Lake Akan & Akan River Fly Fishing Guide | Hokkaido, Japan
Lake Akan & Akan River Fishing Guide | Fly & Lure Fishing in Hokkaido
Lake Akan and the Akan River are two of the best-known trout fishing destinations in Eastern Hokkaido, Japan.
The Akan area offers anglers the opportunity to target Hokkaido’s trout and char in two very different environments: a large natural lake and a flowing river.
Our Lake Akan and Akan River fishing guide service is available for both fly fishing and lure fishing.
Whether this is your first fishing experience in Hokkaido or you are an experienced angler traveling to Japan specifically for trout fishing, we can tailor the trip to your experience, target species, and preferred fishing style.
Weather, water temperature, water levels, wind, insect activity, and fish movement can all affect fishing conditions. We consider these factors when choosing the fishing area, techniques, and daily plan.
Based at Hotel Both in Eastern Hokkaido, our team provides guided fly fishing and lure fishing trips to Lake Akan, the Akan River, and other fishing areas throughout Eastern Hokkaido.
Our fishing guide team, led by Shin Niwa, welcomes everyone from first-time anglers to experienced fly and lure anglers from around the world.
You do not need to stay at Hotel Both to book our fishing guide service.
Fishing in the Akan Area
One of the great attractions of fishing in the Akan area is the opportunity to experience both lake fishing and river fishing during your trip.
At Lake Akan, anglers fish a large body of water while considering wind, water temperature, depth, insect activity, and fish movement.
On the Akan River, fishing is more focused on reading the current, depth, structure, and likely holding areas for trout.
Even within the same area, fishing conditions can change considerably depending on the season, weather, and water conditions.
For this reason, rather than simply taking guests to a famous fishing spot, we build our fishing plans around current conditions, target species, fishing style, and the experience of each guest.
Lake Akan Fishing
Lake Akan is one of Hokkaido’s well-known trout and char fishing destinations.
Because of the size and variety of the lake, fishing methods and productive areas can change with the season, weather, water temperature, wind, insect activity, and fish movement.
For fly fishing, we can use both single-handed and double-handed fly rods, depending on the conditions and the angler’s preferred style.
We also provide lure fishing guidance at Lake Akan, making it suitable for anglers who normally fish with spinning tackle or who want to experience trout fishing during their Hokkaido trip.
Learn More About Fishing at Lake Akan
Akan River Fishing
The Akan River provides a very different fishing experience from Lake Akan.
Here, anglers read the current, depth, river structure, and likely holding water while searching for trout.
For fly fishing, techniques may include dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, depending on water conditions, insect activity, and fish behavior.
Lure fishing techniques are also adjusted according to the season, water conditions, and activity of the fish.
For anglers who are new to river trout fishing, we can also help with casting, positioning, reading the current, and approaching fish.
Learn More About Fishing the Akan River
Fly Fishing at Lake Akan & the Akan River
The Akan area is a popular destination for anglers who want to experience fly fishing in Hokkaido.
Depending on the season and conditions, fishing styles can include dry-fly fishing, nymphing, streamer fishing, and fishing with double-handed rods.
For beginners, we can start with the fundamentals, including how to handle a fly rod, basic casting, presentation, and how to approach the water.
Experienced fly anglers are welcome to bring their own equipment. Please let us know in advance what tackle you plan to bring and what style of fishing you prefer.
Lure Fishing at Lake Akan & the Akan River
We also offer lure fishing guide trips at Lake Akan, the Akan River, and surrounding areas.
Our trips are suitable for anglers who normally fish with lures but have never fished for trout in Hokkaido, want to spend a day fishing during a Hokkaido trip, or want to target rainbow trout, white-spotted char, and other local salmonids with lures.
Suitable lures and fishing techniques vary according to the target species, season, and fishing environment.
No fly-fishing experience is required.
Lake Akan & Akan River Fishing Guide Plans & Prices
We offer a full-day fishing guide for experienced anglers as well as a beginner-friendly package for guests who do not have their own fishing equipment.
1-Day Fishing Guide
Duration: approximately 7–8 hours
Standard Rate
1 angler: from ¥44,000
2 anglers: from ¥55,000
These rates apply to guided trips focused on Lake Akan and the Akan River.
Trips combining the Akan area with other rivers or fishing areas may be charged at our standard regional guide rate.
Equipment rental: ¥2,000 per person
Both fly fishing and lure fishing are available.
This plan is recommended for experienced anglers or anyone who wants to spend a full day exploring Hokkaido’s trout fishing.
The exact fishing plan will be determined according to the season, target species, weather, water conditions, and your fishing experience.
Save 10% When Meeting Us in the Akan Area
If you have your own vehicle or rental car and can meet and finish the trip locally in the Akan area, you will receive 10% off the standard guide fee.
1 angler: ¥44,000 → ¥39,600
2 anglers: ¥55,000 → ¥49,500
Equipment rental: ¥2,000 per person
This option is particularly convenient for guests staying near Lake Akan or traveling around Hokkaido by rental car.
Beginner Fishing Package | Equipment Included
Duration: approximately 5 hours
Standard Rate
1 angler: ¥30,000
2 anglers: ¥50,000
This beginner-friendly package includes the necessary fishing equipment.
It is designed for guests who want to try fishing in Hokkaido for the first time, experience fly fishing or lure fishing, or simply do not have fishing equipment with them during their trip.
We can help with basic equipment use, casting, presentation, and approaching fish according to your experience level.
Save 10% When Meeting Us in the Akan Area
The beginner package is also 10% off when you meet and finish the trip locally in the Akan area.
1 angler: ¥30,000 → ¥27,000
2 anglers: ¥50,000 → ¥45,000
Equipment rental is included in the package price.
Fishing Permits
Fishing at Lake Akan and the Akan River requires a local fishing permit.
The permit fee is not included in the guide price and may vary depending on the fishing area and current regulations.
Guests are asked to purchase the required fishing permit separately.
We can provide information about the appropriate permit when arranging your trip.
Beginners Are Welcome
You do not need previous fishing experience to join one of our trips.
We welcome beginners in both fly fishing and lure fishing.
Depending on your experience, we can help with equipment, casting, positioning, reading the water, and approaching fish.
Guests who simply want to experience fishing as part of their Hokkaido vacation are very welcome.
At the same time, we also guide experienced anglers traveling to Hokkaido specifically to pursue trout and char.
Please tell us about your fishing experience and preferred fishing style when making your reservation.
We Choose the Fishing Area Based on Conditions
Trout fishing in Hokkaido is strongly influenced by natural conditions.
Weather, water temperature, river levels, wind, insect activity, and fish movement can all affect fishing from one day to the next.
For this reason, we do not always decide on one exact fishing spot far in advance.
Instead, we consider the season, weather, water conditions, target species, fishing style, and your experience when planning the day.
Depending on conditions, we may also recommend fishing areas outside Lake Akan and the Akan River if another nearby field provides a suitable alternative for your trip.
About Our Hokkaido Fishing Guides
Hotel Both’s fishing guide service is led by Shin Niwa and a young team of fishing guides based in Eastern Hokkaido.
Our team spends more than 250 days a year in the field. During the main fishing season from May through October, we welcome anglers from Japan and around the world.
Fly fishing is at the heart of what we do, while our guiding style changes according to the season, location, fishing conditions, and the goals of each guest.
From first-time anglers to experienced fishermen traveling internationally to experience Hokkaido fishing, we provide trips suited to different levels and fishing styles.
Book a Lake Akan & Akan River Fishing Guide
If you are planning a fishing trip to the Akan area of Hokkaido, please contact us to discuss your trip.
When making an inquiry, please include:
- Preferred fishing date(s)
- Number of anglers
- Full-day guide or beginner package
- Fly fishing or lure fishing
- Fishing experience
- Target species
- Accommodation area
- Whether you can meet us directly in the Akan area
We will use this information together with seasonal fishing conditions to recommend a suitable fishing plan.
Whether this will be your first fishing experience in Hokkaido or you are traveling to Japan specifically for trout fishing, we look forward to showing you the waters of Eastern Hokkaido.
Come experience Lake Akan, the Akan River, and the wild landscapes of Hokkaido through fishing.