We get a lot of questions at this time of year regarding the state of the fishery.  Most want to know what kind of shape the Grand River tailwater is in given that it typically maintains its temperatures well into July, but in a season like this one, it stands to reason that conditions will be different.  Level and clarity is usually of interest but of far greater importance is water temperature and this is where a lot of people are thrown off.  You can catch fish in low or stained water if you adapt to the conditions but many anglers are not aware of what happens to fish when you catch them and handle while the water temperature is too warm. In simplest terms, it’s like this:  fish, like most higher forms of life require oxygen to survive.  Water contains microscopic bubbles of oxygen and as the water passes through the gills of a fish the tiny bubbles attach to the gills and are absorbed into the blood.  However, the warmer the water gets the fewer the bubbles and most trout require a higher concentration of bubbles.  Trout are a cold water species and are happiest at water temperatures below 20 degrees.  When the temperature exceeds 20 degrees the effect on trout is like you or I climbing Mount Everest without oxygen – we become lethargic and physically stressed.  In this state any added stress could gravely injure or kill us and the same applies to trout. So what it comes down to is this: responsible fly fishers give the river and the trout a break when conditions warrant. If you are looking for conditions before making a drive to the River tailwater, give us a call or e-mail us and we’ll be glad to provide you with the information you need to make a travel decision.

For daily river condition, find us on Facebook or check out  https://ontarioflyfishing.ca/resources/fishing-reports/