New Zealand Fishing Trip Guide: The Complete Route from North Island to Milford Sound
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Niyodo River Trout Fishing in Kochi: Permit, Access and Trip Report
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Fresh off the back of mountain stream fishing trips to New Zealand and Hokkaido, this time I set out on a week-long mountain stream fishing trip through Shikoku.
My target was the Niyodo River system, a place that had been on my mind for a while.
It’s a renowned area famous for its crystal-clear water, known as “Niyodo Blue.”
目次
The Niyodo River System
When it comes to Shikoku, the Niyodo River system is the name that comes to mind. It’s a place I’d wanted to visit since last year but never quite made it to, so I was glad to finally get the chance. It’s a river famous for its Niyodo Blue water.
Even the stretches of river right along the road had this kind of stream character, giving off a sense that you could catch fish almost anywhere. The water really was strikingly clear and beautiful.
🎣 Fishing Permits
Fishing permit fees are an important source of funding for maintaining rivers where healthy fish populations can thrive. When you go fishing, be sure to purchase a fishing permit from a bait shop, an authorized retailer, or through the FishPass app.
Fishing Permit List
| License Type | Fee | Target Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual license (net) | ¥11,000 | Ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), koi (carp), amago (trout category), mokuzugani (mitten crab) | |
| Annual license (rod) | ¥9,000 | Same as above | *Net fishing not permitted |
| Annual license (rod, senior/disability) | ¥5,000 | Same as above | Age 75+ or persons with disabilities; net fishing not permitted |
| Annual license (amago) | ¥6,000 | Amago (trout category) | Rod fishing only |
| Day license (rod fishing) | ¥2,000 | Ayu (sweetfish), unagi (eel), koi (carp), amago | Net fishing not permitted |
| Annual license (winter amago) | ¥3,000 | Amago (trout category) | |
| Day license (winter amago) | ¥1,000 | Amago (trout category) |
Open Season List
| Species | Open Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ayu | 6/1 – 9/30 *Some sections until 12/31 | Tributaries and upper reaches may have an extended season |
| Amago | 3/1 – 9/30 | |
| Winter amago | 10/1 – end of February the following year |
For any other details, please check the official website of the Niyodo River Fisheries Cooperative.
*I’d forgotten my landing net, so I ended up photographing the fish on a rock instead. I made sure to wet the rock well and kept the photo session extremely short.
Tackle Used
- Lure: Spoon (switched from a minnow after getting no response)
- Rod：TENRYU Rays Integral
- Reel: Abu Garcia Cardinal 33
- Line: CASKET Trout Plugging 5lb
You can find more tackle information here!
あわせて読みたい
Early Spring Trout Fishing in Southern Hokkaido: A March Stream Adventure Near Hakodate
This time I focused mainly on the upper reaches, targeting Amago (a landlocked form of cherry salmon), but the response was weak…
I tried several types of minnows without getting a single bite, and in the end it was a spoon that finally scored a hit!
Fish responded especially well below erosion-control dams and in rivers where the fisheries cooperative had reported catches. Checking river information and catch reports before heading out is a must.
🔍 Helpful Fishing Information Sites & Media
- Shikoku no Keiryu Tsuri Mobile
Packed with mountain stream fishing reports from all across Shikoku — highly recommended for anyone traveling in from out of the area. - TV Osaka’s episode featuring DAIWA’s Masahiro Kobayashi
An archived broadcast episode filmed on location in the Niyodo River system is available to watch. - River Conditions Mountain Stream Fish Catches
You can check river information and the general areas where fish have been caught on the fisheries cooperative’s website. Be sure to use it to gather information and check river conditions before you go fishing.
Nouka Shokudo Café Icho no Ki: A Local Flavor and Recommended Lunch Spot in Oku-Shimanto, Kochi
- 🕊 Business Hours (Details Here)
-
- Open days: Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only
- Hours: 8:00–15:00
- Morning menu: 8:30–10:30
- Lunch: 11:30–14:00 (*Reservation required at least 3 days in advance)
- Café use: 8:30–15:00
- ☎ Reservations & Inquiries: 0889-43-9155
*The morning menu and udon can be ordered at any time, regardless of time slot.
In a nostalgic, healing space, enjoy heartwarming country-style home cooking.
At Nouka Shokudo Café Icho no Ki in Oku-Shimanto, Kochi,
local mothers lovingly prepare homemade meals made from the heart.The dishes, generously made with wild mountain vegetables and other seasonal local produce,
have a certain nostalgic quality — the kind of comfort you’d feel coming home to your grandmother’s house in the countryside.You’ll be warmly welcomed with the spirit of “yoki kitane” (a local way of saying “welcome, glad you came”).
📢 Check Facebook for the Latest Updates!
Changes to business days or temporary closures are announced
on the Facebook page of the community center “Oku-Shimanto no Sato.”
Please check before you visit.👉 The Oku-Shimanto no Sato Facebook page is here
🌿 Come experience local flavor and warmth at “Icho no Ki.”
Source: Iitoko Kouchi
Q
A Rare Dining Spot in an Area Where Restaurants Are Scarce — Worth the Visit
The Oku-Shimanto area of Kochi is a peaceful, nature-rich region, but
If you’re planning to visit this area, we recommend preparing food and drinks in advance.
On the day, I wasn’t able to pick up any extra supplies, so I ended up having to travel quite a bit.
What I Ordered: “Haikara Udon”
A bowl defined by its light, refreshing broth and soup — perfect for the hot season.
A little different from everyday udon,
it let me enjoy a flavor unique to this region.
It has that special quality that makes you think, “This is worth making a special trip for.”
👥 A Warm Space Bustling with Locals
Inside, the restaurant was a space full of smiles and conversation among local residents.
You could really feel the atmosphere unique to the area, making it an experience that went beyond just a meal.
That’s a way to enjoy it that’s unique to this place!
🎣 A Quick Note on Fishing in the Area
There are several tributaries near Icho no Ki, but water levels are often low, so depending on recent rainfall, fishing can sometimes be difficult. It’s a good idea to check weather conditions carefully before making your plans.
あわせて読みたい
【四国ドライブ旅】クラフトビール×キャンプ×図書館×フェリーで満喫する癒しの休日
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ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Yagi, an outdoor enthusiast from Japan who loves trout fishing and travel. I share firsthand fishing reports, local rules and licenses, destination guides, gear reviews, and outdoor adventures from across Japan and beyond. Whether you are planning a fishing trip to Japan or simply enjoy exploring nature, I hope these guides help you travel with confidence and discover something new.
