Menu
0 0
C$0.00
Compare (0)
My account
Lessons/Events
Fly Tying Videos
River Resources
News/Tips

Your Fishing Forecast for Dec 18th!

  • Posted on
  • By The Drift Team

 

Before We Get to The Report!

With uncertain shipping times and knowing you have busy schedules, we will be OPEN on SUNDAY December 22nd from 10am to 5pm! Traffic is very light in the city on Sunday's so this is a great chance to get down to the shop to complete any last minute holiday shopping. We'll see you then!

 

 

Fishing Forecast!

Hey everyone, it’s Chris here from Drift with your weekly fishing forecast. Before we get into today’s report, I’ve got a couple of quick reminders for you:

  • Holiday Hours: We’ll be open this Sunday, December 22nd, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It’s a great chance to come by for some last-minute holiday shopping. Sundays are especially easy for driving into the city, with almost no traffic—perfect for anyone coming from out of town.

  • Gift Ideas: If you’re looking for last-minute presents, we’ve got you covered.

    • Electronic Gift Cards: Available online and guaranteed to arrive on time.
    • Fly Tying Lessons: We’ve just released a bunch of new fly tying sessions for the New Year. If you know someone who loves tying or wants to get started, these make a fantastic gift.

Now, let’s talk about fishing—there’s a lot going on this week!

Current River Conditions

It feels more like spring than winter out there right now. I was on the water yesterday, and here’s what I can tell you:

  • The recent warm weather has melted a lot of snow and ice, which means rivers are running high and many are now ice-free. That’s great news for anyone planning to fish this week.
  • Cold temperatures are returning this weekend, so get out while you can!
  • Caution: While much of the ice has cleared, there are still ice flows coming down certain rivers and rivers are very high right now, which can be hazardous.

Looking ahead:

  • Most smaller systems are just about to crest and will begin dropping. In the next couple days smaller systems should fish well.
  • The next couple of days look good around here, however the weekend is turning cold again, so if you're able to get out on Thursday or Friday that may be best.

If you’re heading out today or tomorrow, conditions will still be on the high side, so focus your efforts east of Toronto on smaller rivers. While some of those systems may still be slightly muddy, they’ll provide better opportunities than larger rivers.

Fishing Tactics and Tips

  1. Nymphing

    • Egg Patterns: Stick with lighter tones—whites, peaches, and pinks.
    • Stoneflies: This time of year, larger stonefly patterns can work really well.
    • Worm Patterns: If the water remains murky or high, big pink worms are a must-have. They provide a lot of visibility and movement, which can trigger strikes in stained conditions.

  2. Swinging Flies

    • Stained Water: Opt for brighter and bolder shades like black, purple, and pink. These colours contrast well in murky water and help grab the fish’s attention.

*Note these forecasts are recorded on Tuesdays and conditions can unexpectedly change. Forecasts are meant as a guide, we do our best to provide a useful report but cannot guarantee their accuracy.