Lenok: the spotted trout of Mongolian rivers

Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) are close relatives of taimen, but they rarely grow beyond 60–70 cm. What they lack in size they make up for in numbers and attitude.

How to recognise them

Lenok have a golden-bronze body covered with dark spots and, in summer, a copper or reddish flush along the flanks. The mouth is small and set under the snout — a useful clue when you are unsure if you hooked a young taimen.

Where they hold

• Seams between fast and slow water
• Undercut banks and log jams
• The tail-outs of pools in the evening

Best methods

Lenok love big dry flies — hoppers, stoneflies and foam beetles. When they will not rise, a weighted nymph or a small spinner works well. A 5–6 weight rod is ideal.

Lenok populations have declined in rivers near towns, so please release them too.

Cover photo: National Institute of Ecology, KOGL Type 1, via Wikimedia Commons