Fishing The Grand River Ontario: A Guides Best Secrets And Spots
I’ve been a river guide in Ontario for the last 24 years, and this article covers some of my best methods, tips, and guide secrets for fishing the Grand River in Ontario.
The Grand River is a massive river and I have fished it from the town of Grand Valley to the mouth of the river where it enters Lake Erie.
Fishing The Upper Humber River: Belwood Lake to Headwaters
The upper sections above the Dam at Belwood Lake upriver past Grand Valley are warmer waters that flow through a lot of farmland. Not much of the river is forested so the river warms quickly in the summer months.
There are rare brook trout in this section of the river and I believe these trout come out of cold water creeks that are scattered in the upper river.
However, it’s not really worth fishing for trout in this section, however, you can find good fishing for smallmouth bass, pike, and carp.
You may also find the odd walleye in the upper river since they stocked them in Belwood Lake about 10 years ago.
Middle Upper River – Trout Section
The 30 km section of river from the base of the dam at Belwood Lake all the way down to West Montrose is considered trophy trout fishing.
I have been fishing this stretch of river for 30 years and guiding it for over 20 years.
This is a tailwater fishery that is stocked with about 30,000 brown trout annually. The fishing can be good from the base of the dam through Fergus and Elora, past Inverhaugh.
The entire section has produced brown trout over 32″, with big brown trout in every hole, and plenty of 7 to 8″ stocked brown trout spread out.
Notable sections include the Elora Gorge which not only has incredible scenery, but also has trout over 30 inches, and large numbers of stocked trout.
You can fly fish, spin fish, and bait fish to catch the trout in the Grand River, however, many sections are under special regulations with catch and release only, single barbless hooks, and no organic bait in place. Check the OMNR regulations before you fish, and be observant of signs.
The brown trout in this river feed heavily on the abundant insect hatches making fly fishing one of the most effective methods.
Huge brown trout can be caught on very small flies, but they can also be caught on 6-inch crankbaits.
I’ve caught plenty on jigs, and bait like worms in the sections where these are permitted.
Although not a normal thing, and actually uncommon, some of my clients and I have caught up to 10 brown trout over 20 inches in a day. The key is knowing when and where they feed and hold, which are not always in the same spot.
As a guide, I’ve seen large trout up to 28 inches move over 100 feet to feed in 1 or 2 feet of water on this river. In fact, many big trout are not where you might think they are.
Fishing and guiding this river so much has enabled me to see things most anglers would never get to see.
Because of this, it’s not uncommon for me to land two or three brown trout between 20 and 25 inches a day or in a couple of hours.
If you want to know what I know about this river and want to really improve your chances of consistently catching large brown trout, check out my Guide Secrets Of The Grand River – Info Pack
This package includes:
- Hatch Charts – timing and tips and sizes
- Best fly fishing methods – Video
- Most effective flies – Video
- Maps and Spots – Digital Map and Video
- Secret guide strategies and tips –
- One-on-one consulting – Spend a couple of hours discussing the strategies I use to catch lots of trout and answer all your questions.
I reveal the exact spots where I catch all my large brown trout, these are spots where I regularly catch multiple brown trout, up to 10 a day.
I will reveal spots that hold trout over 26 inches and unheard-of methods and secrets that only a guide like me who spends weeks on the same spots would know.
Check out the package here :
The Grand River trout fishing slows down in July and August because the water gets too warm, but the fishing can pick up again in September.
Access is excellent with signage, designated parking spots, info and garbage kiosks, and even stairs. If you see cut grass, manicured lawns, or private property signs, just keep your feet in the water.
There is also decent carp, pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass fishing in the area.
The Middle River: West Montrose to
This section of river is wide, often over 70 feet, but it runs shallow with a mix of faster rapids and riffles and slow frog water.
Here you will find mostly warm water fish species such as carp, bass, pike, walleye, and panfish.
All methods of fishing work here. There are miles of river that is accessible to fish in this section.
The Lower Grand River Steelhead Fishery
Steelhead can be found in the lower stretches of the Grand River, from the town of Paris all the way to Lake Erie. For American anglers, the Grand River offers prime fishing waters just an 80-minute drive from Buffalo, NY.
With several dams between Paris and Kitchener, steelhead have access to roughly 100 kilometers of the lower Grand River and a few productive spawning tributaries, making it a key habitat for these powerful fish.
This expansive river, often more than 100 feet wide in areas below Brantford, is one of Ontario’s largest steelhead systems. Its sheer size can be daunting, but with the right strategies and tips, you’ll be landing steelhead in no time.
Steelhead thrive in cooler conditions, becoming more active as the water and weather cool down.
They begin their run in late September, peaking in the fall and lingering until May.
Fresh arrivals from the lake are easily recognizable by their striking silver bodies, black speckles, and the distinctive pink or red stripe along their sides.
The Grand River steelhead are primarily wild, with some strays from U.S. stocking programs. These wild fish are renowned for their strength and endurance, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. Some steelhead live up to a decade and spawn multiple times, with mature fish sometimes exceeding 15 pounds.
When to Fish for Steelhead on the Grand River
As of February 2022, the steelhead fishing season runs from the fourth Saturday in April to December 31st. While regulations can change, these dates give you ample opportunities to plan your outings. Always refer to the Ontario Fishing Regulations for updates.
Spring Steelhead Fishing
The Grand River steelhead season kicks off after the trout opener on the fourth Saturday in April. Anglers often target areas below the dams in Paris, Brantford, and Cambridge.
Throughout May, you might find late-spawning steelhead dropping out of smaller tributaries and returning to the Grand River.
This quieter time can offer excellent fishing with minimal crowds. Don’t forget to read my article on Spring Fishing For Steelhead.
Fall Steelhead Fishing
Fall is prime time for steelhead on the Grand River. Cool nights and rainfall trigger their migration, with the best numbers showing up after sustained cold rains and as water temperatures drop to around 60°F by mid-October.
While crowds peak during this time, November and early December can provide exceptional fishing with fewer anglers on the water. Steelhead continue entering the river until ice forms in late December or January.
Methods for Catching Steelhead on the Grand River
Choosing the right technique is key to success, and the Grand River offers opportunities for various fishing styles:
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a popular and effective approach. Anglers often use nymphing or Spey casting to great success. The wide waters of the lower Grand River are ideal for swinging flies. Explore proven tactics and fly patterns for Great Lakes steelhead on my dedicated page.
Spin Fishing
Using spinning rods and reels, anglers can cast lures, float fish, or drift for steelhead. Long rods provide better control on this big river, whether you’re working the current or targeting deeper runs.
Float Fishing
Float fishing is especially effective on the Grand River’s long, deep runs. By suspending bait under a bobber, you can present it at precise depths ranging from two to twelve feet, depending on conditions.
Best Baits for Steelhead
Success on the Grand River often comes down to bait, so see my article on using the right bait. Here are four tried-and-true options:
- Roe: Roe bags and skein are reliable choices.
- Flies: Patterns like stoneflies, pheasant tails, egg patterns, Woolly Buggers, and Spey flies are excellent.
- Beads: 8mm soft or hard plastic beads mimic fish eggs effectively.
- Worms: Live or plastic worms, such as Raven pink or red worms, can be game-changers.
Finding Fishing Reports for the Grand River
Getting accurate fishing reports can be challenging since many anglers keep their successes private.
However, timing your trip after rainfall, as the water begins to drop and clear, can yield excellent results.
Depending on conditions, it may take 5 to 10 days for the river to stabilize after heavy rain. For real-time flow data, you can check out the Grand River Conservation website for flow information.
Regulations for Steelhead Fishing
The Grand River has specific rules governing baits, hooks, catch limits, and sanctuaries. Always check the latest Ontario Recreational Fishing Guide to ensure compliance. The guide covers license requirements, season dates, and other essential regulations.
Ontario Guide for Recreational Fishing – official website.
Using Fishing Maps for the Grand River
A detailed fishing map can be invaluable for locating the best steelhead spots. It’s a great tool for anglers unfamiliar with the river to identify productive areas and start their adventure on the right foot.
Fishing for steelhead on the Grand River is both challenging and rewarding. By understanding the river, its fish, and the methods to catch them, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of this incredible fishery.
Check out this Fishing Map when you want to catch some steelhead on the lower Grand River.
The Grand River Info
The Grand River is a truly unique feature of Canada’s landscape, flowing through four distinct climate zones and two forest zones.
Its southern end is home to one of the last remaining Carolinian Forests in Canada, a rare and vibrant ecosystem often referred to as the “Amazon of the North” for its incredible biodiversity.
This forest supports an abundance of wildlife, including thousands of bird, fish, and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.
The Grand River watershed is one of the richest and most diverse ecological regions in the country. It boasts an impressive array of wildlife, including half of Canada’s fish species and approximately 80 species that are classified as at-risk.
These include a variety of mammals, amphibians, and birds that thrive in the river’s interconnected habitats of wetlands, forests, and flowing waters.
The Grand River was designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1994, cementing its status as a vital part of Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
Tight Lines
Graham
