Trout fishing in Tokyo? It might sound impossible, but it’s absolutely possible! Just venture to the westernmost edge of the city, and you’ll find the Okutama area, a rural paradise perfect for camping, hiking, and yes, even trout fishing.
We were captivated by the Okutama area after our recent hike up Mount Kumotori, and we couldn’t wait to return for more outdoor adventures. This time, we were determined to find a perfect spot for trout fishing, a relaxing activity we could enjoy hands-free.
Finding the Perfect Fishing Spot
Many places we looked at were close to train stations, which meant they were likely to be overrun with Tokyo locals. We finally settled on the Otanba River International Rainbow Trout Fishing Area, drawn in by its stunning scenery, positive Google reviews, informative website, and convenient rental rod option.
A Day of Fishing in the Otanba River
The Otanba River Fishing Area is nestled about two kilometers north of Kawai Station on the Ome Train Line. We found a convenient spot to park in the main parking lot. Before unloading our gear, we headed to the reception area. It was a bustling scene, even at just before 7:00 am, with a long line of eager anglers.
Despite the crowd, the line moved quickly, and we were able to purchase our fishing passes and rental rods without any hassle. We picked up a container of grape beetles and salmon eggs – two popular bait choices – and grabbed a couple of free blue net bags to hold our catch. A word of advice: secure a spot along the river as soon as possible, even if it means carrying your gear in stages.
Casting a Line and Enjoying the Scenery
The fishing area is a section of the river that’s been cleverly divided into large pools, offering a variety of spots to cast your line. The river is wide enough for fishing on both sides, and the path along the eastern bank is paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Despite the presence of other anglers, the area never felt crowded.
As avid outdoorsmen, we were mindful of finding a prime location for a mini-camp. We settled on a shady spot near the entrance with a few large trees offering protection from the morning sun. This was essential on hot days, as the west bank of the river gets quite a bit of sun in the morning.
Rental Rods for a Stress-Free Fishing Experience
The rental rods provided were simple but effective, consisting of a six-foot bamboo pole with a flexible tip. The ten feet of fishing line attached to the pole included a small weight, bobber, and hook. This setup allowed us to cast across the entire river. Since there was no reel, we simply beached the fish when we caught one. We brought a pair of pliers, which were essential for removing the hook.
Stock Up and Enjoy the Fish Release Periods
The fishing area has two dedicated fish release periods – one at 9:00 am and another at 1:00 pm. Be sure to have your line in the water at these times! Staff members release a substantial amount of fish into each pool, ensuring plenty of opportunities for a bite. During the releases, we saw over a dozen fish added to our pool, and within minutes, we each had caught at least one new fish. It’s an exciting experience, feeling the tug on the line and pulling in your catch.
The rental rods proved to be invaluable. If your hook breaks or you get snagged on a rock, you can simply exchange your rod for a new one. We found ourselves replacing our rods a few times each, and the staff at the reception area were always happy to provide a new one. These rentals made our fishing experience even smoother, allowing us to focus on the fun of fishing rather than line repairs.
Top Tips for a Successful Trout Fishing Trip
We discovered that the strongest current in the river was a prime location for catching fish. Letting the current carry our line naturally resulted in more bites compared to the calmer areas.
While cooking your freshly caught trout over a charcoal grill sounds delightful, it can be a bit challenging. We decided to have our fish cleaned at the reception area. For ¥1,000, you can purchase a grilling set that includes everything you need: a grill top, charcoal, fire starter, lighter, fan, tongs, gloves, and even plates and utensils. There are designated concrete grill areas all along the river.
Fueling the Flames and Grilling Your Catch
Getting the fire started for grilling took a bit of effort. We had to gather kindling and branches. We learned that it’s best to use all the fire starters at once instead of adding them in batches. The heat from the grill needs to be high to cook the fish quickly.
Once we had a good flame going, we grilled a few of our fish. We should have wrapped them in foil to retain their moisture, but they ended up a bit dry. For future trips, we’re bringing a cassette stove, a frying pan, and some cooking oil for a less authentic but more reliable cooking experience.
A Truly Authentic Experience
Although the Otanba River Fishing Area is a commercialized operation, it retains a sense of authenticity, situated in a rural mountain area with a naturally flowing river. We suggest setting up camp in a shaded area and then fishing from the opposite bank.
A Memorable Fishing Trip with a Delicious Ending
We ended the day with a perfect catch – 17 fish in total. We cleaned the fish at home, patting them dry, and then seared them in a hot pan with oil for two minutes per side. The pre-salted fish didn’t need any additional seasoning. The crispy skin and flaky meat were truly delicious.
A Great Adventure for Everyone
This type of experience is best rated by how easy it is for a novice to enjoy. You should be comfortable with basic fishing tasks, such as:
- Putting a grape beetle on a hook
- Catching and removing a fish from the hook
- Starting a fire
You don’t need to be an expert, but having a general understanding of these tasks will make your experience smoother.
We had a wonderful time at the Otanba River International Rainbow Trout Fishing Area. For around ¥5,000 per person, we enjoyed a memorable outdoor experience that we’re already looking forward to repeating. If you’re seeking a fun outdoor adventure, we highly recommend trout fishing in Tokyo at the Otanba River International Rainbow Trout Fishing Area.
Here are some key takeaways:
- Rental rods are the best option.
- Bring one container of bait per person.
- Grape beetles are our preferred bait over salmon eggs.
- Bring non-slip gloves for handling fish.
- A pair of pliers is essential for removing hooks.
- Fish in areas where the water flow is the strongest.
Here is a link to their website: [Website Link]
