Asian Trout (Lenok)
Lenok (Brachymystax lenok & Brachymystax savinovi) are one of the most unique and ancient trout species, found in remote rivers and lakes across Asia. These beautifully speckled fish are known for their aggressive feeding habits, acrobatic fights, and pristine wilderness habitats, making them a bucket-list target for fly anglers and light-tackle enthusiasts.
Where to Find Lenok
Lenok thrive in cold, fast-flowing rivers and high-altitude lakes, often in rugged, remote landscapes. The best destinations for targeting lenok trout include:
- Mongolia (Eg-Uur River, Delgermörön River, Onon River, Selenge River Basin) – One of the best places in the world for trophy-sized lenok.
- Russia (Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Amur River Basin, Yakutia, Siberian Highlands) – Untouched rivers teeming with wild lenok and taimen.
- China (Altai Mountains, Xinjiang, Heilongjiang River) – A historic and remote fly fishing paradise.
- Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan (Tian Shan Mountains, Lake Issyk-Kul, Chu River) – Excellent fishing in glacial rivers and high-altitude lakes.
- Korea & Japan (North Korea’s Mountain Rivers, Hokkaido) – Unique populations of native lenok trout in cold streams.
What Makes Lenok Special?
Lenok are voracious feeders, striking streamers, dry flies, and small lures with force. They are known for their beautiful golden-brown coloration, red and black speckles, and elongated heads. Unlike some trout species, lenok are extremely opportunistic hunters, feeding on insects, small fish, and even rodents. Their remote wilderness habitats and tendency to take surface flies aggressively make them a fly angler’s dream.
Top Fishing Techniques
Lenok trout respond well to both fly and light spinning tackle, with the best methods including:
- Fly Fishing with Dry Flies & Large Streamers – The best way to experience sight fishing for lenok.
- Casting Small Spinners & Spoons (Mepps, Blue Fox, Panther Martin) – Effective in fast-moving rivers.
- Drift Fishing with Soft Plastics & Nymph Rigs – A productive way to imitate natural forage.
- Trolling Small Crankbaits & Minnow Lures – Works well in deep glacial lakes.
- Mouse Patterns & Surface Poppers – Creates explosive topwater takes from big lenok.
Best Time to Fish for Lenok
- Mongolia & Russia (Siberia, Kamchatka) – Best from June to September, with peak fishing in late summer.
- China & Altai Mountains – Best from May to October, during the ice-free months.
- Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – Best in summer (June to September), when rivers are clear.
- Japan & Korea – Best from late spring to early fall, with top dry fly fishing in summer.
The World’s Best Lenok Fishing Lodges & Expeditions
For anglers looking for one of the most remote and rewarding trout fishing experiences, Fishing Explora offers access to the best lenok fishing lodges, guided wilderness trips, and backcountry expeditions worldwide. Whether you’re casting dry flies in Mongolia’s legendary rivers, exploring Siberia’s untouched trout streams, or battling trophy lenok in the Altai Mountains, our curated trips provide expert guides, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable fishing adventures.
Explore the best lenok trout fishing lodges and trips—right here on Fishing Explora.