Conestogo River fishing in Conestogo and St. Jacobs

Cold tailwater below the Conestogo Dam with brown and rainbow trout near Waterloo.

Cold bottom-draw release below Conestogo Dam, stocked heavily with brown trout, a Grand-system sister to the Belwood tailwater that stays trout-cold roughly 15 km downstream through summer.

What fish are in the Conestogo River?

This section holds Brown trout and Rainbow trout. The table shows when each is most active through the year, from Muddy York Fishing's species model. It shows the fish, not the law, so check the open season below too.

● peak · ◐ good · ○ fair

Can I fish the Conestogo River right now?

Ontario sets the season by stretch. Here are the official rules for this section (Fisheries Management Zone 16), from the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary:

Below Conestogo Dam

• Brown trout: fourth Saturday in April to September 30 (limits S-5 and C-2)
• Rainbow trout: fourth Saturday in April to September 30 (limits S-2 and C-1)

All Zone 16 fishing regulations →

How the Conestogo River fishes

Below the dam, flows and water temperature stay steadier than on a freestone river. The Conestogo River often fishes when nearby rivers are blown out or too warm, and cold releases can hold trout through summer. Nymphs work most of the year; dries and streamers come into play in prime temperatures and low light.

Tactics by species

• Brown trout: nymph the seams in cool water, run a dry-dropper in prime temperatures, and swing or strip streamers at dawn and dusk for bigger fish.
• Rainbow trout: nymph the seams and riffle tails, and run a dry-dropper over the riffles when fish are rising.

The Conestogo River through the year

Spring

Snowmelt and spring rain run the Conestogo River high and cold. Trout feed hard once the water starts to warm, and nymphs and streamers fished slow and deep take most fish. In most of Zones 16 and 17 the trout season opens on the fourth Saturday in April; check the stretch rules above.

Summer

Cold water released from the dam keeps the Conestogo River fishable when other rivers warm up. Expect hatches in the evenings, and fish dries and dry-droppers over the riffles and pool tails.

Fall

Cooling water brings trout back into the open, and brown and brook trout get aggressive before they spawn. Most zone-wide trout seasons close on September 30, so check the stretch rules.

Winter

Most of this water is closed or frozen in winter. Use the time to plan spring trips and check the new regulations summary when it comes out.

Flies and lures for the Conestogo River

• Brown trout: on the fly rod, Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear nymphs, Elk Hair Caddis and mayfly dries, and sculpin or Woolly Bugger streamers at dawn and dusk. On spinning gear, small inline spinners and minnow imitating plugs cast tight to cover.
• Rainbow trout: on the fly rod, Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear nymphs, Elk Hair Caddis and Adams dries. On spinning gear, small inline spinners and spoons.

Gear and bait rules can differ by stretch, so match what you tie on to the rules for your water above. Muddy York Fishing picks the technique and fly for the day from live water temperature and clarity.

Reading the water

On a tailwater, the release from the dam sets the day. Steady releases keep fish in their usual lies: the seams beside fast water, the heads of pools and the tails just before a riffle. A big change in release can turn the fish off for a few hours, so check the flow before you go.

Before a trip, check the river's flow on the Water Survey of Canada real-time gauges and any flood or safety messages from the Grand River Conservation Authority, which manages the Conestogo River watershed and publishes maps of its conservation areas and trails.

Where to fish the Conestogo River

Public places along this section include Conestogo Lake Conservation Area. Park in public lots, follow posted signs, and never cross private land without permission. Muddy York Fishing members get parking and walk-in routes for each section, and exact spots are never shared publicly.

Before you go

• Carry your Outdoors Card and fishing licence.
• Check which stretch you'll fish and its official season above. Rules often change at a bridge or road.
• Look at the water temperature. Above about 20°C, trout and salmon struggle, so fish early or rest them.
• After heavy rain the Conestogo River can be high and dangerous. Never wade water you can't read, and wear a wading belt.
• Pack out everything you bring, including line and bait containers.

Frequently asked

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