Nottawasaga River fishing in Angus and Wasaga Beach

Steelhead and Chinook from Angus to Wasaga Beach. Open all year below the Boyne River.

Big spring steelhead push and a notable fall chinook run. Lower-gradient and warm in summer.

What fish are in the Nottawasaga River?

This section holds Steelhead and Chinook salmon. 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 Nottawasaga 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 the Boyne River (Angus to Wasaga)

• Rainbow trout: open all year (limits S-2 and C-1)
• Pacific salmon: open all year (limits S-5 and C-2)

Official wording: Nottawasaga River - from the Boyne River downstream (north) to Georgian Bay · Nottawasaga River - from the Boyne River downstream (north) to the Pine River

All Zone 16 fishing regulations →

How the Nottawasaga River fishes

This is migratory water. Steelhead and salmon move up from the lake on fresh rain, so the best fishing usually comes as the river drops and clears a day or two after a rise. Fish hold in deep pools, tailouts and current seams. Drift eggs and nymphs, or swing and strip streamers, depending on clarity.

Tactics by species

• Steelhead: drift eggs, stoneflies and nymphs through runs and tailouts under a float or on a tight line, and swing streamers when the water is stained.
• Chinook salmon: fish deep holding pools and log-jam tailouts in the lower river with bright streamers swung slowly, or drift roe and egg patterns. Use stout tackle.

The Nottawasaga River through the year

Spring

Spring is steelhead season on the Nottawasaga River. Fish that came in over the winter spawn from March into April, then drop back to the lake. Rain and snowmelt keep the water high and cold, so fish slow and deep in the softer edges.

Summer

Summer is the quiet season on lower Nottawasaga River. The water warms and most migratory fish are in the lake. Fish early in the morning if you go, and stop when the water passes about 20°C.

Fall

The Chinook salmon run fills the Nottawasaga River from late August, peaks from mid September to mid October, and fades through October. Steelhead follow the salmon in to feed on loose eggs, and fresh rain brings each new wave of fish.

Winter

Part of the Nottawasaga River is open all year, and steelhead hold in the slow, deep pools through winter. Mild days after a thaw are best. Fish slow and small, and watch for shelf ice on the banks.

Flies and lures for the Nottawasaga River

• Steelhead: on the fly rod, egg patterns (Nuke Eggs, Sucker Spawn), stonefly and Pheasant Tail nymphs, and Woolly Buggers or Intruder style streamers. On spinning gear, roe bags or soft beads under a float, plus small spinners and spoons in stained water.
• Chinook salmon: on the fly rod, large, bright streamers and egg patterns swung slowly through holding pools. On spinning gear, spoons, plugs and rattle baits, which trigger strikes from territorial fish.

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

Migratory fish rest in the deepest, slowest water they can find and move through the shallow riffles quickly. Look for pools below riffles, tailouts, log jams and the seam where fast water meets slow. After rain, fish move; as the water drops and clears, they settle into those lies and bite best.

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 Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, which manages the Nottawasaga River watershed and publishes maps of its conservation areas and trails.

Where to fish the Nottawasaga River

Public places along this section include Angus and Wasaga Beach. 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 Nottawasaga 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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