Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Japan (Complete Guide)

Japan is one of the most popular vacation destinations on earth but it is a very overlooked fishing destination with some of the best fishing in the Pacific Ocean. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.

The best times to fish in Japan vary depending on the species, but generally, spring and autumn are considered favorable seasons with moderate temperatures and active fish populations.

Month	Japan Fishing Location
January	Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) – Diverse fish species including black bass, trout, and smelt.
February	Kitakami River (Iwate Prefecture) – Winter cherry salmon fishing.
March	Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Largemouth bass and trout.
April	Tsurumi River (Hokkaido) – Cherry salmon season.
May	Lake Aoki (Nagano Prefecture) – Crystal-clear waters for trout fishing.
June	Nihonbashi River (Tokyo) – Urban river fishing for ayu.
July	Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Coastal waters for sea bream, sea bass, and flatfish.
August	Kitayamazaki Cliffs (Iwate Prefecture) – Ocean fishing for amberjack, mackerel, and yellowtail.
September	Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture) – Autumn fishing for bass, catfish, and crucian carp.
October	Kushiro River (Hokkaido) – Salmon fishing season.
November	Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi Prefecture) – Trout fishing in scenic surroundings.
December	Shiretoko Peninsula (Hokkaido) – Ice fishing for smelt and masu salmon.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Japan. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Top 15 Japanese Fishing Destinations: Best Times

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) – Best time: Spring and autumn for bass and trout.

Kitakami River (Iwate Prefecture) – Best time: Winter for cherry salmon.

Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Best time: Spring for largemouth bass and trout.

Tsurumi River (Hokkaido) – Best time: April for cherry salmon.

Lake Aoki (Nagano Prefecture) – Best time: May for trout fishing.

Nihonbashi River (Tokyo) – Best time: June for ayu fishing.

Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Best time: July for sea bream, sea bass, and flatfish.

Kitayamazaki Cliffs (Iwate Prefecture) – Best time: August for amberjack, mackerel, and yellowtail.

Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture) – Best time: September for bass, catfish, and crucian carp.

Kushiro River (Hokkaido) – Best time: October for salmon fishing.

Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi Prefecture) – Best time: November for trout fishing.

Shiretoko Peninsula (Hokkaido) – Best time: December for ice fishing for smelt and masu salmon.

Lake Kawaguchi (Yamanashi Prefecture) – Best time: Spring and autumn for bass and trout.

Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture) – Best time: June for ayu fishing.

Shimanto River (Kochi Prefecture) – Best time: Spring and autumn for trout and ayu.

Lake Toya (Hokkaido) – Best time: Summer for lake trout and char.

Amami Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) – Best time: Year-round for various saltwater species.

Ishigaki Island (Okinawa Prefecture) – Best time: Year-round for tropical saltwater species.

Lake Hamana (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Best time: Spring and autumn for bass, bream, and flounder.

Yakushima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) – Best time: Year-round for various saltwater species.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in Japan

Chitose River (Hokkaido) – Best fished from May to October, targeting species such as cherry salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout.

Kamikawa River (Hokkaido) – Prime fishing months are June to September, with opportunities to catch landlocked salmon, rainbow trout, and white-spotted char.

Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture) – Best fished from April to November, targeting species like ayu (sweetfish), Japanese huchen, and trout.

Tama River (Tokyo/Kanagawa Prefecture) – Spring and fall offer great fishing for species such as sea trout, carp, and largemouth bass.

Shimanto River (Kochi Prefecture) – Year-round fishing spot, with prime months being spring and fall for species like ayu, sweetfish, and trout.

Kiso River (Gifu/Nagano Prefecture) – Best fished from April to November, targeting species such as ayu, Japanese huchen, and trout.

Kitakami River (Iwate/Miyagi Prefecture) – Spring and summer are ideal for fishing for salmon species like cherry salmon and masu salmon.

Tone River (Gunma/Ibaraki Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are spring and fall, with opportunities to catch ayu, catfish, and Japanese dace.

Yoshino River (Tokushima Prefecture) – Best fished from April to November, targeting species like ayu, Japanese dace, and bass.

Mogami River (Yamagata Prefecture) – Spring and summer offer great fishing for species such as cherry salmon, rainbow trout, and masu salmon.

Teshio River (Hokkaido) – Best fishing months are June to October, with opportunities to catch species like cherry salmon, white-spotted char, and rainbow trout.

Iwaki River (Fukushima Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are spring and fall, with opportunities to catch ayu, Japanese dace, and carp.

Tenryu River (Nagano/Shizuoka Prefecture) – Best fished from April to November, targeting species such as ayu, trout, and Japanese dace.

Kuma River (Kumamoto Prefecture) – Spring and summer are ideal for fishing for species like Japanese dace, catfish, and eel.

Naka River (Yamanashi Prefecture) – Best fishing months are April to November, with opportunities to catch trout species like rainbow trout and amago.

Shiretoko Five Lakes (Hokkaido) – Year-round fishing spot, with popular catches including cherry salmon, rainbow trout, and char.

Ibi River (Gifu/Aichi Prefecture) – Best fished from April to November, targeting species such as ayu, trout, and Japanese dace.

Anan River (Tokushima Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are spring and fall, with opportunities to catch species like ayu, catfish, and bass.

Kuji River (Iwate Prefecture) – Best fishing months are June to October, with opportunities to catch species like cherry salmon, masu salmon, and trout.

Saru River (Hokkaido) – Best fished from May to October, targeting species such as cherry salmon, rainbow trout, and brown trout.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in Japan

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species such as black bass, catfish, and Lake Biwa trout.

Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture) – Ideal fishing months are spring and fall, targeting species like largemouth bass, catfish, and crucian carp.

Lake Suwa (Nagano Prefecture) – Spring and fall offer great fishing opportunities for salmonids like kokanee and rainbow trout.

Lake Inawashiro (Fukushima Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species such as wakasagi (Japanese pond smelt), bass, and rainbow trout.

Lake Towada (Aomori/Akita Prefectures) – Spring and fall are prime months for fishing in this lake, known for its kokanee salmon, iwana, and rainbow trout.

Lake Biwa Canal (Shiga Prefecture) – Year-round fishing spot, with popular species including black bass, catfish, and bluegill.

Lake Yamanaka (Yamanashi Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and char.

Lake Ashi (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Spring and fall are excellent times to fish for species such as black bass, rainbow trout, and largemouth bass.

Lake Nojiri (Nagano Prefecture) – Best fishing months are spring and fall, with opportunities to catch iwana, wakasagi, and largemouth bass.

Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi Prefecture) – Spring and fall offer great fishing for trout species like amago and rainbow trout.

Lake Shikaribetsu (Hokkaido) – Winter ice fishing is popular for smelt and char, while spring and summer are ideal for trout species.

Lake Tazawa (Akita Prefecture) – Best fishing months are spring and fall, targeting species such as wakasagi, largemouth bass, and kokanee salmon.

Lake Sagami (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Year-round fishing spot, with popular catches including black bass, rainbow trout, and catfish.

Lake Saiko (Yamanashi Prefecture) – Spring and fall are prime months for fishing in this lake, known for its rainbow trout, char, and bass.

Lake Aoki (Nagano Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species such as kokanee salmon, rainbow trout, and char.

Lake Nakaumi (Shimane Prefecture) – Spring and fall are ideal for fishing for species like sea bream, sea bass, and flatfish.

Lake Kitaura (Ibaraki Prefecture) – Year-round fishing spot, with popular catches including largemouth bass, black bass, and catfish.

Lake Haruna (Gunma Prefecture) – Best fishing months are spring and fall, with opportunities to catch trout species like amago and rainbow trout.

Lake Toya (Hokkaido) – Spring and summer offer great fishing for salmonids like kokanee and rainbow trout.

Lake Teganuma (Chiba Prefecture) – Year-round fishing spot, with popular species including largemouth bass, catfish, and wakasagi.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Japan

Tokyo Bay (Tokyo) – Excellent year-round fishing spot, with prime months from April to November, targeting species such as sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Osaka Bay (Osaka) – Best fished from spring to fall, with opportunities to catch species like sea bream, sea bass, and flathead.

Ise Bay (Mie Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are from April to November, with popular catches including sea bream, flatfish, and rockfish.

Sagami Bay (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species like sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Shimizu Port (Shizuoka) – Excellent fishing destination year-round, with prime months being from spring to fall, and popular catches including sea bass, mackerel, and bonito.

Nada District (Hyogo Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, with opportunities to catch species like yellowtail, mackerel, and flathead.

Wakayama Bay (Wakayama Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are from spring to fall, with popular catches including sea bream, sea bass, and flounder.

Fukuoka Bay (Fukuoka Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species like sea bream, flounder, and mackerel.

Suruga Bay (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Excellent year-round fishing spot, with prime months from spring to fall, targeting species such as sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Hiroshima Bay (Hiroshima Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, with opportunities to catch species like sea bream, flatfish, and rockfish.

Miyazaki Bay (Miyazaki Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are from spring to fall, with popular catches including sea bream, sea bass, and flounder.

Kanmon Strait (Fukuoka/Yamaguchi Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species like sea bream, flounder, and mackerel.

Miyagi Bay (Miyagi Prefecture) – Excellent year-round fishing spot, with prime months from spring to fall, targeting species such as sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Toyama Bay (Toyama Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, with opportunities to catch species like sea bream, flounder, and mackerel.

Otaru Bay (Hokkaido) – Prime fishing months are from spring to fall, with popular catches including sea bass, mackerel, and bonito.

Shimoda Bay (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species like sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Omaezaki (Shizuoka Prefecture) – Excellent year-round fishing spot, with prime months from spring to fall, targeting species such as sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Hakodate Bay (Hokkaido) – Best fished from spring to fall, with opportunities to catch species like sea bream, flounder, and mackerel.

Choshi Port (Chiba Prefecture) – Prime fishing months are from spring to fall, with popular catches including sea bass, mackerel, and bonito.

Tomakomai Port (Hokkaido) – Best fished from spring to fall, targeting species like sea bass, flounder, and mackerel.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Largemouth Bass

The best times to fish for Largemouth Bass in Japan are spring and autumn, particularly from April to June and September to November. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon. Some popular locations for Largemouth Bass fishing in Japan include Lake Biwa, Lake Kasumigaura, Lake Inba, and Lake Hamana.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass fishing in Japan is best during the spring and autumn seasons, specifically from April to June and September to November. They are more active during early morning and late afternoon. Some popular locations for Smallmouth Bass fishing in Japan include Lake Biwa, Lake Suwa, Lake Kasumigaura, and Lake Inba.

Cherry Salmon

The best times to fish for Cherry Salmon in Japan are autumn and winter, specifically from October to February. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon. Some popular locations for Cherry Salmon fishing in Japan include the Kitakami River, the Hirose River, the Okawa River, and the Kamikawa River.

Yamame

The best times to fish for Yamame in Japan are spring and autumn, particularly from April to June and September to November. Yamame are more active during early morning and late afternoon. Some popular locations for Yamame fishing in Japan include the Kiso River, the Chikuma River, the Nagara River, and the Shimanto River.

Iwana

The best times to fish for Iwana in Japan are typically during the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May and September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the recommended times to catch them. Some popular locations for Iwana fishing in Japan include the Chikuma River, the Hime River, the Kiso River, and Lake Suwa.

Amago

The best times to fish for Amago in Japan are typically during the spring and summer, from April to August. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to catch them. Some popular locations for Amago fishing in Japan include the Kamikawa River, the Chitose River, the Kitayama River, and the Uono River.

Rainbow Trout

The best times to fish for Rainbow Trout in Japan are generally during spring and autumn when water temperatures are cooler. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to fish for them. Some popular locations for Rainbow Trout fishing in Japan include Lake Haruna, Lake Aoki, the Kitayama River, and the Oirase River.

Brown Trout

The best times to fish for Brown Trout in Japan are during spring and fall when water temperatures are cooler. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to fish for them. Some popular locations for Brown Trout fishing in Japan include the Chitose River, the Tama River, Lake Chuzenji, and Lake Nojiri.

Japanese Crucian Carp

The best times to fish for Japanese Crucian Carp in Japan are during the spring and summer months when they are most active. They can be caught throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are more productive. Some popular locations for Japanese Crucian Carp fishing include Lake Kasumigaura, Lake Biwa, the Kiso River, and the Tone River.

Catfish

Catfish in Japan can be caught throughout the year, but the best time to fish for them is during the warmer months from spring to autumn. They are most active during dusk and dawn, making early morning and late evening the ideal time of day to catch them. Some popular locations for catfish fishing in Japan include Lake Biwa, the Tone River, the Sumida River, and the Yodo River.

Bluefin Tuna

The best time to fish for bluefin tuna in Japan is during the summer and fall months, from June to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of the day. Some of Japan’s best locations for bluefin tuna fishing include Tsugaru Strait, Kinkazan Island, Tosa Bay, and Tsushima Island.

Yellowtail

The best time to fish for yellowtail in Japan is during the winter and early spring months, from December to April. They are more active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for yellowtail fishing in Japan include Tsugaru Strait, Boso Peninsula, Wakasa Bay, and Seto Inland Sea.

Japanese Seabass

The best time to fish for Japanese seabass in Japan is during the spring and autumn months, from March to May and September to November. They are more active during early morning and evening hours. Some of the best locations for Japanese seabass fishing in Japan include Tokyo Bay, Osaka Bay, Ariake Sea, and Hiroshima Bay.

Red Seabream

The best time to fish for red seabream in Japan is during the summer and autumn months, from June to October. They are more active during early morning and late afternoon. Some of Japan’s best locations for red seabream fishing include Tokyo Bay, Sagami Bay, Wakayama Prefecture, and Kagoshima Prefecture.

Japanese Flounder

The best time to fish for Japanese flounder in Japan is during the autumn and winter months, from September to February. They are more active during early morning and evening hours. Some of the best locations for Japanese flounder fishing in Japan include Osaka Bay, Tokyo Bay, Hiroshima Bay, and Ariake Sea.

Pacific Saury

The best time to fish for Pacific saury in Japan is during the autumn months, from September to November. They are more active during early morning and late afternoon. Some of the best locations for Pacific saury fishing in Japan include Hokkaido, Miyagi Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, and Iwate Prefecture.

Mahi-mahi

The best time to fish for Mahi-mahi in Japan is during the summer months, from June to August. They are often found in offshore waters, and it is recommended to fish during early morning or late afternoon. Some of Japan’s best locations for Mahi-mahi fishing include Okinawa, Kagoshima, Ishigaki Island, and Miyazaki.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout fishing in Japan is best during the cooler months from autumn to early spring, with peak seasons varying by region. October to March are generally favorable, and fishing is often productive during early morning and late afternoon. Some popular locations for Sea Trout fishing in Japan include Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku regions.

Japanese Barracuda

Japanese Barracuda, also known as Sawara, can be targeted year-round in Japan, but the best time to fish for them is during the warmer months from spring to autumn. Early morning and late afternoon are often productive times to catch Japanese Barracuda, especially when the water is calm. Some recommended locations for fishing Japanese Barracuda include the coastal areas of Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kyushu, where they are commonly found near rocky reefs and underwater structures.

Marlin

Marlin fishing in Japan is best during summer, particularly from June to September. The ideal time to fish for Marlin is early morning or late afternoon when they are most active. Some popular locations for Marlin fishing in Japan include the waters off the coast of Okinawa, Izu Peninsula, and the Kii Peninsula, where the warm Kuroshio Current attracts these magnificent gamefish.

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Best Fishing in Japan on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Lake Towada (Aomori/Akita Prefecture) – Known for fishing opportunities and catches of smelt and trout.
Tama River (Tokyo/Kanagawa Prefecture) – Popular for winter fishing for trout and char.
Lake Nojiri (Nagano Prefecture) – Offers fishing for trout and smelt during the winter months.
Lake Suwa (Nagano Prefecture) – Known for fishing and catches of smelt, trout, and whitefish.
Lake Shikotsu (Hokkaido) – Offers ice fishing for various species including smelt, trout, and char.
Yonaguni Island (Okinawa Prefecture) – Provides opportunities for winter fishing for various saltwater species.
Okinawa Main Island (Okinawa Prefecture) – Offers winter fishing for species such as grouper, snapper, and trevally.

Spring

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) – Known for its population of black bass and trout.
Kitakami River (Iwate Prefecture) – Popular for cherry salmon fishing.
Lake Aoki (Nagano Prefecture) – Offers opportunities to catch various trout species.
Nihonbashi River (Tokyo) – Known for ayu fishing during the spring months.
Lake Chuzenji (Tochigi Prefecture) – Offers trout fishing opportunities.
Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture) – Well-known for ayu fishing.
Yakushima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) – Offers year-round fishing opportunities for various saltwater species.

Summer

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) – Best known for its population of black bass and trout.
Kitakami River (Iwate Prefecture) – Popular for cherry salmon fishing.
Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Offers opportunities to catch largemouth bass and trout.
Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Known for its abundance of sea bream, sea bass, and flatfish.
Lake Kasumigaura (Ibaraki Prefecture) – Ideal for fishing bass, catfish, and crucian carp.
Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture) – Well-known for ayu fishing.
Shimanto River (Kochi Prefecture) – Offers fishing opportunities for trout and ayu.

Fall

Lake Biwa (Shiga Prefecture) – Known for its population of black bass and trout, which are particularly active during the fall months.
Tama River (Tokyo/Kanagawa Prefecture) – Popular for salmon fishing during the fall season.
Lake Ashinoko (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Offers opportunities to catch various species such as largemouth bass and trout, which are active during the fall.
Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa Prefecture) – Known for its abundance of sea bream, sea bass, and flatfish, which can be caught during the fall season.
Nagara River (Gifu Prefecture) – Well-known for ayu fishing, which is at its peak during the fall months.
Shimanto River (Kochi Prefecture) – Offers fishing opportunities for trout and ayu, with the fall season being a productive time.
Yakushima Island (Kagoshima Prefecture) – Provides opportunities for fall fishing for various saltwater species, including tuna and mackerel.