2026.07.23

Early Spring Trout Fishing in Southern Hokkaido: A March Stream Adventure Near Hakodate

やぎちゃん

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やぎちゃん

Hi everyone, Yagi here! After arriving in Hakodate, I spent quite a few slow days relaxing at Tsutaya Books, and I just could not seem to switch into fishing mode.

Then one morning, a chance encounter at a local hot spring led to an introduction—and eventually an invitation to go fishing together. Without that unexpected connection, I would never have caught the fish in this story.

GoPro HERO13 Black クリエーターエディション

created by Rinker

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SONY Cyber-shot RX100VII

created by Rinker

ソニー(SONY)

Early Spring Trout Fishing in Southern Hokkaido

Early Spring Trout Fishing in Southern Hokkaido

Early spring trout stream in southern Hokkaido in March

It took a long time to reach this moment, but I finally landed a rainbow trout measuring around 24 cm (9.5 inches).

Since arriving in Hakodate, I had spent more time unwinding at Tsutaya Books than fishing. Strangely enough, that slower pace was what led me to visit a hot spring one morning, meet a local person, and eventually join this memorable fishing trip.

チョロン

Even now, it still feels like such an unlikely connection.

Because someone local took me to this stream, I will not publish its exact location. The spot was about a 90-minute drive from Hakodate. The stream was approximately five meters (16 feet) wide at its broadest point. We visited around two days after rainfall, and the moderately elevated flow turned out to be just about right.

Fishing a snowy stream in southern Hokkaido in March

Tackle and Lures Used

Rod: Shimano Cardiff Stream Limited S48UL-4
- This responsive four-piece pack rod brings out the action of a minnow and has enough backbone to handle larger trout in Hokkaido.

A Stream About 90 Minutes from Hakodate

This was a remote mountain stream with no one else around, so it would have felt intimidating to fish alone. We later checked farther upstream but found no response. The trout seemed to be concentrated in a particular stretch where fish had been seen before.

The rainbow trout hit in the middle section, where the current opened into a wider flow. Because the water was moving strongly, I mainly cast upstream and worked the lure through the same area several times from different angles. Eventually, one of those passes produced the strike.

Remote trout stream near Hakodate in southern Hokkaido

We carefully searched below a small weir, but nothing took the lure.

Rainbow trout stream in southern Hokkaido

There was no response below the larger weir either. The strong current swept the lure downstream quickly, leaving only a short window to work it. Choosing a lure that could make a clear presentation while reaching the right depth was essential.

Lure fishing in a southern Hokkaido trout stream

A beautiful stream always makes for a good photograph. My local fishing companion used a baitcasting setup from Hitotoki Works.

Hitotoki Works

GoPro HERO13 Black クリエーターエディション

created by Rinker

GoPro(ゴープロ)

Cold-Weather Gear: Norrøna Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood

It was extremely cold, so I came fully prepared. I wore the Norrøna Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood, which has since been discontinued. Its lightweight synthetic insulation continues to provide warmth even if it gets slightly wet. It is somewhat bulky, but the excellent warmth makes the extra volume worthwhile.

I had mainly used this jacket for winter mountaineering, but March in Hakodate was so cold that I tried it for stream fishing for the first time. I rarely felt cold, and whenever I began to overheat while moving, I could open the zipper to regulate my temperature. The relaxed cut around the arms did not interfere with casting. My experience managing an outdoor shop and handling a wide range of technical clothing definitely helped when choosing gear for this trip.

Norrøna Trollveggen Primaloft100 Zip Hood

View on Rakuten

When does the trout fishing season open around Hakodate and southern Hokkaido?: There is no single opening date that applies to every river and fish species in Hokkaido. Rules can vary by species, season, waterway, river section, fishery rights, and protected area. Before fishing, check the current Hokkaido Government fishing rules, the southern Hokkaido area map, local signs, and any rules issued by the relevant fishery-right holder.

What should I wear for stream fishing in southern Hokkaido in March?: Snow can still remain in March, and temperatures beside a stream may be especially low. Use a warm base layer, an insulating midlayer, and a waterproof outer shell. Choose waders and boots suitable for cold water and slippery conditions, and carry gloves and spare dry layers. Conditions change quickly, so check the weather, water level, and access before leaving.

Which lure worked for rainbow trout on this trip?: I caught the trout with a homemade a’o lure. The current was strong, so it was important to use a lure that could reach the right depth and make a clear presentation within a short working distance. Repeated upstream casts from several angles eventually produced the strike.

How did a hot-spring visit lead to this fishing trip?: It was simply a fortunate personal encounter. A conversation during a morning visit to a local hot spring led to an introduction, and that connection eventually became an invitation to fish together. This was my own experience, so travelers should not expect local anglers to disclose private fishing spots. Respectful conversation, local rules, and the privacy of sensitive streams always come first.

Official rules: Review the latest Hokkaido Government Fishing Rules and Manners before your trip.

Final Thoughts

March trout fishing trip in southern Hokkaido

This early spring fishing trip began with a completely unexpected connection. The journey—and the friendships created through fishing—did not end here. In the next part, I will share the story of the brown trout that followed.