South Korea Fly Fishing 2025 | Far East Fly Fishing Co.

Korea

Dry Fly – Cherry Trout

Classic Dry Fly – Guided Full Day
Fly Fishing Korea – Cherry Trout

Duration 8-10 hours of guided fly fishing
Location – Gangwondo, South Korea

Dry Fly fishing in Korea means lighting fast surface strikes for the world’s smallest pacific salmon: the inland cherry salmon, Onchorhynchus masou, also know as “Yamame”

Flyfish Korea’s forested mountain corridors. Walk & Wade through emerald waters in search of the fabled cherry trout, petite chubs, and tenacious rainbow trout. Discover Korea off the beaten path with us. Contact for details.

Full Day – Cherry Trout
Guided Fly Fishing – Cherry Trout

For the dry fly angler in Korea, the peak times to throw dry flies is early summer through the end of autumn.

Sample Full Day Itinerary

5:16 AM – Depart Seoul Station
6:39 AM – Arrive Pyeongchang 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 Station
3:48PM – Depart Pyeongchang 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.

Sendai Japan yamame also called a cherry trout guided fly fishing rates

Aquatic insect guide fly fishing south korea

Cherry Trout

Tackle

Sleep

Reservations

Cherry Trout

Oncorhynchus masou – Cherry trout, yamame, cherry salmon describe the same trout found throughout South Korea. Korean cherry trout are colorful & elusive fish that are easily spooked. These trout are rarely observed feeding except in low light hours. Cherry trout prefer cold, clear, fast-flowing streams. Rods under 9′ in the 2wt-3wt class are standard. Takes are generally aggressive and require a quick hook set. Light tippets 6X or smaller and suggested for chasing the emperors of Korea’s highland creeks. Any fish taken over 12″ is considered a trophy catch of a liftime. The average size of cherry trout in Korea is around 7 to 8 inches.

Far East Outfitters Guide Service, South Korea fly fishing

Tackle

Rods & Reels
Cherry Trout – Dry fly rods should be medium to soft action in sizes 2wt to 3wt. Pair your rod with with a floating line or a traditional double-taper fly line. Simple “click-pawl” reels like the hardy featherweight, the Orvis Battenkill, or CFO are ideal for cherry trout fly fishing in Korea.

Waders & Boot
Korean trout streams are generally easy to wade. Choose a wader boot that is both lightweight and sturdy with a studded bottoms. For boots and waders, we reccommend the following brands Simms, Orvis, and Skwala.

Accomodations

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.

Korail Tickets

For help with Korail ticket purchases, please contact us for assistance. We can assist you with reserving your ticket reservations for a flat fee per passenger.

Contact

How to Book Your Trip

Guided Fly Fishing – South Korea

Once you have a rough set of dates in mind, send us a message. We request a minimum of 10 days in advance of your trip to guarantee guide availability.

Trip & Rate Consultations

For questions and consultation appointments, send us a message below. We’ll get back to you by email at our first convenience.

Contact

Guides

Inclusions

Rates

Seasons

Fly Fishing – Local Legends

Language barrier? We work exclusively with professional, English speaking fly fishing guides. Our partner guide have an above average level of spoken English and excellent knowlege of local rivers.

Clear communication with your fly fishing guide during the search, the fight, landing and release is paramount. We take great pride in working with guides who are excellent communicators for zero extra charge to our guests.

No Extra Fees You won’t find an addtional “English Fee” for booking with us.

Zero Accident Record – In the last 15 years, we can report zero guest accidents.

Whatever your motivations might be for hiring a fly fishing guide, clear communication is paramount to a fun and safe day on the water.

Standard Inclusions

Guaranteed 8-9 hours of guided fly fishing on remote and uncrowded waters. Pick-up and Drop off are included on all guided fly fishing trips in South Korea. Simple lunchboxes, bottled water, fuel fees and roadway tolls are included. Fly patterns deemed most effective are available on loan to guests without a fly box. Rods, Reels, Waders, Wader Boots, Kit-Bags and Tool Rentals are available for an additional fee per angler, per day.

Exclusions – Travel Insurance is not included. Accomodations, Rental Gear, and Personal purchases including snacks and drinks are not included.

Gratuities – for guides are sincerely appreciated should the guest deem a gratuity is appropriate. The international standard of 12% to 25% depending on the total overall experience is common in the fly fishing guide industry.

How to Pay?

Clear pricing is what we like. We think you will too. Pay with cash, cards, or flexible plans through Affirm Payments

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 via © Stripe checkout.

Reservations – Trip dates are secured with reservation deposit or full payments. Full payments are required 90 days before the first scheduled day or your trip. Anglers booking before 90 days or more are only asked for a 50% refundable deposit.

Rates

Full Day – Single Angler – $525 USD
Full Day – Two Anglers – $362 USD
Full Day – Three Anglers – Call for Pricing

Credit Cards – We accept most
Card Options – We accept

*For guests who require extended or customized travel planning, we require an upfront $100 retainer fee for continued consultations after the initial introductory phone call or three email exchanges, whichever comes first. Retainer fees will be credited towards final balances.

Fly Fishing Korea

When is peak season?
Dry Fly Season – South Korean Trout

For the dry fly angler in Korea, the peak times to throw dry flies is early summer through the end of autumn.
Contact us for more information about specific seasons, weather conditions and more.

Cherry trout also called Yamame in Japanese

Tokachi fly fishing guide Japan Hokkaido trout Redband

English speaking fly fishing guide Korea trout

Which rod should I take to Japan? For Fly Fishing?

Plan your trip

Get in touch, we’re here to help you get started.

Plan your trip

Get in touch, we’re here to help you get started.

David Anchell

Tipperary, Ireland

I’ve fished with many a fly fishing guide in my time. From Seychelles to Montana, from Cuba to New Zealand and back! I can simply say the guides at Far East Fly Fishing Co. gives a travelling fly fishing fly fishing addict the complete ‘fix’ These fly fishing guides are amenable, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and great company at camp. Far East makes exotic fly-fishing simple, well, as simple as it can be book your next adventure fly fishing trip with Far East, you’ll not regret it! Hope you enjoy the CD and the fly box!

Scott Wagy

Montana, USA

Good karma with these guides. That day hit all the right notes. From the minute my son met our guide he looked back at me and said, this is going to be good.herry is extremely rare. The cherry trout we caught was a monster 12+ inches, a lifetime fish for sure. We really want to go to Japan. It’ll be a few years, but we may do that. We totally enjoyed your company and your energy. We laughed and had the best time. And then to end up in that bar with fried chicken and a cheesy love motel? What more can you ask for?

Tim Geisler

Colorado, USA

Overall a fantastic experience and exactly what we were hoping for. Would definitely love to come back and fish more of Hokkaido with you guys as there seem to be LOTS of incredible options!3. Some of the recent guided trips I have been on, at the end of the day when you return to the car there is a cooler with ice water, and some cans of other cold drinks. After the hot hike out, that would have been a nice extra touch! Had a GREAT time with Masa! He’s a great guide; professional, knowledgeable, passionate

Shane Dubose

Clearwater, Florida

I booked two, overnight camping trips / Fly Fishing Overland II trips. I got on cherry trout and some crazy rainbows during my stay in Korea. My fly fishing guide was resourceful and accommodating no matter the circumstance. From trouble navigating public transport to picky trout not cooperating, our guide Matt was there with a solution. Most importantly, it never felt as if he was just my guide.The owners Matt and Nami are wonderful people that I’m happy to consider as friends. See you both again. Take care.

Daniel Andrews

Michigan, USA

I am a lifetime trout fisherman. That’s me in the back. I’ve been fortunate to have fished worldwide. The last time I traveled to South Korea, I booked a day with Far East Fly Fishing. From Seoul, the guide got me from Seoul Station to a beautiful stream where I caught Siberian trout and hooked a monster. If I go again, I will definitely fish again with my guides there. I recommend this company without hesitation, give it a shot – I also hear that fly fishing in Japan is not to be missed. Take the train and skip the drive!

Enzo Ferrara

Cuomo, Italy

I fished with Matt in Mongolia when he was rowing a boat in Northern Mongolia as a young guide several years ago. It’s been several years since that epic trip to Mongolia but the memories are fresh as yesterday. The crew including Matt worked with Fish Mongolia. A few years later, Matt opened the Far East Fly Fishing guide service after our fly fishing trip. I wish him the best of luck and hope to book a trip to Japan. Best luck to all fly fishing anglers that wind up in South Korea, Japan, or Mongolia. Ciao Hermanos!

Jose S.C. COL

San Diego, California

Many moons ago, while stationed in Seoul, South Korea I had the opportunity to go fly fishing with Far East Fly Fishing Co. for a couple of days on an overnight camping and guided fly fishing trip. We had a great experience with our guide. Over the course of two days, we explored S.Korea’s northern rivers and caught several species of trout and colorful chubs on the fly. As an avid international angler, I would highly recommend booking your next trip with Matt and the team in South Korea. Thank you for the hospitality

Steven Lee

United States

“Ran across this website and had a great day on the water. Overall the trip and details in planning really exceeded my expectations. I could have stayed an extra day if my schedule allowed. I hope to make the trip again next year. Highly recommended guide service. It’s been a long time since my fly fishing trip in Korea and I often flip through the trip photos when you guys first started. I wish you all the best and hope you will CONTINUE to take good care of the guests, the fish, and come see us over here in the USA!

Turner Noel

Seattle, Washington

We had an amazing trip! As someone who has fished A LOT but with not much training, our fly fishing guide in Korea was able to explain concepts and locations for me to understand how and why what methods worked. It was also great to see someone who is truly invested in the conservation of the area around him. I 100% recommend this trip to anyone visiting, it’s an amazing way to see a more remote side of the world and explore. Book two days if possible, camping experience was unforgettable and a lot of fun.

John Pacella

United States

I was on a business trip and came upon Far East Fly fishing while looking for something to do on my weekend. I am an avid fly fisherman so the chance of fishing in Korea was very exciting for me. Our fly fishing guide was fantastic at accommodating me at the last minute. His knowledge of the fishery and his help with all of the logistics made travel to the destination an ease. Standing in a stream holding a fly rod makes anywhere in the world feel like home. Thanks for turning a business trip into a memory of a lifetime.

Luke Allard

British Columbia, Canada

I had never been to Japan or Korea before, and connecting with the Far East made the unknown a lot more comfortable. I chatted through the trip details countless times before leaving, and was even able to meet up with the office guys in downtown Seoul for a send-off party before embarking on my fly fishing journey to Hokkaido, Japan which added an additional layer of confidence. The fishing itself was magical, top tier guided trip and nothing but great times. Catching fish is ultimately up to you! Tight Lines from Canada.

Ian Kutsunai

Chicago Illinois, USA

I booked a two-day trip with Matt in South Korea with one goal in mind, to catch a cherry and lenok trout. With our guide’s expertise, I was able to check two more species off of my list! If you’re open to it, I’d suggest that you skip the camping and eat at a restaurant in one of the local towns. Ask Matt about the Kazakhstani/Korean restaurant, you won’t regret it!”
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

As someone who was new to flyfishing, especially in a foreign country, I was uncertain about what to expect. Far East Flyfishing Co. made my introduction to flyfishing seamless and enjoyable, from start to finish. It was the highlight of my trip to Korea, and an unforgettable experience I will cherish forever! I am already looking forward to when I can be back on the water with them. The team there ‘Matt” stayed in touch with me after our trip and hope I can get to Japan the next go around. Thank you all and see you soon again.

Bob Skuza

Sydney, Australia

My first fly fishing trip to Northern Japan with Far East Fly Fishing Co was like a journey to Alaska, wilderness fishing, wildlife, clear water streams and great fish. The expertise of the guide was first rate and this is a trip that I will do again. Hokkaido is far bigger than I’d estimated. If you’re reading this, please take note that the train ride from Sapporo is 5+ hours to get all the way to the far end of the Island. There are some monster trout, char and taimen there. Three days was not enough. Planning to see you in 2025.