This is the time of year when the most dedicated and serious of Southern Ontario’s anglers hit the water. While many outdoors people have switched activities – after all it is hunting season – there are still those that are drawn like a magnet to the bountiful fall waterways.
Although there are still many species that are still in season, late fall is the time for steelhead and the fall run is just hitting its prime. There’s just nothing that can compare to the throb of a nice fall rainbow on the end of light line and a long rod. This is truly finesse fishing at its best.
Rivers like the Saugeen, Maitland, Beaver, Credit, and Ganaraska come to life with plentiful numbers of steelhead and anglers alike.
Most fall rainbow are caught by drift fishing, float fishing, or still fishing depending on the location. Drift fishing usually involves fishing a deeper fast moving run with a short length of line. The fisherman usually relies on feel to sense a strike. The drift fisherman typically uses a float and allows the line to drift quite a distance downstream watching the float for any signs of a strike. These two types of fishing are often incompatible – especially in the same place – and common sense and courtesy are paramount to allow everyone to enjoy their day on the river, but more on that another time.
The more relaxed art of still fishing often takes place off piers at river mouths or harbor entrances. A heavy sinker is attached to the line and rests on the bottom waiting for rainbow to be attracted to the bait (usually a spawn sack). Fishermen often employ the use of elaborate rod holders and huddle in warm cloths and sip warm drinks while waiting for a strike. Some will cast spinners but that often entails using two hands and there is no place for the warm drink.
Whatever your preferred method of angling for these cold water acrobats be sure you wear some kind of floatation device. Late fall waters are cold and can be deadly if you take an unexpected swim.
Be safe; be courteous and enjoy your wonderful fall angling adventure.
SD
Although there are still many species that are still in season, late fall is the time for steelhead and the fall run is just hitting its prime. There’s just nothing that can compare to the throb of a nice fall rainbow on the end of light line and a long rod. This is truly finesse fishing at its best.
Rivers like the Saugeen, Maitland, Beaver, Credit, and Ganaraska come to life with plentiful numbers of steelhead and anglers alike.
Most fall rainbow are caught by drift fishing, float fishing, or still fishing depending on the location. Drift fishing usually involves fishing a deeper fast moving run with a short length of line. The fisherman usually relies on feel to sense a strike. The drift fisherman typically uses a float and allows the line to drift quite a distance downstream watching the float for any signs of a strike. These two types of fishing are often incompatible – especially in the same place – and common sense and courtesy are paramount to allow everyone to enjoy their day on the river, but more on that another time.
The more relaxed art of still fishing often takes place off piers at river mouths or harbor entrances. A heavy sinker is attached to the line and rests on the bottom waiting for rainbow to be attracted to the bait (usually a spawn sack). Fishermen often employ the use of elaborate rod holders and huddle in warm cloths and sip warm drinks while waiting for a strike. Some will cast spinners but that often entails using two hands and there is no place for the warm drink.
Whatever your preferred method of angling for these cold water acrobats be sure you wear some kind of floatation device. Late fall waters are cold and can be deadly if you take an unexpected swim.
Be safe; be courteous and enjoy your wonderful fall angling adventure.
SD
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