Early Spring Fly Fishing
As March turns to April, the snows in the lowlands disappear, and the massive snowfall in the mountains begins to melt, turning the river’s waters frigid and fast as they swell with this water. The going is tough, but if you are up for it, this can be a great experience in the mountains near Sapporo.
End the day with lunch at a local restaurant and/or a soak in an onsen on the shores of Lake Shikotsu to warm up and recharge after a day in the snow.
This brief season runs only in the month of April.
1 Individual is 55,000 円, 2 Individuals are 65,000円 for a day of fishing - all gear, transportation, and a basic lunch included. Replace the basic lunch with lunch at a local restaurant for 3,000円 more (5,000 for two) and an onsen for a further 4,000 円 (5,000 for two).
See below in the FAQ below for more information on Early Spring Fly Fishing.
Regular Season Fly Fishing Guided Trips start at the end of May. For Experienced Anglers, Winter Fishing is in December and March.
Use our Contact page to send Kevin a message of inquiry.
FAQ
What warm clothing will be provided? - We do not provide warm clothing. You must have your own warm clothing such as warm stocking caps, gloves, a warm winter jacket, multiple layers, and thick, warm socks are required. Waders, wading boots, rods, reels, flies are all provided.
What is the weather like? - We can never know for sure, but it will still be cold, and there will be snow on the ground. In April, daytime temps may get to +10C, but can be colder. There can be strong winds, clouds, and heavy rain or snowstorms. If conditions are dangerous, we will not go, and a full refund will be given.
How long is an outing? - For a full-day experience, we aim to have you on stream for around 6 hours. Travel time is usually a little more than one hour each way from your hotel to the stream. Add on a little time on each end to get ready/break down gear riverside, and you are looking at roughly 9- 10 hours of total time. If you choose to stop for an onsen and/or add on lunch, it will take more time. See below in the FAQ for onsen and local lunch details.
Is it safe? Is it hard? - The short answer is “Yes” to both questions. To fish in mountain streams, you will be wading across fast-moving water with slippery, rocky bottoms for hours. It requires good balance and stamina. If this is a concern for you then Early Spring Fly Fishing may not be for you.
Is it safe? Yes, but nature is unpredictable. The river bottom can be slippery, and you may fall in the river; we may get sleet/cold rain for hours - very uncomfortable; we might even see a bear! Prior to your outing, we will discuss your comfort level, and we will then plan accordingly.
What is the onsen like? - This can be a very rewarding end-of-day experience. The option for a day-trip onsen is one of the best-kept secrets in the area, Marukoma Onsen. With indoor and outdoor baths, you can experience amazing views of the lake as you soak in the warmth of the onsen waters and restore yourself after a day in the cold waters of the lake. An additional 3,000 円 per individual (5,000 円 for two) would be applied.
What is the lunch like? - Lunch will be provided without charge: rice balls, sandwiches, chips, fruit, hot tea, etc. If you would like to visit a local restaurant, an additional 4,000円 would be applied (5,000 円 for two)
The local restaurant is the longest-standing restaurant on the shores of Lake Shikotsu (a testament to its popularity!) Shikotsu So Ramen restaurant serves more than just ramen (but that too!) Enjoy a warm bowl of ramen after a cold day on the lake, soba, tempura don(rice bowl topped with tempura) dishes, Katsu (breaded fried pork), as well as seasonal Kokanee salmon dishes. Wash it all down with a cold Sapporo Classic for that authentic experience.