Mongolian ice fishing: Centuries old Tradition

Mongolian ice fishing is a centuries-old tradition that is still practiced today. Mongolians have long relied on fish as a key source of protein, and ice fishing was a way to ensure a reliable supply of fish even during the winter months.

Today, Mongolian ice fishing is mostly a recreational activity, with many people heading out onto the frozen lakes and rivers for a day of fishing with friends or family. The Mongolian government has even promoted ice fishing as a winter tourist attraction in recent years.

WHY CHOOSE MONGOLIA FOR ICE FISHING?

Mongolia is home to over 4000 rivers and 30 lakes, making it a prime destination for fishing. Fishers are attracted to the country because of the purity of its waters, which are free from any chemicals or pollution.

These bodies of water offer a great challenge to anglers, where they can test their skill, luck and positivity against a wide variety of fish, including some of the largest trout in the world.

THE BEST PLACES TO GO ICE FISHING IN MONGOLIA

Near Ulaanbaatar

Amongst popular ice fishing areas in Mongolia are the Tuul, Orkhon, Kharaa, Yoroo, Kherlen rivers and Ugii, Khagiin Khar and Terkhiin Tsagaan lakes. These central locations for ice fishing are not far from Ulaanbaatar and are considered convenient as there many nearby settled communities.

Fish species such as Hucho Taimen , Branchymystax Lenok , Thymallus arcticus , Esox Lucius , Perca fluviatilus and Silurus asotus are common in this area; among which Perca fluviatilus is especially more populated in Khagiin Khar lake. Ice fishing season usually runs from December to March.

Western Mongolia

Although the Bayan-Olgii’s roads are especially mountainous and difficult to travel, it doesn’t stop passionate ice fishers from making the journey of 1,000 to 1,600 kilometers. Western Mongolia’s popular waterbeds are

In fact Frozen Achit lake is the one of the most popular destination for ice fishing in Bayan Olgii, because the lake is full of graylings and Altai’s Osman fish. Ice fishing as well as fly fishing continue to be enjoyed here.

The 5 fish species inhabiting watersheds of Western Mongolia are the Taimen, Lenok Trout, Osman, Grayling, and Pike. In Mongolia, fish can get quite big; the Taimen can weigh in at over 30 kg. The large salmon is prized by anglers around the world for its size.

Even though fly fishing is great all summer with peak season being July to September, ice fishing offers better catches due to the thicker ice trapping fish in limited deep water holes during colder winter months – which is when locals prefer to fish.

TIPS FOR ICE FISHING IN MONGOLIA

If you’re interested in trying your hand at ice fishing in Mongolian winter tour, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, dress warmly! Ice fishing sets itself apart from other types of fishing because fisherman must endure the cold temperatures. It can get very chilly out on the ice, so be sure to wear enough clothes to stay warm.
Secondly, the method of fishing is not as easy as it may look. Be prepared to dig your own holes; they must be deep enough to reach water level. The fisherman will use a short line, between 30-40 centimeters long. It is quite difficult to catch a large fish with such a short length, so unless the fisherman is relatively competent, the trip could result in disappointment.
Third , if you plan on fishing, particularly for the endangered taimen, it’s important to research catch-and-release rules ahead of time. You should also buy a permit from the local town or national park office; permits bought from the latter are only valid for two days or 10 fish (whichever limit you reach first). Even though it’s easy to get a permit in a national park, it can be much harder to acquire one for other areas.
If you want to be a good ice fisher, it’s important to be able Not only identifying the type of fish hooked on your line, but also knowing its common behavior. For example, upon getting caught in the hook, Siberian salmon will jump out of the water instead of diving deeper like other fishes would.
Last but not least, Mongolian ice fishing is a social activity. It’s common for people to go out in groups, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself chatting and sharing stories with the people around you. Ice fishing is a great way to make new friends and enjoy the Mongolian winter landscape.

Fishing in Mongolia during the winter is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and catch some fresh fish. If you need any assistance with organizing your permit, please contact us for more information.