The Best of Hokkaido’s Winter- A Complete Smelt Ice Fishing Guide! Introducing Seasons, Recommended Spots, and Comfortable Facilities for a “Hands-Free” Experience

There is a special activity that can only be enjoyed during Hokkaido’s harsh winter: Smelt (Wakasagi) Ice Fishing. The experience of drilling a hole in a frozen lake or river and catching small smelts one after another has a charm that captivates everyone, from beginners to seasoned anglers.

This article, written by our ice-fishing expert Naoki, provides a thorough guide on the season, available areas, features, participation requirements, and recommended fishing spots you need to know to fully enjoy smelt fishing in Hokkaido!

The Appeal and Features of Hokkaido Smelt Fishing

The greatest appeal of smelt fishing in Hokkaido lies in its unique style and ease of access!

The Best Part of Smelt Ice Fishing

Smelt fishing in Hokkaido primarily centers around “ice fishing,” conducted on lakes and rivers locked in by snow and ice.

• Ice Hole Drilling: A hole is drilled into the frozen ice, and the fishing line is dropped through it. This activity, done in the winter silver world, is unique to Hokkaido.
• The Thrill of the Catch: Even though smelts are small, the distinctive “pitter-patter” tug felt in your hands is addictive.
• Fresh Delicacy: The best part is being able to eat the smelts you catch, prepared as tempura or deep-fried near the site. They are fresh, have no fishy odor, and are absolutely exquisite.

Hands-Free OK! Safe Participation for Beginners

Many guided tour plans are available for smelt fishing in Hokkaido, providing everything from fishing instruction to a full set of equipment, allowing you to participate “hands-free.”

Participation Details:

• Participation Requirements: None in particular. Enjoyed by everyone from small children to the elderly.
• Necessary Gear: Cold weather gear (ski wear, etc.), waterproof boots, gloves, and a hat (essential cold protection).
• Rental: By joining a guided tour, you get a set of tent, rod, tackle, and bait, allowing for a “hands-free” experience.
• Facilities: Some spots provide specialized smelt tents or covered vinyl houses, allowing you to enjoy fishing comfortably even on snowy or very cold days.
• Guide Fee: Varies depending on the tour operator’s plan.

Must-See! The Best Season and Time for Hokkaido Smelt Fishing

Ice fishing for smelt is limited to the mid-winter period when the lake ice becomes sufficiently thick to safely support the weight of people on the ice.

Ice Fishing Season Start and End Dates

General Hokkaido Season:

• Start: Late December – Early January
• End: Around Late March
• Condition: Ice thickness must be 15 cm or more. This varies by year and region.

Regional Seasons:

• Eastern Hokkaido (Doto):
  • Season: Mid-to-Late December to Early March (stable).
  • Note: The severe cold causes ice to form quickly, allowing for a comparatively longer season. (e.g., Kanayama Lake, Akan Lake, Abashiri Lake)
• Central/Southern Hokkaido (Dochu/Donan):
  • Season: Late December – Early January to Early-to-Mid March.
  • Note: Many spots have good access from urban areas, which can lead to weekend crowding. (e.g., Barato River, Shinotsu Lake, Tsukigata Lake, Onuma)

Recommended Smelt Fishing Spots in Hokkaido

No we will introduce popular spots with great access and facilities, making them safe and enjoyable for beginners!

Enjoy Near Sapporo (Central Hokkaido Area)

Popular spots that are easily accessible for a day trip are concentrated in or near Sapporo City.

• Barato River (Baratogawa) – Sapporo City / Ishikari City:
  • Features: About a 40-minute drive from Sapporo City. Many guided tours with shuttle service from the Sapporo Station area. Extremely popular due to excellent access.
  • Season: Late December – Early March.
• Shinotsu Lake (Shinshinotsu Village) – Shinshinotsu Village, Ishikari Dist.:
  • Features: Has a covered vinyl house (heated), ideal for beginners and families. Extensive rental equipment and cooking services for caught smelts are available.
  • Season: Late December – Early March.
• Kairaku Park (Tsukigata Town) – Tsukigata Town:
  • Features: Known for stable catches and has covered shelters, making it ideal for beginners and families. Day-trip hot springs are nearby. Fishing area limited to participants of guided tours with shuttle service from the Sapporo Station area.
  • Season: Late December – Early March.
• Katsurazawa Lake (Katsurazawako) – Mikasa City:
  • Features: Known for stable catches, popular even with veterans. Day-trip hot springs are nearby to warm up after the cold. Not recommended for beginners or those without a guide.
  • Season: Early January – Early March.
• Poroto Lake – Shiraoi Town:
  • Features: About a 1 hour 20 minute drive from Sapporo. Well-equipped facilities, recommended for families.
  • Season: Opens when ice thickness nears 20cm.

Popular Spots in Eastern and Southern Hokkaido

These spots feature beautiful natural scenery and can be combined with hot springs and other activities on a day trip.

• Akan Lake (Akanko) – Kushiro City (Doto):
  • Features: Home to the special natural monument, the marimo. In winter “Ice Land Akan” opens as a leisure park where you can enjoy smelt fishing, snowmobiling, and more.
  • Season: Mid-January – Late March.
• Abashiri Lake (Abashiriko) – Abashiri City (Doto):
  • Features: Hot spring inns dot the lakeside. A major draw is enjoying smelt fishing amidst the scenic beauty, followed by a warm soak in a hot spring.
  • Season: January – March.
• Onuma Quasi-National Park – North of Hakodate City (Donan):
  • Features: A spectacular spot overlooking Mt. Komagatake. In winter, besides smelt fishing, you can enjoy activities like snowmobiling.
  • Season: January – March.
• Kanayama Lake – Minamifurano Town:
  • Features: Relatively easy access, about a 40-minute drive from Furano. Many guided tour plans are held, which include rental of equipment (rod, reel, etc.), a tasting of smelt tempura, and use of a stove-equipped tent.

Summary: Fully Enjoy Hokkaido’s Winter with Smelt Fishing!

Hokkaido’s smelt fishing is the ultimate winter experience by finding joy amidst the cold.

• It’s an extraordinary experience on the ice.
• Rentals and house facilities make it comfortable for beginners.
• The season runs from late December to late March.

Compare the features of each spot, from near Sapporo to the lakes of Eastern Hokkaido, and try the smelt fishing experience that is perfect for you. Many easy-to-join tours are available, so this winter, head out onto the ice in Hokkaido and aim for the “queen of winter fish,” the smelt!

Book now: Ice Fishing Throughout Hokkaido