When and where is Hokkaido smelt fishing? Announcing recommended experience tour ranking!

On this page "Smelt fishing (ice fishing, dome boat smelt fishing)" held in Hokkaido Special feature on experience tours!
Including information on the timing and season when the fishing ban will be lifted and the venue, Hokkaido smelt fishing recommended experience tour ranking Introducing
Sapporo, Hakodate, Furano, Abashiri etc... Japan's best Hokkaido's popular tour plan dotted with smelt fishing spots Let's check it out.
table of contents
- 1 The charm of Hokkaido smelt fishing
- 2 Dome boat smelt fishing and ice smelt fishing
- 3 Smelt fishing time and season in Hokkaido
- 4 Clothing suitable for smelt fishing in Hokkaido
- 5 Where you can fish for smelt in Hokkaido
- 6 Hokkaido smelt fishing tour recommended ranking
- 7 Frequently asked questions about smelt fishing in Hokkaido
- 8 Editorial department recommended feature articles
The charm of Hokkaido smelt fishing

"Activities to enjoy in winter trips and sightseeing in Hokkaido," which is extremely popular as an outdoor leisure activity Smelt fishing (smelt fishing) ".
" I want to enjoy smelt fishing during my stay in Hokkaido! Isn't there a lot of people who think?
First of all, " The charm of Hokkaido smelt fishing ” will be explained point by point.
Hokkaido is famous for smelt fishing!

One of the activities and outdoor leisure that has been popular for a long time as a winter tradition in Japan " Smelt fishing ".
Among all of Japan, "Hokkaido" Mecca for ice smelt fishing and dome boat smelt fishing It is famous as a famous place, and there are many spots called famous places in Hokkaido.
Children and beginners can easily enjoy it!
Smelt fishing does not require special skills or specialized knowledge, Everyone can enjoy it regardless of age or gender, including small children and beginners That's the appeal.
Therefore, not only couples, families, parents and children, but also group groups on school trips and company trips. Gained support from a wide range of scenes doing.
Tools can be rented and empty-handed!
The smelt fishing experience plan includes a fishing rod and bait in addition to the experience fee. Rental fee for a set of tools is generally included is.
In the middle of sightseeing walks such as traveling, driving, dating, Feel free to participate This is one of the attractions of smelt fishing.
You can eat it as tempura or fried chicken!

The real pleasure of smelt fishing is " Have fun fishing and eat deliciously "matter.
The fresh smelt you caught yourself can be purchased on the spot (or at a nearby restaurant). Eat as tempura or deep-fried can do.
Dome boat smelt fishing and ice smelt fishing

For the smelt fishing experience tour held in Hokkaido, " Dome ship smelt fishing "When" Smelt fishing on ice There are two types.
What is smelt fishing on ice? "It refers to a thing that enjoys hole fishing by drilling a hole in the surface of a frozen lake.
on the other hand, What is dome boat smelt fishing? You can enjoy fishing in a special boat or fishing hut on the playfield of the non-freezing lake "Frozen Lake".
Hokkaido, where lakes freeze due to low winter temperatures, An area where ice fishing for smelt, which is rare even in Japan, is the mainstream is.
Smelt fishing time and season in Hokkaido

" How long can you enjoy smelt fishing in Hokkaido? I think there are many people who are searching for the holding season and the fishing ban time.
The smelt fishing experience plan held in Hokkaido is From winter (around December) until fishing is lifted and early spring (around April) is the season.
most The peak season is from January at the beginning of the new year to March just before the arrival of spring. Although there are differences depending on the region, it is said that the best season is from March to April.
Since many inquiries are expected during the period, Secure a reservation for your desired date and time early will do.
Clothing suitable for smelt fishing in Hokkaido
Hokkaido in the middle of winter (January to March), such as Sapporo city area Extremely cold regions where the minimum temperature drops below freezing even in urban areas is.
When experiencing smelt fishing, wear a highly heat-retaining inner under a highly waterproof outer such as ski wear and snowboard wear. Warm clothes with thorough protection against the cold Please enjoy it.
Where you can fish for smelt in Hokkaido

" Where in Hokkaido can you fish for smelt? I think many people are looking for a place where they can enjoy smelt fishing in Hokkaido.
From here, based on Activity Japan reservation data " Hokkaido smelt fishing popularity spot ranking ”, we will check the places where you can enjoy smelt fishing in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido smelt fishing popularity spot ranking
The first place
|
Sapporo |
---|---|
2nd place
|
Hakodate / Onuma / Matsumae |
3rd place
|
Furano / Biei / Tomamu |
4th place
|
Ishikari / Sorachi / Chitose |
5th place
|
Shiretoko / Abashiri / Kitami |
6th place
|
Obihiro / Tokachi |
Hokkaido travel popular area " Sapporo "or" Hakodate / Onuma / Matsumae Smelt fishing experience held around "is ranked high.
From here, smelt fishing is held in each of the ranked areas. Representative spots and recommended experience plans I will introduce you.
Barato River (former Ishikari River Oxbow Lake)
"Barado River (former Ishikari River Crescent Lake)" belongs to Ishikari City, Hokkaido, about 15 km north of Sapporo City. In winter, you can enjoy smelt fishing, and in spring, summer, and autumn, you can enjoy fishing for carp and herabuna.
By car: About 30 minutes from Sapporo via Soseigawa-dori Ishikari National Route 231
By train:-
Recommended experience plan
[Hokkaido / Sapporo suburbs] Smelt fishing experience on the Barato River! With Wakasagi tempura!
- 4.8
- (2 reviews / experiences)
A 45-minute drive from central Sapporo, a smelt fishing experience at the popular spot [Barato River]! With transportation from Sapporo station, with tempura of smelt and all tools are rented, you can feel free to join us.
Lake Shinotsu
Lake Shinotsu is located along the Ishikari River in Shinshinotsu Village, Ishikari County, about 34km northeast of Sapporo City. Known as a lake shaped like a crescent moon, you can enjoy hot springs and golf in the surrounding area, and it is famous as a spot for smelt fishing in the winter.
By car: About 50 minutes from Sapporo via Hokkaido Expressway → Route 275
By train: Approximately 16 minutes by bus from Kami-Horomui Station on the JR Hokkaido / Hakodate Main Line
Recommended experience plan
- 4.6
- (4 reviews / experiences)
It is a smelt fishing experience tour delivered by the leading smelt fishing guide who guided the most customers in Hokkaido. It is a luxurious plan to charter the south fishing spot, which is known as one of the best fishing points in Shinshinotsu Village Shinotsu Lake, which is one of the best fishing points for smelt in Hokkaido. With the location of smelt fishing of a famous variety show from Hokkaido
Onuma Quasi-National Park
Onuma is a lake located in the northern part of Hakodate City and created by the volcanic activity of Mt. Komagatake, Hokkaido. In winter, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as smelt fishing and snowmobiles, and in spring and summer, leisure activities such as sightseeing boats and cycling are popular.
By car: About 40 minutes from JR Hakodate Station via Hakodate New Road/National Route 5
By bus: About 60 minutes from JR Hakodate Station on the Hakodate Bus bound for Shikabe via Onuma Park
By train: About 20 minutes from JR Hakodate Station to JR Onumakoen Station by limited express "Hokuto" or "Super Hokuto" (about 50 minutes by regular train)
Recommended experience plan
- 3.8
- (9 reviews / experiences)
A complete set of rods and bait is available, so you can enjoy unlimited fishing. Please come empty-handed. Access is good as it is a 5-minute walk from the station. Caught smelt is cooked deliciously with tempura! Freshly made tempura is exceptional! *We will cook tempura for 600 yen per plate (around 15 fish)! (Payment on site)
Lake Kanayama (Lake Kanayama)
"Lake Kanayama (Lake Kanayama)" is located about 40km south of Furano Station. It is an outdoor spot where you can enjoy activities such as camping, smelt fishing, tennis and go-karting, as well as enjoying the natural landscape of the four seasons.
By car: About 2 hours 30 minutes from Sapporo via Hokkaido Expressway → Doto Expressway → Route 237 → Route 465
By train: About 45 minutes from JR Furano Line Furano Station to JR Nemuro Main Line Higashishikagoe Station
Recommended experience plan
- 5.0
- (1 review / experience)
Experience unique to winter ☆ Challenge smelt fishing on the frozen Kanayama Lake! ! Tent reserved for each group! A half-day tour is recommended because you can experience it easily! ! Smelt fishing involves inserting a rig (hook) into a hole in the ice and moving the rod frequently to attract bites. All tents and fishing equipment are available here. Surprisingly difficult tent setup, drilling holes, and feeding are guides
Lake Sahoro (Sahoro Dam)
The artificial lake "Lake Sahoro" located in the east of Furano City and created by the construction of the Sahoro Dam. Like Lake Kanayama, it is a popular fishing spot for smelt in the Furano area, and it is an area where you can enjoy the natural landscape and the outdoors looking up at Daisetsuzan.
By car: About 10 minutes from JR Shintoku Station
By train:-
Recommended experience plan
Smelt fishing is a fun fishing that can be said to be a "winter tradition" in which a hole is made in the thick ice that covers the surface of the lake with a special drill to catch a beautiful fairy-like smelt under the ice. When it gets cold, you can enjoy fishing while warming up in a dedicated tent, so it won't freeze in the cold. A set of fishing equipment and a fishing guide are included, so even beginners can rest assured
Lake Abashiri
"Lake Abashiri" is located in the northeastern part of Hokkaido and straddles Abashiri City and Ozora Town. There are many hot spring inns and campgrounds around the lakeside, where the scenic natural scenery that flows from the Abashiri River to the Sea of Okhotsk is attractive, and smelt fishing is a popular area in winter.
By car: About 10 minutes from JR Abashiri Station
By train: Approximately 20 minutes from JR Abashiri Station to Memambetsu Station
Recommended experience plan
- 5.0
- (3 reviews / experiences)
Smelt fishing on ice that you want to experience once when you come to Hokkaido in winter. Guides such as how to use tools and feeding will firmly support you so that even those who have no fishing experience can enjoy it. If you have any problems or requests such as "The needle got caught", "I feel a little touching the fish ...", "I want to experience drilling", please leave it to me. A set of tools
Hokkaido smelt fishing tour recommended ranking
Finally, based on the latest reservation data of Activity Japan " Hokkaido smelt fishing tour recommended ranking I will introduce.
Information from users, including location and fees (price) Reputation based on reviews and testimonials Please use it as a reference to compare and consider plan selection.
- 4.7
- (50 reviews and testimonials)
☆Hatsuyume Fair now in progress☆★Don't lose to Corona! ★ Implement your own GOTO discount! The discount rate is 35%, usually 8,000 yen/person → 5,200 yen/person after discount! [Hokkaido support coupons are also available. ] You can enjoy ice smelt fishing, a winter tradition, in Sapporo city ♪ Enjoy with your family, friends, lovers and company colleagues
- 5.0
- (1 review / experience)
Experience unique to winter ☆ Challenge smelt fishing on the frozen Kanayama Lake! ! Tent reserved for each group! A half-day tour is recommended because you can experience it easily! ! Smelt fishing involves inserting a rig (hook) into a hole in the ice and moving the rod frequently to attract bites. All tents and fishing equipment are available here. Surprisingly difficult tent setup, drilling holes, and feeding are guides
- 5.0
- (8 reviews / experiences)
About 50 minutes from the center of Sapporo city, you can enjoy smelt fishing experience in the ponds and lakes of the Ishikari River system. In the era of with corona, it is necessary to avoid fishing methods that are densely packed in a tent of about 1 tsubo with shared seats, trace the new Hokkaido guidelines and Go To travel, and at the same time provide the enjoyment of winter without hesitation. increase. So, on the ice with the customer
- 4.5
- (2 reviews / experiences)
☆Hatsuyume Fair is underway☆You can enjoy smelt fishing on the ice, a winter tradition, in Sapporo city. . . I have an appointment in the afternoon. . . I wish I could experience a little bit around noon. It is a plan that was born in response to the customer's voice. I hope you can make as many memories of your winter trip to Hokkaido as possible♪
- 4.5
- (7 reviews / experiences)
Make a hole in the frozen lake and set a gimmick! With just this, all you have to do is pull the thread when you eat. Let the guide handle the troublesome drilling, feeding, and setting of gimmicks! If you learn a little trick, both beginners and children can feel free to experience it! After fishing, fry it on the spot and make it into tempura! Freshly fried hot and fresh on the spot you caught is exceptional!
Experience unique to winter ☆ Challenge smelt fishing on the frozen Kanayama Lake! ! A free transfer from Furano city is included, so you can feel at ease☆Rent a tent for each group! A half-day tour that you can easily experience is recommended! ! Smelt fishing involves inserting a rig (hook) into a hole in the ice and moving the rod frequently to attract bites. All tents and fishing equipment are available here. intention
[Hokkaido / Furano] Smelt fishing on ice in Lake Kanayama (half-day course)
It's OK with empty hands! Rental is also available! Wakasagi fishing half-day course ♪♪ Why do not you have a good time in a tent dedicated to smelt fishing on a completely frozen lake? Even if you are new to fishing, the guide will teach you how to use the rod and how to feed it, so you can enjoy it with confidence ♪ ♪ The smelt in the beautiful water is the best to fried in tempura on the spot
[Hokkaido / Minamifurano] Freezing smelt fishing at Lake Kanayama! Half-day experience course
You can experience midwinter freezing smelt fishing at Lake Kanayama, Minamifurano Town, in the middle of Hokkaido. From the front of the Kanayamako campsite, we will take you on a sled to a warm tent on the lake. Experienced guides will teach you how to fish, so even beginners can fish with confidence.
A Hokkaido winter tradition! Enjoy ice fishing on a frozen lake (smelt fishing on ice). On the shores of Lake Memanbetsu, which is 10 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport, the gateway to the skies of Okhotsk, you can enjoy smelt fishing by making a hole in the frozen surface of the lake every year. Our professional outdoor guides will guide you to the fishing spot while picking you up at the hotel or airport. Was fished
[Completely private room] In order to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, we will not guide you to share a table with other customers at the fishing hut. (Guarantee for 1 room reserved for 1 group * Even reservations for 2 or 3 people will be reserved) In addition, fishing time is (A) 7:00 to disinfect the fishing hut and rental equipment and alleviate congestion in the hall. ~10:00 is 3 hours (B) 10:30~13:00
Frequently asked questions about smelt fishing in Hokkaido
Q Can you catch smelt in Hokkaido?
A "Smelt fishing" is a winter activity that is becoming more and more popular as a winter outdoor leisure / experience-based tourism program. In Hokkaido, you can enjoy smelt fishing on ice, taking advantage of the abundant amount of snow and the severe cold. You can make the caught smelt into tempura and make it delicious! Why don't you add smelt fishing to your winter sightseeing in Hokkaido?
Q Where can you experience smelt fishing in Hokkaido?
A In Hokkaido, there are "Barato River basin" in the Central Hokkaido area such as Sapporo and Ishikari, "Kanayama Lake" in the Northern Hokkaido area such as Furano and Biei, and "Lake Abashiri" and "Sahoro Lake" in the Eastern Hokkaido area such as Shiretoko and Tokachi. It is a famous smelt fishing point. On this site, we have posted a lot of popular "Hokkaido Smelt Fishing Experience Plans". Please try to find a plan that suits your needs.
Q What is the season for fishing smelt in Hokkaido?
A The ban on smelt fishing will be lifted in Hokkaido around the end of December. The season is until the end of March of the following year. Hokkaido is about 400km north-south, so fishing ban dates vary slightly depending on the lake. Also, the opening date will change depending on the climatic conditions of the year. When applying for a plan, be sure to check the implementation information.
Q About clothes and belongings
A For many experience plans, the rental fee for fishing equipment is included in the price. Let's check at the time of booking. Even if you don't need any special tools, it is essential to take measures against the cold when fishing for smelt on ice. We recommend wearing waterproof and windproof clothing such as ski wear. Don't forget to keep your feet warm, such as putting a warmer in non-slip shoes and layering socks!