Kayak Fishing on a Canadian Heritage River
In 2000, the Grand River Conservation Authority won the prestigious Thiess River Prize for excellence in river management. In 1994 the Grand River was designated a Canadian Heritage River.
The Grand River's 290 km. length from the Dundalk area to Port Maitland on Lake Erie is the home to approximately 80 species of fish. The area between Paris and Brantford has several species of game fish. Rainbow / steelhead can be caught April to mid May and again in September. July and August has phenomenal small mouth bass fishing. Pike and Walleye are also caught in this area.
This area is now has Exception Waterways designation. There are special fishing regulations in place so make sure you are aware before setting out. More information is available on the Grand River Conservation Authority's web site.
With the growing popularity of recreational style kayaks, many manufactures are outfitting both sit in and sit on top models for fishing. A popular model is the Riot Trophy, available for rental from Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company located in Brantford Ontario.
These recreation kayaks are very stable for both spin casting and fly fishing. With an average water depth of approximately 3 feet, even the novice kayaker can feel safe. When you find a deep pool, pull over and fish from shore.
If you are unsure of your abilities to combine kayaking and fishing, and would prefer a larger area to fish from, rafts are now available from Heritage River Canoe and Kayak Company.
Want to make a weekend of your trip? Ask your outfitter to recommend overnight accommodations.
Even if you are not fishing, the novice kayaker can have a grand experience by spending the day on the Grand River - a Canadian Heritage River
About the Author
Brian Gill is a retired canoe and kayak outfitter who owned and operated Two Rivers Adventures in Paris, Ontario. He grew up in Paris and has been canoeing, kayaking, rafting and mountain biking and hiking both the Grand River and Nith Rivers all his life. He has also worked as a wilderness guide on trips in Algonquin and Killarney Provincial Parks, and throughout the James Bay frontier. While operating Two Rivers Adventures he was able to provide thousands of eco adventurers with grand experiences while paddling both the Grand and Nith Rivers. He always promoted both the Grand River and Nith Rivers as having some of the best paddling in Ontario. Every spring he can be found paddling the fast water while Grand River rafting in the company of his friends.
He still loves canoeing the Grand, so he now works part-time guiding canoe, kayak and raft trips and nature hikes for Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company in Brantford located just one hour west of Toronto, Ontario. www.heritageriver.com.
Since 1999 Heritage River Canoe & Kayak Company has offered guided and self-guided canoe, kayak and raft trips and rentals on both the Grand River and Nith River.
He also volunteers his time working on Grand River rehabilitation projects along the Grand River watershed.
So if you are looking for fun things to do this summer, come and enjoy the great outdoors by canoeing, kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and hiking the beautiful and historic Grand River watershed, truly one of Canada's wonderlands.