Fishing Gear Monochrome: A Stream and Trout Fishing Select Shop in Gujo, Gifu

Yagichan

As the final stop on a fishing trip that had already taken me through Shikoku and Tottori, I headed to a shop in Gifu I’d been curious about for a long time. Fishing Gear Monochrome is something of an insider’s secret among stream fishing enthusiasts, and I finally got the chance to visit!

What Is Fishing Gear Monochrome?

Fishing Gear Monochrome is a select shop in Shirotori, Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, specializing in stream fishing and trout gear. Unlike major fishing tackle chains, it’s built as a select shop for genuine anglers, and it draws stream fishing enthusiasts from all over Japan.

As the name Monochrome suggests, the shop strips away anything unnecessary and carries only items that genuinely work. The owner is himself a skilled stream angler, and he stocks only gear he’s personally tested and trusts — a style that has earned the shop credibility with anglers both locally and from further afield.

Shop Details

How to Get There

Getting to Shirotori in Gujo City is by far most convenient by car. It’s not impossible to get there by public transportation, but if you’re traveling with fishing gear, a car is really the only practical option.

• By car: About 5 minutes from the Shirotori IC on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway. Parking available.
• By train/bus: The nearest station is Hokuno Station on the Nagaragawa Railway, but you’ll still need another way to get from there to the shop. Public transportation access is inconvenient, so renting a car is recommended.

Yagichan

I stopped by during my Gifu fishing trip. It’s right off the Shirotori IC exit, so you can’t really get lost if you’re driving. Swinging by on your way between fishing spots is the best way to use it!

Appeal #1: A Curated Selection for Stream and Trout Fishing

Monochrome is a select-shop-style fishing and outdoor gear store, with particular strength in stream and mainstream river fishing.

The biggest difference from major fishing tackle chains is that they carefully curate only gear that genuinely works. Just browsing the shop is exciting.

What really stands out is that the shop is an authorized SIMMS dealer. SIMMS is a long-established American fishing apparel brand, and its waders and wading boots are among the best in the industry for quality. You can buy them online, but for waders — where fit is everything — you really want to try them on in person to get the right size.

Yagichan

I think the biggest advantage is being able to try on SIMMS gear in person while talking things through with the owner. I was struggling to choose the right waders myself, so I really appreciated getting to talk it out with him.

Appeal #2: Handmade Lures Crafted by the Owner

Another major draw of Monochrome is the handmade lures crafted by the owner himself. These are mainly minnow-type lures, tuned specifically to match the currents and fish behavior of the Nagara River system.

They’re so popular that the shop takes back orders, and waits of several months aren’t unusual. That alone tells you how much trust anglers place in them. The idea of a lure made for this specific river — something mass-produced gear can never offer — is exactly what captures the hearts of stream fishing enthusiasts.

Yagichan

I want one of those handmade lures so badly! But hearing about the months-long wait only confirmed how much value they hold. Next time, I want to put in a back order early.

Appeal #3: A Hub for Fishing Lessons and Local Information

Monochrome isn’t just a place to buy gear — it also runs fishing schools and serves as a gathering point for local and nationwide fishing information. The owner is an active angler who travels around Japan on his own fishing trips, and the sheer volume of information that comes from his experience is remarkable.

Being able to casually ask about things like where the fish are biting right now, which lures are working, or how to buy a fishing permit — real, on-the-ground information — is genuinely valuable for anglers traveling from out of town.

Yagichan

Stopping by the shop after fishing to swap information with the owner was the best part. Having a home base like this during a fishing trip really raises the quality of the whole experience.

Nearby Stream Fishing Spots (Nagara River System)

Shirotori in Gujo City sits at the heart of the Nagara River system, and top-class stream fishing spots are scattered all around Monochrome.

• Nagara River (mainstream): A clear river flowing through the Gujo area, known for strong results with sakuramasu (cherry salmon) and Amago (a trout species), and a famous spot for mainstream lure fishing.
• Yoshida River: A tributary of the Nagara River that flows through the town of Gujo Hachiman — an easily accessible and popular river.
• Ushimichi River: A small stream flowing through the Shirotori area. Fewer people fish here, making it a hidden gem where you can target good-sized Amago.

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My Visit

Honestly, I had high expectations just from hearing “a select shop specializing in stream fishing,” but actually visiting exceeded those expectations by far.

The owner was friendly and easy to talk to, and he treated me warmly even though I was a first-time visitor from out of town. Between his product knowledge, local fishing spot information, and thoughts on rigging, I found myself deep in conversation before I knew it.

My overall impression: this is a shop built by a real angler, for real anglers. If you love stream fishing, it’s a place I’d recommend visiting at least once.

Yagichan

I’m definitely stopping by again on my next Gifu trip! I want to put in a back order for one of the handmade lures, and I’m looking forward to swapping fishing info again too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary

If you love stream fishing and are planning a fishing trip to the Gujo area of Gifu, be sure to stop by. New encounters and information are sure to be waiting for you.

Yagichan

Trout Angler & Outdoor Traveler

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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.