Grand River Tackle

Intro | Access | Hatches | Tackle | Other Rivers

The Grand is a wading river, with flows in the range of 3-10 cubic meters per second (105-350 cubic feet per second). Drift boats or canoes would not win you friends on the Grand. Chest waders are preferred, but hip boots are fine in most areas during low flow periods. Felt soles are a definite asset, and many anglers use boots with studs or hobnails in the felt for added grip on the slippery limestone cobbles and slabs that make up the substrate of much of the river. Because the river is fed from a bottom-draw dam, the upper river is colder, and can be uncomfortable wading with ultralight waders until well into July. In most areas, there is little cover along the banks: don't be tempted to wade in the faster, deeper waters of midstream - that's where the fish are. Grand River browns are very wary, and careless wading is sure to put down a pool of rising fish. Some more experienced anglers have taken to wearing knee-pads over their waders to allow a stealthy approach to rising fish.

The Elora Gorge provides scenery comparable tot he fishing but your should avoid the area during high water flows or on busy summer weekends. Be sure to hike out well before dark.

The Elora Gorge provides scenery comparable tot he fishing but your should avoid the area during high water flows or on busy summer weekends. Be sure to hike out well before dark.

The Grand is not generally subject to large, rapid changes in water flows since it is managed for water control and supply rather than for hydroelectric generation. However, thunderstorms can trigger unanticipated changes in the river level. General information on water flow increases caused by thunderstorms or for special events like kayak races is available from the Grand River Conservation Authority which controls the Shand Dam (http://www.grandriver.ca)

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially during a good evening hatch or spinner fall, so bring the bug dope. Black flies are not much of a problem, but in summer, deer flies will zero in on a hatless head. Obviously, a good hat offers protection from the sun as well.

If you fish in the Elora Gorge section of the Grand, be sure to note carefully where you entered the river, as it can be difficult and even dangerous to climb out of the gorge after dark if you lose the path. There are a few sections of the gorge which are impassable to wading except in very low water, so don't count on being able to fish from one access to another.

Whitewater paddlers and tubers also use the gorge section of the river and may interrupt your fishing for a few minutes, especially on the weekend of a competitive meet. The low-level bridge in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area is the normal take-out point for paddlers and tubers, so consider fishing below there if the upper gorge is too busy.

A 9-foot, 4- or 5-weight rod is a good all-round outfit for the Grand, suitable for lobbing a weighted nymph or for delicately presenting a Hendrickson spinner on flat water. During peak dry fly times, a 3-weight can be an asset, particularly during Trico fishing in August. Leaders should be between 12 and 20 feet, tapering to 5X or finer, except during high flows of spring or when fishing a streamer or heavy nymph. Sinking-tip lines are sometimes used by streamer fishermen who employ short, stout leaders and tan or olive Woolly Buggers to fool large trout accustomed to feeding on crayfish, chubs, or perch.