Fly-fishing adventures in South Korea

Cherry Trout Guide Service

James is the first and only fly-fishing guide in South Korea. As a dedicated guide, he provides his clients with angling adventures and unequaled personal attention in some of the most scenic mountain valleys Korea has to offer.

Beyond South Korea's encroaching urban areas that have spread through the countryside, James will take you to Korea's last remaining beautiful trout streams-areas far off the beaten path. These places are away from the crowds and as fly-fishing should be: peaceful and relaxed.

James pursues two species of wild native trout: the Masou trout and the Manchurian trout, and non-native rainbow trout. For the experienced fly angler looking to add two new exotic species to a trout "life-list," or for beginners looking for a new outdoor experience, James is your guide.

Most everyone who fishes with James, beginner or expert, learns something: basic fly fishing skills, new fly fishing techniques, or maybe just some Korean natural history. Along with fishing in these rugged areas, it is not unlikely to spot some of Korea's wildlife: mandarin ducks puddling in a pool, a water deer bolting from the brush, or a raccoon dog rambling into a den.

The Species

Manchurian trout is also known as lenok from its taxonomical name, Brachymystax lenok.

It is called yeolmokeo in Korean and its name translates to "fish with heated eyes." Indeed, its eyes are a yellowish crimson color and its body is olive colored and speckled with small dark spots. They grow to a maximum size of twenty-eight inches, with an average size of about twelve inches.

They are an ancient species of trout and considered to be the oldest member of the trout family. It is distributed throughout the coldwater rivers of Siberia, Mongolia, the Korean peninsula and northern China. The South Korean streams are its southernmost population in the world.

Native to the Korean peninsula, Japan and the Russian Far East, Oncorhynchus masou is called either the cherry trout or the Masou trout in the English language.

Sancheoneo is the Korean name and translates to "mountain stream fish." "Trout" is sometimes substituted with "salmon" since some populations migrate to the sea in certain rivers that are not landlocked. They return to their home rivers when the blossoms of the cherry trees open in spring, hence the name "cherry trout." They grow up to around 15 inches, with sea-run trout being larger. An average size would be about nine inches.

They are not large fish and it is prudent to consider a quote from John Gierach's excellent book, Fly Fishing Small Streams, "...let me introduce an idea-just something to kick around: Maybe your stature as a fly fisherman isn't determined by how big a trout you can catch, but by how small a trout you can catch without being disappointed, and, of course, without losing the faith that there's a bigger one in there." You won't be disappointed. Masou trout are arguably one of the more beautiful salmonids in the world, with dark parr marks on their sides over background hues of sage and copper dappled with black spots. They bear a slight resemblance to the Golden trout of California. For the fly angler that loves small streams and the beautiful trout that inhabit them, the Masou trout will put a smile on your face.

On some of the rivers there are commercial fisheries that raise rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbows were imported to South Korea in the sixties and since then, some of these rainbows have escaped from their doomed captivity after floods broke apart their aquaculture prison cells. They established fugitive populations to varying degrees on some rivers.

Two other notable species might be encountered on while fly-fishing on Korean trout streams. The dark chub (Zacco temmincki) and the pale chub (Zacco platypus) are trout-like cyprinids that are native to the coldwater streams of Northern Asia.

Although they only grow to a maximum size of fifteen centimeters, they are numerous and extremely aggressive on dry flies. For a beginning fly angler, they are a fantastic way to learn the basic elements of presenting dry flies on flowing water. For all anglers, the dark chubs are worth catching to view the scintillating nuptial colors--truly a gorgeous fish.

Coolwater and Warmwater Species: James also guides fly-fishing trips to pursue Korea's other sportfish. On coolwater freestone rivers, you can fly cast for Mandarin fish and Korean brook perch. On lakes and larger rivers, the variety opens up to snakeheads, largemouth bass, bluegill, notchmouths, and river tarpon. On these outings, expect to wear waders while stalking through lily pads and wading over submerged gravel bars. Bodies of waters for these species of fish are located all over South Korea. Discuss what you are interested in with James and he will customize a trip to suit your angling tastes.

Locations

Nearly all of South Korea's trout streams are located in the Gangwon Province. These streams are spread over the entire province and range from small creeks to medium-sized freestone rivers. James chooses the best river for a day of fishing while factoring in current weather conditions and recent angling and tourist pressure.

There are a few streams in the Jiri Mountain Range located in the southern area of the peninsula and those are streams are more convenient to reach if you happen to be based in the southern cities of Busan, Changwon, Jinju, or Gwangju.

The Jiri streams are composed of massive boulders that create plunge pools and waterfalls that flow at a very steep gradient. The ultra-clear water and tumbled rock formations, the streams are unlike anything you've fished before.

For selecting the area to fish for the day, James considers stretches of river having the best trout habitat, minimal angling pressure, and scenic natural beauty untouched by man as little as possible. This is a complicated equation to calculate in one of the most densely populated countries in the world. James scouts fishing spots that balances between being rugged enough to discourage other anglers from hammering the waters, yet accessible enough that only some polite bushwhacking is needed.

Fishing licenses and regulations

No fishing licenses exist in South Korea. There are places (usually stock ponds) where you pay money to fish and gain a kind of membership. There are few governmental regulations pertaining to fishing.

The regulations that do exist are usually local concerns, such as the county government banning fishing and swimming in a nearby reservoir. For anglers from other countries this may seem weird and disturbing. It is.

James carries his own sporting and conservation code when he goes into the outdoors. He entirely practices catch-and-release fishing and follows the principles of leaving no trace to minimize impact on the ecosystem. He adheres to the Code of Angling Ethics created by Federation of Fly Fishers.

Guide Fees: Please contact James for rates

There is a two person limit per trip. Many of these streams and rivers are small and this insures the highest level of individualized attention to each angler and allows each angler enough room to cast and cover the water without feeling hemmed in.

Full Day:

The full day guided wading and walking trip is 7-10 hours of stream time (depending on the time the sun rises and sets). Lunch along with transportation to and from the stream is provided. This trip is for all experience levels of fly anglers and can be customized to your preference and skill level. Expect to hike and wade two to four miles.

Classes for beginners:

Some people have never cast a rod before, and James is happy to teach basic casting skills and watch a new angler hook their first trout. This is a full day trip that involves a morning session learning casting techniques, entomology, knot tying, fly selection, and reading water. The afternoon session is spent on the stream casting for trout.

If you make a reservation for more than two days of fishing, you will be given a discount. Email for more information.

Gift certificates are available and may be purchased in advance. Dates for fly fishing trips can be reserved at the time of purchase or valid for one year after the date of purchase. Dates are subject to availability due to prior bookings of dates throughout the year.

Reservation:

Please book your trip as soon as possible to assure that you get the dates that you want. Trips are booked on a first come first serve basis.

All trips include:

Fly fishing equipment (unless you prefer to use your own, in that case, a 4-weight and a 6-weight are a perfect combo). This covers the rod and reel, leader, tippet, and flies at no additional cost.

Waders are available for use, however depending on the temperature and weather it is sometimes more comfortable to wet wade.

Beverages, snacks and a streamside picnic lunch are provided.

Sunscreen and insect repellant is provided in the summer.

After the trip you will receive digital photos via email.

What to bring:

Bring raingear for potential bad weather. A camera is needed to record your memories. Polarized sunglasses are essential for spotting the fish. Dark or earth color clothing is highly recommended since stalking the fish is a large part of the experience. Bring extra clothing in case you get wet and a sweater can be used as an extra layer of warmth for morning and evening chills.

Transportation

Transportation is provided to and from the trout streams from the "hub cities" of Donghae and Jinju. For pursuing other species of fish on lakes and big rivers, different meeting points can be arranged for individual circumstances. James has identified meeting points throughout Korea that are easy for the angler to reach by car, bus or train. Depending on which Korean city you are based out of, a plan will be made to make sure your fishing time is maximized and travel time is minimized. James does not handle accommodations; however he can provide expert information on lodging, restaurants and cool places to visit in the area.

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For the absolutely coolest outdoor experience that Korea has to offer, James can be contacted at the following address: james AT jamescardDOTnet