If you've been waiting for a reason to hit the water, this is it!
Bass Season Opens in FMZ 17
The biggest news this weekend is the opening of bass season in Zone 17, home to many of the Kawartha Lakes and some of Southern Ontario's most popular bass fisheries.
For many anglers, this weekend represents the unofficial start of summer fishing. The Kawarthas offer outstanding opportunities for both largemouth and smallmouth bass and remain one of the most accessible destinations for anglers traveling from the Greater Toronto Area.
While Zones 16 and 20 will open in the coming weeks, Zone 17 gets things started.
If you've been counting down the days until bass opener, it's finally time!
Where to Find Bass This Weekend
With cooler temperatures settling in and a spring that arrived later than usual, bass behaviour may still resemble late-spawn or immediate post-spawn patterns on many fisheries.
Most fish should be finished spawning, but many will remain close to their spawning areas.
Focus your efforts on:
- Shallow bays
- Emerging weed beds
- First drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats
- Shoreline cover
- Points near spawning habitat
If you encounter bass actively sitting on visible beds, it's best to leave those fish alone and continue searching.
The good news is that opener fish haven't seen pressure all spring. Once you locate active fish, they are often willing to eat aggressively.
Cover water, find concentrations of fish, and then dial in the pattern.
Best Fly Patterns for Bass Opener
The cooler weather may keep surface activity somewhat limited this weekend.
It's still worth carrying:
- Poppers
- Frogs
- Divers
- Other surface flies
However, expect subsurface presentations to do most of the heavy lifting.
Some of the best patterns for opening weekend include:
- Baitfish streamers
- Crayfish patterns
- Leeches
- Swimming nymphs
A sinking line can be a major advantage, allowing you to efficiently cover shallow weed edges and drop-offs where fish are likely holding.
If temperatures climb during the day or you're fishing particularly warm water, don't hesitate to throw a topwater fly. You may be rewarded with some explosive strikes!
Trout Fishing Conditions Have Improved
Last week, anglers were beginning to monitor river temperatures closely as warm weather set it, but with cool temperatures returning this week water temperatures on trout rivers have dropped like a stone and couldn't be in better shape!
The Credit River is a perfect example. Water temperatures have fallen significantly and are now sitting comfortably within prime feeding ranges for trout. The result is excellent fishing opportunities throughout the day.
Streamer Season Is Here
The heavy rainfall over the past week has created one of the most exciting trout opportunities of the season. Higher water levels and increased flows mean trout are willing to hunt larger prey.
If you've been dreaming about a trophy brown trout, now is the time to tie on a big streamer.
Don't be afraid to fish:
- Large baitfish patterns
- Articulated streamers
- Four to five-inch flies
This time of year, trout metabolism is running high, and larger fish are often willing to chase substantial meals, especially with the temperatures and flows we currently have.
The extra flow provides cover and confidence, making streamer fishing particularly productive.
Nymphing and Dry Fly Opportunities
Despite the rain, most rivers should remain relatively clear through the weekend.
For nymph anglers, consider:
- Slightly heavier flies
- Frenchies
- Patterns with hot spots
- Bead head nymphs
You don't need to dramatically increase fly size, but a touch of weight and visibility can help.
Dry fly anglers have plenty to look forward to as well. June offers one of the most diverse periods of the trout season, with multiple insect species active at the same time.
Caddis Are the Main Event
If there is one hatch to focus on right now, it's caddis.
You'll find caddis flies on nearly every trout river in Southern Ontario throughout the summer months, often in a variety of colours and sizes.
Pay special attention to evening caddis activity. As adults return to the water to lay eggs, trout often become highly active, creating exciting dry fly opportunities—particularly for larger fish.
If possible, stay on the water through dusk. The final hour of daylight can often provide some of the best fishing of the day.
Pike and Musky Opportunities Continue
The return of cooler weather should also benefit pike anglers.
While many pike have transitioned toward slightly deeper summer locations, the cooler temperatures will encourage them to feed more actively.
Focus on:
- Weed edges
- Deeper weed beds
- Transitions in 5 to 15 feet of water
The same general areas can also hold muskies this time of year. For both species, flies in the five to seven-inch range remain excellent choices.
With musky season now underway and pike fishing still going strong, anglers have plenty of opportunities to target these aggressive predators.
Carp Fishing Remains Excellent
Carp continue to offer one of the most accessible and exciting warmwater opportunities available.
In many locations, spawning activity has wrapped up, and fish are returning to regular feeding patterns.
That means sight-fishing opportunities are improving daily.
Some excellent local options include:
- The Don River
- The Humber River
- Toronto Harbour
- The Toronto Islands
For anglers who can't make it out of town, carp provide a fantastic urban fishing option with plenty of action and impressive fish.
Final Thoughts
Between the Zone 17 bass opener, improved trout conditions, active pike and musky fisheries, and consistent carp action, this weekend offers something for every angler in Southern Ontario.
Bass anglers can look forward to the start of a highly anticipated season, while trout fishermen may find some of the best river conditions we've seen in weeks.
Whether you're chasing a trophy brown trout on a streamer, hunting your first bass of the season, or sight-fishing carp close to home, now is an excellent time to get out on the water.
If you need help choosing flies, finding productive water, or preparing for your next trip, stop by the shop or get in touch. We're always happy to help.
