Here's what we're targeting this week.
Give Warm Trout Rivers a Break
With several weeks of hot weather behind us, many of Southern Ontario's smaller trout rivers have reached temperatures that are no longer safe for catch-and-release fishing.
The Credit River is a perfect example. Overnight lows are only dropping to around 20°C, with afternoon temperatures climbing into the mid-20s. At these temperatures, released trout experience extremely high stress and poor survival rates, even when handled carefully.
For now, we recommend giving rivers like the Credit a break until cooler weather returns. The good news is that smaller rivers can cool quickly after a stretch of cool temperatures or significant rainfall, so trout opportunities will return later this summer!
Where You Can Still Catch Trout
If you're looking for trout, the Upper Grand River below Shand Dam remains one of the better options.
Because the river is fed by the reservoir, water temperatures are still hovering around 17°C, making it a safe and productive fishery for the time being.
To maximize your success:
- Fish the upper stretches above Fergus.
- Stay closer to Shand Dam where the water remains coolest.
- Avoid sections farther downstream, especially below Elora Gorge, where prolonged sun exposure allows the river to warm considerably.
This window won't last forever, but for now it's still one of the best trout opportunities available.
Bass Fishing Is Outstanding
With bass now open across nearly all of Southern Ontario, it's quickly becoming the top target for fly anglers.
Recent trips to Georgian Bay, Muskoka, and other cottage-country lakes have produced some of the best fishing we've seen!
If you're fishing popular cottage lakes, timing matters just as much as location.
As recreational boat traffic increases throughout the day, bass often slide into deeper water or really heavy cover to avoid the constant disturbance.
Your best strategy is simple:
- Fish early mornings before boats hit the water.
- Take a break during the busiest part of the day.
- Return for the evening bite as fish move shallow again.
Following this schedule can dramatically improve your catch rates on busy lakes throughout Muskoka, Haliburton, and other popular summer destinations. With that said, if you're on a smaller, quieter lake then you can experience fantastic fishing in the shallows all day!
Best Largemouth Bass Flies Right Now
Warm summer weather is exactly what largemouth bass love.
Focus on heavy cover such as:
- Weed beds
- Boat docks
- Fallen timber
- Lily pads
- Shoreline vegetation
Subsurface crayfish-style flies continue to be incredibly effective, particularly heavier patterns that can get into thick cover.
Some of our favourites include:
- Dead Ned flies
- Reaper patterns
- Heavy crayfish imitations
These flies imitate one of a largemouth's favourite food sources while allowing you to fish tight to structure where the biggest fish often hold.
Don't Forget Frog Patterns
Summer also means frog season.
Foam frog patterns excel around weed beds and shoreline vegetation where conventional flies struggle.
A properly designed weedless frog allows you to fish confidently through heavy cover while still producing explosive surface eats.
If you enjoy visual fishing, this is one of the most exciting ways to target largemouth bass during the summer months. We love the RIO Foam Slice, it's one of the most weedless flies we've ever fished!
Summer Smallmouth Tactics
Smallmouth continue to fish exceptionally well throughout Georgian Bay, Lake Simcoe, and many inland lakes.
Current favourites include baitfish and goby-style streamers that imitate the primary forage in many Great Lakes systems.
Topwater fishing also remains excellent during calm mornings and evenings.
Rather than loud poppers, subtle surface flies often shine in calm backwaters where bass can become wary of noisy presentations.
When fishing pressured rivers, don't overlook smaller, buggy flies that imitate crayfish, hellgrammites, or aquatic insects. Fishing these slowly near the bottom can produce outstanding results when larger streamers aren't moving fish.
Carp Continue to Be One of the Best Summer Fisheries
Carp remain one of Southern Ontario's most overlooked fly rod species.
Warm water has these fish actively feeding throughout rivers, bays, and shallow shoreline flats.
Sight fishing is the key. Look for actively feeding fish in shallow water and present:
- Small crayfish flies
- Nymphs
- Small baitfish patterns
Carp ranging from five to well over thirty pounds provide incredible fights and are available in nearly every major watershed throughout Southern Ontario.
Musky Season Is Heating Up
Musky fishing has also been excellent.
Many anglers assume musky require specialized 11- or 12-weight outfits, but that's not always the case.
Many productive musky fisheries feature fish in the 30-40 inch range that can comfortably be targeted with an 8- or 9-weight outfit.
If you already own a heavier bass or pike setup, you're likely much closer to being musky-ready than you think.
Just be sure to bring:
- A wire leader for bite protection
- Larger streamers
- Heavy tippet
- Proper landing equipment
Whether you're fishing from a boat, canoe, or kayak, musky offer one of the most exciting fly fishing opportunities of the summer.
Final Thoughts
July offers some of the most diverse fly fishing opportunities of the year in Southern Ontario.
While many trout rivers are taking a well-deserved break during the heat, bass, carp, and musky are all providing outstanding action. By adjusting your schedule to fish early and late in the day—and targeting the right structure—you'll greatly improve your chances of success.
If you need help choosing flies, finding productive water, or getting geared up for your next trip, stop by the shop or get in touch with us. We'd be happy to help.
We'll see you on the water.
