do-it-yourself fly fishing destinations - Grand River Conservation ...

F E A T U R E I B Y C F F S TA F F
DO-IT-YOURSELF
FLY FISHING DESTINATIONS
ONTARIO
TOP 10
With over 400,000 lakes, rivers and streams and over
30 species of fish, Ontario is undoubtedly one of the
marquee Canadian fly fishing provinces. With so much
to offer, ranging from wild brook trout and Great Lakes
CANADA
steelhead, to world-class smallmouth, and O N T A R I the biggest
O
muskies in Canada, Ontario appeals to cold water and
warm water fanatics alike.
N
ONTARIO
1. Grand River
2. Whiteman’s Creek
3. Algonquin Park
4. Forks of the Credit
5. Sault St. Marie
6. Niagara River
7. Maitland River
8. Aurora Trout Lakes
9. Big Head River
10. Ottawa River
/Rideau River
CANADA
O N T A R I O
THUNDER BAY
USA
LAKE SUPERIOR
LAKE
MICHIGAN
5
SAULT
STE. MARIE
USA
LAKE HURON
WINDSOR
QUEBEC
10
MONTREAL
8
OTTAWA
ONTARIO
3
KINGSTON
TRENTON
9
LAKE ONTARIO
7 TORONTO
4
ROCHESTER
1
2 6
BUFFALO
USA
LAKE ERIE
40 I THE CANADIAN FLY FISHER • FEBRUARY/APRIL 2009

DO-IT-YOURSELF FLY FISHING DESTINATIONS • ONTARIO TOP 10
FLYFITTERS.CA PHOTO
#1 Grand River
Difficulty Rating: 2 to 3
Species available: Brown trout, rainbow trout,
smallmouth bass, carp, steelhead, mooneye.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Guelph,
Fergus, Elora, Kitchener, Caledonia
GRAND RIVER
No official Ontario Top 10 list would be complete
without the Grand River—a true blueribbon
tailwater fishery. The Grand almost
bisects southwestern Ontario, flowing over
290 km south from just below Georgian Bay
to Lake Erie. Most fly fishing activity takes
place around Fergus and Elora (Upper Grand)
where watershed protection and restoration
efforts have created a superb habitat with
plentiful 8” to 16” brown trout and specimens
as large as 26” or bigger, which can be taken
on dries, streamers and nymphs during the
trout season, from the 4th Saturday in April
through to the end of September.
And if big browns aren’t enough to make
the Grand live up to its name, resident rainbows
and a few warmwater species offer
plenty of variety! Steelheaders frequent
the Grand below the dam in the town of
Caledonia (Lower Grand), where Lake Erie
fish arrive during spawning migrations in the
fall and spring.
There is plenty of accommodation available
alongside the Grand River, including campgrounds,
making a quick overnight trip feasible
and easy. With more than four fly shops
within an hour’s radius, you’re never far away
from friendly and helpful advice either.
MARCEL SARING OHOTO
PAUL CASTELLANO PHOTO
Note that the Grand River’s flows below
Belwood Lake are controlled by the Belwood
dam. Be alert for changing water conditions
at all times and always wade only within your
comfort zone. Also, special regulations apply
to most of the trout waters, including catchand-release
with single barbless hooks only.
Please check current provincial regulations
for details.
#2 Whiteman’s Creek
Difficulty Rating: 2
Species available: Brown trout, rainbow trout.
Tiger trout and palomino rainbow specimens
have also been reported but could not be fully
confirmed by CFF.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Paris, Brantford
Whiteman’s Creek is a more intimate, lessfished
tributary of the Grand River which
flows cold enough to support native brown,
rainbow and migratory steelhead populations
within its many log-jams. The creek
pours into the Grand between the towns of
Paris and Brantford and has been popular
with fly fishers. Dries and nymphs will fool
the browns and resident rainbows, but some
of the best steelheading can be had with egg
patterns.
While most of the co-operative resident
trout average under 12”, much larger browns
are caught every year, especially on swing
streamers.
The vicinity of Whiteman’s creek to some
major urban centres, including Toronto,
makes it a great day trip destination. Please
refer to the official provincial regulations
under Division 4 for special regulations,
including fish sanctuaries.
NICK PUJIC PHOTO
#3 Algonquin
Provincial Park
Difficulty Rating: 1 to 5
Species available: Brook trout, lake trout,
smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and
muskie.
Nearest Town/Communities: Whitney,
Barry’s Bay
Algonquin Provincial Park has been a long
standing icon of Ontario’s majestic wilderness.
Spanning over 760,000 hectares of
lakes, forests, streams, bogs, and glorious
cliffs, Algonquin offers a unique adventure,
from park and camp facilities along the Hwy.
60 corridor to week-long portaging trips into
the interior.
Known for their cool, deep waters and
native strains of brook trout and lake trout,
interior Algonquin lakes offer some of the
best trophy brook trout fly fishing in Ontario.
Shortly after ice-out (which typically occurs
in mid to late May) brookies can be taken
fairly shallow on streamers, leech patterns
and nymphs, especially along any remaining
ice edges or steep drop-offs near cover. This
is prime time for float-tubing or pontoon
boats. Make sure to bring plenty of bug
dope, though, as the blackflies are almost as
famous as the brook trout themselves.
Summer in Algonquin is a favourite with
many bass fly fishers and a few tight lipped
fanatics, who focus on the mid-sized rivers
connecting Algonquin lakes, which also have
concentrations of brook trout in localized,
oxygen-rich, coldwater upwellings.
Whether you plan to sleep in the truck,
bring the RV, or go out on a multi-day paddle
and portage adventure, always taking a safetyminded,
common sense approach is highly
recommended. Be mindful of awakening
black bears in the spring, and always travel
with a first aid kit!
ALGONQUIN PARK
WHITEMAN’S CREEK
MAITLAND RIVER
FEBRUARY/APRIL 2009 • THE CANADIAN FLY FISHER I
41

DO-IT-YOURSELF FLY FISHING DESTINATIONS • ONTARIO TOP 10
#4 St.Mary’s Rapids
Difficulty Rating: 3
Species available: Atlantic salmon, steelhead,
pink salmon, chinook salmon, coho salmon,
brown trout, rainbow trout, whitefish, walleye
and smallmouth bass.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Sault Ste. Marie
Connecting Lake Superior and Lake Huron,
the St. Mary’s River flows between Ontario
and Michigan, splitting the twin-cities of
Sault Ste. Marie. Immediately below the
river’s outflow from Lake Superior lie the St.
Mary’s rapids, which are wadable only from
the Canadian side.
Migratory fish species, such as Atlantic
salmon, pink salmon and steelhead are
amongst the most sought after on the rapids.
Due to the cooler waters of Lake Superior,
salmon runs can begin as early as mid
summer and last through to the end of fall.
While the huge pink salmon runs and bigwater
steelhead would be an attraction on
their own, the St. Mary’s rapids are considered
one of the only places in Ontario where
a fly fisher can hope to catch Atlantic salmon
consistently!
Please exercise caution when wading the
St. Mary’s River, as strong currents and dam
fluctuations can occur at any time. A wading
staff and PFD are highly recommended.
FORKS OF THE CREDIT
ROB ORIELLY PHOTO
#5 Forks of the Credit
Difficulty Rating: 1
Species available: Brown trout, rainbow
trout, brook trout.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Orangeville,
Brimstone, Cataract
CREDIT RIVER BROWN
The Forks of the Credit region is perhaps
one of the most picturesque sections of flowing
water a fly fisher could ever hope for in
Ontario. Nestled between rolling hills and
kettle lakes carved out by glaciers many years
ago, the Credit River runs through The Forks
of the Credit Provincial Park, about 24 km
northwest of Brampton, between Brimstone
and Cataract.
These precious headwaters are home
to impressive trout populations, including
browns, rainbows and brookies. Fly fishers
have been visiting this stretch for quite some
time. However, the quality of the fishing has
improved over the past 20 years and continues
to improve, mostly due to the many river
restoration and conservation efforts spearheaded
by such groups as TU Canada, to
special regulations, and to catch-and-release
minded anglers.
Trout season opens on the 4th Saturday
in April and runs through the end of
September, with prolific mayfly and caddis
hatches throughout its course. While, dry
GRAHAM BARISTOW PHOTO
flies, emergers and nymphs tend to be the
most popular with fly fishers, large browns
can be tempted by over-sized streamers.
The Forks of the Credit are only an hour or
so from Toronto, and there are a number of
friendly fly shops within a 30 minute radius,
all of which would be more than happy to
help you enjoy the Credit River experience.
#6 Niagara River
Difficulty Rating: 4
Species available: Brown trout, rainbow
trout, lake trout, chinook salmon, coho
salmon, smallmouth bass, muskie, carp.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Niagara Falls,
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Niagara Falls is already known worldwide
as a great place to visit with plenty to see
and do. With shopping, night life, casinos,
golfing, restaurants and wineries, fly fishing
doesn’t always necessarily come to mind, but
it definitely should!
Flowing north approximately 56 km
between the southern tip of Ontario and
New York State, the Niagara River flows
out of Lake Erie, pouring over the Niagara
Escarpment at the falls and into Lake
Ontario. Fly fishers can target an impressive
array of species year-round from a boat or
from shore along the river, including sections
above and below the falls. The river
is best known for its incredible steelhead
and smallmouth bass fisheries, with 20+
fish days a common occurrence. Steelhead
action starts to pick up in late October and
can be hot through the winter until early
June, while the best bass fishing is from late
April until November. By accessing Lake Erie
through the upper Niagara by boat, fly fishers
can reach NY State waters which have
no closed season for bass, but do require a
42 I THE CANADIAN FLY FISHER • FEBRUARY/APRIL 2009
ST. MARY’S RAPIDS
BILL SPICER PHTOTO

NAOTO AOKI PHOTO NAOTO AOKI PHOTO
NIAGARA RIVER
NY State license. Those who wish to stick
to Canadian waters, including accessible
shorelines, must fish bass between the last
Saturday in June through December 15th.
The Niagara River is also accessible by foot
via the Niagara Gorge, which features hiking
trails down to the river and the Whirlpool
from the top at several access points, which
also feature parking. Be very careful, as
the hike down can be slippery, especially
during fall and winter when snow and ice
accumulate. It’s strongly recommended
that you take your time getting used to the
trails, and always carry plenty of water, some
protein snacks, a whistle, and a flashlight or
headlamp. Once you reach the river, you’ll
find plenty of water to drift or swing flies
through, but be mindful of changing water
levels from April through November, as the
river can fluctuate as much as 16’ in a single
day, depending on hydro-electric generating
activity.
Safety should be in the forefront of every
angler’s mind when fishing the Niagara.
While do-it-yourself success is very achievable
here, hiring a guide for your first visit is
highly recommended. You’ll not only learn
what techniques work best, but also which
areas of the river to watch out for, especially
with the fluctuating water levels.
FLYFITTERS.CA PHOTO
#7 Maitland River
Difficulty Rating: 2 to 3
Species available: Smallmouth bass,
steelhead, chinook salmon, coho salmon.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Goderich,
Benmiller
Flowing through some of Ontario’s most
unique ecosystems and woodlands, the
Maitland River runs some 150 km before
pouring out into Lake Huron at the town of
Goderich. Besides being a favourite destination
for fly fishers looking to hook steelhead
on Spey gear, the Maitland also boasts an
action-packed summertime smallmouth bass
fishery.
There are many parks and conservation
areas, as well as public access points along
the Maitland, including the Falls Reserve
Conservation Area, where anglers can chase
smallmouth bass from mid June through
August with great success, especially on
streamers and poppers. The steelhead
season typically begins in late September and
lasts until May, depending on water conditions.
If you’re up for countless hours of smallmouth
bass action in the summer, or getting
as close as possible to West Coast steelheading
without leaving Ontario, then the
Maitland River is the place for you. There
are a number of excellent B&Bs in the area,
as well as campgrounds. Top fly fishing
guides in the
area can also
MAITLAND RIVER
take you on
a drif tboat
adventure,
getting you
into runs and
pools inaccessible
to walka
n d - w a d e
anglers.
NIAGARA RIVER
FEBRUARY/APRIL 2009 • THE CANADIAN FLY FISHER I
43

DO-IT-YOURSELF FLY FISHING DESTINATIONS • ONTARIO TOP 10
#8 Aurora
Trout Lakes
Difficulty Rating: 3
Species available: Aurora trout.
Nearest Towns/Communities: North Bay,
Sudbury, Timmins
Originally found only in Whitepine and
Whirligig lakes, both located in Lady Evelyn
Smoothwater Wilderness Park north of
Sudbury in northeastern Ontario, the superrare
Aurora trout (Salvelinus timagamiensis) is
a species of char, closely related to the brook
trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). These beautiful
char resemble brook trout, but without any vermiculations
or dots on their bodies. Although
the species was thought to be extinct, due to
some ingenuity and a stroke of luck, a brood
stock was protected by Hill’s Lake Hatchery.
Today, a handful of Ontario lakes are stocked
with Aurora trout each year.
In 2000, the Aurora Trout was designated
an endangered species at risk by Environment
Canada. The 12 original lakes that were
stocked with Aurora Trout have been deemed
fish sanctuaries. Fishing is prohibited in the
original lakes, as well as in three of the stocked
lakes. However, limited licensed fishing can be
enjoyed in the nine other stocked lakes. The
open season rotates through these nine lakes,
with only three opened each year to angling.
The Aurora trout season is only open from
August 1st through October 15th each year. Fly
fishers looking to chase this unicorn of trout
should come prepared with either a float tube,
pontoon boat, or canoe, as fishing from shore
isn’t too effective. Techniques for catching
auroras are very similar to brook trout techniques,
with leeches, Woolly Buggers and small
streamers as top picks, especially in August.
It is recommended that you check all provincial
regulations thoroughly before heading out
for Aurora trout. Also, pop by a municipal tourism
office for information about which Aurora
lakes are open on any given year.
#9 Bighead River
Difficulty Rating: 2
Species available: Steelhead, brown trout,
chinook salmon, smallmouth bass.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Meaford,
Bognor, Massie
The Bighead River is a relatively small watershed,
running from the Niagara Escarpment
near Chatsworth and pouring into Georgian
Bay at Meaford. The river intersects the
renowned Bruce Trail in the valley between
the Spey River Forest Area and the Walters
Falls Conservation Area. Seasonal migrations
of steelhead, browns, and salmon have made
the Bighead a popular destination with anglers.
While much of the upper stretches of the
river are fished only by locals and seasoned
vets—primarily private land makes access
difficult—the lower stretches offer great fishholding
pools and runs which are particularly
attractive to fly fishers. Salmon runs have been
known to start as early as late August, with
steelhead starting to show up in late October
and sticking around until the end of their
spawning cycle in May.
Drifiting egg patterns or small nymphs are
effective techniques in clear water situations
on the Bighead, while larger patterns such as
egg-sucking leeches and bead-headed buggers
can really pay off during coloured water
conditions.
As the Bighead is prone to sudden water
level changes due to its high gradient, it pays to
check the forecast before and during your trip.
BIGHEAD RIVER
#10 Ottawa River
Difficulty Rating: 3
Species available: Brown trout, largemouth
bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskie,
carp, and of course, gar.
Nearest Towns/Communities: Ottawa
The Ottawa River has a number of tourist
attractions, including some of the best
whitewater rafting and kayaking anywhere.
Angling opportunities on this huge watershed
are also abundant, especially for warmwater
species such as large and smallmouth
bass, giant muskie, pike and gar.
With plenty of public access from both
Ontario and Quebec, the Ottawa River feels
more like a big lake than a river in most
cases, and watercraft are essential for exploring
much of its length. There are, however,
moving water stretches which are excellent
for wade fishing.
There is a mile-long stretch of river from
the base of the Parliament Buildings east to
the Prime Minster’s residence, where fly fishers
can enjoy some of the finest bass fishing
from shore or boat, although a canoe or floattube
is highly recommended.
If muskie on the fly is the name of your
game, then the Bronson Bridge is the
place for you. Monsters, some well over 30
pounds, can be seen on a hot summer day
just below the bridge and can be tempted
to chase over-sized Deceivers and other
muskie patterns. Don’t forget your wire
leader though!
There are even localized populations of
brown trout, especially at the Deschenes
Rapids at Britannia Bay, where specimens
up to four pounds can be taken—thanks to
the stocking efforts of the Champlain Run
Trout Club.
Visiting anglers should also consider fishing
the Rideau River, which features warmwater
action in the summer in a much more
intimate setting. B
AURORA TROUT LAKES OTTAWA RIVER GRAND RIVER
44 I THE CANADIAN FLY FISHER • FEBRUARY/APRIL 2009
NAOTO AOKI PHOTO MARK KRUPA PHOTO NICK PUJIC PHOTO