colorful red markings. The Lenok behaves much like a Cutthroat Trout in the American West - surface-oriented and cooperative. Most Lenok fishing is done with terrestrials or mice along the banks, producing explosive takes. Lenok will also feed on smaller dries and nymphs, particularly during a hatch. Fly fishing for Lenok is a fantastic way to break up a day of Taimen fishing, and it offers a glimpse into what the “good ole days” of Trout fishing must have been like in more developed parts of the world.

Amur Trout

Another species found only in Mongolia, the Amur Trout is an extremely rare Trout species that can grow large in the Buryat Headwaters section. These elusive fish are as aggressive as any Brown Trout, and will often chase down large streamers that were intended for Taimen!

Amur Pike

As if Taimen and Trout weren’t enough, the Amur Pike is a bonus species commonly caught on MRO trips. This cousin of the Northern Pike is found exclusively in Mongolia and resides in the same water types as you would expect to find Northerns in the midwestern US. Dredging streamers through slow, deep pools and sloughs can result in savage takes by big, beautiful Amur Pike. 

Grayling

Much like the Grayling found in North America and Europe, the Grayling of Mongolia are beautiful, surface-oriented salmonids that make for great fun on light rods. It is common to see dozens of Grayling sipping bugs as you walk/wade sections of the river, making for highly productive dry fly sessions. Healthy Grayling populations are a major reason why the Taimen here get so big, as they are an abundant prey species!

Equipment

Successful fishing in Mongolia only requires a couple of rods with matching reels. We recommend bringing 3 rods: a 9’ 5wt for Lenok, Trout, and Grayling, and two 9’ 9wts for Taimen - one with a floating line and the other with a sink-tip line. Your guides will help you rig appropriately for the day’s fishing. We recommend adhering to the packing and equipment lists provided by Trident Fly Fishing.

Day 1: From Home to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

An Buryat Headwaters Expedition in Mongolia begins with a flight to the Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. There are direct flights from Seoul, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and Beijing. Most guests fly via Seoul, Istanbul, or Tokyo. After clearing immigration and customs, an MRO driver and an English-speaking guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. It’s an approximately 60-minute drive from the airport to your hotel in the city center. Once you’ve arrived at your hotel, you can enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city. Then it is time to get a good night’s sleep before heading to camp the next day.

Day 2: From Ulaanbaatar to Camp

After an early breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and begin the overland journey to the river. This is a long day of Overlanding to the river, a spectacular journey that is part of the adventure. Your group will travel via 4x4s (generally Toyota Land Cruisers), with no more than two guests per vehicle for comfort. There will be plenty of drinks and snacks, picnic lunches, and lots to see along the way. Not far from UB, you will pass the famous Chinghis Khan complex which features an impressive 130’ tall statue of the Great Khan on horseback. The last leg of the journey will be a real 4X4 adventure, as you traverse mountainous terrain to access the uppermost camp. You’ll arrive at the upper camp late in the afternoon in time for a leisurely dinner. You typically will have time to rig up and squeeze in a bit of fishing around camp before the main fishing part of the trip begins the next morning.

Days 3 - 9: The Fishing Days

For the next seven days, you will explore a new stretch of river every day with your expert guides. Each morning, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before floating with your guide directly from camp. The overall pace is relaxed and you’ll have plenty of time to get out and wade interesting stretches with your guide. By midday, a hot lunch is served streamside. There are plenty of drinks and snacks on the boats. The camping gear is transported downstream in separate boats. When you float into camp each evening, the wood stoves are lit, a fabulous dinner is served, and your bags and beds are waiting in your Ger at a completely new camp location. Each day on the river you’ll cover roughly 8 to 10 miles of water.

Day 10: From Camp to Ulaanbaatar

After a generous breakfast, you will begin your overland journey from the river to UB via a comfortable 4x4 vehicle. Guides will serve a picnic lunch en route, and the vehicles are equipped with plenty of drinks and snacks. Once you’ve arrived at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar in the late afternoon, you can enjoy a hot shower before heading out for dinner. After dinner, get a good night’s sleep and dream of wild Taimen eating your fly!

Day 11: From Ulaanbaatar to Home

On the final morning, your MRO guide will meet you at the hotel to transport you to the airport and make certain all goes smoothly with check-in and departure to your home destination.

Accommodations

MRO trips include hotel lodging in Ulaanbaatar before and after the river trip. The hotel is very comfortable and features amenities you would expect in most US hotels, including a restaurant, convenience items for purchase, and clean, well-appointed guest rooms. The hotel is located within proximity to great restaurants, shops, and other fascinating sights within Mongolia’s vibrant capital city. 

On the river, the MRO camps are rustic but very comfortable, much like an African tented safari. Staying in a cozy Tipi-style tent is restful and warm. The tipis are over 10’ tall and nearly 18’ wide and accommodate two guests. Each tipi is outfitted with wool carpets, two cots with pads, and extra blankets.

Hot shower facilities are located in specially designed gers or large tents. Toilet facilities are set up in spacious tents privately situated a short walk from the camps. Both facilities are quite comfortable and private.

Each campsite along the river is uniquely peaceful, designed to reflect Mongolian traditions and integrate with the country’s natural surroundings. There are no generators or stereos, only the sounds of the trees and the river, the lights of candles and stoves, and the sparkling night stars.

Food

The cooks at the MRO camps are skilled professionals who take great pride in serving nourishing, delicious meals. The food is fresh, diverse, and very well-suited to Western tastes. Typical meals include stewed meats with rice, soups, and fresh vegetables. Breakfast and dinner are served inside a central wall tent complete with tables, chairs, and a wood stove. Hot lunches are served buffet-style streamside. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with plenty of advanced notice. Alcoholic beverages are available each evening and include cold beer, wine, and Mongolian vodka.

Connectivity

WiFi is available at the hotel in Ulaanbaatar. Cell service may be available at the hotel depending on your service provider and plan. Once you depart Ulaanbaatar, there will be no internet or cell coverage for the duration of your river trip.

2024 Fishing Packages

Trident Travel’s expert planning service is free of charge. The rates below are the same as you would pay by booking directly with the lodge. 

Rates and inclusions are subject to change at any time. Contact us for the most current pricing. 

Double Occupancy, Shared Boat (Per Person)

8 Nights on the river / 7 Days on the river = $7,950

What's Included:

•  Airport transfers in Ulaanbaatar
•  Hotel stay in Ulaanbaatar (one night before and after the river)
•  Transportation to/from the river
•  Daily boat and guide service
•  Ger-tent lodging on the river
•  All meals on the river
•  Fishing license
•  Beer, wine, and Mongolian vodka at camp
•  Flies
   

What's Not Included:

•  Airfare to/from Ulaanbaatar (UBN)
•  Visa fees & airport departure tax
•  Meals, drinks, and additional purchases in Ulaanbaatar
•  Gratuities for guides and staff
•  Fishing equipment
•  Sleeping bag rated to at least 15 degrees Fahrenheit

What skill level is required for this trip?

Mongolia River Outfitters offers something for everyone, from beginners to advanced anglers. No previous experience is required for this trip, although we highly recommend practicing your casting to get the most out of your experience.

How should I prepare for a trip to Mongolia?

Most importantly, you should practice casting with all of the rods and lines you plan to bring with you. Also, purchasing the right gear, tackle, and clothing is important - use our recommended packing lists. You should think about your goals for the trip so that you can relay them to your guides. Lastly, figure out your travel logistics well in advance.

What are the bathroom facilities like on the river?

Portable river toilets, called groovers, are carried on all trips and are set up away from camp in a spacious privacy tent. Handwashing stations and hand sanitizer are always available at camp and near the groover.

How many fish can I expect to catch?

As with any fishing trip, numerous variables can influence the fishing, including flows, weather, and angler ability. Taimen fishing is rather similar to Musky or Steelhead fishing, in that an average day will usually offer a few opportunities for hookups. For Lenok Trout and Grayling, you can have very productive days - often on dry flies!

Is MRO Family Friendly?

A river trip in Mongolia is best suited for adventurous angling pairs or fishing-oriented groups who want a wilderness expedition. Due to the remoteness of this trip, there isn’t much else to do here except fish and relax at camp.

How many other anglers will be there?

Each MRO Buryat Headwaters Expedition can accommodate up to 4 anglers. The small group size ensures an intimate trip where acquaintances become lifelong friends by the end.

Do I need travel insurance?

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. We recommend Travel Guard, a well-established insurance company offering excellent, affordable policies for angling travel.

What happens if I’m injured or have an emergency requiring evacuation?

Guests must carry and provide proof of adequate and comprehensive medical (health) insurance and medical evacuation insurance. Many guests choose Global Rescue for their evacuation insurance coverage.

What is the weather like?

The climate in Mongolia is similar to places like Montana in the American West. Summertime highs rarely get above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and lows in the fall can dip to well below freezing. Anglers should plan to dress in layers to stay protected from sun, wind, and possible rain anytime during the season. In the fall, anglers should pack plenty of warm layers, including fishing gloves and a winter hat.

Is tipping customary?

Yes, tipping is customary although it is at your discretion. Tipping 10% of the trip total per person is customary. Please plan on tipping in cash.