Spring has finally found its footing in the mountains around Nikko. After weeks of cold water and cautious fish, warmer temperatures have arrived and with them, the kind of fishing that makes the early-season patience worthwhile.
Last week, guides Hiro and Takashi hosted a group of visiting anglers from the United States, and the streams delivered. The highlight of the trip was a rainbow trout measuring over 40cm, a genuinely impressive fish for these waters. Alongside it, the group landed a beautifully marked wild yamame (cherry salmon) pushing 30cm, and a smaller wild char.
“The weather is getting warmer day by day, and the fishing results are improving.”
The timing is no coincidence. Late April marks the tipping point when water temperatures climb into the range that triggers consistent feeding activity. Insects begin hatching in earnest, fish move out of their tight winter lies, and a well-presented kebari suddenly looks a lot more interesting to a stream-born trout.
Looking ahead, Hiro is particularly excited about what May will bring. As temperatures continue to rise, the higher-elevation headwaters will come into their own. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to plan a trip to fish in Nikko, that moment is arriving. We’ll have more reports as the season heats up!
Note: Our friends at Nikko Tenkara (Hiroyuki Ishii & Takashi Sakauchi) have offered to send us brief updates on their fishing and guiding season in Japan. If you are visiting Japan and have interest in their tenkara guide services, visit their website at nikko-tenkara.com. Tell them Tenkara Angler sent you!
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