River Fishing Expedition: Connecting with Nature in Gifu’s Wilderness

Embarking on a fishing adventure in the rivers of Gifu Prefecture has been a goal since last year for my wife and me. The idea first sparked during a drive to Gujo Hachiman last year, where the sight of fishermen casting their lines into the Nagara and Yoshida rivers stirred something within us.

The raw and captivating nature of river fishing seemed like an epic experience waiting to be had—a chance to connect with nature in its purest form.

Despite our lack of expertise in fishing, our determination to make this dream a reality led us to discover DRY’AD online—an outdoor guide service specializing in headwater and mountain stream fishing right in the wild heart of Gifu Prefecture.

The excitement peaked when we made a half-day adventure reservation two weeks ago, and tomorrow at 7 am, our fishing escapade will commence.

Our journey begins at 5:30 am as we head to Shirotoricho-Hokijima, where our knowledgeable guides await. Equipped with instructions on what to wear, courtesy of the guides, we’ve prepared ourselves for the adventure that awaits.

While we’re novices in the realm of fishing, the guides will provide us with the necessary gear and impart the skills needed to navigate the waters.

But it’s not just about the thrill of catching fish; it’s about the experience of grilling and enjoying our own catch amidst the beauty of nature. The idea of savoring freshly grilled river fish, such as Ayu, in the great outdoors adds an extra layer of excitement to our upcoming expedition. There’s something inherently satisfying about catching, cooking, and savoring a meal sourced directly from the environment around us—a true communion with nature.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of our river fishing adventure—a journey into the heart of nature that promises memories to cherish for a lifetime.