Johnson River Camp is a beautifully isolated fishing camp is situated in a stunning bush setting in the pristine upper reaches of the Johnson River on the otherwise isolated northeast coast of Melville Island. Access is via a one hour scenic 4WD ride from the closest island airstrip (Jesse River) or by helicopter directly to and from the Camp. The fishing at Johnsion River is an outstanding mix of flats, snags, rock bars, river mouths and meandering mangrove creeks. This variety means there is excellent fishing to be found during all tides, and its not uncommon to pick up numbers of big Barra sight casting in the morning, followed up by cricket scores of Jacks, Barra, Groper and more in the afternoon. Dominant fish species include barramundi, mangrove jacks, threadfin and blue salmon, fingermark, tarpon, queenfish and estuary cod. Plus, offshore there are spanish mackerel, black jewfish, golden snapper, queenfish, giant trevally, coral trout, long tail tuna and many other species.

Imagine a Salmon that weighs over 60kgs, lives in rivers and feeds as an active predator, and you can imagine the Taimen. With their huge and heavy jaw, strong canine-like teeth, and a bright red tail, the taimen is a legendary fighting fish among Mongolians. They say that on the first run they may take nearly 100 metres of line from your spool, with a high-speed run that is virtually impossible to stop!

For more information on our Mongolian Taimen adventures click here>