Japan offers a unique bass fishing experience, combining scenic lakes with diverse bass species.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, knowing what species inhabit Japanese waters can help you plan your trip and select the right gear.
Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
The most common bass species in Japan, thriving in Lake Biwa, Lake Ikehara, and Lake Nanairo.
Actually, Japan is home to numerous Florida bass.
Japan is home to Florida bass, but they are found only in a few select lakes.
These lakes host strains known for their aggressive strikes and trophy-sized potential, offering anglers a unique and exciting challenge.
Lake Ikehara (池原ダム) | Close to Nara and Osaka areas
Lake Ikehara, nestled deep in the mountains of Nara Prefecture, is one of Japan’s best-kept secrets for trophy bass fishing. Unlike the more famous Lake Biwa, Ikehara offers crystal-clear waters, pristine natural surroundings, and an exclusive experience that appeals to anglers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Florida-strain largemouth bass thrive here, giving international anglers a real chance at landing a trophy fish in a serene, untouched environment.
The water quality of Lake Ikehara is usually exceptionally clear, and the pressure on the bass is intense.
Therefore, anglers must pursue big fish with a delicate approach.
For example, Japanese-developed techniques like “Mid-strolling”, “Neko-rig”, and “Free-rig” are extremely powerful weapons for catching big fish in Lake Ikehara.
Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) | Close to Kyoto and Osaka areas
Bass in Lake Biwa are hybrids of Florida bass and Northern largemouth bass.
Over decades, they have adapted to Biwa’s unique environment, developing distinct behaviors and growth patterns.
Lake Biwa is a world-renowned bass fishing destination. This is because a world record largemouth bass (22lb4oz) was caught there in 2009.
For any lake, winter or spring is the best time if you’re targeting trophy-sized fish.
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
In Japan, only a few lakes have officially recognized populations of smallmouth bass.
While their presence has been confirmed in rivers and other waterways throughout Japan, these sightings are not officially recognized.
This is because they are treated similarly to what is known as snakehead in the United States.
Here are two fields where many anglers enjoy smallmouth bass fishing, including tournaments.
Lake Nojiri (野尻湖) | Nagano Prefucture
The vast flats and abundant baitfish have allowed the smallmouth bass to grow large.
The post-spawn period features surface Bug patterns, offering incredibly exciting fishing.
Additionally, the lake is surrounded by deep mountains, allowing anglers to simultaneously enjoy the majestic scenery of traditional Japan.
Lake Hibara(桧原湖) | Fukushima Prefucture
Fukushima, made world-famous by the Great East Japan Earthquake, has lakes where you can catch smallmouth bass.
The area features diverse fishing situations, including rocky humps and shallow-water grass beds, and is densely populated with smallmouth bass.
From the lake, you can see Mount Urabandai, enjoying smallmouth bass fishing amidst magnificent scenery.
Indeed, the beauty of Japan’s fishing lies in its landscapes.
It also serves as a venue for Japan’s premier bass fishing tournament, the JB TOP50.
Experience Japan’s Bass Fishing with Expert Local Guides
Each field has sophisticated local professional fishing guides, so travelers wishing to enjoy bass fishing in Japan’s fields are advised to use local fishing guides.
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