Family Fishing Trips on the Grand River in the heart of southern Ontario

The Grand River is located in the heart of southern Ontario and offers some of the best fishing to be had anywhere in the province.  There are over 80 species of fish to be found in the Grand River including rainbow and brown trout, large and small mouth bass, pike, walleye, carp, catfish to name just a few.  Between Paris and Brantford where Whiteman’s Creek enters the Grand River is now one of the ten best Rainbow Trout fisheries in the province of Ontario.  It is also part of the “Exceptional Waters” reach of the river.  The Grand River also boasts fantastic steelhead fishing in the fall. 

There’s nothing like a family fishing trip to bond with your children and it’s a fun outdoor activity that won’t break the bank.  Sure you can spend hundreds of dollars on fishing tackle but you don’t have too.  Most department stores sell fishing rod and reel combination sets and some even come with lures etc.  So you can start fishing very economically. 

Make sure if you are between the ages of 18 and 65 that you get a fishing license. Looking over the Ontario Fishing Regulations is a good idea as they will let you know what fish are in season and areas that may have fishing regulations in place such as artificial lures, single barbless hooks and catch and release only. 

There are many access points on the Grand River that have free parking and you can just fish from the bank or use waders.  Two great resource books for showing access points are “Paddling the Grand River” and “Fishing the Grand River”.  Both of these books were written by the staff of the Grand River Conservation Authority.  Make sure not to trespass on posted private property.  

Another great way to fish the Grand River is by canoe, kayak, raft or drift boat.  There are many designs of fishing kayaks now on the market that have rod and tackle box holders and even sonar.   There are several outfitters in the area that offer canoe and kayak rentals and trips.  There are also outfitters that offer guided raft and drift boat fishing trips.  Some outfitters have fitted their rafts with platforms and swivel seats.  These fishing rafts are great for both spin and fly fishing and rafts take very little water so they can go about anywhere on the river to search out that big one. 

This summer take your family on a wonderful outdoor fishing adventure on the beautiful and historic Grand River.