Atthis point, essentially all of our major rivers are seeing at least some steelhead starting to move in, with certain systems already producing fairly consistent catches. On top of the steelhead, there are still plenty of salmon in the rivers, along with migratory Great Lakes brown trout and some Atlantic salmon mixed in. There is a lot happening right now if you're looking to get out and fish.
We had a good dose of rain last week that brought a fresh wave of fish into our systems, and we're still seeing those fish filter in. Water levels have dropped considerably throughout the week, but we are expecting a little bit of moisture leading into the weekend, which should help keep things moving.
Overall, we're expecting lower and clearer water this weekend, but that can actually create some excellent fly fishing conditions.
Think Small for Early Season Steelhead
When rivers aren't running high, one of the biggest advantages is that it becomes much easier to identify where fish are holding. The key this time of year is to look for the places that other anglers might overlook.
That often means surprisingly small pieces of water: pocket water, little runs, the heads of pools, shady banks, overhanging trees and undercut banks. If you're looking at a piece of river and thinking, "That looks pretty trouty," there's a good chance you're onto something.
Early-season steelhead will often relate to this kind of structure and softer water, particularly when flows are lower. Instead of focusing exclusively on the obvious deep pools, start looking for the smaller pieces of holding water.
Approach them much like you would resident trout. Downsize your flies, lighten up your presentation and fish carefully. In clear water, steelhead can be spooky, and a subtle presentation can make a big difference.
Fall Pike, Musky and Bass
If you're heading north for the long weekend, there are plenty of other options to keep you busy.
Fall can be one of the best times of year for pike and musky. As water temperatures drop, these fish become increasingly focused on feeding and putting on weight before winter. That can make for some of the best opportunities of the year for big, aggressive fish.
The same goes for bass. If you're closing up the cottage for the season or spending Thanksgiving weekend in cottage country, don't overlook them. Fall fish can be extremely active as they take advantage of the remaining feeding opportunities before winter sets in.
Fall Splake and Brook Trout Opportunities
Another opportunity that often gets overlooked this time of year is splake and brook trout fishing on some of our year-round northern lakes.
Algonquin Park is a good example. While brook trout season is closed at this point, there are stocked splake lakes that remain open through the end of November.
Splake are a hybrid of brook trout and lake trout, and both parent species are fall spawners. Even though stocked splake aren't reproducing naturally, they can still exhibit that classic fall behaviour. They become aggressive, territorial and beautifully coloured, creating some fantastic fishing opportunities.
There are a number of these stocked lakes throughout Central Ontario, and if you have access to a canoe or small boat, they can offer a fantastic fall outing. You're often fishing in beautiful autumn conditions, with very little pressure and fish that can look remarkably like oversized, heavily coloured brook trout.
It's a really fun opportunity that doesn't get nearly as much attention as the more traditional fall fisheries.
So, whether you're chasing steelhead on a Southern Ontario river, throwing flies for pike and musky up north, or paddling into a quiet lake looking for splake, there's no shortage of ways to get out on the water this Thanksgiving weekend.
We hope you make the time to get out and enjoy some fishing with friends and family.
We'll be closed this Saturday for the long weekend as usual, so if you need to get geared up, make sure to stop in and see us before then.
We'll see you on the water.
