Campingvan Fishing Guide -East & North Hokkaido

Friends Talk! Best Fishing Experiences in Eastern & Northern Hokkaido

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The riverside camping at Kushiro River and the morning rainbow trout were absolutely delicious! Having birdsong as BGM was such a luxury too.

Absolutely! The orange sunset reflected on the river surface was magical. Next time I want to try hokke at Hanasaki Port.

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The night fishing at Hanasaki Port was cold, but the flounder we caught was exquisite! The hokke set meal at the local diner was unforgettable too.

Yeah, the combo of port town atmosphere and fresh fish is unbeatable. The smelt ice fishing at Lake Akan was fun too.

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At Lake Akan, the early morning ice fishing froze my hands, but turning the freshly caught smelt into tempura right there was the best!

Eating that after warming up in the lakeside hot springs was pure bliss. The mountain stream at Kerebetsu River was so healing too.

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Kerebetsu River had crystal clear water, and seeing the yamame trout sparkling in the sunlight was so moving. The evening campfire was perfect too.

Exactly! The flounder at Notsuke Bay was unforgettable. Making a hot pot with fish caught first thing in the morning was pure luxury.

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Moving to northern Hokkaido at Wakkanai Port – night fishing with horse mackerel biting constantly, having a sashimi party in the car was legendary!

The tranquility of fishing on the vast Sarobetsu Wilderness was so moving. Casting a line in the dim light before sunrise is an unforgettable experience.

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At Sarufutsu River, I tried targeting cherry salmon! Got skunked, but the sound of the river and early morning air cleansed my soul.

The smelt fishing at Lake Abashiri was easy and fun. Leisurely car camping by the lake, the ice illuminated by morning light was magical!

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Contents

Touring Eastern & Northern Hokkaido Fishing Spots with a Camping Car!
【Eastern Hokkaido】5 Recommended Fishing Spots
【Northern Hokkaido】5 Recommended Fishing Spots
【Conclusion】Luxurious Outdoor Travel Achieved by Fishing and Camping Cars

Touring Eastern & Northern Hokkaido Fishing Spots with a Camping Car!

Combining fishing with camping car travel offers irresistible appeal for outdoor enthusiasts. The beauty lies in the freedom and comfort of movement and accommodation. You can camp close to fishing spots, making it perfect for early morning or night fishing. Additionally, you can pack fishing gear and bait with plenty of room to spare. The luxury of cooking and enjoying freshly caught fish on the spot is unique to camping car adventures! The eastern and northern regions of Hokkaido, surrounded by vast nature, are dotted with spots that can truly be called fishing sanctuaries.

Below, we introduce 5 recommended fishing spots each in eastern and northern Hokkaido.

【Eastern Hokkaido】5 Recommended Fishing Spots

1. 【Kushiro River】”Riverside Oasis” with Camping Car Right Next to Fishing Spot

Kushiro River is an excellent fishing spot surrounded by the rich nature of eastern Hokkaido. With a camping car, you can park riverside and camp right there. Wake up to birdsong and the babbling of the river, with the fishing spot just a few minutes’ walk away – this luxurious location is achievable. During the day, target rainbow trout and char, and in the evening, enjoy meals while watching the sunset reflect on the river surface… this is the essence of outdoor adventure. At night, relax under the starry sky, sharing fishing stories.

Target Fish: Rainbow Trout, Char

Season: May – October
Best Time: Early morning or evening
Equipment & Tackle: Fly fishing or lure fishing recommended.

Parking & Tackle Shop: Parking available at Roadside Station “Shiranuka Koitoi”. Nearby tackle shop “Fishing Center Kushiro“.
Fishing License: Required (purchase from local fisheries cooperative).
Etiquette & Precautions: Catch & release areas exist – check before fishing.
※Kushiro Wetland is designated as a national park. The right bank of Kushiro River is mostly special protection zone, so the left bank serves as the main fishing area

2. 【Hanasaki Port】”Port Town Bounty” Enjoying Marine Delicacies with Camping Car

At Hanasaki Port, you can catch marine treasures like flounder and hokke while enjoying the atmospheric port scenery. Visiting with a camping car allows you to transport fishing gear with ease, making long fishing sessions comfortable. Camping in the parking lot adjacent to the port enables you to start fishing during the prime early morning hours. During fishing breaks, you can also enjoy fresh seafood at nearby restaurants. Cooking freshly caught fish on the spot and savoring them with local flavors creates nights of luxury unique to fishing trips.

Nemuro Hanasaki Port scenery — Nemuro Hanasaki Port

Target Fish: Flounder, Hokke, Rockfish

Season: Year-round (winter is particularly productive)
Best Time: Daytime recommended
Equipment & Tackle: Surf fishing setup with marine worms or shrimp bait.
Parking & Tackle Shop: Parking available near port. Tackle shop “DCM Nemuro“.
Fishing License: Not required.
Etiquette & Precautions: Ensure safety within port area. Always take trash with you.

Direct access to fishing spots with camping car provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh local marine delicacies!

3. 【Lake Akan】Lakeside “Fishing Holiday Becoming One with Nature”

Lake Akan offers fishing in serene surroundings embraced by magnificent nature. Parking your camping car lakeside allows you to start fishing right in front of the lake from early morning. During smelt fishing season, you can enjoy ice fishing by drilling holes in the lake surface, while in summer, challenging fishing for giant trout is possible. During the day, refresh yourself at lakeside hot springs, and at night, camp with the sound of lake waves as BGM while gazing at the starry sky. This creates the ultimate holiday experience of unity with nature.

Target Fish: Smelt, Giant Trout

Season: Winter (smelt) or early summer – autumn (giant trout)
Best Time: Daytime
Equipment & Tackle: Small rod and micro hooks for smelt fishing.
Parking & Tackle Shop: Paid parking available lakeside. Tackle rental also available.
Fishing License: Required (purchase from lake management office).
Etiquette & Precautions: Giant trout must be catch & release.

Park your camping car lakeside and immerse yourself in fishing surrounded by beautiful scenery and fresh air.

4. 【Kerebetsu River】”Healing Moments” with Stream Sounds and Camping Car

Kerebetsu River is a quiet, healing spot where you can enjoy beautiful stream fishing. Visiting with a camping car allows you to park along the stream and access fishing spots directly. While targeting yamame trout and pink salmon, you’ll be healed by the clear water and lush greenery. Returning to your camping car means comfortable rest with climate control and the ability to quickly prepare warm meals in the kitchen. At night, enjoy the luxury of sitting around a campfire while listening to the sounds of insects.

Target Fish: Yamame Trout, Pink Salmon

Season: June – September (yamame), August – October (pink salmon)
Best Time: Morning – noon
Equipment & Tackle: Lures or flies are effective.

Parking & Tackle Shop: Overnight stay possible at Roadside Station “Mashu Onsen”. Nearby tackle shops available.
Fishing License: Required.
Etiquette & Precautions: Be considerate of stream nature conservation.

Park your camping car along the stream and enjoy exceptional fishing while being healed by natural sounds.

5. 【Notsuke Bay】Salt Breeze Camping Car Fishing “Monopolizing Nature’s Luxury”

Notsuke Bay, representing eastern Hokkaido, is popular for targeting flounder and striped rockfish. Using a camping car allows you to stay near the bay and fish according to tidal changes. Early morning fishing in the silent bay is exceptional. The joy of feeling the salt breeze while concentrating on fishing and cooking freshly caught fish on the spot is part of the appeal. At sunset, the sun setting over the bay is beautiful, allowing you to enjoy romantic moments as well.

Target Fish: Striped Rockfish, Flounder

Season: May – October
Best Time: Early morning
Equipment & Tackle: Bottom fishing setup, bait includes sardines or shrimp.
Parking & Tackle Shop: Parking available around port. Nearby tackle shop “Fishing Center Nakashibetsu” in Shibetsu town.
Fishing License: Not required.
Etiquette & Precautions: For environmental protection, release unnecessary fish.

Enjoy luxurious moments fishing while feeling the scent of the tide.

【Northern Hokkaido】5 Recommended Fishing Spots

1. 【Wakkanai Port】Camping Car “Northernmost Tranquility and Night Fishing”

At Japan’s northernmost Wakkanai Port, you can enjoy fishing for horse mackerel and Pacific herring in a quiet environment. With a camping car, the greatest appeal is being able to rest comfortably on the spot after enjoying night fishing. After exploring nearby attractions during the day, start fishing as evening approaches. Night fishing in the night breeze offers a special experience. Cooking your catch on the spot and savoring dinner in the silence heals travel fatigue.

Target Fish: Horse Mackerel, Pacific Herring
Season: July – November
Best Time: Evening – night
Equipment & Tackle: Sabiki fishing. No bait needed with artificial lure setup.

Parking & Tackle Shop: Parking available near port. “Ueda Tackle Shop” is convenient.
Fishing License: Not required.
Etiquette & Precautions: Thorough safety measures during night fishing.

Enjoy extraordinary experiences with fishing and car camping at the quiet port at the edge of the north.

2. 【Sarobetsu Wilderness】Feeling the Vast Land “Fishing and Camping Car Unity”

The Sarobetsu River flowing through Sarobetsu Wilderness is a spot where you can target dace and yamame trout in the midst of vast nature. Visiting with a camping car allows you to fully enjoy both fishing and wilderness scenery. The time spent casting lines along the river in the cool morning air is perfect for mental reset. After fishing, relax leisurely in your camping car and enjoy peaceful moments feeling the wind blowing across the wilderness.

Sarobetsu Wilderness scenery — Sarobetsu Wilderness

Target Fish: Dace, Yamame Trout

Season: May – October
Best Time: Morning – noon
Equipment & Tackle: Small lures or fly rod.

Parking & Tackle Shop: Sarobetsu Wilderness Visitor Center parking lot. Few tackle shops, so prepare in advance.
Fishing License: Required (purchase from local fisheries cooperative).
Etiquette & Precautions: Respect the regional ecosystem.

The luxury of enjoying fishing and nature in the silence embraced by vast wilderness.

3. 【Sarufutsu River】Encounters with Precious Fish “Camping Car Stay in Silent Paradise”

Sarufutsu River is a quiet spot where you can enjoy fishing for cherry salmon and pink salmon. With a camping car, you can start fishing from early morning and immediately relax after concentrating on fishing. Camping near the fishing grounds realizes tireless fishing trips. The quiet time in nature and the essence of fishing await you in this truly paradise-like experience.

Target Fish: Cherry Salmon, Pink Salmon

Season: July – September
Best Time: Early morning
Equipment & Tackle: Lure fishing, jig-type lures are popular bait.
Parking & Tackle Shop: Free parking available in village. Nearest tackle shops in Wakkanai city.
Fishing License: Required.
Etiquette & Precautions: Follow catch & release rules.

Experience encounters with precious fish while enjoying quiet village scenery.

4.【Lake Abashiri】Camping Car “Blissful Lakeside Moments”

At Lake Abashiri, you can enjoy bass fishing in summer and smelt fishing in winter. The greatest appeal is parking your camping car lakeside and starting fishing immediately. Turning freshly caught smelt into tempura on the spot is exceptional. Also, exploring the lake surroundings during the day and camping while watching moonlight reflected on the lake surface at night allows you to fully enjoy fishing, nature, and comfortable accommodation – truly luxurious time.

Target Fish: Smelt, Bass
Season: Winter (smelt), Summer (bass)

Best Time: Daytime
Equipment & Tackle: Small rod + smelt fishing setup.
Parking & Tackle Shop: Camping car parking available lakeside. Abundant tackle rentals.
Fishing License: Required.
Etiquette & Precautions: Don’t forget lake environmental protection.

The appeal of lakeside tranquility and camping car comfort.

【Conclusion】Luxurious Outdoor Travel Achieved by Fishing and Camping Cars

Travel combining fishing with camping cars offers the ultimate outdoor experience that balances freedom and comfort. With free movement and accommodation, and the ability to camp close to fishing spots, early morning and night fishing are at your command. Additionally, the convenience of camping cars that can accommodate plenty of fishing gear makes travel more comfortable. The luxury of cooking and savoring freshly caught fish on the spot is unique to this type of travel. Please experience touring the fishing sanctuaries surrounded by vast nature in eastern and northern Hokkaido. Also check out our article on tips for camping car fishing trips.