Fish-Hawk.Net

Fished for about 4hrs on the Ottawa River at the Brittania Filtration plant today. Tried a variety of streamer patterns (buggers, crayfish, baitfish, etc.) but couldn't raise a fish. Not one bite. Hopefully it was just the weather putting them down and that it isn't the end of the urban fishing season....

It was very windy out there and I now realize I need to get a 6wt. The 5wt just doesn't have the power to cut through the wind.

Cheers,

Salar

Hopefully it was just the weather putting them down and that it isn't the end of the urban fishing season....

It isn't.

Salar wrote: It was very windy out there and I now realize I need to get a ...

Thanks for the report but even more, thanks for the line. It's been kind of windy lately so I think I will need to get a new rod, new reel, some new tackle, new line, a second boat, new jacket, new hat, new waders and oh yes, perhaps another 6 wt

Officially, if this works. my wife hates you

I managed a dozen or so around Hog's Back today, with a nice one enjoying a long line release. The weather is definitely having an affect on the bite. Driving along the river on Saturday I was shocked at just how low the water actually is. It's easily a good 2' lower than normal summer levels, let alone what it should be this time of year.

If you're fishing the Ottawa, look for seams and pockets with some depth to them. The bigger ones seem to be holding close to structure and are not moving far to take a bait. You'll need to get it in front of their nose.

Thanks for the info and tips

I think next time I'll try bottom bouncing some larger nymphs (hare's ear, prince, etc.). At least then I know that I'm putting it right in front of their faces.

Cheers,

Salar.

At this time of year with the water cooling, I will make a switch from my crayfish patterns over to a baitfish pattern. A tungston weighted muddler, etc will allow you to fish deep and slow, even in the faster currents of the Ottawa.

If I'm not getting any hits with my streamers I like to tie on a small popper. The wake alone in fast water can be enough to trigger a strike from some of the active SM. If you're on the Rideau you can also expect to catch some fallfish as well.

With respect to nymphing, try using a #6-8 stonefly.

I also found the fishing to be very slow on Saturday. I hit the Rideau for about 3-4 hours in the Sandy Hill area and managed two SM and missed three. Cray Fish patterns where not working. The only thing that worked for me where olive sparkle woolly buggers.

I managed about a half dozen chunky 8" SM this evening at Long Island and lost a good 12-14" SM. They're definitely in a somewhat neutral feeding mode at the moment. I was primarily fishing with heavy woolly buggers and clousers. The takes were pretty soft. With the forecast for sun the rest of the week, I would think that Thursday and Friday would be good days to get on the water.

At this time of year don't forget that the eyes and pike are active again as well.

Thanks for the report. I hope to get out for a couple hours sometime this week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Salar