5 Proven Guide Tips for Catching More Fish on Ontario’s Wild Trout Rivers

By Matt at Smooth River Guiding

Ontario's wild trout rivers are beautiful, temperamental, and unforgiving. They’re also home to some of the most rewarding fishing experiences you’ll find anywhere in Canada—if you know how to approach them. Over the years, guiding countless guests through these waters has taught me a lot. The most important lessons aren’t necessarily about fly choice or the perfect cast—they’re about how you move, think, and prepare. Here are five hard-earned tips that’ll help you catch more fish and enjoy every second on Ontario’s rivers.

1. Keep Your Feet Dry (and Watch Out for Fire Ants)

One of the biggest rookie mistakes I see is anglers wading too early or too often. Sure, it can feel instinctual to get into the river right away—but that’s often the fastest way to spook fish. Wild trout in southern Ontario are wary, and our rivers can get busy. Add in limited access points and you’ve got fish that are extra sensitive to pressure.

Stay on the bank and fish your way upstream whenever possible. You’ll be surprised how many fish are sitting in the first few pockets just off shore. Reducing deep wades and river crossings helps preserve the quality of the waterway and reduces your footprint. Plus, it keeps you nimble, moving quickly and quietly between spots. Just remember—fire ants are a real thing out here, especially on hot summer days. Watch where you drop your pack or take a break!

2. Less is More—Pack Light, Fish Smart

It wasn't too long ago that I was lugging around multiple fly boxes, two rods, and enough gadgets to outfit a small fly shop. These days? My philosophy is simple: stay lean and mobile.

I keep clear Plano trays in my car, sorted by fly type, and reload my one nymph, dry fly, and streamer box each morning depending on where we’re headed. Those three boxes go in the front pocket of my waders or the pouch created by my wading belt. Tippet, floatant, and sighter material ride up front too.

My hip pack carries just the essentials I might need but probably won’t access during the day—extra tippet, leader material, a small first-aid kit, forceps, snacks, and water. The lighter I am, the easier it is to crash through brush, sneak along the bank, or make a quick climb to spot fish. Bonus: with fewer things to drop or lose, I stay more focused on the fishing.

3. One Rod to Rule Them All

While different rivers (and even different sections) call for different tactics, bringing multiple rods on a walk-and-wade trip usually creates more problems than it solves. I’ve seen too many anglers put down a rod to work a pool, only to spend the next hour backtracking… or worse, discover their extra rod has become a fire ant condo.

Instead, I choose one of two setups depending on the day. My go-to is either:

• A 9'6" to 10' 4-5 weight traditional rod, great for dry flies, indicator nymphing, and short-distance streamers on smaller rivers.

• Or a 10'6" euro nymphing 3 weight, ideal for tight-lining and even capable of throwing small streamers and dries.

The euro rod is surprisingly versatile. Using a simple 8-10lb mono rig (originally designed for technical euro nymphing), we’ve successfully thrown dry flies, indicator rigs, and even 3–4” streamers—no fly line required. Guests are always amazed at the distance we can achieve just with mono. Sure, it’s not a 40-foot cast, but 20 feet is more than enough on many of Ontario’s tighter wild trout waters.

4. Practice Good River Ethics

One of the best parts about fishing in southern Ontario is the proximity to major cities like Toronto. I’m still amazed every time we release a big brown trout and realize downtown is less than an hour away. But with that accessibility comes pressure—busy access points, fishing behind other anglers, and the unfortunate reality of trash on the riverbank.

A few small things go a long way toward preserving our fisheries:

• Say hi to fellow anglers and trail users.

• Ask which way someone is working: “Are you heading upstream or down?” This shows respect and can help avoid crowding.

• If you're heading in the same direction, ask if they'd mind you hopping upstream a bit (my rule is to double the distance I’d like someone to give me).

• Carry a mesh bag and pick up a bit of trash along the way. We all walk past it. Let’s stop complaining and start cleaning.

These efforts help maintain access points, strengthen relationships with landowners, and preserve our rivers for future anglers.

5. Fish Health First—Every Cast Counts

Wild trout are a finite resource, and they’re under more pressure than ever. Practicing good fish handling and conservation habits isn’t just about being a good angler—it’s about ensuring these fish are here tomorrow.

Some simple, effective habits:

• Fish barbless hooks—even where it’s not required.

• Use soft mesh or rubber nets to protect slime and scales.

• Keep fish wet as much as possible and minimize air time in photos.

• Limit handling, especially when water temps are creeping up.

Speaking of temps—carry a stream thermometer. I cut many guide days short in 2024 due to rising temps, even as early as mid-June. 70°F is the max for trout fishing, but activity slows down before that. On your way upstream, you may find cold-water springs where the temps drop 5–8 degrees—these spots can provide excellent fishing, but they’re also critical refuges for trout. Use them responsibly and avoid targeting these areas once the main river climbs above safe temperatures.

Let’s protect what we love—one cast, one fish, one day at a time.

Conclusion: Fish Smart, Tread Lightly, and Enjoy the Season

Catching more fish on Ontario’s wild trout rivers isn’t just about tying the perfect fly—it’s about how you approach the river. Stay dry and stealthy, pack light, carry one rod that can do it all, respect others on the water, and always put fish health first. These principles won’t just help you catch more trout—they’ll help you appreciate every moment spent in the woods, by the water, with good company.

If you're interested in exploring these rivers with a guide, I’d be happy to show you around. You can reach me at www.smoothriver.ca or on Instagram at @smooth.river.guiding.

Wishing everyone a safe, respectful, and fish-filled spring trout season in Ontario. See you on the water!