Top Smelt Fishing Tours from Sapporo City Center

Most tours start with a convenient pick-up near Sapporo Station. You will travel about 45 minutes to reach the Barato River. This area is famous for its thick ice and plentiful fish. Many companies offer easy booking for ice fishing online for 2026.

A typical tour includes round-trip transport from the city center. This means you do not need to worry about driving on icy roads. Professional guides handle all the heavy equipment for you. They will set up the tents and drill holes in the frozen river.

You can choose between morning or afternoon sessions for your trip. Morning tours usually start around 8:00 AM to catch the most fish. Afternoon slots are great for those who want a relaxing start. Most tours last about four to five hours in total.

• Barato River: 45 minutes from the city
• Cost: Approximately 8,000 to 12,000 JPY
• Included: Transport, gear, and professional guide
• Season: Early January to mid-March 2026

What to Expect During Your Ice Fishing Tour

Once you arrive, you will enter a colorful, heated tent. These tents protect you from the cold Hokkaido wind and snow. You will sit on small chairs around a hole in the ice. The guide will show you how to use the rod.

Smelt fishing is very simple and perfect for beginners or children. You drop your line and wait for a small tug. The fish are called Wakasagi in the local Japanese language. Catching your first fish is a very exciting moment for everyone.

The best part of the tour happens after the fishing ends. Your guide will fry your fresh catch right on the ice. They use a light batter to make delicious smelt tempura. This is the freshest seafood meal you will ever eat in Sapporo.

These tours create a social and warm atmosphere for all guests. You can chat with other travelers inside the cozy tents. It is a great way to make friends during your winter vacation. Most groups find the experience very relaxing and rewarding.

Essential Gear for Your Sapporo Fishing Trip

You do not need to buy any special fishing equipment. The tour operators provide the rods, lines, and fresh bait. They also give you a bucket to hold your catch. Knowing what to bring for ice fishing helps you stay comfortable.

Wearing the right clothing is the most important part of the day. You should wear several layers of warm, thermal clothes. A waterproof outer jacket and snow pants are highly recommended. Even inside the tents, the temperature can feel quite chilly.

High-quality snow boots are essential for walking on the frozen river. Some tours offer boot rentals if you do not have your own. Do not forget to bring warm gloves and a knit hat. Heat packs, or kairo, are also very helpful for your hands.

• Base layers: Thermal tops and leggings
• Outerwear: Waterproof jacket and snow pants
• Accessories: Warm socks, gloves, and a hat
• Extras: Sunglasses for the bright snow glare

Best Times for Smelt Fishing in 2026

The 2026 ice fishing season usually begins in early January. This is when the ice becomes thick enough for safety. The season typically lasts until the middle of March each year. You should check the official Sapporo travel site for ice condition updates.

February is often the most popular month for smelt fishing tours. The ice is very stable and the fish are quite active. This month also coincides with the famous Sapporo Snow Festival. You should book your tour weeks in advance during this peak time.

Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends on the Barato River. If you prefer a quiet experience, try to book a Tuesday or Wednesday. Early morning slots often result in a higher number of fish caught. Smelt tend to feed more actively as the sun rises.

Always follow the safety instructions provided by your local fishing guide. They monitor the ice thickness daily to ensure everyone stays safe. If the weather is too windy, some tours may be rescheduled. Safety is always the top priority for these winter activities.