Lake Kussharo supports healthy population of Himemasu, or land locked sockeye
salmon. They too come close to the shore as they prepare for spawning,
and the curious ones fall prey to a nicely presented small fly.
A magnificent scene in a sunny Autumn afternoon. Life in Japan isn't that
bad.
- Saltwater
As the autumn deepens, changes take place in the underwater world also.
The rainbow trout come near the shore in search of wind blown insects.
It's an annual big event for many flyfishers in Japan.
September
With the streams closed by now, we steered our ways to the still water
venues.
Many of our favourite bass spots didn't perform well this year. The increasing
number of Koi carps may have something to do?
A lucky Amego that somehow survived the season. Now have a good rest, till
the Spring.
August
All the streams in Hiroshima close at the end of August. As is the case
every year, the last outing is not without some quiet contemplation.
In the stream of Yoshiwa we had a chance encounter with an interesting
fish - a cross between Amego trout and Gogi char. They normally don't interbreed,
but it sometimes happens in streams where artificially bred Amego are stocked.
October
A short visit to Hokkaido again - now in autumn.
August
Traveled up to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan in search of a cool
breeze. The streams in Shimokita was as physically challenging as visually
pleasing.
Sandankyo gorge is one of our favourite weekend destination. Fish not too
numerous nor too big, but the dynamic rock formation is an attraction in
itself.
July
Early summer is normally the rainiest season - but not this year. Somehow
it didn't rain half the average, resulting in unseasonable drought. It
was already late July when the respite came. And as the adage says, when
it rains it pours!
Lots of nice Iwana char to bend our light rods. A wondrous paradise guarded
by Higuma, Japanese grizzly bears.
July
Waking up early is the biggest challenge in chasing
the bass. Come a little late, the party is over.
Unlike Amago trout which are mostly hatchery bred, these Gogi char are
100% wild. Exactly what we needed to feel ourselves back home again.
June
2 months after coming home to Japan. Having managed to sort out things
around, we finally went out to our home rivers to put our souls back on
track.
'09 Freshwater
