Methods

Mountain-stream bait fishing

Difficulty ●●●○○
Intermediate
Advanced
River / Mountain stream
Gear cost ¥10,000–32,000

A light fixed-line rig carries a natural bait through current seams for trout and char. Before entering, confirm the local opening date, permit, closed zones and minimum size. Rising water and falls are the primary hazards.

Season

Many rivers open from spring to early autumn, but dates are set locally.

The kit you need

Stream bait-fishing starter kit ・ Kit total ¥13,000–35,000

4.5 m fixed-line stream rodAn approachable fixed-line length for ordinary open mountain streams. ¥5,000–20,000AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Stream bait-fishing rigA complete fixed-line rig with top line, main line, markers, shot and hook. ¥500–1,800AdFind on Amazon Find on Rakuten
Fishing wormsGeneral river bait; never release unused live bait at the water. ¥400–900AdFind on Amazon Find 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 Amazon Find 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 Amazon Find 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 Amazon Find on Rakuten

Before buying tackle, confirm the river permit, season and allowed bait and hooks.

Product links may be affiliate links. Prices move, so treat the ranges as a guide.

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Mountain-stream bait fishing

Season

The kit you need

What it catches