Gone Fishing on Lake Nojiri
Posted on February 26, 2010 at 12:27 am

If you look back through the blogs to some of the photos of the guys on the mountain, you’ll see Lake Nojiri in the distance. We went fishing yesterday for smelt -tasty little fish, in an attempt to catch dinner. When I think of fishing, I think cold hands and wet feet and tight lines only being something to dream of. Not here. Arriving at the lake shore at 7.30am with visions of a little open fishing boat, we were met with a boat that really just looked like a floating sitting room.

Fishing in slippers, beside a heater. Lush.

Next question…how do you fish from here? The trap doors above are removed to then provide you with a little pool in which to drop your rod. Note the heater to the left of the photo. My kind of fishing. Civilised. Oh, did we mention the cooler full of soft drinks and beer, sushi rolls and coffee that we brought with us to keep our strength for the day ahead?!

Pool revealed and the group tying their lines. Bait? Live maggots.

First rods in. El Capitan on the right showing how it’s done. Marty on the left pulling up catch #1 of the day. As soon as you see the tip of the rod wiggle, you have to flick the rod and start reeling in. Easy peasy.

How many of these tiny fish do you need to feed us all? A lot.

The boat was brilliantly designed. Glass sides so that you can take in the magnificant views of the surrounding mountains, all from the comfort of a mini arm chair in the warmth. Sara chilling in the background – she’d already cleared  the lake of fish. A hidden talent for fishing discovered in Japan!

Bill had clearly done this before – zen like concentration gave him a total of 13. Team USA (with the help of Sara, who was a close 2nd) cleaned up!

The lake stunning view. You can see the three ski resorts, Suginohara, Ikenotaira and Akakura Kanko.

The best bit below….We took the fish to be cooked tempura style at a tiny izakaya in Myoko called Sennin. Delicious!