About the operation of the "Lake Abashiri Smelt Fishing Venue" in the 2026 season

The Nishi-Abashiri Fisheries Cooperative Association has decided to significantly restrict fishing for Lake Abashiri smelt this season, including significantly shortening the November seine fishing period and suspending under-ice fishing from January, in response to fewer confirmed smelt than usual. Therefore, we would like to inform you that the Lake Abashiri Smelt Fishing Venue, which our association is entrusted with managing in Yobitoura, will be shortening its operating hours for the 2026 season in order to protect smelt resources. Although the period will be shorter than usual, we are fully prepared to ensure that not only tourists but also smelt fishing enthusiasts from both the local area and far away can safely enjoy recreational fishing on Lake Abashiri in the 2026 season.

2026 season "Lake Abashiri Smelt Fishing Venue" operating period
January 5, 2026 (Monday) 08:30 to February 11, 2026 (Wednesday) 16:00
(This may change depending on the icing conditions, etc.)