When you think of winter fishing in Hokkaido, "ice fishing for smelt" comes to mind! It's an activity where you drill a round hole in a frozen lake or river and drop a line to catch Japanese smelt (wakasagi).
Smelt fishing doesn't require much strength, making it popular with everyone from children to adults.

This time, the Domingo editorial team brings you 8 recommended "Ice Fishing Spots for Smelt" in Hokkaido for the winter! Find a spot near you perfect for a weekend with family and friends, and enjoy this unique winter activity.

Enjoy Fishing Without Bringing Any Gear! Spots with Rod and Bucket Rentals

1 [Southern Hokkaido] Nanae Town Junsai Numa Pond Smelt Fishing Spot

Onuma Fisheries Cooperative Association, Hakodate Onuma Junsai Numa Pond Ice Fishing Spot for Smelt

This is a special spot where you can experience ice fishing in a magnificent natural setting, on the natural lake called 'Junsai Numa Pond,' a special protection area within Onuma Quasi-National Park!

What makes the Junsai Numa Pond smelt fishing spot so appealing is that even beginners can try it with confidence!
The resident staff are local Onuma fishermen who know everything about smelt!
They will kindly and carefully teach you how to fish as time permits.

You can also rent gear and winter clothing, so you can just show up without a reservation and enjoy the ice fishing experience.

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2 [Central Hokkaido] Shiraoi Town Lake Poroto Smelt Fishing

Shiraoi Tourism Association

Smelt fishing has become a winter tradition at Lake Poroto.
Some skilled fishers are said to catch 100 fish in an hour...!r> The information center, which serves as the reception, sells hot drinks and smelt fishing sets, so you can easily enjoy smelt fishing.
Just don't forget to bundle up against the cold!

It gets particularly crowded on weekends and holidays, so you can enjoy a more relaxed time if you visit on a weekday.

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3 [Northern Hokkaido] Horokanai Town Lake Shumarinai Ice Fishing for Smelt

You can enjoy smelt fishing on the surface of the lake, which is covered with ice over 1 meter thick.
Experience the unique smelt fishing of Lake Shumarinai on a pure white lake surface where you might see diamond dust and sun pillars.
The smelt from Lake Shumarinai are a first-class delicacy that delights the palates of Hokkaido locals and are even used in high-end restaurants in Tokyo.

They also have a full range of rentals, including fishing gear sets and tents, so you can enjoy it empty-handed.

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4 [Eastern Hokkaido] Abashiri City Lake Abashiri Smelt Fishing

Okhotsk General Subprefectural Bureau

Enjoy smelt fishing on the frozen Lake Abashiri.
This is a fully-equipped fishing spot where you can rent not only a complete set of fishing gear but also tents and hot water bottles, and you can even have your freshly caught smelt made into tempura on the spot.

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5 [Eastern Hokkaido] Taiki Town Horokayanto Smelt Fishing

Taiki Town

Smelt fishing, also known as "hole fishing," where you drill a hole in the ice and wait for the unique bite, is one of Hokkaido's winter traditions.
The smelt you catch can be eaten whole and are delicious as tempura or deep-fried.
By the way, Horokayanto means "the swamp where one turns back and goes ashore" in the Ainu language!

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

Ice Land Akan

Enjoy fishing for wild smelt by drilling a hole in the frozen lake.
All the necessary equipment is provided, and the staff will carefully guide beginners on how to fish.

At Lake Akan, you can choose between two fishing spots: "Wild Smelt Fishing" and "Smelt Fishing Pond."
It's great to be able to choose your fishing spot and style according to your mood!
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7 [Central Hokkaido] Sapporo City Toretagoya Fujii Farm Smelt Fishing Spot

Toretagoya Fujii Farm

A great local spot where you can even go smelt fishing in Sapporo!
When you think of smelt fishing, you might imagine cold places in Eastern Hokkaido like Lake Abashiri or Lake Akan, but smelt actually live near Sapporo too.

No need to bring your own gear, as rentals are available!
If you've never fished before and don't have any equipment, don't worry. You can rent everything you need for smelt fishing.
A guide is recommended for beginners. The 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 place for fishing dace and crucian carp in the summer but is also extremely popular with locals and visitors as a smelt fishing spot in the winter.
With covered fishing huts, anyone can easily enjoy smelt fishing even on snowy days.

Freshly caught smelt are delicious as tempura or deep-fried, so it's a great idea for the family to catch a lot for dinner!

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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 across Hokkaido where you can go empty-handed.
Some spots allow you to turn your catch into tempura on the spot, and others offer rentals for hot water bottles and winter clothing.
When you go smelt fishing, be sure to check the weather, business hours, and available rental equipment before you head out!

There are many other outing spots in Hokkaido that you can enjoy while following the "New Hokkaido Style."
Check out events in various regions on the Domingo app or website♪