Is it possible to catch taimen in 2025–2026? The whole truth about the law, quotas, and actual locations where it's still permitted.

Is it possible to catch taimen in 2025–2026? The whole truth about the law, quotas, and the actual locations where it's still permitted. Taimen isn't just a fish. It's a symbol of Siberian rivers, the last true river tiger, which can weigh 50–70 kg and live up to 60 years. Over the past 30 years, its population has declined by a factor of 5–10 due to poaching, hydroelectric power plants, and gold mining. Therefore, the question "is it possible to catch taimen?" is more pressing than ever. The short answer: yes, but strictly according to the rules, with a license, and only in certain regions. Below is a complete and honest overview of the 2025–2026 season, focusing on the Putorana Plateau and other key rivers.

Where taimen fishing is completely PROHIBITED (red zone)

• The entire Baikal basin (the Selenga, Barguzin, and Upper Angara rivers, and Baikal itself) has been completely banned since 2017.
• The Amur River and its tributaries below Khabarovsk are completely off-limits from 2020.
• Taimen in most of the rivers of Khabarovsk Krai and Primorye is listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation.
• Most of the rivers of the Irkutsk region and Buryatia, except for certain licensed areas.
• Lena above Ust-Kut is completely off-limits.

Violation = criminal article 256 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, fine up to 1 million rubles + confiscation of all property.

Where taimen can be caught LEGALLY with a license (green zone 2025–2026)

1. Krasnoyarsk Krai — the Putorana Plateau and adjacent rivers
   Rivers: Severnaya, Nimde, Erachimo, Anadyakan, Musima, Sukhaya Tunguska, Tutonchana.
   Quota: 1–2 taimen per person per tour (catch & release mandatory for fish >100 cm).
   License cost: 5,000–8,000 rubles/week.
   Season: June 20 – October 10 + in winter (February–April) according to separate quotas.
   This is the most stable and largest taimen in Russia – 20–55 kg is common.
2. Republic of Tuva
   Small and Great Yenisei, Kaa-Khem, Khemchik, Biy-Khem.
   Quota: 1 thime per person per tour (C&R for fish >90 cm).
   License: 4,000–6,000 rubles.
3. Republic of Khakassia
   The Abakan River and some tributaries.
   The quota is strict - 1 fish per group.
4. Yakutia (very limited)
   Lower Lena and Aldan - only in special licensed areas through the republican Ministry of Ecology.
   Quota: 1–2 fish per group, license price up to 50,000 rubles.
5. Mongolia (for Russians)
   Rivers Egiin-Gol, Onon, Shishkhid-Gol - taimen up to 150 cm, C&R 100%.
   The easiest and cheapest option for legally catching large taimen.

The Putorana Plateau is Russia's main legal taimen 2025–2026

The taimen population here is the healthiest in the country due to complete inaccessibility and the absence of poachers.
Actual figures for the last 5 years (according to reports from guides and the Federal Agency for Fisheries):

• Average size of caught taimen: 18–35 kg
• Fish over 40 kg: 5–12 pieces per season throughout the entire territory
• Fish 50+ kg: 1–3 per season (record 2024 – 55 kg on Yerachimo)

Rules 2025–2026:

• Mandatory license (issued by the tour operator)
• Catch & Release for all fish over 100 cm (photo + release)
• You are allowed to keep 1 fish up to 100 cm per person for the entire tour (for food)
• Nets, electric fishing rods, spears and any poaching methods are prohibited.

All self-respecting camps (Putorana Frontier, Putorana Tours, Taimen Camp, Nordic Safari, etc.) operate exclusively according to these rules and submit reports to the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

How to get a license in 2025

1. Through a tour operator is the easiest way. The tour price already includes the license.
2. Applying independently through Gosuslugi or the MFC (only for residents of Krasnoyarsk Krai and Tuva) is difficult and time-consuming.

What happens if you catch taimen without a license?

• A fine of 100,000–300,000 rubles plus confiscation of fishing gear and boat.
• Criminal liability under Article 256 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (up to 2 years' imprisonment for a repeat offense or major damage)
• Lifetime ban on fishing in most regions

Poachers are rarely caught on the Putorana Plateau, simply because it's impossible to reach without a helicopter. But if they are caught, the punishment is severe.

Conclusion: is it possible to catch taimen?

Yes, you can. And you should—but only legally and with respect for the fish.
Today, taimen is not a trophy for the wall, but a living treasure that we are obliged to preserve for our children.
In 2025–2026, the Putorana Plateau will remain the last place in Russia where you can honestly and legally catch a taimen weighing 30–50+ kg, take a photo, and release it back into the river.

If you're willing to pay 600,000–900,000 rubles for a tour, live a week in the taiga without communication, and release a 40-kilogram giant after taking a photo—welcome.
If not, it's best to leave the taimen alone. He's already on the edge.

But as long as the Putorana Plateau exists, there is hope that the river tiger will live.
And we still have time to catch him fair and square.