The Urr Gol

2013 will mark the 18th year of taimen fishing in Mongolia for Sweetwater Travel and Frontiers International. During that time, hundreds of fishermen have visited the world’s premier taimen rivers located in north-central Mongolia, and they have landed more trophy taimen on dry flies than any other operation in the world.

Located in north-central Mongolia in a region similar to Montana's Yellowstone River valley the two camps are approximately a two-hour helicopter ride from Ulaanbaatar. Each camp is positioned next to the river and consists of gers, that each accommodate two fishermen, a central dining room and bar area, ablution block with plenty of hot water and long drop toilets. The views from the camp are stunning, unobstructed by Western development, the valley floor lush with thick summer grass and vibrant wildflowers, whilst the mountains around the rivers are lined with unbroken stands of larch, birch, aspen and alder forests. This is the trip of a lifetime for most anglers.

Mongolia offers the best opportunity to catch taimen anywhere in the world. Historically, taimen have one of the largest ranges of any of the salmonids with their distribution stretching from Bavaria to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. However, due to human pressures, healthy populations of this magnificent fish only remain in pristine sections of Russia and Mongolia.

Taimen are a fierce predator that Mongolians call the 'river wolf'. If safe from excessive human pressure, taimen live to a ripe old age of 50 years. In the rivers we fish, taimen reach weights of 75 lbs and lengths exceeding 60 inches. These larger fish are caught on a regular basis. Due to a strict catch-and-release policy, all of these magnificent giants are released unharmed to the river where they will continue to terrorise local rodent and fish populations. As a result of this practise, in over nine seasons, the catch rates have remained consistent with both the size and number of fish remaining very strong.

Mongolian rivers are also inhabited by the Asian trout, lenok. Lenok are reputedly the oldest trout species in the world and average between 16 and 30 inches. Due to the presence of taimen, lenok tend to inhabit the shallow riffles and flats near shore, where they gorge themselves on grasshoppers, crickets, and insect hatches. Once hooked, fishermen will discover another great sport fish that has been largely ignored due its remote geographic location. We recommend that you take some time out on the river to focus on lenok.

The programmes are small, between six to eight people to ensure an overabundance of fishable water for each guest and to remain flexible. Fishing is a combination of Atlantic salmon-style drops from the boat and wading. The rivers around the camps are a fly fisherman's dream, with moderate flow, easy wading, and predictable banks. There is one guide between two fishermen and each day can be custom-tailored to provide the kind of fishing desired.

The Urr Gol

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The Urr Gol

The Urr Gol

Season: May 27-June 10, 2013 and August 26-October 7, 2013

Land Package Cost 2013:

Spring Season - $5,900 per person + $330 fishing license.  Using fixed wing aircraft into Muren and Jeep transfer to the lodge.

Fall Season - $5,900 per person + $330 fishing license.  Using helicopter transfers in country (based on availability).

Based on double occupancy. Single ger supplement is $500 per person. Single hotel supplement is $100. An upland bird shooting option is available in September and October for Hungarian partridges. Cost will be determined on a per-bird basis. Shells are limited due to import restrictions and guests need to notify Frontiers well in advance if they wish to shoot. Shooting available at the lower camp only.

Price includes:

•    Seven nights full board and accommodation including beer and wine at the fishing camp based on double occupancy.
•    Six days guided fishing with two rods to a guide.
•    Two nights accommodation with breakfast at the Hovsgul Travel Hotel, Ulaanbaatar.
•    Transfers in Ulaanbaatar.
•    Round trip helicopter transport to and from the camp.
•    Fishing licenses and permits.
•    Flies.

Price does not include:

•    International flights
•    Additional night in Ulaanbaatar if required.
•    Mongolian Visa.
•    Gratuities to camp staff, guides and hotel personnel
•    Baggage handling or overweight charges.
•    Alcoholic beverages.
•    Telephone calls.
•    Laundry.
•    Fishing equipment/tackle.
•    Airport departure taxes.
•    Any guided tours.
•    Items of a personal nature.

Deposit
A 50% deposit is required within 14 days of making a reservation to secure a fishing confirmation. Deposits will be nonrefundable. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for the total land costs and no refund will be made unless a replacement is found. There is no refund for any unused portion of the land package. Frontiers Trip cancellation insurance will be offered to each registrant. Please note that credits / refunds cannot be issued for fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and / or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts cancellation/refund and responsibility clauses.

Special Notes:

Add ons to the Gobi desert and other non fishing activities are available.

The Urr Gol

Time Difference
Ulaanbaatar GMT +8 hrs

Flight Time from the UK
London – Seoul:     10 hrs 50 mins
Seoul – Ulaanbaatar:     3 hrs 30 mins
London – Beijing:     9 hrs 50 mins
Beijing – Ulaanbaatar:     2 hrs 25 mins
London – Moscow:     5 hrs 50 mins
Moscow – Ulaanbaatar: 5 hrs 50 mins

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens
Tourist visa is required.

Species
Taimen, Lenok and Arctic Grayling

Season to Travel
Spring: late May - mid June
Autumn: late August - early October

Tackle and Kit
We would recommend a 9ft single-handed 8-9 weight rod or a 10 weight double handed rod with floating lines and varying sink-tip lines for the Taimen.  If you are fishing for lenok or grayling use a 9ft single-handed 3-5 weight rod with floating line, 5-30lb leader material, chest waders, waterproof jacket, lifejacket, collapsible wading stick, insect repellent (at certain times of the year)  and polarised sunglasses.

Clothing
Mongolia has a fairly dry climate, but in the autumn you may find that it can get cold first thing in the morning and at night so you need to dress accordingly. On the river we suggest that you dress with comfortable layers that can be shed or put on accordingly. Dress code in the evening is very casual.

The Urr Gol