Angler in a plain life jacket fishing from a small boat on Lake Motosu with bare Mount Fuji beyond

Lake Motosu Trout Fishing Derby 2026: October Rules, Life Jackets, and Catch Check-In

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Information checked: August 23, 2026, 8:38 AM JST.

Fujikawaguchiko Town has announced a month-long fishing derby at Lake Motosu to help remove invasive lake trout and protect the lake’s kokanee fishery. International visitors can join without advance registration, but the event does not waive normal fishing fees, boat charges, safety duties, or local fishing rules.

Short answerThe derby runs from Thursday, October 1 through Saturday, October 31, 2026. Participation itself is free and advance registration is not required. To enter a catch, bring the lake trout to the Motosuko Fisheries Cooperative at Kosen-so between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM; catches cannot be checked in on Tuesdays.

Key Facts For Travelers

Affected areaLake Motosu, including shore fishing and fishing from approved rental boats.
Event datesOctober 1-31, 2026.
Entry and extra costsNo derby entry fee; fishing permits and boat rental are paid separately.
Catch check-in8:00 AM-4:00 PM at Kosen-so, 127 Motosu; no Tuesday check-in.

Who Can Participate

Participants must understand and follow the Motosuko Fisheries Cooperative fishing rules, the derby regulations, and the published safety notes. There is no separate advance application: a person is treated as an entrant when a qualifying lake trout is brought to the cooperative for measurement and registration.

The ranking is based first on the number of lake trout submitted. If anglers have the same number, their combined fish length is used as the tiebreaker. The town says standings will be updated on its website during the event, while prizes are sent to winners after the competition rather than presented at a ceremony.

Fishing Method and Boat Restrictions

Only rod-and-lure fishing from the shore or from the lake is listed for the derby. Fishing while a boat is moving under power, including trolling, is prohibited. Boats must not be tied to the research receiver buoys installed by the Yamanashi Prefectural Fisheries Technology Center.

The official Q&A says privately brought boats are generally not permitted on Lake Motosu. Visitors wanting to fish on the water should contact an approved rental-boat operator. The town lists Motosuko Tourism Association for the Fujikawaguchiko side and Wakasamaru for the Minobu side.

Safety, Permits, and Check-In

A life jacket is mandatory for both shore and boat anglers. Participants are responsible for their own safety and insurance, so assess wind, water temperature, visibility, and the return route before starting. October mornings at Lake Motosu can feel much colder than nearby lowland areas.

Bring the catch to the Motosuko Fisheries Cooperative at Kosen-so during the listed reception hours. Staff record the catch and participant details. The town also states that a separate removal cooperation payment of 1,000 yen per lake trout is available through the cooperative; confirm the current procedure when checking in.

Traveler Actions

  • Buy the correct Lake Motosu fishing permit before fishing and budget separately for any boat rental.
  • Wear a life jacket at all times, including when fishing from shore.
  • Use rod-and-lure fishing only and do not troll or tie a boat to research buoys.
  • Use an approved rental boat rather than bringing a private vessel without permission.
  • Plan catch check-in for 8:00 AM-4:00 PM and avoid Tuesdays, when reception is unavailable.

Official Sources

Update History

  • August 23, 2026: Created from the Fujikawaguchiko Town announcement published August 20, including dates, participation method, fishing restrictions, safety requirements, reception hours, and costs.
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