Declared the first catch-and-release river in Japan

Naginashiname River originates from Mt. Teshio, the main peak of the Kitami Mountains, and is 84 km long.
It flows through Takigami-cho with many tributaries, passes through Monbetsu City, and empties into the Sea of Okhotsk.
The word "Naginashiname" is derived from the Ainu word "so-kot" (the hollow of a waterfall = waterfall basin).
It is said to refer to Kinzenkyo, a valley above the falls where large and small waterfalls exist.
Naginashiname River was the first river in Japan to declare catch-and-release fishing.
The river is a Mecca for fly fishermen, especially for rainbow trout, and is a coveted river for fishermen.
In 2009, the Naginashiname River became the first river in Japan to enact the "Naginashiname River Catch and Release Ordinance for the Protection of Fishermen,
The ordinance designates approximately 30 km of the Naginashiname River in Takigami Town as a catch-and-release zone,
The town has designated approximately 30 km of the Naginashiname River in Takigami Town as a catch-and-release zone and calls for cooperation from anglers.
The "Naginashiname River Report" on the Takigami Town website provides information on fishing.