Shin Niwa – Hokkaido Fly Fishing Guide

About Shin

Hi, I’m Shin Niwa, born in 1994.

I spend more than 250 days a year fishing, and during Hokkaido’s peak fishing season from May through October, I guide anglers from around the world on an almost daily basis.

I am a fishing guide based in the Shiretoko area of Eastern Hokkaido, Japan.

I have been fishing for more than 20 years, and today I guide anglers visiting Hokkaido from both Japan and around the world.

My main focus is fly fishing for trout and char.

I target a variety of salmonids found in Hokkaido, including Sakhalin Taimen (Ito), Rainbow Trout, White-Spotted Char (Amemasu), Dolly Varden (Oshorokoma), and other species.

Depending on the season, target species, and fishing environment, I use both single-handed and double-handed fly rods.

Fly Fishing in Hokkaido

One of the things I love most about fishing in Hokkaido is the incredible diversity of its waters.

There are tiny streams where roll casts and bow-and-arrow casts are essential.

There are larger rivers where we can swing streamers.

And there are lakes where both single-handed rods and Spey casting can be effective.

Even within the same region, Hokkaido offers many completely different styles of fly fishing.

Natural conditions here are constantly changing.

Water levels, water temperatures, weather, insect activity, and fish movements can completely change the fishing from one week to the next—or sometimes even within a single day.

Because of this, my guiding style is not simply about taking guests to a famous fishing spot.

I choose the most suitable fishing area based on current conditions, season, target species, fishing style, and each angler’s experience.

My Guiding Style

My goal is to help guests experience the many different styles of fly fishing that Hokkaido has to offer.

Experienced fly anglers are always welcome, but you don’t need to be an expert.

I also guide beginners and anglers trying fly fishing for the first time.

Depending on the trip, I can help with casting, presentation, tackle selection, and understanding how we approach trout in Hokkaido.

For experienced anglers, we can also focus on more technical styles of fishing, including Spey fishing.

Above all, I want every guest to enjoy not only the fishing, but also the landscape, wildlife, and time spent in the natural environment of Hokkaido.

More Than a Fishing Guide

In addition to working as a fishing guide, I am also involved in operating HOTEL BOTH, an accommodation facility in Shari, near Shiretoko.

This allows us to offer more than simply a single day of fishing.

International anglers can use Shari as a base for exploring Eastern Hokkaido and combine fly fishing, accommodation, local food, and other outdoor experiences during their stay.

I also regularly share first-hand information about fishing in Hokkaido through our website and social media.

My articles cover topics including the best fishing seasons, Rainbow Trout, White-Spotted Char (Amemasu), Sakhalin Taimen (Ito), tackle, fly-fishing techniques, and travel information for anglers visiting Hokkaido.

The information I share is based on my own experience fishing and guiding here in Hokkaido.

Catch & Release

Protecting Hokkaido’s fish and natural environment is extremely important to me.

My guided trout and char fishing trips are primarily based on catch-and-release fishing.

Some areas and species have specific regulations, fishing seasons, or restrictions.

These rules and conditions can also change from year to year.

I believe that respecting the fish, local regulations, other anglers, and the natural environment is essential to protecting Hokkaido’s incredible fisheries for the future.

Fly Fishing in Hokkaido with Shin

If you are planning a fishing trip to Hokkaido, Japan, please feel free to contact me.

I welcome everyone from complete beginners trying fly fishing for the first time to experienced anglers planning a dedicated fly-fishing trip to Hokkaido.

Together, we can build a fishing plan based on the season, target species, your preferred fishing style, and current conditions.

I look forward to fishing with you in Hokkaido.

Shin Niwa
Hokkaido Fly Fishing Guide
Shiretoko / Eastern Hokkaido, Japan