For most of Japan’s freshwater sportsmen, salmon are regarded as the ultimate catch. Until 1997 sport angling for this prized fish was prohibited in Japanese rivers, but now eleven streams in Hokkaido and Honshu allow limited recreational fishing for salmon.

River fishing for salmon is strictly regulated here. Anglers must apply for permission several months a head of the actual season. In most cases applications can be made by postcard or via the Internet. Only a limited number of permits are issued for each river, so it is best to apply as soon as the application period opens. Some Japanese skills are required as only Hokkaido’s Churui River has applications in English.

The target of Japan’s salmon anglers is the chum. It is the second largest of the Pacific salmon, and considered by many to be pound-for-pound the best fighter. In addition, Hokkaido offers some world-class fishing for the small but scrappy pink salmon. Both species can be caught on flies, lures, or bait.

Fly-fishing outfits for chum salmon should be 8 to 10 weight with a sinking tip line. Rods should be at least 9 feet long. Some anglers prefer 13 to 16 foot two-handed rods. These longer rods can give better line control and casting distance, but can be tiring to use. For pink salmon, use 6 to 8 weight tackle. Red is the fly color of choice in Japan, but depending upon the conditions, pink, purple, and black can also be effective.

For lure fishing, spinning or casting gear can work equally well. Rods should be 7 1/2 to 9 feet (230 – 276 cm.) long. The usual choice of line is around 16 pound test nylon or fluorocarbon monofilament. The overwhelming favorite lure is a spoon. For most situations, 17 to 21 gram spoons will get down to the fish. On larger, swifter rivers, spoons as heavy as 40 grams might be used. Blue and red are the most popular colors. All lures must have single hooks. Many anglers attach a pink or red plastic squid (tako bait) to the spoon as an added attraction.

In Japan, bait fishermen prefer long very soft-action rods. Many choose 4.5 to 6 meter-long spinning rods, which are typically used for porgy (kurodai). Others favor 8 meter or longer poles without reels that are employed for catching the little smelt-like river fish called ayu. The standard bait is a slice of saury (sanma), a fish readily available in any supermarket. To make their bait more enticing, some anglers spice up it by marinating the slices in grated garlic.

It was a over decade ago right after a salmon fishing trip to Alaska that I saw a notice in a Tokyo tackle shop announcing sport fishing for salmon in Hokkaido’s Churui River. Since that time, I have been able to catch one of my favorite game fish here in Japan. With a little advanced planning, you too can enjoy catching salmon in Japan.

General Rules for Salmon Fishing in Japan

• Anglers must get a fishing permit in advance and register at the stream when they fish.
• With the exception of the special section of the Churui River, catch and release is forbidden. This includes fish that have been foul hooked.
• Anglers are required to report their catch. Catch and keep limits vary from place to place, so you need to know the regulations for the river that you are fishing.
• Bait, lure, and fly-fishing are all allowed, but only with single hooks. The use of treble hooks is prohibited.
• An angler may only use one rod at a time.
• Gaffs are not allowed, but short-handle landing nets are permitted.

Salmon Fishing Rivers in Japan (based on 2008 data)

Many of the resources listed below are in Japanese, so online translating tools such as Yahoo! Babel Fish may be helpful.

Other Japan Fishing Information

ANA Hokkaido Salmon Fishing Package
Teddy Saito – English speaking guide for salmon, trout, char, and taimen fishing in Hokkaido

This article was written by long-time Tokyo resident and life-long fishing fanatic, Alan Bergman. The images are from his personal collection.

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