"Three rivers in one, with access to incredible open-water fishing: such is the Grand River from north of Waterloo down to Dunnville and Lake Erie. The Grand River has three major sections, each with its own unique character. Anglers can fish separate parts of the river all year long, for different species.

The top of the river, from Belwood Lake and the Shand dam, through Elora to Waterloo, is cold and clear. The water quality is ideal for brown trout.

Larry McGratton, President of Friends of the Grand River, describes the Grand River as “friendly. It’s a very wade-able river. It’s not that deep, and though there are some pockets, a lot of it is meandering.”

He notes that there is a lot of fly fishing in that area. “Keep in mind the Southern Ontario bug hatches,” he advises. “When in doubt, Caddis, Caddis, and more Caddis! Typically you’ll use smaller sizes, from #14 to #20.”

Mike Pettigrew, owner of Caledonia Bait and Tackle, says that the cold water really helps to maintain the quality of the brown trout fishery.

Jason Barnucz, Biologist and fishing guide with BAER Fishing Adventures, says that brown trout will go for insects. Also, since the Grand River has such great forage opportunities, anglers should “look at Streamers to imitate larger minnows. The river is so nutrient-rich, which creates wider diversity. Browns will chase down minnows here.”

The middle section, from Waterloo to Brantford, is really a mix of opportunities. There are some walleye and pike, and a lot of smallmouth bass. Barnucz notes that the section around Brantford restricts anglers to single barbless hooks. Topwater and surface flies are evident, with a lot of larger Streamers. He also says that this section really lends itself to spey fishing. Barna Robinson, owner of BAER Fishing Adventures, adds that anglers can’t use live bait in this section. BAER uses a drift boat for their guided trips on the middle section of the river in conjunction with Grand River Rafting.

The lower section of the Grand River is one of the most interesting river habitats in Canada. You can do everything there, from boat fishing to wading, conventional lures to spey casting.

Pettigrew and Barnucz say that the clay soil there makes the water more turbid. “It isn’t muddy,” says Barnucz, “it’s full of life, and there are tonnes of fish down there. Lots of anglers will target fish on scent there. In the Dunnville area, you see a lot of multispecies anglers.”

Pettigrew says, “In the lower river, you can do a lot of different types of fishing, too. You can wade, kayak, canoe, and fish from shore. Carp fishing is really taking off in the lower section, especially with those who fish from shore.”

Both Barnucz and Pettigrew are enthusiastic about the channel cat fishery in the lower end. “Channel cats will get upwards of 15 pounds,” Barnucz says.

“They thrive in the warmer water of the lower section,” Pettigrew says, “and it’s a phenomenal fishery.”

Pettigrew says that another amazing fishery is for mooneyes. “They’re a June and July fishery. They’re easy to catch, but they fight hard. Fly fishers really like fishing for mooneyes, and this fishery has really surged in the past ten years.

BAER Fishing Adventures has a fleet of kayaks that are specially built for fishing, a very low-impact way to fish the river. Get up close with the fish and experience angling in a whole new way! See them at baerfishingadventures.com.

Caledonia Bait and Tackle has everything you need for your fishing trip, from flies to gear to outfitting. Their family-owned business is also a member of Ontario’s Tackle Share Program, where youth and new anglers can borrow fishing equipment. Find them on Facebook or see their website at caledoniabaitandtackle.com.

Larry McGratton, President of Friends of the Grand River, encourages anglers to become members, to have a stake in the health of this highly prized river system. Along with volunteer fish stocking, FOGR has been instrumental in improving access points (some of which are labelled on the map) and amenities from canoe racks to picnic tables and comfort stations. Keep up with them on Facebook, and see their website at friendsofthegrandriver.com

Watch for our expanded feature on the Grand River on our website later this summer at anglersatlas.com!

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