|
Trout
Shallow
Spring Browns
The loosening of winters grip on the Great Lakes signifies one
of the best times for boat and shore anglers alike to welcome spring
with some brown trout action. Starting in mid to late March, brown
trout start to show up in the shallows of the Great Lakes making
themselves available to the savvy angler that recognizes the right
places at the right times to enjoy this spring bounty.
Floating for
Spring Steel
Of the various methods employed to catch migratory rainbow trout, or
steelhead, in the tributary rivers, creeks and streams that flow into the
Great Lakes, float fishing is likely the most popular. Float fishing
allows the angler to present a bait at any level of the water column,
including in the prime fish-holding zone located within 18 inches or so of
the bottom. But these areas also tend to snag hooks and sinkers. A float
can carry a bait safely above these tackle-eating snags, and right at eye
level of waiting trout.
Temperature,
Tackle and Techniques
Early Season Longlining For Trout From The Gardiner Expressway To God's
Country Your boat works around a small, rocky knob along the
shoreline, and the warm, offshore breeze immediately dries up. With no
more chop music on the hull, the only sounds are songbirds flitting in the
naked hardwoods and melt water's crisp daytrip down the land and back into
the lake. Shade from big cedars, pines and sharp overhangs has kept snow
alive in brilliant patches amongst the black, grey and pink rock. Light
jackets and sweaters instantly come off.
Late Season
Steelies
The late fall is often looked upon as the slowest time for fishing as it
is kind of a transition period. The warm water species have shut down
until springtime and the ice-fishing season hasn't quite started yet. Even
though it is technically still fall, the cold days of winter can
definitely be felt in the air, which can scare away a lot of anglers who
don't want to bundle up and battle the cold north winds. But without
question, some of the hottest Steelhead action of the year can happen
right before winter sets in and the coldest days arrive.
Spring
Steelhead Primer
As
winter makes way for spring, the world, once again, starts to flourish.
The ice melts away, the birds return, and the creeks and rivers become
alive with silvery-sheened steelhead!
Spring
Rainbows on Trolled Streamers
Mid to late April is when ice often leaves Ontario lakes, unveiling open
water trout fishing. I particularly enjoy targeting rainbow on small lakes
at this time of year. Fishing tactics in the spring include casting or
trolling small spoons, minnow plugs, or streamer flies. It's the latter
that has consistently delivered for me over the years, and you don't need
a fly rod to fish them.
Discover
the Joy of Small-Stream Trout
Imagine yourself exploring a
small tranquil stream - lost in your own world yet in the thick of trout
country. Cascading waterfalls, riverbank critters and satisfying solitude
are yours to enjoy and explore for the length of a day. Thousands of tiny
creeks and rivers call Ontario home, and the wondrous colours and
energetic tussles that the resident brookies, browns and rainbows exhibit
is like discovering a new realm in the land of angling fun. Come take a
walk off the beaten path and reap the rewards that small-stream fishing
can offer.
|
