Fall is here, and with it comes some of the most exciting fishing opportunities of the year in Southern Ontario. Here’s your Southern Ontario Fly Fishing Forecast for September 10th with updates on salmon, steelhead, brown trout, bass, musky, and resident trout!
Upcoming Events: Learn to Spey Cast
Before we dive into the fishing, don’t forget about our Spey School dates this fall! See the details HERE
- September 21st – A few spots left
- September 28th – SOLD OUT
- October 18th – A few spots left
Whether you’re new to Spey or looking to sharpen your skills, this is the perfect chance to learn firsthand from experienced instructors!
Salmon Runs Heating Up
After heavy rains last week, rivers across Southern Ontario are filling with salmon. While eastern Lake Ontario tributaries typically see the first runs, salmon have now pushed into every major system in BIG numbers. Rivers have dropped back to very fishable flows, and conditions are absolutely prime now.
Bright egg patterns (chartreuse, orange, clown) are reliable early-season choices. Large stoneflies, buggy nymphs, and baitfish streamers also work exceptionally well.
Early Steelhead & Browns
It’s not just salmon, Steelhead and brown trout are beginning to follow the runs, feeding heavily on salmon eggs. This is a great time to target them! Orange egg patterns are hot early, as the season progresses, lighter peach and pale tones will work well. Aggressive trout fresh from the lake will also smash baitfish patterns. Covering water with streamers can be both fun and productive!
Bass, Pike & Musky
Warmwater species are feeding hard through September, making this an excellent time to get out. With fewer boats on the lakes, you’ll enjoy quieter conditions and plenty of space. Topwater bass is still very good right now, don’t miss the chance for explosive surface eats. As water cools, bass, pike, and musky get aggressive. Big patterns let you cover water and target feeding fish as they put on extra weight for winter.
Resident Trout – Season’s Last Weeks
Don’t forget about our resident trout streams. The season is winding down, but some of the best fishing of the year is right now!
Small ants and BWO patterns are reliable dry fly options while drab Euro nymphs with subtle flash work great in clear water. Look for trout in shallow riffles, pocket water, and heads of pools. Cooler fall temps mean you can now fish trout comfortably all day.
September in Southern Ontario offers something for everyone with salmon surging into rivers, migratory trout hot on their heels, bass smashing topwaters, and resident trout sipping dries. Whether you’re swinging big flies for salmon, hunting aggressive browns, or chasing surface eats from bass, now is the time to get out. If you need help planning your weekend on the water or dialing in the right patterns, stop by the shop or give us a call. Tight lines!
