Hey, Chris here with your long weekend fishing forecast. With three days of solid fishing ahead, there’s a lot to be excited about—whether you're targeting trout, chasing the tail end of steelhead season, looking forward to pike opener in the north, or stalking carp in the shallows.
Here’s the full rundown:
Steelhead – Still a Few Left
We’re in the final stages of steelhead season, but there are still opportunities if you’re looking in the right places. Most of the smaller eastern tributaries have seen their fish clear out, but larger systems like the Credit are still holding the odd fish, and rivers like the Saugeen continue to fish well with solid numbers.
Cooler temps this week have helped prolong the season, but time is running out. If steelhead is on your list, now’s the time.
Trout – Phenomenal Start, and Stocking Has Just Happened
It’s been a stellar start to the trout season—and now it’s only getting better. Friends of the Grand just stocked around 23,000 brown trout in the Grand River, from Shand Dam through Elora and Fergus. That means a mix of eager stockers and holdover big fish ready to eat.
Other hotspots like the Credit River, Whiteman’s Creek, and others are also producing really well.
Dry Fly Watch
We’ve seen great Hendrickson hatches on the Grand, with sulfurs showing up in some places and even the odd caddis.
- Best dry fly action will likely be Friday and Saturday as things warm up.
- Expect slightly wetter conditions through the weekend, but not enough rain to blow things out—just enough to add some colour and bring worms and larger nymphs into play.
This is prime trout time. Take advantage of it.
Pike – Big Opener in Zone 15
Zone 15 (Muskoka, Haliburton, and central Ontario) opens for pike this weekend, offering a shot at fresh, unpressured post-spawn fish. If you’re headed up to open the cottage, bring a rod—this is one of the best weekends to hit it.
Zone 16, including southern Ontario and Georgian Bay, is already open and continues to fish well.
- Water is still cool—slow presentations work best.
- Target warming sand flats, where active fish will be cruising.
- Use mid-sized streamers, fished with a slow, methodical retrieve.
Carp – Big Fish, Close to Home
Carp fishing is heating up fast. Theo’s been finding some big ones locally, and we got into a monster on Lake Ontario just yesterday with our buddy Mark.
This pre-spawn window is an excellent time for carp. They’re up shallow and super accessible:
- Wade rivers and lakes in the shallows to find these fish
- Spot and stalk with small streamers and nymphs
- Excellent fishing option close to Toronto!
Sight fishing for carp is a blast—and now’s the time to do it.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s trout, steelhead, pike, or carp—there’s a ton of great fishing to be had this weekend. If you’re not sure where to go or what to use, drop by the shop or give us a call. We’re always happy to help get you dialed in.
See you out there!
