Charter Fishing Ontario | 4 To 8 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Guided trout fishing on Grand River's premier tailwater stretchWalk and wade through pristine waters with expert guidesHalfday or fullday charter options for all skill levels
Looking for world-class fishing action on one of Ontario's most productive waters? Grand River Troutfitters has you covered with their top-rated charter trips that put you right where the fish are feeding. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking about guided access to the Grand River Tailwater stretch, where cold, oxygen-rich water creates perfect habitat for aggressive smallmouth bass and chrome-bright steelhead trout. Whether you're planning a quick half-day session or going all-out with an eight-hour adventure, you'll be fishing some of the most consistent water in the province with guides who know every pool, run, and structure like the back of their hand.
Your charter starts with a comprehensive briefing from your guide, who'll size up your experience level and tailor the day accordingly. The Grand River Tailwater is a walk-and-wade fishery, meaning you'll be covering ground on foot to access the prime lies where trout and bass hold. Don't worry about the wading – the guides know the safe crossing points and will keep you positioned in productive water throughout the trip. The tailwater section stays cool year-round thanks to the upstream dam release, creating that perfect 55-65 degree range that keeps fish active when other waters are too warm. You'll be working through classic riffle-pool sequences, undercut banks, and boulder gardens that provide endless cover for hungry fish. The personalized approach means it's just you and your guide, so there's no rushing between spots or competing for the best water.
Grand River Troutfitters specializes in both fly fishing and conventional tackle methods, depending on conditions and your preferences. For steelhead, expect to work through runs with drift rigs, float fishing with roe or artificial baits, and swinging streamers through likely holding water. The guides are masters at reading water temperature and flow conditions to determine whether fish will be hugging bottom or cruising mid-column. Smallmouth bass fishing here is all about structure – you'll be pitching jigs and soft plastics to rocky drop-offs, working spinnerbaits through current breaks, and targeting the boulder fields where bass ambush crayfish and baitfish. All gear is provided, but if you have favorite rods or lures, bring them along. The guides love working with anglers who want to learn new techniques, and they're always happy to demonstrate the subtle presentations that make the difference between a slow day and a bent rod every cast.
Smallmouth bass in the Grand River system are absolute bulldogs, with fish regularly pushing the 3-4 pound mark and occasional giants topping 5 pounds. These bronze fighters are most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening during the summer months when they're feeding heavily on crayfish and small baitfish. What makes smallmouth fishing here special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater baits at dawn, slam jigs bounced through rocky bottoms, and absolutely demolish spinnerbaits worked through current seams. The clear, cold water means these bass are incredibly healthy and put up fights that'll test your drag system. When you hook one, expect acrobatic jumps and powerful runs that'll have you questioning whether you're fighting a bass or a small salmon.
Steelhead trout are the crown jewel of this fishery, with runs of lake-run fish entering the system during spring and fall migrations. These chrome rockets average 6-10 pounds, with some monsters pushing well into the teens. Spring steelhead are fresh from Lake Huron, absolutely silver and full of fight after months of feeding on abundant forage in the big water. Fall fish are staging for their spawning runs, making them aggressive and willing to chase presentations. What sets Grand River steelhead apart is their incredible stamina – these aren't hatchery fish that give up after one run. They'll strip line off your reel repeatedly, use the current to their advantage, and test every knot in your system. The tailwater's consistent flows and perfect temperature range mean you can target steelhead even when other rivers are blown out or too warm.
This customer-favorite charter fills up fast, especially during prime steelhead runs and peak smallmouth season. The single-angler format means you're getting the guide's complete attention and access to techniques that work specifically for your skill level. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your tailwater tactics or someone newer to the sport who wants to learn from Ontario's best guides, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep you coming back season after season. The flexible 4-8 hour options let you customize your adventure based on your schedule and stamina – though most anglers find themselves wishing they'd booked the full day once they see how good the action can be. Don't wait until you're already planning your fishing trip – the best dates book months in advance, and you don't want to miss your shot at some of the most consistent fishing action in Ontario.
Our 17'4" Gunwales drift boat is built for serious river fishing on Ontario's Grand River system. This lightweight 285-pound vessel handles like a dream with its 57" bottom width providing excellent stability as you work productive pools and runs. The 83" beam gives three anglers plenty of room to cast without tangling lines, while the 25" oar lock height lets your guide position the boat perfectly for those trophy trout lies. Powered by a quiet 3-10 hp motor, we can slip into shallow tailwater sections where the big browns and rainbows hold. The boat's low profile design cuts through morning mist and afternoon winds, keeping you fishing when other boats head for shore. Perfect for both walk-and-wade adventures and longer drifts through Ontario's premier trout water.
Micropterus DolomieuThese bronze fighters average 2-4 pounds and 18-20 inches, but don't let the size fool you - they'll give you a workout. Smallmouth love rocky bottoms and structure in clear water, hanging around boulders and fallen trees where they ambush crayfish and minnows. Spring and fall are prime time when they're shallow and aggressive, though summer fishing can be great if you target deeper water early morning or evening. What makes them special is that pound-for-pound fight - they jump, run, and never give up easy. The firm, mild fillets are excellent eating too. Pro tip: when the water's calm, try a weightless tube jig around rocky points. Let it fall naturally and hang on tight when they hit.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout on steroids - chrome-bright fish averaging 24 inches that spend their adult life in the Great Lakes before returning to rivers to spawn. These powerful fish use woody cover and deeper pools during their upstream runs. Mid-fall through spring is your window, with peak action during their spawning migrations. What draws anglers back is the raw power - steelhead fight like nothing else in fresh water, making long runs and aerial displays that'll test your gear. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, flaky meat. The Grand River tailwater is perfect steelhead habitat with its steady flows and gravel runs. My go-to method is drifting spawn bags or flies through the deeper holes - keep your drag loose and be ready for that screaming run.
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