Grindstone Angling Fall Fishing Report

News from Grindstone River Reports and News Oct 5th 2010

John Valks report

The rain events of the last ten days or so have really jump started the steelhead season and just about every watershed in southern Ontario is fishing well. From Georgian Bay to Lake Erie, you can expect good angling for the upcoming weeks on all of the larger systems like the Grand, Saugeen, Nottawasaga and Maitland. Smaller systems will still be reliant on hits of rain, but if timed properly, one should expect outstanding fishing as these rivers recede.

To highlight a few of the rivers;

Huron

-The Sauble came up just enough to have brought some fish in but it has dropped almost too low again. Watch for another good rain event to get this river really going.

-The Saugeen will have good numbers of steelhead and will only continue to get better. Flows will remain consistent and as long as it’s not too high, it will fish well.

-The Maitland will also have good numbers but will still rely on precipitation to some degree to maintain the flows. Watch the rainfall and try to time your trips accordingly.

-The Grand has had great flows over the last 10 days and a good number of fish came in. Her flows will remain consistent and will continue to fish well until the end of the season.

Georgian Bay

-The Nottawasaga will remain consistent until the end of the season

-The Bighead will fish well after spikes in water levels but be prepared for a surprise. If you know this river, it has changed greatly; in fact, more than I have seen in ten years. New runs have opened up and runs that held fish in the past will look very different. Have fun re-learning it.

-Bearing the crowds, the Beaver should remain consistent till the end.

Lake Ontario

Most of the Lake Ontario tribs fall into “spate” category but will continue to receive fish on the rain.

-The Credit, being a bit larger will hold fish in the deeper runs and pockets even on lower flows so be diligent and fish where you can’t see the bottom.

-Bronte, Bowmanville and Wilmot are more reliant on precipitation but will also continue to receive fish on the rain.

-I’ve been informed that Sixteen Mile Creek has an extended season for 2010. Check the regs to be sure. It will fish much like Bronte.

The Home Pool tip: Take advantage of higher water temperatures and try more traditional wet fly tactics (or swinging) but as the temperatures drop, slow things down. When the water temperature is above 45 degrees F, steelhead will be more apt to move to take a fly. Below 45 degrees F, look towards the more deliberate presentation of an indicator and nymph.

On September 23rd, John returned from the Bonaventure River on Quebec’s Gaspe Peninsula after hosting a group for four days of Atlantic salmon fishing. The trip was a brilliant success and everyone had a great time. For those unfamiliar with the Bonaventure, it is one of the top salmon rivers in the world and really should be on everyone’s bucket list of rivers that need to be fished. As one of the clearest salmon rivers on the planet, sight fishing is the norm and although the temperatures didn’t allow much of it on this trip, it is also considered one of the top dry fly rivers.

(Even in the 49 degree water, John Valk managed to coax one salmon to a bomber, proving even the blind squirrel gets the odd acorn. Way to go Valk!) Four anglers ended up landing 6 salmon and two grilse, with several large fish lost at the net and several more brief encounters.

Grindstone’s fall guiding season is in full swing but there is still some space available.

For information on local guiding, contact the shop at 905 689 0880

or email at flyshop@grindstoneangling.com