BIG RIVER

You can choose between fishing mainly on two big rivers.

These are the Chikuma River, the longest river in Japan, and the Saigawa River, which flows from the Matsumoto area into Nagano City.

The Saigawa River is wider and the lower reaches can be fished all year round, but only catch-and-release.

The Chikuma River can also be fished during the winter months, but you must purchase a fishing licence. Guides will assist you.

The main target fish is rainbow trout. Brown trout are abundant in the Saigawa River and their numbers are increasing year by year. They prefer darker and colder conditions. Both fish grow to over 70 cm and the aim is to one day catch them in this size.

Two-hand fishing is the main method of fishing.