Hokkaido Smelt Fishing | Lake Akan & Lake Abashiri Guide
"Ice smelt fishing" — drilling a hole in a frozen lake and dropping in a line — is a classic winter Hokkaido activity. Popular spots are scattered across the island, including Lake Akan, known for its marimo moss balls, and Lake Abashiri, Japan's top smelt-producing lake. This guide covers what makes each area unique, typical pricing, the best season, and what to bring.
Why Try Smelt Fishing in Hokkaido
Smelt fishing is popular partly because so many facilities offer full gear rental, letting you come completely empty-handed. Some also offer to tempura-fry your catch right on the spot — getting to eat it freshly fried is a big part of the appeal. There's a unique thrill to reeling in one fish after another through a small hole in the ice that you won't find in other kinds of fishing.
Recommended Areas for Smelt Fishing
Lake Akan
Known as the habitat of marimo moss balls, Lake Akan becomes a celebrated spot for ice smelt fishing during the depths of winter. Easy plans bundling gear and the fishing fee are available, and the tempura service is a popular perk.
Lake Abashiri
One of Hokkaido's leading smelt fisheries, Lake Abashiri is also known as a source of smelt stocked in lakes nationwide. Rod and tackle rentals are available, so anyone can give it an easy try.
Lake Poroto (Shiraoi)
Close to Upopoy (the National Ainu Museum and Park), Lake Poroto also opens for smelt fishing once the ice reaches a certain thickness — a spot well loved by locals.
Lake Kanayama (Minami-Furano) / Near Sapporo
Lake Kanayama in Minami-Furano offers an empty-handed plan where you can have your catch tempura-fried on the spot. Near Sapporo, the Bappu River also has easy-to-join tours with pickup from Sapporo Station.
Best Time for Smelt Fishing in Hokkaido
Each lake opens once the ice reaches a certain thickness, with the season typically running from around January through March. Opening dates shift from year to year, so check the latest information from each facility before you go.
| Time of Year | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Mid–late January | Lakes open one by one. Ice thickness varies by year |
| February | Ice is stable — the peak season and easiest time to fish |
| March | Late season. The season winds down as temperatures rise |
Typical Pricing
A plan bundling gear and the fishing fee typically runs around ¥2,200 per adult. Shorter, pond-style options are available at some facilities from as little as ¥660 for 30 minutes. Extra services like tempura frying may cost extra.
* Prices change, so please check each facility's official website for the latest information.
Is It Suitable for Beginners?
Many facilities rent everything from the rod and tackle to bait, and staff usually handle drilling the hole in the ice for you. With plenty of empty-handed plans available, this is an easy activity to enjoy even if you've never fished before.
Family-Friendly for Kids?
Many fishing spots have proper facilities — tents or small huts, restrooms — making this a popular activity for families and couples alike. With good cold-weather preparation, it's easy to enjoy with young children too.
What to Wear & Bring
- Thick, layered winter clothing, gloves, and a hat that covers your ears
- Non-slip winter boots
- Disposable hand warmers
- Rods, tackle, bait, and the ice drill are generally included in the rental
Getting There
From Sapporo
By car: About 1.5 hours to Lake Poroto (Shiraoi), and about 30 minutes to the Bappu River within the city. Lake Akan and Lake Abashiri are much further.
By public transport: A tour with pickup lets you head out from Sapporo Station with no transfers.
By taxi: If you're carrying a lot of cold-weather gear, or heading to a facility with no pickup service, a private charter taxi is convenient.
From New Chitose Airport
By car: About 1 hour to Lake Poroto (Shiraoi). Lake Akan and Lake Abashiri are far enough that flying via Memanbetsu Airport, or planning a multi-day trip, is more realistic.
By public transport: Direct buses from the airport are limited, and transfers may be required.
By taxi: If you'd like to head straight there after landing, a private charter taxi direct from the airport is convenient.
Taxi Fares by Area & Related Guides
- New Chitose Airport to Noboribetsu Onsen (near Lake Poroto) — approx. ¥28,000–33,000
- Hokkaido Sea Fishing
- Hokkaido River Fishing Guide
- Hokkaido Snowshoeing Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the best time for smelt fishing in Hokkaido?
A. February, once the ice has stabilized, is considered the peak season and the easiest time to fish.
Q. Can I go empty-handed?
A. Yes — most facilities rent rods, tackle, and bait, so you can join with nothing but yourself.
Q. Can children join?
A. This is popular with families, and most facilities welcome kids. Just make sure everyone is dressed warmly.
Q. What do I do with the smelt I catch?
A. Some facilities offer to tempura-fry your catch on the spot. If you'd like to take it home, please confirm in advance.
Q. Can I do this as a day trip from Sapporo?
A. Lake Poroto (Shiraoi) and the Bappu River near Sapporo both work as day trips. Lake Akan and Lake Abashiri involve more travel time.
Q. Do I need to book in advance?
A. Most facilities require advance booking.
Q. Can a taxi take me to the fishing spot?
A. Yes. MUTO TAXI offers private charter transfers from New Chitose Airport or Sapporo to fishing spots across Hokkaido. Please contact us for details.