When it comes to winter fishing in Hokkaido, the first thing that comes to mind is "ice smelt fishing," which involves drilling a round hole in the frozen lake or river and hanging a fishing line through it to catch smelt! Smelt fishing does not require as much strength as other types of fishing, so it is popular with both children and adults. This time, we will bring you 8 "ice smelt fishing spots" recommended for winter in Hokkaido, selected by the Domingo editorial team! Find a perfect spot near where you live to spend a weekend with your family and friends and enjoy some winter-only activities.

Enjoy fishing without having to bring anything! Fishing spots where you can rent fishing rods, buckets, etc.

1 [Southern Hokkaido] Nanae Town Junsai Swamp Smelt Fishing Spot

Onuma Fisheries Cooperative Association Hakodate Onuma Junsai Marsh Ice Fishing Spot for Smelt

This is a special spot where you can experience ice fishing in a location surrounded by magnificent nature on top of a natural lake called Junsai Numa, a special protected area within Onuma Quasi-National Park! Another great thing about this Junsai Numa smelt fishing spot is that even beginners can try it with peace of mind! The staff who are on-site are fishermen who know all about the local Onuma smelt! As long as time permits, they will kindly and carefully teach you how to fish! They also rent equipment and winter clothing, so you can experience ice fishing empty-handed and without making a reservation.

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2 [Central Hokkaido] Shiraoi Town Shiraoi Lake Poroto Smelt Fishing

Shiraoi Tourism Association

"Wakasagi (smelt) fishing" has become a seasonal winter activity on Lake Poroto. Apparently, there are some anglers out there who can catch 100 fish in an hour...! The information center, which serves as reception, also sells hot drinks and smelt fishing kits, making it easy to enjoy smelt fishing. Don't forget to take precautions against the cold! It gets especially crowded on weekends, so if possible, it's best to visit on a weekday so you can enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

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3 [Northern Hokkaido] Horokanai Town Ice fishing for smelt on Lake Shumarinai

You can enjoy smelt fishing on the lake surface, which is covered with ice that is over 1m thick. Smelt fishing, a sport unique to Lake Shumarinai, can be enjoyed on the extraordinary pure white lake surface where diamond dust and sun pillars appear. The smelt from Lake Shumarinai is a top-quality delicacy that delights the palates of Hokkaido natives, and is apparently even used in high-end restaurants in Tokyo. There is a wide range of rental options available, including fishing equipment sets and tents, so you can come empty-handed and enjoy the experience.

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4 [Eastern Hokkaido] Abashiri City Lake Abashiri Smelt Fishing

Okhotsk General Bureau

You can enjoy smelt fishing on the frozen Lake Abashiri. This fishing spot offers everything you need, including a full set of fishing equipment, tents and hot water bottles for rent, and you can even fry any smelt you catch on the spot.

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5 [Eastern Hokkaido] Taiki Town Holokayanto Smelt Fishing

Taiki Town

Smelt fishing, also known as "hole fishing," is a traditional winter activity in Hokkaido, in which you drill a hole in the ice, drop your fishing line, and wait for a unique bite. The smelt you catch can be deliciously eaten whole by frying it in tempura or fried dishes. By the way, Horokayantou means "a swamp that turns back and emerges onto land" in Ainu language!

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6 [Eastern Hokkaido] Kushiro City Lake Akan Natural Smelt Fishing

Ice Land Akan

Enjoy fishing for wild smelt by drilling a hole in a frozen lake. All equipment is provided, and staff will provide detailed instructions on how to fish for first-time visitors. At Lake Akan, you can choose between two fishing spots: "natural smelt fishing" and "smelt fishing pond." It's great to be able to choose the fishing spot and fishing method that suits your mood! Check out Domingo for more details!

7 [Central Hokkaido] Sapporo City Toretagoya Fujii Farm Smelt Fishing Spot

Toretakoya Fujii Farm

A hidden spot for smelt fishing in Sapporo! When you think of smelt fishing, you may think of cold places in eastern Hokkaido such as Lake Abashiri or Lake Akan, but smelt actually live near Sapporo as well. You can come empty-handed as you can rent equipment! If you've never fished before and don't have any fishing gear, don't worry. You can rent all the equipment you need for smelt fishing. A guide is recommended for beginners. Staff will teach you the tricks of smelt fishing, such as adjusting bait and tackle.

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8 [Central Hokkaido] Shinshinotsu Village Lake Shinotsu Smelt Fishing

Shinshinotsu Village

Lake Shinotsu is not only a great place to catch ugui and crucian carp in the summer, but is also a popular spot for smelt fishing in the winter, both inside and outside the village. The fishing hut has a roof, so anyone can easily enjoy smelt fishing even on snowy days. Freshly caught smelt are delicious when made into tempura or fried, so it's a great idea to catch a lot and have them for dinner with the family!

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This winter, satisfy your heart and stomach with seasonal ice fishing for smelt!

This time, we introduced eight smelt fishing spots around Hokkaido where you can go empty-handed. At some fishing spots you can fry the smelt you catch on the spot, and you can even rent out hot water bottles and winter clothing. When you go smelt fishing, be sure to check the weather, opening hours, rental equipment, and more before you go! There are plenty of other places to visit in Hokkaido that you can enjoy while still adhering to the "New Hokkaido Style." Please check the Domingo app or website for local events.