3 Important Rules for Southern Ontario Fall River Fishing

Warm, Dry, Safe; these three words can mean the difference between an enjoyable late fall steelhead outing and a cold, wet, miserable day on the river.

November and December in Southern Ontario are unpredictable months. I can remember fishing in early December in +16º sunshine. I can also remember line freezing in my guides, driving sleet, and a blizzard. So what’s a fisherman to do without packing everything they own into the car?

Rule #1: Keep Warm allows you to spend extra time on the river thinking about landing that next lunker, instead of wishing you were back in the warmth of your car. Layers of clothing are the key and too much is better than not enough – you can always remove some layers as the day warms up.

Depending on how far you have to walk to the stretch of river you want to fish don’t wear everything. Insulated waders are a great asset when standing stationary in cold water but can work up a sweat in a hurry when you’re walking. If you work up a sweat on the way in I can almost guarantee you’ll be cold as soon as you stand still for a few minutes, so put your heavy jacket on when you get to the river instead of at the car.

Always wear a hat! It’s easy to take on and off to help regulate your body temperature. If you have cold feet wear a hat.

Rule #2: Keep Dry is just as important as keeping warm! There is just nothing more miserable that a cold December rain dripping down the back of your neck. In my younger years I was forced into the warmth of the car more than once because an unexpected rain descended on us. Now, if I expect rain I pull out the Gortex™ jacket, but even if there is no sign of rain I always have a plastic poncho in my bag.

Rule #3: Be Safe – A couple of simple precautions will not only enhance your fishing experience; they can save your life. Wear a PFD (personal flotation device) and be sure your waders have external felt soles. If you happen to slip or lose your balance a PFD will ensure that only your ego is damaged. If you have felt soles on your waders you will lessen the chance of making a splash because of slippery rocks in the first place.

Remember; cold water is a killer! Make your Southern Ontario fall fishing trip memorable; not a memorial.

Enjoy our great Southern Ontario Outdoors fall fishing and be sure to visit http://www.sooutdoors.ca/fishing.html for information and links to the best fishing destinations.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

My Favorite Top Water Fishing Lure

Many years ago I was fishing between two islands on Lake Joseph, one of the three big Muskoka Lakes near Parry Sound Ontario. Still fishing hadn’t produced much action so I decided to try trolling the shoreline. I have no idea why but I decided to tie on a Jitterbug, a lure more typically used for casting into weed pockets than trolling behind an 18’ cedar strip.

I had the old 9.9 Merc putting along as slow as I could manage and sat back to enjoy the dead calm July evening and watch the setting sun. Suddenly I felt weight on the end of my line and the jitterbug had disappeared from sight. Confident that I had snagged a branch, I set the hook anyway and a 4 pound smallie launched skyward.

I threw the motor into neutral and spent the next five minutes wrestling with the acrobatic fish that was determined to spend more time in the air than it did in the water, to the side of the boat.

From that day on the Jitterbug became one of my “fall back” lures that is always in my tackle box. I have caught largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pike, and musky on this lure. Sometimes casting and using a slow retrieve, other times letting it sit then retrieving a few feet, the Jitterbug not only catches fish but it can be hypnotic to watch.

You see the metal cup at the lip of the lure is the secret that creates its unique wobbling action and when retrieved at the correct speed you will hear a “burbling” sound coming from the lure. The combination of burbling and wobbling is often enough to spark large fish into action even on a slow day. And because your attention is always drawn to the action and sounds of the lure it’s almost heart stopping when wave appears behind your lure and the lure disappears. And it’s one reason that I keep coming back to my favorite top water lure.

Whether it’s trolling a calm shoreline at dusk or casting for smallies in my favorite pool on the Grand River in Southern Ontario there is just nothing that can compare to the thrill of taking any species of fish on this lively, entertaining top water lure. If you don’t have a Jitterbug in your tackle box; get one.

Be sure to keep checking back with Southern Ontario Outdoors for your Soutern Ontario fishing information and destinations.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

5 Rules of Southern Ontario Steelhead Fishing Etiquette

When it comes to fishing there are two kinds of regulations to keep in mind. Those that are produced and regulated by the government and those that are unwritten and regulated by your peers.

Now, assuming you’ve read the formal regulations for your area and have purchased your fishing license, you can legally fish, but, there are also some unwritten laws; the ones that will get you into trouble with your fellow fishermen. Everyone is out for a good time and there is an air of respect and camaraderie amongst the fishing fraternity. Newcomers are quickly welcomed, but just as quickly shunned if basic rules of etiquette are not followed.

1. There is one all encompassing rule from which everything else flows: Show respect for others! There are few things more irritating than drift fishing a short run and having someone walk right in beside you and cast over your line. Or, to have someone treat a public lake or river like it is his or her personal domain.

2. Respect private property! The rule is simple; if you don't have permission, don't be there. Now I know it's always possible to stray onto a private portion of a stream by mistake, but if you're asked to leave simply apologize and leave. Who knows, perhaps your honesty and courtesy will gain you permission to a new fishing hole.

3. Don't litter! Whether you're on public or private land pick up your garbage and put it in a container or take it home with you. That includes discarded hooks, sinkers, and line; all of these are hazardous to waterfowl.

4. Don’t land, or attempt to land, someone else’s fish without being invited to do so. It is quite proper to offer, but you must remember that many fishermen consider landing their own fish an important part of the experience.

5. Make way for someone playing a fish. This seems like common sense but I’m always amazed at fishermen that simply won’t reel in their line or move to let someone play their fish properly.

Follow these simple rules and you’ll be welcome on any stream; ignore them and you may be in for a very unpleasant fishing experience.

Trout season opens April 25 throughout most of Southern Ontario. Good luck!

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions