World-class fly fishing is accessible directly from our private grounds, and guides and instruction are locally available.
Over the past several years, the Grand has been stocked with over 250,000 Brown trout. During this time the river has matured into one of the Canada's top trout streams, rivaling the likes of the famous Bow River for numbers and sizes. Whether you’re spinning or fly-fishing, the Grand has endless runs, riffles and pools to test novices or seasoned veterans.
Browns from 10-17 inches are common while a 26 inch fish is possible. Suggested lures include spinners, small rapalas, spoons worms and minnows. (Special regulations in place in some sections). As far as flies go, the upper Grand has an incredible variety of aquatic insects, leeches, baitfish and crayfish. A large variety of insects including Mayflies, Caddis, Midges and Stoneflies exist in the upper Grand.
Trout season on the Grand runs from the last Saturday in April to September 30th. NOTE: The section of the river where we are situated is a “Catch and Release” area.
River Access Within The Park
Extreme caution must be used when accessing the river within the park. Because of the nature of the gorge, it is recommended that people access via marked trails. If you would rather not fish within the gorge, you are welcome to fish downstream of the low level bridge within the park boundaries.
Other River Users
The Grand is a popular recreation source for other users, including inner tubes, canoeists and hikers. Common courtesy will allow all river users to enjoy their favourite pastime.
Safety
Conditions along the upper Grand can be different than most other rivers. The Shand Dam can release higher volumes of water that may be seen on adjacent streams. The Irvine River, which is located just above the park, can flash flood after a heavy rainfall. Care should always be taken when wading this fluctuating waterway. Please do not attempt to scale the gorge walls.
Above: a view of our property, across the channel from the island.
Special Regulations
“Catch-and-Release” trout fishing regulations are in effect on some sections of the Grand River to help ensure a quality fishing experience for all anglers.
Enforced by Ministry of Natural Resources, “Catch-and-Release” regulations in these sections of the Grand River include:
Artificial lures only (no bait) regardless of species caught.
All trout (brook, brown and rainbow) must be released. Normal limits are still in effect for other species.
Artificial lures with barbless hooks only. Normal barbed hooks can be altered by compressing the barbs with pliers so that the barb is in contact with the hook.
In early May, the most productive angling is with streamers or minnow imitating lures. Early in the season some very heavy big blue-winged olive or Hendrickson hatches can be encountered. As the season progresses, caddis imitations are very successful. Caddis are predominant from the later part of May to the season’s end in September. Many mayfly species are to be found throughout the summer with “sulfers”, sizes #12 to #20, most common. If conditions are correct, large trico hatches occur in the fall. As a large forage base of minnows can be found in all parts of the Grand, spin anglers can do very well at all times with minnow imitating lures.
The brown and rainbow trout in the Grand have demonstrated remarkable growth rates, with some trophy fish in excess of 60 centimetres being caught. The river is generally wadeable, although rocky and slippery in some areas. Wading cleats are recommended. As the Grand is 9 to 12 metres wide, it is large enough to challenge the best anglers.
Above, the channel and island in front of our home, looking upstream.
Grand River “Catch and Release” Trout Fishing Areas
Between the West Garafraxa 2nd Line and Scotland Street in the Town of Fergus.
Between Tower Street in the Town of Fergus and the Bissell Dam in Nichol Township.
Between 100m downstream of the low level bridge in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area to 100m upstream of Pilkington 2nd line.
Between 100m downstream of Pilkington 2nd line bridge and 100m upstream of Pilkington Township and Woolwich Township
boundary line.
Between 100m downstream of Pilkington Township and Woolwich Township boundary line and 100m upstream of Hwy. 86 bridge.
The municipalities of West Garafraxa Township, Town of Fergus, Nichol Township, Village of Elora, and Pilkington Township have amalgamated into one municipality—The Township of Center Wellington.
Brown trout are found between Belwood Lake and West Montrose. There are popular pike and trout fishing spots that are not affected by the catch and release regulations.
Brian Slagel, one of our
guests. Caught in the
"Can Robert" section,
directly in front of our home.
Top Ten Grand Flies
Dry
Elk Hair Caddis 12-18
Light Cahill 12-18
Adams 12-16
March Brown 10-14
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