Your fishing forecast for November 26th is here!
Fishing Outlook
This past weekend offered some solid fishing across the province. Western rivers like the Maitland and the Saugeen produced well, and northern systems — including the Nottawasaga also had fish around. The Niagara continues to fish extremely well. Closer to home systems could still use a bit more water, but there are fish in them, and it’s definitely worth getting out if you’ve got time.
Looking ahead to this weekend, we’re heading into a bit of a mixed weather pattern...
Northern Rivers: Snow, Rain & Slush Strategy
Up north, we’re expecting a heavy mix of snow and rain. That’s a good thing for the rivers, every bit of moisture helps, but driving conditions may be rough, especially through open farm country where blowing snow can reduce visibility in a hurry. If you’re heading north, take it slow and stay safe.
With the incoming snow, expect slush on the water, here’s how to handle it:
Swinging:
- Use an intermediate head or a heavier-weighted fly to cut below the surface layer. Anything that punches under the slush will help keep your swing clean.
Nymphing:
- Pack split shot. More than you think you’ll need. Heavy flies and weight help pierce through floating clumps of slush that would otherwise grab your drift.
Overall, the moisture is a net positive, and conditions should set up nicely once things settle!
Southern Rivers: Clearer, Warmer, and a Strong Niagara Bite
If dealing with snow and cold doesn’t sound appealing, the rivers farther south are shaping up much differently. Along the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shorelines, the forecast looks clearer and noticeably warmer, a great alternative if you want to stay out of windchill.
The Niagara in particular has been fishing very well, and temperatures there are often several degrees warmer than the rest of southern Ontario. The one thing to watch is the west winds forecast for Lake Erie, they can muddy the river. If you can get on it earlier before those winds get going this weekend, clearer conditions and good fishing are likely.
As always: the Niagara is a serious river. Exercise extreme caution if you fish it, especially in colder weather.
Close-to-Home Tactics
For the rivers around home, we’re still leaning into egg flies and smaller nymphs.
A lot of the fish currently in these systems entered a week or two ago, and they’ve already seen the big egg flies, the oversized worms, and the heavy, bright stuff. Downsizing can be a big difference maker right now.
- Small nymphs -Think pheasant tails, prince nymphs, stones, and general trouty profiles.
- Eggs - Still effective, but lean toward smaller, less intrusive patterns.
Mixing in both can be a great way to cover your bases.
That should help you plan your weekend. If you ever need advice on where to go or what to fish, feel free to reach out, we’re always happy to help. We’ll see you on the water!
