Fish species in Japan

Japanese catfish

ナマズ · namazu
Silurus asotus

Japanese catfish are surface-lure targets in slow rivers. Wait for the weight of the fish rather than striking at the splash. Check access and footing in daylight before night fishing.

Habitat and season

Slow-flowing rivers, canals and still waters in Japan.

Recorded fishing season: Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct
Scientific name: Silurus asotus
Japanese name: ナマズ

Months are a broad guide, not a current catch forecast. Region, water temperature and local closures can change the season.

Fishing methods

Topwater fishing for Japanese catfish

Work a floating lure along quiet river margins. A splash is not yet a hook-up: keep retrieving until you feel the fish load the rod, then make a controlled hook-set.

Find places to fish

Find spots for japanese catfish on the map →

Cooking

Detailed recipes for this species are currently in Japanese. Open the Japanese cooking guide →

Compare related fish

Detailed Japanese species notes

平たい頭とひげを持ち、夕方から夜の浅場でトップウォータールアーを追う。水面が割れても、魚の重さを感じる前に合わせると空振りしやすい。

増水した水路や護岸へ降りない。素手で口に指を入れず、魚を別の水域へ移さない。食用は適切に処理した身を十分加熱する。

Full Japanese page, including available 3D model →