The upcoming weekend is shaping up to be another good one. While there's a bit of rain in the forecast, temperatures remain comfortable and there's still plenty of sunshine on the horizon. Whether you're chasing trout, pike, musky, or carp, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of right now.
Trout Season Is Still Going Strong
If you haven't had a chance to get out for trout yet, now is the time.
Current river conditions remain excellent across much of Southern Ontario, but forecasts are calling for a warm summer ahead. As water temperatures climb over the coming weeks, some trout rivers may become less fishable during certain periods of the day (a reminder, for fish safety not to fish water temperatures over 20c for trout). For now, however, conditions remain very favourable.
The Credit River continues to fish well, and other freestone streams are in great shape heading into the weekend. The Grand River is also looking excellent.
What's Happening on the Grand River?
One topic we've been hearing a lot about lately is reduced catch rates on the Grand River. There is some truth to those reports. The river received fewer stocked fish this year than in some previous seasons, and many anglers have noticed a decrease in numbers. However, that doesn't mean the fishing isn't worthwhile.
The important thing to remember is that the biggest fish in the system aren't dependent on this year's stocking numbers. Those quality fish have been living in the river for several seasons and are still very much present.
In fact, if your goal is to target larger trout, this may be one of the better years to focus on the Grand. Dry fly anglers looking to avoid smaller fish and connect with a true trophy trout should keep the river high on their list!
If your priority is steady action throughout the day, rivers like the Credit, Whiteman's Creek, and sections of the Upper Saugeen may provide more consistent opportunities.
Dry Fly Season Is in Full Swing
For many anglers, this is one of the most exciting times of the year. Stoneflies are beginning to appear on several rivers and can produce some memorable dry fly fishing. At the same time, caddis hatches remain strong across much of the province and should be considered a staple in every fly box.
We recommend carrying caddis patterns in a wide range of sizes. Sizes 14 and 16 are often the sweet spot, but hatches can vary significantly from river to river.
Mayfly activity is very diverse right now.
On rivers like the Middle Grand and Saugeen, anglers should expect to encounter Isonychia hatches along with Brown Drakes. On the Credit River, Gray Fox and Sulphur mayflies continue to provide excellent opportunities. You may also encounter some green drakes on the Credit!
The key this time of year is flexibility. You don't necessarily need to match every hatch perfectly. A well-rounded selection of dry flies and careful observation of what's happening on the water will usually put you in a good position to succeed.
Pike Fishing Depends on Water Temperature
Pike fishing remains productive, however you need to pay attention to your conditions to find success. One of the interesting points this time of year is that water temperatures vary dramatically depending on where you're fishing.
In areas such as Georgian Bay, warmer inland bays are beginning to push pike away from the shallows and toward deeper weed edges. These fish remain highly catchable on fly gear, but sinking lines and deeper presentations are becoming increasingly important.
On Lake Ontario, however, cooler water temperatures are keeping many pike very shallow. We continue to see fish holding in as little as three to eight feet of water.
The general rule right now is simple: colder water means shallower fish, while warmer water means fish will begin sliding deeper. You don't need to fish extreme depths. Focus on the first significant drop-offs, weed edges, and transition zones in roughly five to fifteen feet of water and you'll likely find active fish.
Musky Opener Has Arrived
For anglers in Zone 16 and many other areas, musky season opens this weekend!
This is one of the most exciting times of the year to target these fish. Fresh off the spawn and having seen no fishing pressure, early-season muskies are often willing to chase a fly.
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding musky fishing is that it requires specialized heavy gear. While dedicated musky setups certainly have advantages, many anglers already own suitable equipment.
A 9-weight or 10-weight fly rod is more than capable of handling musky fishing in many situations. Pair it with proper bite protection in the form of a wire leader, tie on a larger fly, and you're ready to get started.
We've also recently received a selection of custom-tied musky flies that we're particularly excited about. If musky fishing is on your radar this season, it's worth stopping by the shop before they're gone.
Don't Overlook Carp Fishing
If you've followed our recent forecasts, you've probably noticed us talking a lot about carp. There's a reason for that!
Carp are one of the most underrated fly fishing opportunities available in Ontario. They offer highly visual fishing, powerful fights, and a unique challenge that appeals to both experienced and newer anglers.
Many of the staff here at Drift have been spending time targeting carp over the last few weeks, and the fishing has been excellent!
Carp can be found in many of Ontario's rivers, including systems better known for trout fishing. The Upper Grand, for example, holds plenty of carp. They are also abundant throughout the Great Lakes in shallow bays, creek mouths, and protected backwaters.
Success largely comes down to finding actively feeding fish, making a good presentation, and watching the entire encounter unfold. Few forms of freshwater fly fishing offer the same level of visual excitement.
If you've never tried it before, this summer is the perfect time to start.
Get Out There!
June is one of the most exciting months on the Ontario fishing calendar. Trout rivers are still fishing well, dry fly hatches are abundant, musky season is opening, pike remain active, and carp are providing excellent sight-fishing opportunities.
Whatever species you're targeting this weekend, now is a great time to be on the water.
If you need help deciding where to fish, what flies to bring, or how to make the most of current conditions, stop by the shop or get in touch. We're always happy to help.
We'll see you on the water.
