Months for Shishamo Smelt are a broad Japan-wide guide and shift with region, temperature and conditions; prefer local reports and rules.
About
A Japanese endemic that runs up only a handful of rivers on Hokkaido's Pacific coast. Most of what is sold under the name is actually capelin, a different species.
Basics
Scientific name
Spirinchus lanceolatus
Family
キュウリウオ科
Japanese name
シシャモ
Kana
ししゃも
Waters
Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Rivers & lakes
Size
15 cm (max 18 cm)
Time of day
Dawn, Daytime
Depth (tana)
In migration channels, but only where an authorised fishery or programme permits capture.
Local names
本ししゃも
Ad slot
How to catch it
Freshwater lure fishing from a River / Mountain stream
Shishamo Smelt: Ordinary river angling is prohibited for some runs and regions. Confirm whether capture is legal with authorities and the cooperative before choosing tackle.
Waters: Hokkaido & Sea of Okhotsk, Rivers & lakes
Kit for this fish
Freshwater lure starter kit ・ Kit total ¥17,000–50,000
6.6 ft ML freshwater lure rodVersatile spinning rod for bass and medium or small trout.¥6,000–22,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Spinning reel, size 2500The most versatile size for pier fishing: one reel covers sabiki, float fishing and eging.¥4,000–15,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
8 lb fluorocarbon lineGeneral freshwater lure line; adjust strength for cover.¥800–2,400AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Freshwater minnow and soft lureFish- or crustacean-shaped lures; check water-specific tackle restrictions.¥600–2,500AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Fishing pliers / hook removerEssential protection from venomous spines and sharp teeth. Most injuries happen when someone unhooks a fish bare-handed.¥800–4,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Cap and polarised sunglassesAlso safety equipment, protecting your eyes from a flying rig. Polarised lenses additionally let you read the bottom.¥2,000–20,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
Life jacket, adult (Japan Craft Inspection approved)The first thing to buy, and worn on piers, rocks and boats alike. Boat fishing requires the government-approved type marked with the cherry-blossom stamp.¥5,000–20,000AdFind on AmazonFind on Rakuten
First check the permit, lure and hook rules, and handling requirements for invasive fish.
Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.
Food use varies locally. Check harvest rules and water quality, avoid raw consumption and cook thoroughly.
Best eating: September–November
Rules
During its spawning run into estuaries and rivers, capture is often tightly restricted by fishing rights and cooperative rules, and unauthorised capture can be a problem. Confirm with the prefecture and cooperative whether angling is permitted, and for what period and area.
