Fly Fishing Journeys

Fly Fishing Journeys


Peter W. Fong: Rowing to Baikal

September 07, 2025

It was an honor to sit down with Peter W. Fong—writer, editor, and longtime fly-fishing guide in Mongolia. Peter is the author of Rowing to Baikal: Sixty Days on Mongolia’s Selenge River, a remarkable account of a thousand-mile expedition by horse, camel, kayak, and drift boat tracing the river’s path to Russia’s Lake Baikal. In this episode, we explore Peter’s journey from his early days in Brooklyn to guiding on legendary waters around the world, his deep connection to Mongolia, and the scientific research at the heart of his expedition. We discuss the challenges of leading an international team, the conservation threats facing wild rivers, the awe of encountering giant taimen, and the cultural richness of the Mongolian landscape. Enjoy this wide-ranging conversation with a storyteller whose life on the water reflects both adventure and purpose.

Connect with Peter W. Fong

Website: mongoliarivers.com
Instagram: @pwfong
Book: www.rowingtobaikal.com

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