Ice fishing for smelt (wakasagi) is a hugely popular winter leisure activity in Hokkaido! The true thrill of smelt fishing lies in drilling a hole in a frozen lake, dropping your line amidst a vast snowy landscape, and eating your delicious catch right on the spot. Here are our top 13 recommended spots for an amazing smelt ice fishing experience in Hokkaido!

Lake Kanayama is a man-made lake created by the Kanayama Dam on the uppermost part of the Sorachi River. The area is popular for camping and canoeing, and in winter, it bustles with people ice fishing for smelt on its completely frozen surface. The lake is home to many species of fish, including the rare Japanese huchen, also known as the "phantom fish," making it a popular spot for anglers year-round.

Lake Shinotsu is equipped with covered fishing huts, allowing you to enjoy smelt fishing comfortably even on snowy days. After fishing, you can warm up your chilled body in the adjacent "Michi-no-Eki Tappu no Yu" hot spring. The restaurant inside also offers a service to cook your freshly caught smelt into delicious tempura.

Onuma Quasi-National Park, one of the oldest nature parks in Japan, is not only famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves but also buzzes with activity as a smelt fishing spot in winter. Before the lake freezes in December, you can enjoy fishing from the pier while taking in the surrounding scenery. From early January to mid-March, you can fish on the ice. Fishing gear is available for rent, making it easy for anyone to enjoy without bringing their own equipment.

Lake Abashiri, a brackish lake connected to the Sea of Okhotsk via the Abashiri River, boasts the largest smelt catch in Hokkaido. There are plans available that include a full set of fishing gear, so you can experience smelt fishing empty-handed. Since smelt that have migrated to the sea return to the lake, it's one of Hokkaido's premier spots for catching large smelt over 10 cm long.

The fishing spot is located on the completely frozen lake right in front of the hot spring resort hotels, making it easily accessible for tourists. For beginners, staff are on hand to provide friendly instructions on how to fish. After you're done, you can enjoy your freshly caught smelt as delicious tempura. Another great feature is the variety of other winter activities available on the ice, such as banana boat rides and snowmobiling.

Lake Toro is a coastal lagoon surrounded by pristine marshes and wilderness. Starting in early January, you can enjoy ice fishing by drilling a hole in the thick ice. You can have your caught smelt cooked at the facility, allowing you to eat them fresh as karaage (deep-fried). If you're lucky, you might spot red-crowned cranes or deer. The lake is also a popular spot to witness the mystical natural phenomenon called "Omiwatari" (God's Crossing), where the frozen surface cracks and pushes up into ridges.

Located in one of Hokkaido's heaviest snowfall areas, Lake Shumarinai is a premier smelt fishing spot in the northern part of the region. Amidst the vast snowy landscape, you might be lucky enough to witness breathtakingly beautiful sights like sun pillars, where the sun appears as a column of light, or diamond dust, where ice crystals glitter in the air.

Here you can experience the classic style of smelt fishing, drilling a hole in the frozen lake with an auger. The smelt from Lake Oketo's clean waters are small but known for their excellent flavor, and they are absolutely delicious as tempura. The area is also a popular spot for birdwatching, attracting many visitors.

Sunagawa Oasis Park, a place for various recreational activities year-round, becomes a bustling hub for smelt fishing from January to February, attracting visitors from all over Hokkaido and beyond. Its main appeal is that it's free to use, making it a great option for family outings and beginners. In spring, you can see swans, known as the "harbingers of spring in the north country."

You can enjoy smelt fishing on the wintery Bekanbeushi River as part of a tour that includes all equipment and cleanup. A guide will teach you how to fish, so even first-timers can feel at ease. A key highlight is that you get to eat your freshly caught smelt on the spot as tempura, seasoned with original oyster soy sauce and oyster salt.

Smelt fishing is the quintessential winter activity at Lake Poroto. You can bring your own tent to enjoy a leisurely day of fishing, and if you bring cooking equipment, you can even savor fresh smelt dishes right on the spot. Rental equipment such as ice augers, fishing rods, and chairs are available, so even those without gear can join in the fun.

At Horokayanto, where smelt eggs are released by the Taiki Fisheries Cooperative Association, many anglers visit every winter to fish for smelt. The sight of people drilling holes in the ice and waiting for the unique bite of a smelt is a classic Hokkaido winter scene. The best way to enjoy your catch is to eat the whole fish as tempura or karaage (deep-fried).

Nishiki Onuma Park is a beloved recreational spot for the citizens of Tomakomai. In winter, a part of Nishiki Onuma pond is opened for smelt fishing. Fishing for smelt while enjoying the view of Mt. Tarumae is a special experience that will make you forget the winter cold.