Ice Fishing at Lake Abashiri Postponed

This year’s smelt ice fishing which was planned to start on January 5 has been postponed.

Smelt ice fishing at Lake Abashiri for this winter was planned to start on January 5 as usual years. However, this year it’s taking more than expected for the lake to freeze. The ice covering the lake needs to be at least 15cm thick.

According to Abashiri Tourist Board, the starting date has yet to be decided since it all depends on how fast the lake freezes.

The above picture is the lake as of December 30th. You can see that the water near to the shore is still watery and sherbet-like.