Saugeen River fishing in Southampton and Port Elgin

Lake Huron steelhead and Chinook below Denny's Dam. No night fishing at the dam in October.

One of Lake Huron's premier steelhead rivers. Big spring and fall runs stack below Denny's Dam and the fishway; large, deep holding pools.

What fish are in the Saugeen River?

This section holds Steelhead, Chinook salmon and Brown trout (lake-run). 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 Saugeen 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:

Denny's Dam to the concrete abutments

• Rainbow trout: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-2 and C-1)
• Pacific salmon: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-5 and C-2)
• Brown trout: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-5 and C-2)

Official wording: Saugeen River - Arran, Amabel, Brant, Elderslie and Saugeen Townships and in the Town of… · Saugeen River - Amabel and Saugeen Townships, Denny’s Dam to the concrete abutments down…

Abutments to the mouth (Southampton)

The extended season listed runs down to the abutments below Denny's Dam; below them the river mouth may fall under Lake Huron (Zone 13) rules.

The summary doesn't list this stretch by name, so confirm it in the Zone 16 regulations before fishing.

• Rainbow trout: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-2 and C-1)
• Pacific salmon: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-5 and C-2)
• Brown trout: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-5 and C-2)

Official wording: Saugeen River - Arran, Amabel, Brant, Elderslie and Saugeen Townships and in the Town of…

All Zone 16 fishing regulations →

How the Saugeen 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.
• Brown trout (lake-run): fish streamers, eggs and nymphs on dropping, clearing water, especially at first and last light.

The Saugeen River through the year

Spring

Spring is steelhead season on the Saugeen 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 Saugeen 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 Saugeen River from late August, peaks from mid September to mid October, and fades through October. Steelhead and lake run brown trout follow the salmon in to feed on loose eggs, and fresh rain brings each new wave of fish.

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 Saugeen 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.
• Brown trout (lake-run): on the fly rod, egg patterns and sculpin or minnow streamers. On spinning gear, small spinners and minnow plugs, or baits under a float.

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

Where to fish the Saugeen River

Public places along this section include Denny's Dam Conservation Area and Southampton. 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 Saugeen 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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