Ice fishing is a great choice for anglers and children getting into the line and reel. It also happens to be one of the most addictive ways to catch fish. For locals, ice fishing is a traditional activity to enjoy the snow season alone, or with family. The best months for ice fishing are January to March. If you visit Hokkaido during this time, don’t miss out on this fun and inexpensive activity.
Ice Fishing In Hokkaido
Ice fishing called wakasagi tsuri. In Hokkaido, some wakasagi tsuri places will show you drill holes. But some places already drilled holes and set up tents or shanties before you go. Also, it depends on places, most places have fishing supplies and equipment rentals. Please remember to check before you go. Most places are beginner-friendly, they teach you how to do it before you start.
Normally what we fish is Japanese smelt, a type of small and tasty fish. The fish commonly be made into tempura or roasted and is perfectly complemented by warm sake (Japanese rice wine). Few places can catch other varieties of fishes. After fishing, you can ask the cooking service or you can bring home someplace you need to pay a little bit extra money for the cooking service.
Things To Prepare Before You Go
To advance your experience, getting prepared before you go is a tip.
1. Clothing
The clothing key is to keep your body warm, especially feet and hands.
Adult
Outerwear – water and windproof insulated jacket
Innerwear – thermal underwear
Top – long-sleeve shirt, fleece, sweater, sweatshirt, cardigan
Bottom – thermal pants, snow pants, ski pants
Footwear – no-slip snow boots
Accessories – waterproof glove, sunglass, thermal or wool socks, scarf, knit hat or beanie
Kids
Outerwear – water and windproof insulated jacket (snowsuit for toddler and baby)
Innerwear – thermal underwear
Top – long-sleeve shirt, fleece, sweater, cardigan
Bottom – thermal pants, snow pants, ski pants
Footwear – no-slip snow boots
Accessories – waterproof glove, sunglass, thermal or wool socks, scarf, knit hat or beanie
2. Hot drinks
As you will stay below 0℃ for at least 2 hours, bringing some hot drink in the esky will be an idea to keep warm and quench thirst.
3. Heat pad
You can buy heat pads at the convenience store or pharmacy. It’s another idea for you to keep yourself warm.
Places To Experience Ice Fishing
Here are some places that are safe and fun for traveling families to experience ice fishing.
Lake Junsai (Junsai numa)
Lake Junsai is the specially protected area in Onuma National Park. You can experience ice fishing at this natural lake. The staff are local Onuma fishermen! They will teach you how to do it with their knowledge. Kids and beginners friendly!
Available period: January to the end of March
Opening hour: 8:00-16:00 No time limit
Ticket fee: Adult ¥600/day, kids ¥300/day
Equipment rental fee: ¥500/day include rod, line, hook, bait, bucket, chair
Cooking service: Deep-fried smelt ¥300/100g, ¥500/more than 300g
Address: 318-1 Nishionuma, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido, 041-1355
Contact number: 080-4040-7575
Tai Koen
Available period: January to the end of March
Opening hour: 8:30-16:00 No time limit
Ticket fee: Adult ¥1500/day, kids ¥1500/day
Equipment rental fee: ¥500/day include rod, line, hook, bait, bucket, chair
Cooking service: Deep-fried smelt ¥500
Address: 1023 Onumacho, Nanae, Kameda District, Hokkaido 041-1354
Contact number: 090-2810-7347
Lake Shinotsu
Lake Shinotsu is next to Tappunoyu Onsen in Shinshinotsu village. It’s a popular place around the region for ice fishing. There are three fishing zones, where you can either sit inside a tent or a fishing hut or just out in the open. Along with day fishing, Lake Shinotsu is also open for night fishing. Don’t forget to book at Tappunoyu Onsen before you go.
NOTICE: Do not drill holes by yourself, an accident may occur.
Available period: Late December to early March. It depends on the weather.
Opening hour: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, Night Fishing: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Approx hour: 2.5 hrs
Ticket fee: Day & Night Adult ¥2600, under 13yrs old ¥1500, under 7yrs old ¥800, under 3yrs old free. Price includes equipment and shanty
Cooking service: Deep-fried smelt free (11:00-20:00 available)
Address: 〒068-1100 Hokkaido, Ishikari District, Shinshinotsu, Dai 45 Sen, Kita−２
Contact number: 0126-58-3166 Tappunoyu Onsen
Lake Poroto
Ice fishing is a famous winter activity on Lake Poroto. You can catch 100 smelts in one hour. And it’s in the Shiraoi town which is known for its Ainu culture. You can make a trip to experience wakasagi tsuri and Ainu culture. Don’t forget to book at Shiraoi Tourist Center before you go.
Available period: Mid January to Mid February
Opening hour:8:00 ~ 16:00
Ticket fee: Adult ¥500/day, kids ¥200/day
Equipment rental fee: ¥1550 up~
Cooking service: Deep-fried or boiled in soy sauce (tsukudani) smelt free
Address: Lake Poroto, Shiraoi, Hokkaido
Contact number: 0144‐82‐6755 Shiraoi tourist center
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