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Gifu Stream Fishing: One Hour from Nagoya to Amago Trout and Craft Beer in Gujo’s Yoshida River

Yagichan
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Hey everyone! It’s Yagi, the traveling angler.
After road trips through Shikoku and Tottori, this time I’m flying from Fukuoka Airport to the Aichi and Gifu area.
This is my first time stream fishing in Gifu Prefecture, and I can’t wait to see what kind of beautiful rivers are waiting for me. Next up: heading from Nagoya to Gifu to start fishing! Let’s dive in!

Heading to Gifu from Nagoya!

Renting a Car from Nagoya to Gifu: Guts Rent-A-Car Nagoya Station Store

The store has relocated and is now even closer to Nagoya Station, making it more convenient than ever!

Guts Rent-A-Car Nagoya Station Store
  • Address: 16-8 Tsubaki-cho, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 453-0015 (Nonogawa Building 1F)
  • Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Closed: Open every day of the year
  • Phone: 052-459-0889

The old location was a 15-to-20-minute walk away, so this move has made it much more convenient to use. On a fishing trip you’re usually hauling a ton of gear, so cutting down that walking distance is a huge plus!

The business hours have also been extended — they’re now open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM — so there’s plenty of breathing room when it comes to return time. Even if you want to squeeze in a little more fishing, or spot a great-looking point right on the way back, you can use the car with peace of mind.

Amago Trout Fishing on the Yoshida River in Gujo, Gifu

About one hour from Nagoya Station on the expressway, and I arrived in Gujo City, Gifu. This time my target is amago trout (red-spotted masu salmon) in the Nagara River system. Since it was right after the Ayu (sweetfish) season had opened, almost every riffle already had an Ayu angler staked out on it!

Yoshida River, part of the Nagara River system, in Gujo, Gifu

Arrived at the Yoshida River, part of the Nagara River system!

Walking path along the Yoshida River in Gujo, Gifu

There’s a walking path along the river, perfect for relaxing.

I found a promising-looking weir and cast a few times, but got no response. A little downstream from here there were a lot of Ayu anglers, so with the right timing and season this spot could definitely produce. There are also well-known points further upstream, so you can enjoy Amago fishing along the whole stretch.

Choro-nii
Choro-nii

Check out the tackle info below!

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Fishing License for the Yoshida River: Gujo Fisheries Cooperative

The Yoshida River in Gujo City is managed by the Gujo Fisheries Cooperative. Before entering the river, obtain the appropriate fishing permit and carry it with you while fishing.

Permit for Amago Trout Fishing
  • Permit category: Non-ayu species permit (covers amago and iwana)
  • Day permit: ¥1,500
  • Annual permit: ¥6,000
  • Anglers under 25: free, but must carry proof of age
  • Where to buy: Gujo Fisheries Cooperative, authorized permit dealers, or FISHPASS

Important: Buy the permit before entering the fishing area. Fees, opening dates, and special restrictions can change, so check the cooperative’s latest official information before each trip.

Q
Fishing seasons and minimum lengths
SpeciesPermitted seasonFish that must not be kept
Amago and iwanaFrom the officially announced opening date through September 3015 cm or less
Unagi (Japanese eel)April 1–September 3030 cm or less
Ugui (Japanese dace)June 1–March 31 of the following year10 cm or less
Koi (carp)Year-round20 cm or less
Oikawa, kajika, ajime loach and yoshinoboriYear-roundSee the latest official rules
Rainbow troutDates announced by the cooperativeSee the latest official rules
Ayu (sweetfish)Dates announced annually by the cooperativeSee the latest official rules

For 2026, the Gujo trout season opened at 5:00 AM on February 1. Opening dates are announced for each season, so do not assume the same date applies every year.

Q
Prohibited areas and important rules

The Gujo Fisheries Cooperative has several year-round no-fishing areas covering entire tributaries or specifically defined river sections.

  • Do not fish inside fishways or at designated weir and dam structures.
  • The protected area and the species covered differ by location.
  • Some small tributaries are closed year-round even when the main river is open.
  • Fishing rules and restricted areas should be checked on the official map before entering the river.

Because the official boundaries are described using local bridges, weirs, confluences, and tributary names, this article does not reproduce every boundary in translation. Use the cooperative’s current official fishing-area map and regulations as the final authority.

Where to Eat: Showta’s Udon

A must-visit spot whenever I’m in Gujo! If you love udon, you can’t miss this place!

Showta's Udon restaurant in Gujo, Gifu
Interior of Showta's Udon restaurant
Showta’s Udon
  • Address: 945 Shinmachi, Hachiman-cho, Gujo, Gifu 501-4226
  • Phone: 090-3589-2129
  • Hours:
    • Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 11:00 AM – 1:45 PM
    • Sat: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
  • Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday

Source: Showta’s Udon

Tempura platter and spicy curry udon at Showta's Udon

Tempura Set and Spicy Curry Udon ¥2,100
This spicy curry udon is out of this world.

Tempura set served at Showta's Udon

The tempura set that comes with it

Tempura platter and carbonara udon at Showta's Udon

Tempura Set and Carbonara Udon (hot or cold) ¥2,150

Showta’s Udon is packed with its own story and a real passion for the craft. Fishing aside, udon fans from all over the country — this place is worth a trip on its own. They’ve also got a stylish, detail-packed official website, so check that out for more!

Wrap-Up

About one hour from Nagoya and I’d made it to the Nagara River system in Gujo, Gifu! This trip had plenty of detours along the way, but will I actually meet an Amago from the Nagara River!? If you’ve got any tips on craft beer or good fishing spots, I’d love to hear about them in the comments!

Stay tuned for more of the Aichi and Gifu trip!

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ABOUT ME
Yagichan
Yagichan
Trout Angler & Outdoor Traveler
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.
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