Japan
Hokkaido North Lodge
Taimen, char & trout
Set your sights on Japan’s legendary Itou taimen in the wild rivers of northern Hokkaido. Searun char & hefty rainbow trout, and yamame are an added bonus for fly fishing anglers visiting Hokkaido.
Enjoy an all inclusive trip including airport pickup, lodging, meals & gear. Fish remote water far from the tourist route. Target Japan’s largest salmonid, along with wild rainbow trout and Kundzha char, also known as amemasu or white-spotted char.
Built for intermediate to advanced anglers, this is a focused Hokkaido adventure for those who want rare fish, quiet rivers, and a real story to bring home
Minimum Booking – 2 Full Days with weeklong bookings available. We can accomodate up up to three anglers per stay. For extended stays, please contact us.
Guide Season – May through November with peak fishing in June, July, September and October.
All Inclusive Fly Fishing
Accomodations, Meals, Gear & Guide Services
This trip includes transfers, fuel, gear, accomodation & lodging and 8-hours of guide service per day. Early check-in may be available only with advanced notice for an additional nightly fee. Rods, reels, waders, boots, flies & bear spray are available to every guests for no addtional fee.
Nearest Airport
Wakkanai International Airport – WKJ is the primary gateway for this trip. Daily direct flights operate from Tokyo (Haneda) and Sapporo (New Chitose)
We recommend arriving the day before to allow for smooth transfers. We can assist with flight selection and coordinate your pickup from a hotel of your choice in Wakkanai.
Lodge Information
The lodge can host up to three anglers as well as solo anglers with two private bedrooms, a private shower and bath with hot water. Currently there is no air conditioning or wifi available at the lodge.
Complimentary Drinks
House whisky and local beer is complimentary with premium beverages available for purchase directly at the lodge.
Please note – Guests are not able to arrive the evening before fishing begins without advanced notice. Please contact us for more information on local hotel reccomedations.
Sample Itinerary
Day Zero / Pre-Arrival
Fly into to Wakkanai the day before fishing starts. Take taxi from airport to a local hotel of your city in Wakkanai city
Surfeel Hotel Wakkanai is one of our top hotel recommendations for guests arriving through Wakkanai Airport. The Soya Bus Airport Connection Bus stops at Surfeel Hotel-mae / サフィールホテル前, right at or very near the hotel, making arrival simple even after a long travel day.
The ride from the airport takes about 30 minutes. For guests who want the easiest airport-to-hotel connection in Wakkanai, Surfeel Hotel is a very convenient choice.
Day 1 – Half Day Fishing
10:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up
1:30 PM – Fly Fishing
5:30 PM – Last Casts
6:30PM – Arrive Lodge & Rest
7:00 PM – Welcome Drinks
7:30 PM – Dinner & Freetime
Days 2&3 – Full Day Fishing
7:00 AM – Breakfast & Coffee
7:30 AM – Fly Fishing
4:30 PM – Last Casts
5:30PM – Arrive Lodge & Rest
6:30 PM – Dinner & Freetime
Day 4 – Half Day Fishing
7:00 AM – Breakfast & Coffee
7:30 AM – Fly Fishing
12:00 PM – Last Casts
12:30 PM – Transfer to Airport
Book Early – Limited Availability
Rental cars, and local hotels may be fully booked months in advance due to limited availability in the area. For hotel reccomendations in Wakkanai, we reccomend Surfy Hotel
Itou Taimen
Trout & Char
Lodge
Reservations
Itou Taimen
Fly Fishing Northern Japan
Parahucho perryi
Itou taimen are the great ghosts of northern Japan. In Hokkaido, they are often called maboroshi no sakana, the “phantom fish.” Taimen can over one meter is possible, but that is the exception with the average fish around 40 inches / 60cm. It may take fifteen years or more for an itou taimen to reach that size. Expect two to three strikes per day in good conditions. They are powerful, cautious, and often maddeningly elusive even for advanced anglers.
The Rivers
Found mainly in northern and eastern Hokkaido, especially in slow, winding wetland rivers such as the Sarufutsu and Teshio systems, itou taimen are among the largest salmonids in the world. Unlike other Pacific salmon, they do not die after spawning. They may return to spawn many times across a long life, moving between river, brackish water, and the sea depending on the population and watershed. Taimen can over one meter is possible, but that is the exception with the average fish around 40 inches / 60cm. It may take fifteen years or more for an itou taimen to reach that size.
Timing
Late May, June, Late September through October are peak times. The spring spawning run is one of Hokkaido’s rare natural spectacles. As the snowmelt begins to fall and the river temperature rises, mature fish move upstream into shallow tributaries. The males can turn a deep red, almost startling against the cold gravel and clear spring water. After the spawn is over, anglers have a chance at post spawn fishing in late May through the mid to late June. When autumn arrives, the bite continues in September through late October in the lower sections of the river.
Tackle Selection
Most serious attempts involve heavier single-hand or two-hand rods, large streamers, wet flies, sinking lines, and patient swing presentations through deep bends, seams, and slow main-river currents. The take can be subtle. The fish may follow, turn away, or appear once and vanish. That is part of the spell.
Rods, Lines, & Flies
For most situations, a 12 to 15 foot two-hand Spey or switch rod in the 8 to 10 weight range a practical choice. In tighter water, a strong 9 foot single-hand 8-WT will work paired with sinking type fly lines. Scandi or Spey shooting heads, and intermediate to full sink-tip systems are commonly used to cast large flies with control. The goal is not just distance but but stealth. Skagit lines scare fish and are not reccomended. Contact us for more details.
Kundzha char
Fly Fishing Northern Japan
Salvelinus leucomaenis
White spotted char inhabit N.Hokkaido’s tanic waters in both landlocked and searun forms. Peak times for anglers are June through Mid July. No guided trips are available during the spawning season in September. Streamers, dry flies, and heavy nymphs on 5wt to 6wt tackle are commonly used. Kundzha char bear a strong resemblance to N. America’s bull trout species and put up an impressive fight on light rods.
Rainbow trout
Fly Fishing Northern Japan
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Hokkaido’s creeks and rivers hold large redband rainbow trout that feed on cicadas, beetles, and large insects throughout the summer months. These trout offer acrobatic performances after slowly swallowing a huge terrestrial pattern. Think big jaws on a #6 chubby chernobyl that are often slowly sipped followed by terrific runs as you chase them downstream.
Tackle & Gear – Single hand fly rods in the 4WT to 6WT class with floating lines are good all around choices from small creeks to bigger water for Hokkaido’s rainbow trout and landlocked white spotted char.
Rods – A medium action 5WT rod is the safest bet if you’re only planning on packing one rod. Reels should have enough backing capacity to handle larger fish on chance hook-ups for fish in the 20″ range or over.
Searun Char – For Searun Char in late autumn – Spey rods in 8WT to 9WT with scandi or spey heads provide enough power for throwing streamer patterns in cooler weather.
An Angler’s Retreat
This private lodge sits about 90 minutes from Wakkanai Airport and roughly 30 minutes from the river. Guests do not share the lodge with anyone outside their own party, making it a quiet, private base for anglers who want to focus on fishing, relaxing, and catching up with friends or family.
The lodge includes a dining area, serviced bar, laundry facilities, private bath and shower, small library, LP vinyl listening space, and a fly tying area for guests who bring their own materials. After fishing, relax with complimentary house whiskey, domestic Japanese beer, and fresh local seafood prepared by a chef trained in both Italian and Japanese cooking.
On Site Amenities
Lodge & lodge amenities are only available for guests booking guided fly fishing trips. Early check-in requires advanced notice and subject to additional fees & availiability.
- Private bedroom
- Private Shower & Bath
- Hot water
- Laundry Facilities
- Wood burning stove
- Vinyl record listening lounge
- Chef prepared meals
- Coffee & Tea
- Complimentary beer
- Premium whiskys & rum available
- Wader drying area
- Parking – Two Cars
Please note – Airconditioning / Wifi is not currently available. Please be sure to purchase a prepaid SIM card with the Softbank telecom network.
Lodge – Designed for Anglers
Northern Hokkaido is not a place to rush. Weather & fish movement all matter here, especially when targeting Itou taimen, rainbow trout, and Kundzha char. The lodge keeps guests close to the fishing while giving the guide flexibility to adjust timing, river choice and daily strategy.
The lodge is an ideal base for serious anglers, returning friends, couples, or small private groups who want a deeper fly fishing experience in Japan. The lodge is quiet, adult-oriented, and designed around the rhythm of a real fishing trip: early starts, focused days on the water, good meals, strong drinks, and relaxed evenings with those who matter most to you.
Simple, Secure Reservations
Contact Us for More Information
+ 82 02-2662-2436
Have dates in mind? Send us a message and we’ll help you take the next step. Guided trips can be booked with as little as five days’ notice when availability allows, and reservations may be made up to one year in advance. For the best experience, we recommend contacting us at least 10 days before your preferred trip date. During peak fishing months, especially June and October, dates can fill quickly. For prime windows in June and October, we strongly recommend reaching out 6 months to 1 year in advance.
How to Book with Us
• Let us know your group size, solo anglers are always welcome.
• Share any basic trip details or questions
• We’ll confirm availability
• We’ll send the next steps for booking
Reservation Deposits
To reserve your trip, we require a 50% reservation deposit paid by credit or debit card. Your booking is not confirmed until the deposit has been received. We accept US-issued and international Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards. We also accept Apple Pay, Venmo, and bank transfers through PayPal Checkout when available.
Final payment is due 90 days before the trip start date. For trips booked less than 90 days in advance, full payment may be required at the time of booking.
Cancellation & Returns
All cancellations must be submitted in writing by email. Refunds are based on the total trip price and the date we receive your cancellation request.
• 90+ days before trip start date: 50% refund of total trip price
• 89–31 days before trip start date: 30% refund of total trip price
• 30–16 days before trip start date: 15% refund of total trip price
• 15–0 days before trip start date: 0% refund of total trip price
• No-show: 0% refund of total trip price
We strongly recommend booking early, especially for peak season dates. Japan’s best fly fishing windows are limited, and guide availability is not guaranteed until your reservation is confirmed.
Service
Seasons
Rates
Inclusions
Field-Tested Values
Since 2013, we’ve built our guiding around one simple idea. it’s about the guest, not the guide.We’re passionate about chasing trout, the wild ones, the smart ones, the kind that don’t come easy and we take pride in doing it the right way. But more than that, we’re here for real experiences, honest work, and time well spent with good people. We’ve learned that working with the right folks on both sides of the rod makes all the difference.
Clear Communication
Worried about language barriers? Don’t be. Every guide we work with speaks enough “fishing English” to get you on fish, stay safe, and enjoy the day. Some guides may have limited English outside of fishing, but when it comes to the important stuff: reading water, calling shots, and getting you back to the lodge. They get the message across just fine.We’re with you every step of the way to make sure nothing gets lost in translation.
We Guide. You Fish.
Yes, it’s that simple. We’re here to guide and put in an honest day’s work. We woke this morning with one thing in mind: put you on fish. That means doing the research, making smart calls, and making sure you take away more than just a catch.We’re not here to showboat, and not here to babysit either. We’re here to teach, listen, and maybe even learn a few tricks from you.
Sharing Skills
We’ve chased trout, char, salmon, and taimen from Montana to Mongolia but the focus is right here,on the rivers & lakes of rural South Korea & Hokkaido, Japan.
Experience is only worth a damn if it serves our clients. We listen first, guide second, and build the day around what you came to do.Want to work on the roll cast, improve your mend, or just get a casting refresher? If you leave as a better angler, then the day was worth it to us.
Focused on the Pursuit
Fly fishing pursuits should be joyful. Remember, fishing guides aren’t drill sergeants.We move at your pace, fast, slow, or laid back. Some days are about the hunt. Others are about the hang.
Tuned In
Rivers talk if you slow down to listen; a shadow on the bottom, a rise near the bank,
a pressure drop before a light rain brings a huge mayfly hatch.Reading water comes with time. But reading the angler? That’s something we’re always working on.
Every guest is different, and part of the job is knowing when to lead, when to step back.
Safety Comes First
Northern Japan is a wild country, where Hokkaido grizzly bears aren’t a campfire story. We carry first-aid, bear spray, stay sharp, and don’t cut corners. Korea has its own set of challenges for the outdoorsman: rockslides, wild boar, and giant Asian hornets.Whether it’s your first fly fishing trip or you’ve been fishing longer than we’ve been guiding, we’ve got you covered.Because out here, trust isn’t a bonus — it’s the baseline. We ask for your full cooperation while we’re afield.
The Next Cast Is Yours
We don’t overpromise, and we don’t overcomplicate.
What we offer is simple: honest days on good water, guided by people who care about doing the job right.If that sounds like the kind of trip you’re looking for, we’d be glad to hear from you.
April
April is one of the more unpredictable months in northern Hokkaido. Melting snow can raise and chill the rivers, and conditions may change quickly.Standard trout fishing is not dependable. However, sea-run amemasu char may become possible when sea conditions, river flow, and timing come together. These fish can be bright, strong, and memorable in the early season, but flexibility is essential.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Not a primary target
• Sea-run amemasu char: Possible when conditions align
• River-resident amemasu char: Possible, but condition-dependent
• Yamame: Not available
• Itou taimen: Not a primary target
May
May may feel like spring in much of Japan, but northern Hokkaido often remains under the influence of snowmelt. Rivers can be high, cold, and difficult to read. Standard river fishing is limited to lower sections of rivers.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Generally not recommended due to snowmelt
• River-resident amemasu char: Limited and condition-dependent
• Yamame: Closed from May 1 through June 30
• Itou taimen: Not offered as a standard target
June
June is one of the finest months for fly fishing in northern Hokkaido. Snowmelt begins to settle, rivers become more stable, insects become active, and fish move into stronger feeding patterns. Rainbow trout are a major target in June. Sea-run amemasu char may also be excellent, and itou taimen can become a serious possibility where local rules, river conditions, and conservation guidance allow.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Excellent
• Sea-run amemasu char: Excellent
• River-resident amemasu char: Good
• Yamame: Closed through June 30
• Itou taimen: Possible where conditions and guidance allow
July
July is a strong month for rainbow trout in northern Hokkaido. Rivers are generally more settled, insect life is active, and many waters fish well before the peak of summer heat.Sea-run amemasu char may still be possible until around mid-July, but they are no longer the main seasonal focus. Yamame open on July 1 and may be available in smaller streams, though they are usually a secondary target for this program.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Excellent
• Sea-run amemasu char: Possible until around mid-July
• River-resident amemasu char: Limited to fair, depending on water temperature
• Yamame: Available from July 1
• Itou taimen: Low probability
August
August is best understood as a rainbow trout-focused month. Larger rivers may become more difficult as water temperatures rise, so fishing often shifts toward smaller rivers, cooler tributaries, shaded water, and upper watershed areas.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Excellent, especially with summer strategy
• Sea-run amemasu char: Not a normal target
• River-resident amemasu char: Possible in cooler water
• Yamame: Possible, but secondary
• Itou taimen: Not a normal target
September
September is one of the strongest months for rainbow trout fishing in northern Hokkaido. Cooler nights return, water temperatures improve, and trout often feed with renewed energy. Itou taimen may also become a serious target on suitable rivers such as the Teshio River, depending on water conditions and guide judgment. Swinging flies can become an important method during this period.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Excellent
• Sea-run amemasu char: Not a normal target due to spawning season
• River-resident amemasu char: Not a normal target due to spawning season
• Yamame: Possible early, but not a primary target
• Itou taimen: Good potential where conditions allow
Amemasu char are entering or approaching their spawning season, so they are not treated as a normal guided target in September. Spawning fish, redds, and fragile upper river areas are avoided.
October
Autumn fly fishing in Hokkaido remains an excellent month for rainbow trout, though colder water often requires a more flexible approach. Nymphs, wet flies, streamers, and swing presentations may become more important than dry flies alone.
Itou taimen can also be a strong autumn target in suitable rivers, including the Teshio and Sarufutsu area, when current local guidance allows. Amemasu char remain protected from normal guiding pressure during spawning.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Excellent
• Sea-run amemasu char: Not a normal target due to spawning season
• River-resident amemasu char: Not a normal target due to spawning season
• Yamame: Not a primary target
• Itou taimen: Excellent potential where conditions allow
October brings fall color, cold mornings, fewer crowds, and serious fishing opportunities for experienced anglers. It is one of the most atmospheric months of the northern Hokkaido season.
November
Late-Season Swing Fishing. November is not a casual trout fishing month, but it can be rewarding for experienced anglers. The weather turns colder, daylight shortens, and snow becomes possible.
Rainbow trout may still be caught, but they are usually less aggressive and often require nymphing or slower presentations. On larger rivers such as the Teshio, itou taimen and amemasu char may be targeted with swing tactics when conditions allow.
Species availability
• Rainbow trout: Possible, usually with slower presentations
• Sea-run amemasu char: Possible in suitable main-river conditions
• River-resident amemasu char: Excellent late-season potential in suitable water
• Yamame: Not a target
• Itou taimen: Excellent potential where conditions allow
December 14 – March 31
Season & Service Closed – No Guides Available
2026-27 Rate Guide
Simplified payment options with your favorite payment app, bank tranfer or credit card payment.
For questions about payment options, cancellation policies and Terms and conditions, please specify in your message below. Credit Cards – We accept most credit and debit cards including VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.
◉ Reservations – Trip dates are only secured with reservation deposits.
We require a 50% reservation deposit to confirm your booking.
Two Day – Fly Fishing
Two Day | Itou Taimen, Trout & Char X 3 Nights Lodge – All Inclusive
Anglers |
Total |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Full Days – Single Angler | $1500 | $750 Per Day | Per Angler |
| 2 Full Days – Two Anglers | $2500 | $625 Per Day | Per Angler |
| 2 Full Days – Three Anglers | $3300 | $550 Per Day | Per Angler |
Three Day – Fly Fishing
Three Day | Itou Taimen X 3 Nights Lodge
Anglers |
Total |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Full Days – Single Angler | $1995 | $665 Per Day | Per Guest |
| 3 Full Days – Two Anglers | $3300 | $550 Per Day | Per Guest |
| 3 Full Days – Three Anglers | $4500 | $500 Per Day | Per Guest |
Four Days – Fly Fishing
Four Full Days | Fly Fishing X 4 Nights Lodge
Anglers |
Total |
Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Full Days – Single Angler | $2600 | $650 Per Day | Per Guest |
| 4 Full Days – Two Anglers | $4400 | $550 Per Day | Per Guest |
| 4 Full Days – Three Anglers | $6000 | $500 Per Day | Per Guest |
Trip Inclusions
On all trips – Guaranteed 8–9 hours of guided fly fishing on uncrowded waters. Airport & Hotel transfers are included on all guided fly fishing trips in Japan, plus travel planning and pre-trip support.Highway Road tolls, fuel, gear, tippet, leader, bottled water, and flies are available for every angler on the trip.
Not Included
Travel Insurance, Flights, Train tickets, taxi fares or personal purchases during your trip. Gratuities are appreciated but not expected in Japan
Services |
+ |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Transfers | Y | Included |
| Rods & Reels | Y | Included |
| Waders & Boots | Y | Included |
| All Meals while fishing | Y | Included |
| Complimentary Alcohol | Y | Included |
| Lodging | Y | Included |
All Inclusive – Guided Fly Fishing
Planning to fish more than five days or more? For guests who book two days or more, we offer customizable rates based on the number of angler and specialized requests.
Services |
+ |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pick-Drop Off | Y | Included |
| Rods & Reels | Y | Included |
| Waders | Y | Included |
| Lunchboxes | Y | Included |
| Welcome Drink | Y | Included |
| Room + Meals | Y | Included |
Get in Touch Today
Contact us – We’re here to help you make this happen
☎+ 82 02-2662-2436
Guest Experiences
Just a few of the great guests we’ve met.
David Anchell
Tipperary, Ireland
Scott Wagy
Montana, USA
Tim Geisler
Colorado, USA
Shane Dubose
Clearwater, Florida
Daniel Andrews
Michigan, USA
Enzo Ferrara
Cuomo, Italy
Jose S.C. COL
San Diego, California
Steven Lee
United States
Turner Noel
Seattle, Washington
John Pacella
United States
Luke Allard
British Columbia, Canada
Ian Kutsunai
Chicago Illinois, USA
For my vacation later this year, I had to choose between Korea or New Zealand. II definitely want to fish with you again next year on the way to New Zealand.
Dr. Lihn V.
Australia, Down Under
