【Hokkaido Winter Must-Do】Wakasagi Ice Fishing: Beginner’s Guide and Tour Benefits

This comprehensive guide answers key questions about Wakasagi (Smelt) Ice Fishing, Hokkaido’s essential winter activity. Learn how to fish, where to go, and why a guided tour is the easiest way to experience the best of the season.

1. What is Wakasagi Ice Fishing?

Wakasagi fishing targets the small, cold-hardy Japanese smelt (Plecoglossus altivelis). In Hokkaido, this is primarily practiced as Ice Wakasagi Fishing on frozen lakes and marshes, making it a unique winter tradition. It is an extraordinary activity, combining fishing with a stunning snowscape environment.

When and Where is Wakasagi Fishing Season?

The season typically runs from late December to early March. Fishing is permitted once the ice thickness meets local safety standards.

Key Fishing Spots:

• Sapporo/Suburbs: Barato River, Shinotsu Lake, Kairaku Park (Tsukigata)

• Central/East Hokkaido: Lake Kanayama (Furano), Lake Akan (Kushiro), Lake Abashiri

• South Hokkaido: Onuma Park (near Hakodate)

2. How Do I Fish for Wakasagi? (3 Simple Steps)

Wakasagi fishing is simple and does not require complex techniques. Using a guided tour makes the process comfortable and easy.

Wakasagi Fishing in 3 Steps

1. Setup (Drilling & Shelter): An ice drill is used to bore a hole in the frozen surface. A heated tent or cabin is immediately set up over the hole for warmth. (Tours often pre-drill the holes.)

2. Casting (Line & Bait): A small, specialized rod uses a lightweight sabiki rig (multiple small hooks) with bait (like maggots). The rig is lowered through the hole into the water.

3. Catching (Luring & Bite): Gently move the rod tip to “lure” the fish. When you feel a tiny vibration or tug (atari), quickly lift the rod to set the hook.

Wakasagi travel in schools, so beginners often experience periods of continuous bites, making it easy to catch a satisfying amount.

3. Why Choose a Guided Wakasagi Fishing Tour? (3 Key Benefits)

Wakasagi fishing is fun, but a guided tour maximizes the comfort and culinary experience.

Appeal 1: Immediate Culinary Delight (Fresh Tempura)

The biggest draw is the food experience. Wakasagi are at their freshest straight out of the ice. Most tours offer the service of deep-frying your catch into hot, crispy tempura right at the fishing site for immediate enjoyment.

Appeal 2: Maximum Comfort in Extreme Cold

You enjoy a spectacular winter view from the warmth of a heated tent or cabin. Safety measures are professionally managed (ice thickness, weather checks), making it a comfortable, non-strenuous activity for families and beginners.

Appeal 3: Zero Preparation Required (True Hands-Free Experience)

Guided tours include everything you need, simplifying the experience for travelers:

• Gear Included: Rods, tackle, bait, drills, and license fees.

• Rentals: Many include or offer rentals for essential cold-weather gear and boots.

4. Booking the Optimal Wakasagi Tour

If you are traveling to Hokkaido, a guided tour is the recommended method for experiencing wakasagi fishing. Tours range from half-day (2–3 hours) options and are available across all major tourist areas. To ensure you secure a spot during the peak season (especially weekends in February), book now!

Check out our ice fishing tours here: Ice Fishing Tours in Hokkaido!