The Untold Charm of Cherry Salmon Fishing in Hokkaido

Cherry salmon fishing in Hokkaido is surprisingly underappreciated, even within Japan. In Honshu, catching cherry salmon in rivers is common practice—or rather, its near impossibility has earned it the nickname “phantom fish.” However, in Hokkaido, cherry salmon fishing is strictly limited to the ocean. Targeting them in rivers is entirely prohibited.

This unique setting—fishing in the ocean rather than in rivers—is likely the primary reason why Japanese anglers tend to shy away from this pursuit. Anglers don’t fish purely for the sake of catching. Many value the overall experience: the beauty of the surroundings, the immersion in nature, and the sense of leisure.

That said, Hokkaido’s ocean fishing opportunities are as plentiful as one might expect. Cherry salmon is by no means a rare catch here. In fact, their catches have recently become more consistent than even autumn salmon. Some anglers from Honshu, frustrated by the near-zero success rates of cherry salmon fishing back home, venture all the way to Hokkaido to try their luck with this species.

But let me remind you once again: in Hokkaido, cherry salmon are strictly off-limits in rivers. If you wish to target them, you’re limited to the brief spring season when they’re still in the ocean. Specifically, in the Shakotan Peninsula area, the season begins as early as March. They can occasionally be found in December through February, but their small size and low abundance make them less attractive to target during these months. It’s truly astonishing how much a young yamame trout, which descended to the sea just one winter prior, can grow into such a magnificent size.

Now, let me share an established fact: Shakotan Peninsula is the greatest stronghold of cherry salmon in Japan. This conclusion is backed by extensive research conducted over many years by the Fisheries Agency and other related organizations. Without delving into too many details, suffice it to say that Shakotan Peninsula boasts the highest density and the largest cherry salmon in the country.

Every year, cherry salmon exceeding 6 kilograms are caught here—though such giants are rare, specimens over 4 kilograms are relatively common. This is the undeniable allure of spring fishing in Shakotan Peninsula.

And what does a 4-kilogram-plus cherry salmon look like? Take a look at this 4.4-kilogram beauty. With a body shape resembling a rugby ball, these fish are known locally as "Ita Masu" (Board Salmon) due to their extraordinary body depth. Given their robust build, you can only imagine the sheer power and excitement they bring to the fight.

It’s worth noting that while there are plenty of cherry salmon enthusiasts in Japan, this world-class fishing experience—available casually and reliably every spring in Shakotan Peninsula—is still surprisingly underappreciated.

Consider this: instead of spending a fortune to travel to remote parts of Russia via third countries to catch scrawny cherry salmon in rivers, wouldn’t it make more sense to experience such exceptional fishing right here in Japan?

By the way, cherry salmon are known as Cherry Salmon in English. Some Japanese anglers tend to look down on them compared to autumn salmon, but let me remind you: cherry salmon are unequivocally a member of the salmon family. And in terms of taste? The rich, fatty flavor of cherry salmon surpasses autumn salmon by a long shot.

In an era when natural salmon populations across the Northern Hemisphere are declining, the value of Hokkaido’s cherry salmon fishery could attract far more attention and appreciation—not from Japan’s overly traditionalist anglers, but from overseas anglers who truly recognize its worth.