Taimen

Taimen is the world's largest salmonid. Has a powerful, elongated body with a reddish tail. Reaches weights of 80 kg.

The apex predator of Siberian rivers. Feeds on fish, rodents, and waterfowl. Attacks virtually anything that moves.

Most active at 4–14 °C. A cold-water species. Peak activity in autumn before winter dormancy. Moves to headwaters and tributaries as water warms in summer.

Holds in deep pools of large Siberian and Central Asian rivers with clean, cold water and strong current.

Caught on large spoons, crankbaits, mouse lures (surface presentations), and big streamers. The 'mouse' is the iconic taimen lure — a surface bait imitating a swimming rodent.

Taimen is a dream trophy for many anglers. Fishing requires expeditions to remote wilderness. Catch-and-release is strictly mandatory — populations are threatened. Bring reliable tackle — taimen can break weak rods.