Frequently asked questions.
Do I need my own gear?
No. We will provide all the fishing equipment needed. All rods, reels, flies, waders and boots, etc. We have you covered! You just need to prepare yourself for the conditions in nature (sun, rain, cold, and insects).
How long is an outing?
For a half-day experience, we aim to have you on the stream for 3-4 hours. Travel time is usually a little less 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 6-7hours of total time.
For a full-day experience, we aim to have you on stream for 6-7 hours. Travel time is usually a little less 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.
Will we catch anything? Can we keep the fish?
We can never know for certain that fish will be caught, but it is very likely, and we aim to put you in the best position to do so. We always aim to catch and release; we don’t keep the fish. The only things we take from the river are pictures and memories.
Releasing a yamabe back to the stream
Should we bring food?
If you feel like you want to, yes, you can, but keep in mind that the guide will ask you some questions prior to your outing to have snacks and drinks ready for you, so there is no need to. If you are going on a full-day outing, the guide will have a lunch-like set of food ready for you, like sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), snacks, and drinks.
Is it safe?
Yes, but that is a hard question to pin down. Nature is unpredictable. The river bottom can be slippery, you might get insect bites, and we might even see a bear! Prior to your outing, we will discuss your comfort level, and we will then plan accordingly. We’ve taken out teenagers and adults as old as 90! We can find something that works for you.
What if we need to cancel?
Cancellations can be made 48 hours in advance with a full refund of the deposit. If within 48 hours of the outing, the deposit will be kept by the guide.
What if the weather is bad?
Bad weather is something that we cannot control, but we can consider comfort and safety. Your guide will be in contact with you a couple of days prior to your outing to update you on weather conditions and needed clothing. In the case that weather, such as heavy rains causing high and dangerous water levels to occur, the guide will contact you and the deposit will be fully refunded.
If we aren’t going to be in Sapporo but nearby, can you guide us?
If you are within the literal borders of Sapporo city, we will pick you up and drop you off. If you are nearby but outside the borders, such as in Otaru, Chitose, or Niseko, we can discuss it and might be able to guide you, but we know people who can if we can’t, so let us know your plans, and we’ll put you in contact with guides we know and trust.