Fishing Forecast for Dec 4th!

 

Fishing Forecast for December 4th!

Hi, it’s Chris here with your fishing forecast! December is upon us, and with it comes winter steelheading. There are still great opportunities out there if you're willing to brave the cold (truth be told there's actually nothing "brave" about it if you're dressed for it, check out some layering tips here!)

River Conditions

This time of year, exercise extra caution on our rivers. We’ve had a fair amount of snow this week, which means messy, blowing snow conditions—especially in regions of Southwestern Ontario with open fields.

On the rivers, expect snow, slush, and potentially ice flows. As the month progresses, these conditions can become more prominent in snowier areas. Ice flows, in particular, can be dangerous, potentially knocking you off balance in the water. This isn’t to discourage anyone from getting out there—just a reminder to stay vigilant and respect the season’s challenges.

Fishing Report

Fishing this past weekend was productive for those who got out. While some slush and ice were present around the riverbanks, most rivers remain open, flowing, and holding happy fish.

With water temperatures down, the key to success is fishing slow and targeting deeper, slower water. It might take several drifts through the same pool to wake a fish up and get a bite. The good news? Early mornings are no longer critical. The peak fishing window tends to start around 11:00 a.m., as the water warms slightly with sunshine. This makes for a relaxed, midday outing without worrying about missing the early bite.

Tips for Success

If you’re nymphing:

• Stoneflies are working well this time of year.
• Egg patterns are productive, with light peaches in clear water or chartreuse and bright colors in lower light.
• Worm patterns are a reliable choice—big calorie-dense meals fish can't resist.

If you’re swinging flies:

• Use heavier sink tips and flies to get down to the fish's level and slow your swing.

Weekend Outlook

This weekend looks promising. While colder temperatures are forecast leading into the weekend, Sunday marks a shift to milder weather, with temperatures climbing into the positives. Next week, expect mid-single-digit temperatures and even some rain, signalling we’re far from done with steelheading this year.

Final Notes

As you head out, focus on those midday windows and stay alert on the rivers. If you’re dealing with slush, bringing extra split shot can help get your flies down effectively.

As always, if you need advice on where to go or what to use, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re happy to help.

Good luck out there!