Introduction: Fly Fishing / Lure Fishing in Japan

[Neversink]

I guess I'm the first to launch the thread in this forum for Japan.
Let me put general introduction here for a starter before further good exchange.


Saltwater Game

Japan has good locations to hunt for good/record size salt water species from dolphin fish to GT. Location varies from near Tokyo water to Okinawa where you see similar fishing to Taiwan's water (it is next to it). Japan also offers bay fishery for good size seaperch whose game is quite similar to that of striped bass in the US.

Saltwater fishery doesn't require fishing permit, but some local regulations apply regarding limit. Much coastal water is overfished, so it is best to go to remote places or charter boat, if you mean fun game.


Freshwater Game

Japan's inland and coastal water offers vriety of salmonidae which enlists 14 native species (pacific salmons, chars, and taimen) and 4 foreign species, which makes ideal fly fishing fishery. There are bass, panfish, snakeheads, and suckers too.

Many streams and lakes, except most of Hokkaido island, are managed by Gyokyo or fishing cooperatives who set regulations and charge anglers for fishing permits. Uncharted places often meet local regulations, so it is always good to check out before fishing.

There are many fishponds for busy people too and some place offers paid public beats which could best resemble fishing in rather wild rivers.

[Harry Palmer]

Welcome Neversink. Japan must have a lot of potential as a fishing destination but unfortunately the language barrier means that not many outsiders get access to information. I have been researching another species, the blue carp, which attain great weights in Japanese rivers. I also have my eye on visiting Japan to target the other large carp species one day.

[Neversink]

Hello Harry,

Blue Carp, do you mean Black Carp (speci on the photo)?



We have 4 foreign carps: black carp, grass carp, bighead carp, and silver carp. All originally imported from China, now natives in Japan. They all grow quite large when condition is met. Large and slow flowing rivers and inlets such as Tone River is known habitat for them.

Do you use bait, lure, or fly?

These guys are going after giant suckers.

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/ooedo0051


There is a guy who fishes carp on regular basis on fly and fortunately caught grass carp on fly. Please see the bottom of this page:
http://www.level4.jp/carp_fly/othe.htm