Ichinoto River Trout Fishing in Fukushima: Permit, Access and Trip Report
やぎちゃん
Yagichan’s Fishing & Travel Blog
Early Spring Brown Trout Fishing in Hakodate: Two 50 cm+ Fish in March
やぎちゃん
記事内に商品プロモーションを含む場合があります！
Hello, everyone! It’s Yagi. This is the second part of my stream-fishing adventure with the owner I met through an unexpected connection.
One morning, a chance conversation at an onsen led to an introduction to the owner, and we ended up going fishing together. Without that unexpected connection, I would never have experienced the catches in this story.
目次
Changing Locations and Returning to Hakodate
We returned to Hakodate and headed to a spot where the owner had caught fish before.
I made several casts and felt a few strikes, but none of the fish stayed hooked. The owner then demonstrated the technique: let the lure drift through that section, hold it in place like this—and suddenly, a fish struck. His technique was impressive. Watching how he triggered a response during the still-cold conditions of March taught me a great deal.
Because another fish was unlikely to strike immediately at the same spot, the owner unexpectedly handed me the rod after hooking the fish and let me finish the fight. I was a little unsure because it was my first time using a baitcasting reel, but I managed to land it. The fish was an incredibly thick male brown trout measuring more than 50 cm (about 20 inches).
Instead of the 50 mm minnows I normally use in Japanese mountain streams, larger lures from Lucky Craft and D-3 Custom Lure’s proved especially effective here. Casting downstream and keeping the lure in the strike zone for longer gave these big trout time to respond.
In the headwaters and upper reaches where I usually fish, quick, lively movements often trigger trout. Targeting large trout in Hokkaido required almost the opposite approach. Water temperature, season, elevation, weather, and current all influence how a minnow should be worked. The more techniques you can adapt to those conditions, the more opportunities you create—and perhaps what I learned here helped lead to a later catch as well.
あわせて読みたい
【保存版】ニュージーランドでトラウトを釣る装備まとめ｜60UP対応タックル＆おすすめルアー解説
Another Brown Trout from the Same Spot?
We sent the lure through the same area several more times, but nothing responded. Was that the only fish there? I reset, cast hard toward the upstream section, and let the lure work slowly through the current. I kept just enough tension to prevent the flow from overpowering it while giving it a soft, fluttering action. Then—bang! Against all expectations, a second brown trout struck at the same spot. This one was a female, and this time it came from my own upstream cast.
Tackle and Lure Used
- Rod: Anglo & Company Paragon G Series Glass Fiber 3-Piece Model PG4113
- This is the rod that has brought me into contact with more big trout than any other. Its packed length is slightly long for travel, but the rod itself is compact and works comfortably in everything from small streams to remote headwaters. The flex of the glass blank also makes fighting a large fish incredibly enjoyable.
- Reel: Abu Garcia Cardinal 33
- Once you use it, you understand how easy feathering the line can be. The spool sits in exactly the right position for control.
- Line: Shimano PITBULL 8
- The same heavy-fish setup I used in New Zealand.
- Leader: Pink Fluorocarbon Shock Leader 30 m
- The same heavy-fish specification I used in New Zealand.
- Lure: Lucky Craft B’Freeze 65 (borrowed)
- Its subtle swimming action and ability to hold depth were ideal. I am convinced this particular minnow made the catch possible.
Where to Buy
The successful lure was a Lucky Craft B’Freeze 65 that I tied on during a lure rotation. Its lifelike action drew this large brown trout out despite the cold water. I was especially pleased that the second fish came from an upstream cast rather than the downstream presentation that had worked earlier.
This lure can hold its depth while remaining in view of the fish for a long, slow presentation. Its size and running depth happened to match the conditions perfectly. For me, it really lived up to the “Lucky” name—I was fortunate to catch that fish.
The river was wide and powerful with plenty of water, so I chose the Anglo & Company Paragon G Series glass-fiber rod. I had also used it the previous year to land a rainbow trout over 50 cm, and it seems to have a special affinity with the large trout I encounter in Hokkaido.
I have occasionally lost smaller fish on this rod, yet for some reason it hooks and holds the bigger ones securely. The Paragon G Series glass-fiber rod has delivered when it matters most. Its packed length is a little long for travel, but still manageable.
- Can you catch brown trout around Hakodate in southern Hokkaido?
-
Brown trout inhabit some waters in southern Hokkaido, and this trip produced two fish measuring more than 50 cm. Their distribution and abundance vary considerably between rivers, however. To protect the fishery and respect local anglers, this article does not identify the exact location.
Q
- What lure worked for brown trout on this trip?
-
A Lucky Craft B’Freeze 65 was the key lure on this cold March day. A slow presentation that held the minnow at the desired depth gave the trout time to respond. The effective retrieve will vary with water temperature, current, depth, and fish activity, so treat this as a firsthand example rather than a universal formula.
Q
- Can you go stream fishing within Hakodate?
-
This trip took place on a river within Hakodate. That does not mean every urban or suburban river is open to fishing. Access restrictions, private property, protected areas, fishery rights, and species-specific rules can differ by location, so check the latest official Hokkaido fishing rules and local access conditions before fishing.
Q
- Should brown trout in Hokkaido be released or kept?
-
Brown trout are not native to Japan, and their management may differ by river or protected area. Do not assume that catch-and-release—or keeping a fish—is always required or permitted. Check the latest Hokkaido fishing rules, local fishery regulations, and any posted instructions for the exact water you plan to fish.
Q
スポンサーリンク
Final Thoughts
During the final part of this fishing journey, which began through an unexpected connection, I made many new discoveries. The cold conditions gave me the opportunity to add techniques that are especially useful at this time of year, and I could only do that because of everything the owner taught me.
The approaches used here were completely different from those I rely on in Kyushu. By taking on new conditions in Hokkaido and New Zealand, perhaps I am gradually building the ability to find that first fish wherever I travel.
The owner I met through this remarkable coincidence took me to many places and generously shared his knowledge. He taught me not only about fishing, but also about business and life. I would like to use this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude.
Travel introduces us to new people and, through them, new ways to enjoy the world. Stream fishing was also what first inspired me to travel. There is no doubt that it has given me a reason to visit so many different places.
Hokkaido is only a direct flight away from Kyushu.
My life of exploring new waters, stream fishing, and traveling is far from over.
Thank you, as always, for reading to the end!
スポンサーリンク
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.
