Korea
Fly Fishing Lodge
Classic Dry Fly – Full Day – Guided Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Korea – Cherry Trout / Yamame
Duration 8-9 hours of guided fly fishing
Location – Gangwondo, South Korea
Our Rates $250.00 per guest, based on double occupancy for one full day of guided fishing. All gear, rods, reels, tackle, fuel and transport included. Please see “Rates” at the bottom of this page for full details.
Creeks, Peaks, & Cherry Trout
Oncorhynchus masou – Cherry trout, yamame, and “cherry salmon” describe the same neat fish found throughout the Korean peninsula and the coastal Russian Far East region. Cherry trout don’t show up to eat often—you’ll sometimes catch them rising in low light of dusk, sipping midges too tiny to see. They live in cold, clear, fast-moving mountain streams and spawn around Korea’s lunar fall festival.
A short fly rod (under 9′) in the 2–3 weight range is the go-to. When they rise, it’s fast and fierce—blink and you’ll miss it. Stick with light tippet if you’re aiming to land one of these high-country kings. Most run 7–8 inches, but anything over 12″ is a true trophy and the stuff of legends among the dwarf salmon aficionados.
“Yamame!” When most people hear me say “Yamame,” they think Japan—but Korea’s got its own wild card. Back in the ’70s, a long-forgotten research project left behind a hybrid trout that’s chunkier and meaner. Sure, Japan gets the fame for their searun “Sakuramasu,” but Korea’s landlocked cherry salmon are bigger, badder, and just as beautiful. They’re sharp, fast, and super alert—so if you’re chasing one, be ready to creep, crawl, and stalk like a sniper. Make it count!
Fly fish Korea’s hidden mountain streams and explore forested corridors few anglers ever see. Trek deep into the valley in search of cherry trout, vibrant creek chubs, and the rare wild rainbow. It’s a real, off-the-map experience—and your chance to see a whole new side of Korea. Ready to chase adventure? Reach out and let’s make it happen.
Full Day – Korean Trout
Guided Fly Fishing – Cherry Trout
We highly recommend guests to arrive the day before fishing begins! If guests are not able to arrive the evening before, please prepare to use the train from Seoul.
Sample Full Day Itinerary
5:16 AM – Depart Seoul Station
6:39 AM – Arrive at Local Station
6:40 AM – Drive to Creek
7:30 AM – Fly Fishing
12:00PM – Lunch & Fly Fishing
2:50PM – Last Casts
3:00PM – Drive to Local Station
3:48PM – Depart Local Station
5:28PM – Arrive Seoul Station
Rail Ticket Reservations
Korail tickets are only available to purchase 30 days in advance of your travel dates.We encourage you to make your rail ticket reservations 2-3 weeks in advance. Friday, Saturdays, Sundays and Korean public holidays sell out quickly.
Cherry Trout
Tackle
Sleep
Reservations
Cherry Trout
Oncorhynchus masou — also known as cherry trout, yamame, or “cherry salmon” — are a striking species of trout found across the Korean peninsula and into coastal parts of the Russian Far East. While they’re more commonly associated with Japan, the Korean variety tend to grow a bit bigger than their landlocked Japanese relatives.
These fish are absolutely beautiful but incredibly skittish — it’s not unusual to find yourself crawling along the streambanks to get close without spooking them. You’ll rarely catch them feeding during the day; they usually rise in low light, sipping insects so tiny you might not even see them.
Cherry trout love cold, fast, crystal-clear mountain streams. They typically spawn around Korea’s lunar fall festival. If you’re targeting them, bring a rod under 9 feet — something in the 2wt to 3wt range is ideal. They hit dry flies aggressively, but you’ll need quick reflexes. Go light on the tippet (6X or thinner) to increase your chances.
Catching anything over 12 inches is a serious achievement — a real trophy. Most fish you’ll find run between 7 to 8 inches, though bigger ones are out there, especially in more remote, untouched water.
Tackle
Choosing Rods & Reels
When working the cold veins of Korea’s highland creeks in pursuit of cherry trout, one must choose their tools carefully. For these wild, elusive trout of the misty morning, a dry fly rod with a gentle soul is best—medium to soft action, 2 to 3 weight. Nothing heavy, nothing loud. Pair it with a floating line or the timeless grace of a double-taper. Reels? Keep it simple. A classic click-pawl sings the right tune. Think Hardy Featherweight, Orvis Battenkill, or an old beat-up CFO
Waders & Boot
Korean creeks run shallow, but don’t mistake ease for safety. Choose boots that are light on the legs, yet tough to climb through boulder fields—studded soles bite well for depending and ascending steep banks . For waders that holds up against thorns & bramble, reach for names like Simms, Redington, Patagonia, Orvis.
Wet Wading – June through September is a good chance to skip waders. Pack a good pair of neoprene socks and some running tights.
Guest Accommodations
Need to arrive the evening before or planning on fishing multiple days with us? Let us know the total number of anglers and non-anglers in your message. We can assist you to find lodging that fits your schedule and personal preferences. For II Day Trips or longer, guests are invited to stay with the guide our private residence.
Korail Tickets
For Korail ticket purchases, keep in mind of the following
- Book through the official Korail website or app
- Avoid 3rd party sellers such as railnija or trazy
- You can’t book tickets more than 30 days in advance
- Korean public holidays, weekends, will sell out!
- If you need assistance, ask us for help
How to Book Your Trip
Guided Fly Fishing – South Korea
Got some dates in mind? Just shoot us a message! We ask for at least 10 days’ notice to line up a guide, but heads up—May, June, September, and October fill up fast, often months ahead. If possible, we suggest that guests contact us two to three months in advance for peak dates.
Want to lock in your spot? Reach out and we’ll get you set up.
Reservation Deposits
To get on the books for this trip we require a 30% refundable* deposit paid with a credit or debit card. We accept both US issued and international cards with Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Rates
Guides
Inclusions
Seasons
2025 Rates & Reservations
Simplified payment options with cash, cards, or your favorite payment app when supported by Stripe payments or through PayPal. 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.
- Installment Plans – Pay as you go – We offer installment payment plans via Affirm, Inc. through Stripe Checkout.
◉ Reservations – Trip dates are only secured with reservation deposits.
We require a 30% reservation deposit to confirm your booking. Guests have the option to pay the remaining balance 3 days or earlier by credit card, or pay in cash at the end of the trip.
❖ To avoid credit card convenience fees, please settle the remaining balance in cash at the end of the trip ❖
Full Day – Fly Fishing
Full Day | 8–9 Hours of Guided Instruction
S. Korea, Full Day Fly Fishing – Rods, Reels, Gear Included
Number of Anglers |
Total |
Cost Per Angler |
|---|---|---|
| Full Day – Single Angler | $490.00 | $490 Per Day | 1:1 Guide / Guest |
| Full Day – Two Anglers | $690.00 | $345 Per Day | 1:2 Guide / Guest |
| Full Day – Three Anglers | $825.00 | $275 Per Day | 1:3 Guide / Guest |
Far East – Fly Fishing Lodge
Stay with Us
One Free Night – Complimentary Lodging – For guests booking two full days of more, your invited to stay at the with us at no addional cost. Private rooms for up to three guests available. For more information, please let us know any special requests in your message below.
Number of Anglers |
Total |
Cost Per Angler |
|---|---|---|
| II Days – Single Angler | $800.00 | $400 Per Day | 1:1 Guide / Guest |
| II Days – Lodge Two Anglers | $1000.00 | $250 Per Day | 1:2 Guide / Guest |
| II Days – Three Anglers | $1,200.00 | $300 Per Day | 1:3 Guide / Guest |
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.
What’s Included
On all trips – Guaranteed 8–9 hours of guided fly fishing on uncrowded waters. Pick-up and drop-off are included on all guided fly fishing trips in South Korea, plus travel planning and pre-trip support for no additional cost to you. Fuel, gear, tippet, leader, bottled water, and flies to loan are available for every angler on the trip.
Fly Fishing – Single Day Outings
Trips begin around 07:00am and wrap up around 16:00 — just enough time to catch the train back to Seoul. Guests who arrive the evening before can opt to stay at the guide lodge for an additional $45.00 per person, including dinner, breakfast, and morning coffee.
Services |
+ |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pick-Drop Off | Y | Included |
| Rods & Reels | Y | Included |
| Waders | Y | Included |
| Lunchbox | Y | N/A |
| Welcome Drink | N | N/A |
| Room + Meals | N | Extra* |
II Days + Guided Fly Fishing
Planning to fish two days or more? For guests who book two days or more, we offer courtesy lodging and meal services for every full day booked. The same services provided on single-day trips are included on multi-day adventures.
Services |
+ |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Pick-Drop Off | Y | Included |
| Rods & Reels | Y | Included |
| Waders | Y | Included |
| Lunchboxes | Y | Included |
| Welcome Drink | N | Included |
| Room + Meals | N | Included |
South Korea
2025 Season Planning Guide – Many anglers ask “When is a good time to go fly fishing in Korea” The answer is simple: Whenever you have time to go fishing is always a good time. However, we’ve broken it down month by month with a snap-shot analysis of what you can generally expect for 2025.
January
Off Season – No guides available. Tie flies, read books, enjoy something good to eat.
February
Off Season – No guides available ❖ Lunar New Years Holiday ❖
March
Ice melt – Cherry trout will be active during the water parts of the day. Midge patterns work well as do klinkhammer patterns. Rainbow trout will be in spawning mode. Egg patterns work well for Korean rainbow trout. Days begin to get longer. Temperatures remain below freezing at night. Searun dace enter the middle to upper reaches of coastal rivers on Korea’s eastern coast.
April
Cherry and other fruting trees begin to bloom. While the weather warms up, streams tend to run low and clear making for challenging fishing with dry and dusty skies. The end of April is much nicer than the beginning. # 10 Hexagenia mayflies appear at the end of the month. Searun dace are marking the end of their run up coastal creeks. Rainbow trout are still eating egg patterns and make good fun if there is enough water in the creek. April is an “iffy” month. It could be good, it could be bad. It’s certainly better than March but never as good as May.
May
Rain begins to fall on and off by early May. In Korean this is called “Danbi” or the sweet rains of spring. This rain turns the drab mountain sides into a resplendent green. Birdsong fills the forests and trout become active throughout the day. Black and brown sedges “caddis flies” appear in mid-morning, making dry fly fishing an excellent choice. If some streams, tiny web building worms fall predator to hungry trout. These inch long green caterpillars will dangle like yo-yos over the stream from branches above. The trout know this.
June
Early June to Mid June is probably the best time of year for the dry fly angler. With long days, it’s easy to spend the entire day in the mountain valley. Sulfurs in pale yellow and rusty brown show up sporadically. When the bugs are out, the trout will appear out of seemingly nowhere. By late june Cicadas have started to sing.
July
By July it’s a good time to wet wade. Ants, beetles, and other small terrestrials make great attractors for afternoon feeders. July is another “iffy” month for two reasons: First, it can be unbearably hot and humid. Secondly, it marks the start of the monsoon season. While flash floods are uncommon in July, the water can be a little bit high and dirty. July presents a unique opportunity and also challenges.
August
The dog days of summer have arrived. The first week of August is bearable for hardcore anglers. Trout will noticiably slow down and feed only in the early mornings and late evenings. At this time of year, we spit the trip into two halves, fishing only the early morning, resting and bbqing in the day, and hitting the stream for the last 3-4 hours of daylight. The middle of August is “national vacation” season when 80% of Korean’s take one week off work. Mid August is honestly one tough month to fish. However, some big trout are caught at the end of the month.
September
By Means the transistion of seasons. From the last week of August, crickets start singing. By the middle of the month, fishing is back to “May” and “June” quality. Summer rains bring much needed rainfall to the valleys. By midseptember, many streams turn a milky blue. Larger cherry trout move up from reservoirs to spawn. However, September has one unwanted guests: Typhoons. The worst storms of the year happen in September. In case of flooding, we’ll postpone the trip. Big caddis dominate the autumn. Think size #6 to #8
October
Cherry trout are vividly colored in spawning colors. Rainbows are positioned downstream to snatch their tiny yellow eggs. From the first week of October to the 3rd week of October, fishing is generally great. This is a great time of year to go for rainbow, brown, or cherry trout. With the fall foilage in full swing, this is the idea month for camping, fly fishing, and reading a good book in the sunshine. ❖ Korean lunar fall festival falls in this month❖ Prepare in advance for a 10 day public holiday. Buses, Trains, flights, and hotels will most likely be sold out or very expensive.
November
November – Guided trips are winding down. Cherry trout are on the spawn. From the 3rd week of October, we change gears and target big Korean brown trout in central Gangwon. Come out with us and throw a 5wt for a big native Manchurian. These fish are best taken in the mid to late morning. Snow showers begin in November signaling the end of the season.
December
For the brave few, some big brown and rainbow trout are caught in early to mid December. The good thing is you’ll have the river to yourself with few crowds. With ice forming on the river, this is a good time to chunk streamers or fish a dry in the “hottest” part of the day just after lunchtime. The standard 8 hours guided trip will be reduced to just 6.5 to 7 hours to compensate for the short period of sunlight. December marks the end of the season and time to reflect and prepare for the new year.
Get in Touch Today
Contact us – Because We’re here to help you get started.
☎+ 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
