Fly Fishing Japan
Where to go Fly Fishing in Japan
Japan's landscape was molded by the volcanic activity that has occurred relatively recently in geologic time. Active volcanos such as the famous Mount Fuji, tower over the landscape. The cool waters of the Pacific and high elevation streams created from snowmelt and rain runoff provided the perfect condition for members of the salmonid family to colonize the Japanese Islands. The salmonid or trout species of Japan are the Cherry Trout (Ame Masou, Yamame), Rainbow Trout, White Spotted Char (Iwana), Sakhalin Taimen (Ito), Dolly Varden (Oshorokoma), Pink Salmon, and Chum Salmon. You can learn more about each of these species in the linked article above. All of these species can be found on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, while Japan's main island of Honshu is only home to the White Spotted Char, Rainbow, and Cherry Trout. Other trout such as the Brown, Lake, and Brook Trout have also been stocked on the island of Honshu. From the freestone streams to the tailwater rivers that line the steep valleys, trout can be found throughout much of the country. In this article we highlight some of the best places to visit for trout fishing in Japan.
Fly Fishing the Rivers of Japan​
From nameless headwater creeks and streams to stocked tailwater rivers, and large coastal estuaries, the diversity of Japan's trout streams is incredible. Beginning on Honshu, the smaller stretches of the Katsura River and Hozugawa River near the scenic city of Kyoto have healthy populations of Cherry Trout and the occasional White Spotted Char. The high elevation streams between Gunma, Nagano and Takayama. The headwaters of the Na River, Mae River, Koono River, Torii River, Hisawa River, Shirasuna River, and Kanna River are all great places to find wild and stocked populations of trout. Northward in the Tochigi Prefecture the small streams around Nikko are home to many wild trout. Below the pair of large reserviors near the town of Kawaji, anglers will find the larger tailwater trout fishery on the Kinugawa River. ​ On the island of Hokkaido, the Shibetsu River, Rikushibetsu River, Onnebetsu River, and Sarufutsu River are all excellent coastal fisheries that see significant salmon runs. These rivers are similar to those in Alaska where fish push further inland throughout the year. While the salmon here lack the size of the Alaskan salmon, Sakhalin taimen can be found in some of these rivers as well as the inland Lake Shumarinai on the northernmost Peninsula. From North to South we will break down the fishing in many of these pieces of water. ​
Fly Fishing the Kinugawa River
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The Tailwaters of the Kinugawa River by the town of Kawaji are loaded with stocked trout. Feeders of the river are home to some wild Iwana (White Spotted Char). The Kinugawa has mostly rainbow trout and cherry trout. They occupy everything from the shallow shoals and runs to the deep, slow holes that curve around the bluff banks. In fast water, soft hackles and woolly buggers are a great choice to pick off aggressive trout. Caddis and maylfy hatches in the Spring months garner a fair amount of attention. In the summer months, terrestrials such as ants and beatles are known to fall from the many bridges crossing the river. Feeding trout can often be seen high in the water column awaiting an easy meal. A basic assortment of flies should be more than enough to bring plenty of fish to the net here. This is also a convenient location to get to solely by utilizing the train system that sprawls across much of Honshu.
Fly Fishing the Kanna River
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in the small to medium sized stretches of the Kanna River, anglers can find rainbow trout, yamame, and iwana. Licenses can be purchased on designated sections where wild and stocked trout can be found and are limited to catch and release fishing. These sections are all about matching the hatch with caddis and mayflies being the most abundant insects on the river and its tributaries. Nymphs are the most productive flies here until hatches begin to get trout looking to the surface. May and June are ideal months as anglers will fine peak fishing and catch the magnificent rhododendron bloom.
Fly Fishing the Hozugawa River
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The Hozugawa River is a well known trout stream adjacent to the city of Kyoto. Alongside the nearby Katsura River and their tributaries, many trout are stocked here each year. The much smaller feeder streams that run into the Hozugawa and Katsura have populations of wild trout. Nymphing is often the most popular technique here throughout the season. Junk flies will surely grab the attention of freshly stocked trout.
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Nearby, the feeder creeks of Lake Biwa will see seasonal migrations of yamame or ame masou (sea/lake run trout) move into the streams displaying their vibrant spawning colors. Flashier flies and streamers are a good bet to catch the eyes of these territorial and defensive migrators.
Fly Fishing the Koono River​​
While trout can be found in the lower/middle sections of the Koono River, the upper reaches are where more intrepid anglers can find some truly special fly fishing opportunities. Here the small mountain stream creates a series of plunge pools and scenic falls that would be familiar to those who have visited the blue lines of Appalachia. The dense deciduous forest provides a dark canopy and plenty of shelter for the resident trout. These trout are well known to rise to a well presented dry fly for most of the fly fishing season. A methodical approach is crucial when targeting the wild cherry trout and white spotted char in the stream. Deep pools are the best areas to find these fish congregating and looking for food.
Fly Fishing Hokkaido Japan​​
Hokkaido is home to a diversity of trout and salmon. The coastal estuaries and large rivers see runs of pink, chum, and cherry salmon (anadromous cherry trout). Sea run white spotted char also roam these waters along with the largest salmonid of Japan, the Sakhalin Taimen (Ito). This taimen can easily exceed a meter long and is currently protected by stringent regulations as the species has been listed as endangered. Many of these salmonids make their way to the smaller inland streams of the island where they can meet local populations of Yamame, Iwana, and the unique Oshorokoma. The Oshorokoma is a dwarfed subspecies of Dolly Varden found only on the island of Hokkaido. Fish are abundant on nearly every river in Hokkaido as the island has a smaller population and the river see much less pressure than there counterparts on Honshu.
Sarufutsu River Fly Fishing
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Found on the northernmost peninsula of Hokkaido, the Sarufutsu River supports the largest population of Sakhalin Taimen in the country. This taimen is the treasure of many adventurous anglers willing to try their luck at a giant predator. Though the Sakhalin Taimen's population has drastically improved over the past decade, they are still rare and require visiting anglers to dedicate many casts and large amounts of time in order to bring one to the net. The Sarufutsu estuary and lower river sections hold some of the best numbers of the predator. The wide, flat river provides numerous food sources that help the taimen grow large. Late spring and late summer/fall are the best times to visit the river.
Fly Fishing Lake Shumarinai​
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The largest lake of Hokkaido, Lake Shumarinai is home to another viable population of Sakhalin Taimen as well as cherry trout and white spotted char. The trout and taimen patrol the shoreline looking for roaming schools of smaller baitfish. Bites may be few and far between but you can steer the odds in your favor in the spring and fall months when larger numbers of fish find their way into the shallows more often. Taking advantage of the low light hours can also be importnat to find success.
Teshio River Fly Fishing​
The Teshio River also sustains a population of Sakhalin Taimen. Though not the numbers of the Sarafutsu or Lake Shumarinai, dozens of Itou move into the river system each year to spawn. Long spey rods enable longer casts to reach the far reaches of the wide river while eliminated the hazards that come with backcasting along tall reeds. Small to medium size streamers are ideal flies to target these taimen as most of their forage is relatively small here.
Churui River Fly Fishing​
The Churui River above Lake Akan in Eastern Hokkaido is home to a unique subspecies of Dolly Varden referred to locally as the Oshorokoma. Though the Oshorokoma can be found in a handful of other small streams in Hokkaido, the Churui has the oldest established population. This member of the char family is small, rarely exceeding 10". They are willing risers to a dry fly when unspooked by anglers. Closer to the coast, the Churui is known for its populations of pink and chum salmon that run the lower section of river each year. Fishing here is open to catch and release anglers.
Shibetsu River Fly Fishing
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Known for its larger than average salmon, the Shibetsu River sees some of the largest runs in terms of numbers and size than many of the other river in Hokkaido. Runs of pink and chum salmon begin in late summer and last through the fall months. Be sure to check regulations before visiting the Shibetsu and neighboring Rikushibetsu as seasonal openings and closings can apply. Bears are frequent visitors to the rivers as well so pay attention to the other fishers on the river.
Onnebetsu River Fly Fishing
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Alongside the annual run of salmon, the Onnebetsu River has good populations of wild cherry trout and white spotted char. Spring hatches of may flies and caddis provide an authentic fly fishing experience in the seclusion of the Hokkaido river. Though the late spring hatches are the highlight of the year, trout continue to look to the surface for meals throughout summer and fall. Fishing for these wild trout improves as you reach the smaller headwaters of the Onnebetsu.
