Welcome to the first forecast of September! It’s one of the most exciting times of the year to be an angler in Southern Ontario, with salmon confirmed in many rivers, trout fishing heating up, and warmwater predators like bass, pike, and musky on the move. Here’s your Southern Ontario Fly Fishing Forecast to help you plan the long weekend and beyond.
September is prime time for trout across Southern Ontario. Water temperatures continue to cool, and brown trout (fall spawners) become more aggressive as the month progresses. Expect great streamer and even mouse fishing opportunities later in the month, but right now, clear flows call for a more subtle approach.
Nymphs: Small jigs like the Napoleon, Frenchies, and Hare’s Ear patterns in smaller sizes.
Dry Flies: Blue-winged olives (sizes 20 and smaller) are key. On the Credit, look for the late-season Isonychia hatch—try a size 14 Adams. Terrestrials like beetles, ants, and small hoppers (8–16) remain excellent options all month.
Where to Find Fish: Focus on cover. Riffles, pocket water, grassy banks, and overhanging trees. Avoid slow, glassy pools where trout are more vulnerable to predators, unless those pools have enough depth to offer cover to the fish.
Best Rivers: The Credit, Whitman’s Creek, and Georgian Bay tributaries are all fishing well. The Grand River remains warm near Fergus, though cooler downstream sections may be fishable after cold nights. Always pack a thermometer before heading out.
Salmon Runs Are Here
Salmon season has officially arrived! Thanks to recent rain and more precipitation in the forecast, rivers are filling up with fresh runs. Water levels are the trigger these big fish need, and many systems are seeing strong movement already.
Early Rivers: Tributaries east of Toronto and some northern rivers like the Nottawasaga are among the first to get fish. Salmon are starting to show up in the Credit and will only increase over the coming weeks.
Fly Choices:
- Egg flies and worm patterns
- Egg-sucking leeches in black or purple
- White streamers (like a Woolly Bugger) to imitate baitfish and trigger aggressive strikes
Bass, Pike & Musky in Fall Mode
For warmwater species, September is a big-fish month. As daylight shortens and water cools, bass, pike, and musky put on the feed bag before winter. It’s also one of the best times of year to enjoy quieter cottage country lakes with less boat traffic.
Bass: Fish bigger streamers and baitfish imitations (perch, smelt, or larger Clousers). Don’t overlook topwater as big poppers can draw explosive strikes.
Pike & Musky: Upsize your flies, patterns like the Yard Sale, Alter's Pike Minnow, or Brammer’s Impostor excel this time of year. Focus on remaining green weeds, current seams, rock, and timber as these areas concentrate bait and predators alike.
Whether you’re chasing fresh run salmon, drifting small nymphs for trout, or throwing giant streamers at musky, September offers something for everyone. With cooling water, less angling pressure, and fish on the feed, it’s one of the best months of the year to be on the water in Southern Ontario.
If you’re unsure where to go or what to fish, stop by the shop or give us a call, we’re always happy to help you get dialed in. Tight lines, and we’ll see you out there!
