Trout Fishing in Japan

Trout fishing is one of the popular kind of fishing in Japan, traditionally. Still this traditional way of catching trout is active in Japan, while new ways (lures and flies) are enjoyed by a lot of people.

Local fish species

The popular native species of trout related fish are Yamame or Amago (Oncorhynchus masou), and Iwana (a kind of char, Salvelinus leucomaenis), as for the land sealed species. In northern Japan (in Hokkaido), we have Itoh (a kind of Taimen, Sakhalin taimen or Parahucho perryi).

As for the sea-run form of salmon, we have Sake (Chum Salmon, Oncorhynchus keta). Since this specie is under strong interest for commercial fisherman, it is highly protected in most areas. Angling is only possible for some rivers, as for pre registered research purposes.

And we have some other foreign species, which have solid environmental basis for reproduction already. These species are Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, and Lake trout.

Reference link for the names of these species (in Japanese).

Here, I would like to explain about fishing for land locked trout species, mainly.

Places and methods

There are mainly 3 types of areas for trout fishing in Japan. Stream (high mountain), river, lake.

Stream area

Stream areas in the high mountains is often in the valleys with greater undulation. Often it has the small waterfalls and large rocks. River areas are of the width wider than a few meters, and in rather open area. These river areas for trout are near the mountains, since the quality of the water is better and the temperature of the water is lower. Lakes for trout are also located in mountainous area and in higher elevation for the suitable environment.

In stream area, target species are Yamame and Iwana. Mostly the popular sizes are 20cm, but some streams have big one. We use telescopic whip rods about 4.5m, sensitive tip with fast action. using the lines as thin as 0.2 - 0.3 gou (0.07-0.09mm) Nylon. Baits are worms, larva of moss, larva of mayflies, terrestrial insects. The method is to place the bait in the flow naturally. Tenkara (Japanese traditional fly fishing) is also used in this area.

You can see the illustration of the rigs in this link (Japanese), and video.

Lure fishing and fly fishing, in this stream area, is also very popular. Lure fishing requires rods of up to 3g of casting weight, 5ft-6ft, with 0.6 gou line (0.13mm). Spinning reel is very popular but some people enjoys with bait casting reels, for preferring more direct feel. For lures, spoons, spinners, and minnows are the popular choice. In fly fishing, #3 or #4 tackle is used.

There are plenty of such streams all around Japan. However, it is better to ask locals whether a streeam is good for fishing. If you are looking for one such place for your next trip to Japan, please let ask me.

Rivers

In river area, we target Yamame, mainly. We use longer rods. These rods tend to be more parabolic action to deal with the larger size of fish. Yamame grows up to over 30 cm, and anglers in this area is targeting this trophy size. Baits are worms, larva of moss, and larva of mayflies.

In this area, lure fishing requires thicker lines, up to 3 gou (12lb, 0.28mm). Rods are up to 7ft, depending on the size of the river. Casting weight is 5-18g, mainly. Spoons and minnows are the favorite types of lures. For the fly fishing, up to #6 is selected.

This river trout is called Honryu-tsuri (mainstream fishing). The famous rivers for this are these. In Kantoh area (near Tokyo), Nakagawa river, Kinugawa river, Kannagawa river, Tonegawa river, Arakawa river, Katsuragawa river.

Lakes

Lake fishing for trout was getting popular after the introduction of reels, in Japan. Currently, trolling and vertical fishing is done with bait. Trolling is down rigger style and targeting special lake species (such as Biwamasu, Biwa Trout). Vertical fishing is targeting the Himemasu (Oncorhynchus nerka). This is sabiki style rig.

This area is more popular with lure or with fly. Lure fishing uses up to 9ft rod, with casting weight of 24g. Line for the lure is braided line (#0.6-#1). For fly fishing, #6 is the most popular choice, and some are using up to #8.

Famous lakes for trout are; Suwa lake, Haruna lake, Tanzawa lake, Lake Ashi, Yamanaka lake, Chuzenji lake, etc.

Summary

Trout is taking the important part in Japanese fishing culture. Here you can get the idea of fish species, first, with some brief description of fishing styles. I am planning to write some more details about each fishing, so please keep visiting here. Thanks.