Request A Car Rental
Travelling to Mongolia and need a car rental plus extra equipments?
Discover Northern Mongolia's Legendary Waterway
The Eg River, known in Mongolian as Эгийн Гол (Egiin Gol), is one of Mongolia's most pristine and ecologically significant waterways. Flowing through the Khövsgöl and Bulgan provinces in northern Mongolia, this 475-kilometer river serves as the sole outflow of the famous Lake Khövsgöl and eventually joins the Selenge River. For adventure seekers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts, the Eg River represents the ultimate Mongolian wilderness experience.
What Makes Eg River Special?
A World-Class Fishing Paradise
The Eg River and its tributary the Ur River are considered a fly fisherman's dream in northcentral Mongolia. The river system has earned international recognition as one of the world's premier destinations for catching the elusive Mongolian taimen, the largest member of the salmon family.
The Legendary Taimen
The Eg River is home to the Eurasian giant trout, or taimen, the world's largest salmonid. These fierce predators sometimes hunt in packs, earning them the nickname "river wolves," and can grow to enormous sizes with large specimens reaching two meters in length. For Mongolian Buddhists, the taimen holds spiritual significance as the child of an ancient river spirit.
Pristine Natural Environment
With a drainage basin covering 49,100 square kilometers, the Eg River watershed encompasses vast stretches of untouched wilderness. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife, offering visitors an authentic experience of Mongolia's natural beauty.
Fishing on the Eg River
What You Can Catch
The Eg River system offers exceptional opportunities for targeting multiple species:
Taimen: The ultimate prize for any angler. These massive fish require patience, skill, and proper technique. Fly fishing with mouse patterns and large streamers is particularly effective.
Lenok Trout: A beautiful and spirited fish that provides excellent action between taimen pursuits.
Grayling: Abundant throughout the river system, offering consistent fishing opportunities.
Fishing Conditions and Methods
All fishing on the Eg and Ur Rivers follows strict catch-and-release policies using single, barbless hooks only. Anglers can expect a combination of wade fishing and fishing from 18-foot aluminum jet boats. This conservation-focused approach ensures the river's fish populations remain healthy for future generations.
Best Time for Fishing
The prime fishing season runs from June through September, with early summer offering excellent conditions as fish become more active after the spring thaw. The Eg River ranks among Mongolia's most famous rivers for fishing, attracting anglers from around the world during peak season.
Accommodation Options
Several fishing lodges operate along the Eg River system, including ger camps on tributary rivers like the Tavt River and larger main lodges in middle sections of the watershed. These camps range from basic wilderness setups to more comfortable facilities, all offering authentic Mongolian hospitality.
Conservation and Environmental Significance
The Eg River ecosystem faces various conservation challenges. The river's connection to Lake Khövsgöl, often called "Mongolia's Blue Pearl" and one of the world's most pristine freshwater lakes, makes protecting this watershed crucial for regional ecology.
The taimen population, in particular, requires careful management. Once found across large areas of Russia, Mongolia, and China, taimen are now threatened by overharvesting and habitat destruction. Responsible fishing practices and conservation efforts help ensure these magnificent fish survive for future generations.
Sustainable Tourism
When visiting the Eg River, tourists should:
Follow all catch-and-release regulations strictly
Use barbless hooks to minimize harm to fish
Pack out all waste and leave no trace
Respect local customs and sacred sites
Support conservation-minded outfitters and guides
Essential Travel Tips
What to Pack
High-quality waders and wading boots
Full range of fly fishing gear (9-10 weight rods recommended for taimen)
Polarized sunglasses
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, long sleeves)
Warm layers for cold mornings and evenings
Rain gear
First aid kit and personal medications
Camera with extra batteries
Cash (no ATMs in remote areas)
Permits and Regulations
All anglers must obtain proper fishing licenses before fishing in Mongolia. Your outfitter typically handles permits, but confirm this when booking. Familiarize yourself with local fishing regulations, including catch-and-release requirements and protected species.
Final Thoughts
The Eg River (Эгийн Гол) represents Mongolia at its wildest and most beautiful. Whether you're an experienced angler seeking the challenge of landing a giant taimen, a nature enthusiast wanting to explore pristine wilderness, or simply someone looking to disconnect from modern life, the Eg River delivers an unforgettable experience.
The combination of world-class fishing, stunning natural beauty, rich wildlife, and authentic cultural encounters makes the Eg River one of Mongolia's most rewarding destinations. As you stand in the cold, clear waters of this legendary river, surrounded by rolling hills and endless sky, you'll understand why anglers and adventurers return year after year to this remote corner of the world.
Plan your journey to the Eg River and discover why this pristine waterway continues to captivate visitors from around the globe while remaining one of Asia's best-kept wilderness secrets.
Request A Car Rental
Travelling to Mongolia and need a car rental plus extra equipments?
