Late May is prime fishing season for a whole range of fish, it's so good it can be hard to decide what to choose to fish for!

With warming water temperatures, increasing bug activity, and multiple species feeding aggressively, anglers have no shortage of opportunities right now. From trout and steelhead to pike and carp, this is the time of year when big fish are actively feeding and conditions can change quickly from one day to the next.

Trout fishing has been exceptional throughout May and current conditions continue to favour strong action across many rivers.

Warmer daytime temperatures are increasing:

 • Water temperatures

 • Aquatic insect activity

 • Fish feeding behaviour

 • Dry fly opportunities

Anglers are already seeing spinner falls from:

 • Hendricksons

 • Blue-winged olives

As we move deeper into late May, expect even stronger hatches and more consistent dry fly fishing during evenings.

Recommended Dry Fly Patterns

For most rivers right now, anglers should carry:

 • Size 12–14 Hendricksons and Gray Foxes

 • Size 16 Sulphurs and lighter mayfly patterns

 • Emerging caddis patterns as activity increases

 • Some rivers will start seeing Isonychia mayflies, stoneflies and brown drakes soon

Caddis hatches are also beginning to ramp up significantly now that we are past the middle of May.

Lower flows and clearer water conditions mean trout are becoming more selective.

Instead of flashy spring patterns, anglers should begin transitioning toward:

 • Natural pheasant tails

 • Hare’s ears

 • Subtle euro nymphs

 • Smaller hot spots

 • Less flash overall

 • Lighter bead heads

These more natural presentations are becoming increasingly effective as rivers stabilize.

Streamer fishing remains productive, especially:

 • Early mornings

 • Late evenings

 • During low light periods

 • After rainfalls

However, midday conditions are now favouring smaller streamer patterns in the:

 • 2–4 inch range

 • More natural colour profiles

 • Slimmer baitfish imitations

These smaller streamers are often outperforming oversized patterns in clear water conditions.

Recent heat spikes pushed some river temperatures close to or above the 20°C threshold, particularly on rivers like the Credit. At those temperatures, anglers should consider giving trout a break to reduce stress on fish during catch and release.

Fortunately, cooler weather moving back into Southern Ontario will quickly bring water temperatures right back down heading into the weekend.

With forecasted temperatures returning to seasonal mid-teen ranges, trout conditions will remain strong over the coming weeks.

There are still steelhead opportunities available for anglers looking for one final shot at spring fish.

Larger river systems and colder eastern tributaries continue to produce fish, though opportunities are becoming more concentrated as spring progresses.

If you are hoping to target steelhead before the season fully winds down, now is the time.

Northern pike fishing is rapidly improving across multiple fisheries zones in Ontario.

While opening weekend conditions were slightly cool and fish initially appeared lethargic, recent warming trends quickly changed activity levels. The difference we saw just between Saturday and Monday was very noticeable in fish activity!

Many anglers are now seeing:

 • Pike moving shallow

 • Increased feeding behaviour

 • More aggressive strikes

 • Better sight fishing opportunities

As shallow water warms, pike are becoming significantly more active around:

 • Bays

 • Weedy shorelines

 • Cottage country shallows

Late May often produces some of the best opportunities of the season for trophy pike.

Carp fishing has also been excellent and should continue improving with warmer weather.

As spawning season approaches, carp are pushing into:

 • Great Lakes shorelines

 • Creek mouths

 • Shallow flats

 • Warm river sections

These fish are actively feeding and can provide incredible sight fishing opportunities on the fly.

Effective carp flies right now include:

 • Small crayfish patterns

 • Leech imitations

 • Natural nymph patterns

Strong river carp fishing opportunities currently exist on:

 • The Grand River

 • The Maitland River

 • Smaller tributaries and creek systems

For anglers looking for hard-fighting freshwater fish, carp remain one of the most exciting options available this time of year.

Southern Ontario musky season opens on the first Saturday of June, and it is coming fast.

Now is the perfect time to:

 • Tie fresh musky flies

 • Replace worn fly lines

 • Prepare leaders and gear

 • Finalize opening weekend plans

Early season musky fishing can offer exceptional opportunities at truly large fish.

Late May continues to offer some of the best multi-species fishing opportunities of the year across Southern Ontario.

Whether you are:

 • Chasing dry fly trout

 • Hunting late steelhead

 • Targeting shallow water pike

 • Sight fishing carp

 • Preparing for musky opener

…there are outstanding opportunities available right now.

As always, paying attention to changing water conditions and temperatures will help anglers stay successful and protect fisheries during warmer periods.

If you need help selecting flies, choosing rivers, or planning your next outing, stop by the shop or get in touch before heading out on the water!