Welcome to Hokkaido, Japan's ultimate fishing paradise! Hokkaido offers amazing fly fishing opportunities, especially on the dry. Here are my top tips for making the most of your fly fishing adventure in Hokkaido—covering key flies, fishing spots, and advice to help you hook into some of the wildest fish you'll ever encounter!
Key Flies to Pack
When fly fishing in Hokkaido, you don’t need an overflowing fly box. Just a handful of well-chosen patterns will set you up for an epic day on the water. Here's my go-to selection:
Caddis Fly (Elk Hair)
The absolute must-have for dry fly fishing in Hokkaido. Caddis flies hatch from spring to autumn, and trout love them. Don’t hesitate to go big—size 6 or 8 works wonders. You’ll be amazed at the size of fish that’ll rise to investigate!
Hopper Flies / Cicada Patterns
When summer kicks into high gear, it’s hopper season! Grasshoppers and cicadas are everywhere, and so are hungry trout. You’ll hear cicadas buzzing all day in July and August, and the big rainbows and browns can’t resist these juicy snacks.
Beetle Patterns
Beetles are another summer favorite, staying effective well into autumn. When beetles are out, you’ll see them covering leaves, shrubs, and even your gear. Trout know this too—tie one on and get ready for action.
Dragonfly / Damselfly Patterns
As summer winds down, dragonflies and damselflies take center stage. These patterns work best later in the season. Size matters here—stick to size 4 or 6. The variety of dragonfly colors is mesmerizing, but don’t stress too much about matching the exact shade.
Black Ant Patterns
When trout seem picky, it’s time to go small. Black ants and midges (boryo) are often the ticket to success. A size 10 or 12 black ant pattern can save the day, especially during late summer when rivers run low.
Fishing Locations & Licenses
Hokkaido is blessed with countless rivers—from fast-flowing mountain streams to wide, open waterways. While you don’t need a fishing license here, it’s essential to check the Hokkaido Fishing Rule Book. It lists rivers open to fishing and updates annually. There aren't any paticular rules to fly fishing in Hokkaido, but its good to understand small bits of etiquette before you head on to the river.
Getting Access
Finding your way to the rivers can be an adventure in itself. Hokkaido’s wild, untamed terrain makes every catch feel well-earned. Here are some tips:
Start at bridges: They’re often your best bet for accessing rivers.
Forestry and maintenance roads: Many rivers have paths running alongside them. Drive along these and look for laybys or safe spots to park.
Watch Out for Wildlife
Hokkaido is home to the Ezo Brown Bear. While smaller than a grizzly, it’s still something you don’t want to surprise when you are fly fishing in Hokkaido. Check local Kuma (bear) sighting reports before heading out, and stay alert in remote areas.
General Tips for the Best Fishing
Let’s face it—knowing where to go is the hardest part of fishing in Hokkaido. Popular spots often get overfished, so heading off the beaten path is key. That’s where a guide comes in handy.
Why Book a Guide?
We know Hokkaido like the back of our hands! Hiring a guide helps you:
Save time (no aimless driving or guessing where to fish).
Explore untouched spots.
Maximize your chances of landing fish.
Our team offers an affordable, all-inclusive guide service tailored to make your experience unforgettable.
Our Guided Trips
🎣 Day Trips:
Price: ¥36,000 (1 person) / ¥50,000 (2 people)
What’s Included: Tackle, waders, transfers, lunch, and a full day of fishing from sunrise to sunset!
Pick-Up Locations: Niseko area or Chitose Station (just 30 minutes from Sapporo).
⛺ Multi-Day Adventures:Book multiple days and enjoy a 10% discount!
Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, we’ll take you to the best fishing spots and ensure you have a blast.
Get in Touch
Got questions or want to book a trip? Drop us a line—we’d love to help make your Hokkaido fishing adventure one to remember!
Tight lines and happy fishing!
Comments