Top Masu Cherry Salmon Fishing Countries

The Masu cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou), also known as yamame or cherry trout, is a prized salmonid native to East Asia, renowned for its delicate pink flesh and distinctive cherry blossom-like markings during spawning. This species thrives in cold, clear rivers and coastal waters, and is particularly significant in the fishing industries of Japan, South Korea, Russia (particularly the Russian Far East), and Taiwan. Japan leads in both wild capture and aquaculture of masu salmon, where it holds cultural and culinary importance, especially in Hokkaido and northern Honshu. South Korea and Russia also maintain notable commercial and recreational fisheries for masu salmon, with Russia’s Sakhalin and Primorye regions being key harvesting areas. While wild stocks face pressure from habitat loss and overfishing, sustainable aquaculture and conservation efforts are increasingly prioritized in these top masu cherry salmon fishing countries.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.