With the cooperation of the Tokachi–Kushiro Salmon and Trout Enhancement Association, we were able to observe the landing of salmon at the Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility in Makubetsu Town and at the Fishway Observation Room “Totorodo” located within the Tokachi Ecology Park.
As of September, when the photos were taken, this year’s catch volume was already about five times higher than last year, indicating a strong salmon run so far.
For the Tokachi River, the salmon were landed this time in a pool upstream of the Fishway Observation Room Totorodo. However, at the Chiyoda Weir on the main stream of the Tokachi River, a spectacular landing is carried out using a large crane—a method seen only here in Hokkaido.
The Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility is restricted to the public and cannot be entered, but the landing at Totorodo can be observed up close by anyone if the timing is right. Of course, inside the Fishway Observation Room Totorodo, visitors can also watch salmon swimming upstream through the channel via a glass viewing window. Salmon are one of Hokkaido’s most iconic fishery resources. Why not take the opportunity to witness their upstream migration in person?

〈Makubetsu Town: Sarubetsu River Salmon Capture Facility〉