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Lenok

Brachymystax lenok

Lenok© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Lenok (Brachymystax lenok) is a prized cold‑water salmonid found in clear, fast‑flowing rivers and mountain lakes. Anglers prize it for its spirited fight and delicate, flaky flesh that is popular in Asian cuisine.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Salmonidae

Max Size

70 cm

Max Weight

8 kg

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

temperate

Best Season

April‑June (spring) and September‑October (autumn)

Best Time

Early morning and late evening

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Lenok

  • Use light to medium spinning gear to feel subtle takes
  • Fish near riffles, pools, and undercut banks where Lenok hold for insects
  • Troll or drift small spoons and soft plastics at 1‑2 m depth
  • Employ live bait such as minnows or insects during low‑light periods

Top Fishing Locations for Lenok

Lake Baikal – Listvyanka Shore

Russia
intermediate68% Common

World‑renowned for its crystal‑clear, cold waters, Lake Baikal hosts abundant Lenok in its tributary streams near Listvyanka, especially during summer runs.

Best: June‑August

Lena River – Vitim Tributary

Russia
expert55% Common

The remote Vitim tributary of the Lena River offers pristine, fast‑flowing sections where Lenok concentrate during spawning migrations.

Best: July‑September

Amur River – Khabarovsk Region

Russia
intermediate62% Common

The lower Amur near Khabarovsk provides deep pools and riffles favored by adult Lenok, accessible via local guides.

Best: May‑July

Selenge River – Near Ulaanbaatar

Mongolia
beginner71% Very Common

Cold, oxygen‑rich waters of the Selenge River downstream of Ulaanbaatar host strong Lenok runs; popular among Mongolian anglers.

Best: June‑August

Irtysh River – East Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan
intermediate58% Common

In the Irtysh’s alpine sections near the Altai foothills, Lenok are plentiful during summer melt, offering a classic Siberian experience.

Best: July‑September

Hokkaido – Shiretoko Peninsula Rivers

Japan
expert45% Occasional

Northern Hokkaido’s untouched streams on the Shiretoko Peninsula are famed for large, wild Lenok, attracting dedicated fly anglers.

Best: June‑August

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Lenok

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium‑light spinning rod, 2.1‑2.4 m, moderate‑fast action
Line4‑8 lb (1.8‑3.6 kg) test line
Lure TypeSmall spoons, spinners, and soft plastic minnows
TechniqueDrift fishing and light trolling in riffles and deep pools

Best bait: Live minnows, insects, worms