Bass fishing continues to be outstanding across the province, but there are also encouraging signs for trout anglers after the cooler weather we've seen recently. Add in excellent opportunities for musky, carp, gar and other warmwater species, and there's no shortage of options this weekend.
Bass Fishing Remains the Top Pick
If you're looking for the most consistent action, bass should be at the top of your list.
We're right in the heart of topwater season, and there are few things more exciting than watching a smallmouth or largemouth explode on a popper during the first or last hour of daylight. Early mornings and evenings continue to produce the most reliable surface action, particularly around rocky shorelines, weed beds, docks and shallow flats.
One thing worth remembering, however, is that bass season has now been open for several weeks. Fish on popular lakes have seen plenty of pressure, which means subtle presentations often begin to outperform larger, louder flies.
Downsizing your streamers and fishing more natural profiles can make a noticeable difference, particularly on clear, heavily fished lakes where bass become increasingly selective as the summer progresses.
Try a Popper-Dropper Rig
One of our favourite summer bass setups is the popper-dropper rig.
Most trout anglers are familiar with the hopper-dropper concept, where a large dry fly suspends a nymph beneath it. The same idea works incredibly well for bass.
Simply tie 18–24 inches of tippet from the bend of your popper hook and attach a small streamer or jig fly underneath. Compact jig streamers are especially effective because they closely imitate the baitfish bass feed on throughout the summer.
This setup creates two opportunities every cast.
The popper attracts fish from a distance with its splash and commotion. If a bass refuses to fully commit to the surface fly, it often notices the smaller streamer drifting below and eats that instead. On pressured lakes, this extra presentation frequently converts follows into hookups.
There's another bonus as well.
Anyone who has caught enough smallmouth has probably seen them regurgitate baitfish while being fought. Other bass quickly move in to grab those free meals. The trailing streamer on a popper-dropper rig imitates exactly that situation, making double hookups surprisingly common when fish are grouped together.
It's an incredibly fun technique and one we fish throughout the summer.
Trout Opportunities Are Improving
The cooler weather over the past week temporarily brought several trout rivers back into safe fishing temperatures.
That window hasn't disappeared entirely, but warmer daytime temperatures mean you'll need to monitor conditions carefully before fishing.
Always carry a thermometer and check water temperatures throughout the day. Once temperatures begin approaching 20°C (68°F), it's time to call it a day to protect the fish.
Fortunately, many rivers are still offering fishable temperatures during the early morning hours before the afternoon heat arrives. If you're willing to start early, there are opportunities to enjoy some excellent midsummer trout fishing.
Focus on Terrestrials and Small Flies
Late July is one of the best times of year to fish terrestrial insects.
Ants, beetles and grasshoppers become an increasingly important food source as they regularly fall into the water, making them excellent dry fly choices. You can still mix in caddis patterns when fish are feeding on emerging insects, but terrestrials should be a major part of your fly box right now.
Below the surface, less is often more.
Low, clear summer water rewards anglers who fish smaller, more natural-looking nymphs with minimal flash. Matching the subtle conditions usually produces far more consistent results than oversized or brightly coloured patterns.
The same principle applies to streamers. Unless recent rainfall has significantly raised or coloured the water, smaller baitfish imitations generally outperform large articulated patterns. Compact jig streamers are especially effective, offering just enough movement without overwhelming cautious summer trout.
A Great Weekend to Get Outside
Whether you're chasing explosive topwater bass, taking advantage of a short morning trout window, or heading out for musky, carp or gar, this long weekend offers some of the nicest fishing weather we've seen in weeks.
Take advantage of the calm conditions, start early if you're targeting trout, and don't be afraid to experiment with a popper-dropper setup if you're bass fishing. It can be one of the most productive—and entertaining—rigs you'll fish all summer.
As always, if you're unsure where to fish or what flies to bring, stop by the shop or get in touch. We're always happy to help get you pointed in the right direction.
See you on the water!
