We’re now into the second week of trout season, and things are starting to come alive in a big way. Bugs are hatching, fish are active, and overall fishing has been excellent, arguably some of the best we’ve had in years! If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to get out, this is it.

Opening weekend gave us a bit of everything. Higher water and some added rain made conditions less predictable at times, but for those who got after it, the rewards were there. Steelhead fishing was particularly strong, with consistent action across multiple tributaries. On our end, we had days where both swinging flies and nymphing produced steady fish, including a double-digit steelhead day that set the tone for the season. Resident trout fishing showed just as much promise, with quality trout coming from systems like the Credit.

Looking ahead, conditions are shaping up even better. With little rain in the forecast leading into the weekend, rivers are settling into more typical spring flows. Water levels are dropping into a very fishable range, and clarity is improving across most systems. Pair that with cool, seasonal temperatures, and you’ve got a recipe for prolonged, high-quality fishing.

One of the biggest takeaways right now is just how many steelhead are still in the rivers. Cooler weather has slowed their push back to the lake, and many fish are still actively spawning or holding in the system. We’ve seen strong numbers not just in main rivers, but even in smaller spawning creeks, which suggests this run could stick around longer than usual, potentially well into May.

Eggs remain a top producer, with orange patterns imitating steelhead eggs and light yellow patterns matching sucker spawn both performing extremely well. Worms continue to be a staple this time of year and are always worth having tied on.

What is starting to change is the importance of nymphs. As water levels drop and clarity improves, fish become a bit more selective. Patterns like pheasant tails, hare’s ears, Walt’s worms, and Frenchies in sizes 12–16 are going to become increasingly effective.

For those swinging flies, the shift toward more natural tones is beginning. Olives and whites are becoming more productive as visibility improves, though there’s still enough flow in most rivers to justify using flies with a bit of weight. Presentation remains key, slower swings and controlled depth will still outproduce faster, flashier retrieves for now. That said, as water temperatures continue to climb, don’t be surprised if fish start responding to more movement. Stripping flies and adding speed can trigger aggressive takes as we move deeper into spring.

While streamer and nymph fishing dominated opening weekend, we’re now starting to see the first real signs of dry fly season. Blue-winged olives have already begun to show up, particularly during the middle to later parts of the day. It’s still early, but conditions are trending in the right direction.

The next hatch to watch closely is the Hendrickson. These mayflies typically start appearing once water temperatures hit around 10°C, and with current temps sitting just below that, we’re right on the edge. If things warm even slightly, we could see the first meaningful hatches very soon, if not this weekend, then shortly after.

Until dries become more consistent, nymphing remains your most reliable approach. Focus less on exact patterns and more on getting your flies into the right water. Heavier flies that get down into deeper, slower runs will continue to produce. Stoneflies, pheasant tails, and attractor patterns like Frenchies are all strong choices.

Streamer fishing is also beginning to open up. As temperatures inch upward, trout are becoming more willing to chase. This is the time to start mixing in larger, more aggressive patterns, especially in rivers where fish haven’t seen much pressure yet. With fewer anglers out during high water on opener, many fish are still relatively uneducated, which means they’re more willing to commit to bigger presentations.

The Credit River has been fishing well and should continue to do so this weekend with improving conditions. The Grand River, after rising late last weekend, is now dropping back into shape and should be in a much better place. Even better, stocking is scheduled to begin early next week on the Grand, which will only improve fishing as we move forward!

Beyond trout and steelhead, there’s plenty happening. Carp fishing is starting to heat up, with pre-spawn fish moving into shallow water, an incredibly fun and visual fishery this time of year. Pike fishing is also a great option, especially in Zone 17 where it remains open year-round. With fish moving shallow, this is prime time to target larger pike.

All signs point to a fantastic stretch of spring fishing ahead. Rivers are settling, fish are active, and the season is only just beginning to build momentum. If you’ve got the chance to get out this weekend, it’s one you won’t want to miss.