Grey County is home to Brook trout, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout. In May, water temperatures are cold, but trout fishing can be hot! Casting with spinning gear or fly-fishing is productive. The Beaver River near Kimberly, Bighead River in Meaford, Sydenham River below Inglis Falls (100 feet below the falls) and Saugeen River near Hanover are just a few places to wet your line. Fly fisherman should hit the rivers for hatches of mayflies and caddis.
As you choose a fishing spot, please be mindful of private property. Getting landowner permission before will ensure everyone can come back to enjoy the fishing for years to come.
As lakes, rivers and streams start to warm the start of Smallmouth/Largemouth Bass, Pike and Musky seasons begin (check the regulations for dates). Spin fisherman casting spinners/spoons and Rapala’s for Bass, or try using a ¼ oz weighted jig /plastic tube in deeper water. Fly fishermen using popper flies and streamers should concentrate on structure for Smallmouth and Pike. Owen Sound hosts one the best Salmon Derbys in Ontario, starting in Late August. Thanks to the
Sydenham Sportsman Association
.
As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, the migratory fishing season begins. Starting mid-September, Chinook Salmon and Steelhead move into the river mouths preparing for their spawning runs. The Sydenham River, Saugeen River, Bighead River and Beaver Rivers have runs of these fish. Casting spoons and plugs at river mouths or around the harbours in the evening can produce. As winter sets in, the “hard water season” begins. Try fishing the inland lakes for Perch/Pike or maybe a trout! Try Georgian Bay for Whitefish, Lake Trout, Chinook salmon and Rainbow Trout. Jigging spoons in the inner bays produce catches of Whitefish and Lake trout. Be sure to check ice conditions before you head out for the day.
To Fish in Ontario, you’ll need an Ontario Fishing License. Two options are available for the visiting angler; a sport fishing license and a conservation license . Get a Fishing License and Outdoors Card .
Key Fishing Season Dates in Grey County
Some of the rivers and creeks in Grey County (The Beatty River) have extended closing seasons . The Saugeen River from the Truax dam in Walkerton up stream is closed to ALL fishing starting on September 30 th . Please check the regulations on Page 79 In the “MNR Fishing Regulations” for a full detailed description of the extended closed/open seasons.
Trout Season: Brook Brown and Rainbow trout 4 th Saturday in April to September 30 th
Bass Season: Large Mouth and Smallmouth 4 th Saturday in June to November 30 th
Pike season: January 1 st to March 31 / 2 nd Saturday in May to December 31st
Musky Season: 1 St Saturday in June to December 15th
For More detailed information see Zone 16 regulations from the MNR
Grey County has plenty of tackle shops, boat launching facilities and guided fishing providers:
Lochanbec Fly Fishing School
Action Fishing Charters
U Catch 'Em Charters
Wilmer Pond Trout Fishing
