Fly fishing gear for taimen: rods, lines and flies for Mongolia

Taimen fishing in Mongolia involves long days with large flies, and the equipment must handle both the power of the fish and thousands of casts. Here is our guide, from rods and reels to leaders and fly selection.

Rods

For most situations, a #8–#9 single-handed rod of around 9 feet works very well. It can cast large streamers and surface flies, while still being comfortable to fish with all day.

For really large fish or tougher conditions, rods in the #9–#12 class and up to 15 feet may be appropriate. A switch rod around #8 class and 11 feet is a good complement, especially for the largest mouse imitations. Using a two-handed grip makes casting both easier and gentler on the body.

For lenok and grayling, lighter equipment is sufficient, such as a #5–#6 outfit. This makes the fishing more nuanced and enjoyable.

Reel and backing

The reel should be balanced with the rod and have a strong, smooth drag. It needs to hold at least 150 metres of backing. Low weight is an advantage since you cast a lot.

Lines

The line can be slightly over-weighted and have an aggressive front taper. This helps load the rod and turn over large, wind-resistant flies. Floating lines are used most often, but a sink tip in the 250–350 grain range is valuable in deeper sections.

Leaders

Taimen are not particularly wary, so straight fluorocarbon leaders work well. Diameters around 0.40–0.60 mm, approximately 20–40 lb, are standard. Bring extra spools so you can change them according to the conditions.

Flies

Both surface flies and streamers work. Large poppers, gurglers, mouse imitations and flies resembling injured prey fish often produce hard strikes on the surface. Since taimen primarily eat trout and grayling, large streamers are a safe bet. Colors that resemble the prey fish, white, beige and grey, work best, but black is also effective because it creates a clear silhouette.

Unlike much other fly fishing, it is rarely about matching the hatch, so fly tiers have plenty of freedom.

Don't forget the hook

The most important part of a taimen fly is the hook. The species has a very hard mouth, so the hook must be sharp and strong. Also remember that fishing is done with a single barbless hook, in accordance with the regulations in the protected area.

More about the trip

You can read about the rivers, the camp and what a week looks like in the article about taimen fishing in Mongolia.

Ready for taimen?

If you have questions about rods, lines or flies before the trip, we are happy to help.

See the fly fishing trip to Mongolia

Frequently asked questions about taimen equipment