Steelhead of the Upper Ganaraska

This river is known to most trout and salmon anglers as one of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations.
pete_kevin-header.jpg

It’s been quite some time since the Fish’n Canada team has put a river steelhead show together. With this slice of sport-fishing being so popular, we had to “don the waders” and hit the river.

The Fishing Area

The water that Pete fished for this episode was the upper portion of the Ganaraska River. The “Ganny,” as it’s known to most trout and salmon anglers, is one of Ontario’s most popular fishing destinations.

ganny-river
The Upper Ganaraska is trout heaven.

The Ganaraska River is a river in Northumberland County and the Regional Municipality of Durham in Southern Ontario. It is part of the Great Lakes Basin and is a tributary of Lake Ontario, which reaches the town of Port Hope.

group-of-fish
Notice the small group of fish in the upper part of the photo just off the right bank?

The Ganny is a year-round fish factory. It has a great steelhead/rainbow trout run in the spring (and fall to a lesser extent), a fantastic Chinook salmon run in the late summer and into the fall, and occasional brown trout are caught in the cooler water periods. There’s also an array of other species like largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, carp, catfish, and the list goes on.

“I spent a fair portion of my life living in Port Hope,” says Pete, “and there were always anglers dotting the bank of the Ganny at any given time.”

It’s the opening of trout season, however, that draws in the hordes of anxious anglers waiting for this hotspot. It’s the first opener of the season for a larger species of fish… and a true fighter at that!

Fish Moving North

fish-moving
There were packs of fish throughout this stretch of the river.

As you move upriver on the Ganaraska, public land becomes less and less available to anglers. Most of the upper river is private property, and permission must be obtained to access the river legally.

Luckily, fishing fanatic Kevin Ritza got hold of us a couple of seasons ago, offering access to his family-owned property on the Ganny.

“It took a while,” says Pete, “but Kevin and I finally got this shoot into the calendar.”

They chose the week after the opening weekend when the fish would be somewhat fresh. We say somewhat because Kevin and a group of buddies hit this portion of the river on an annual boys' weekend… and who wouldn’t!

The Fish On The Ganny

kevin-with-rainbow
Kevin Ritza holds up a gorgeous spring Ganny rainbow trout.

It didn’t take the guys long to start tying into the fish. “I believe Kevin hit his first steelhead on his first or second drift!” says Pete.

Pete started a bit rusty (10-foot rods with 6-lb line isn’t what he’s used to), but in quick order, he came around.

Spawn (roe) bags under floats were the ticket…nothing else was needed. They ended up catching more than enough fish for an episode, as well as shooting some great bonus video for internet tips, etc.

trout
Lots of fish this size were spread throughout the area.

Remember, by obtaining permission from a landowner, you too can access some of the greatest untapped fishing in your area. It’s worth a knock on a door.

Other Noteworthy Steelhead / Rainbow Trout Rivers In Ontario

Here are some more Ontario rivers spread throughout the province that we feel are classic trout waters:

  • The Saugeen River begins in the Osprey Wetland Conservation Lands and flows generally north/west about 160 km (99 miles) before emptying into Lake Huron.
  • The Bighead River flows from the Niagara Escarpment and empties into Nottawasaga Bay on Georgian Bay.
  • The St. Marys River is a diverse fishery that drains Lake Superior, starting at the end of Whitefish Bay and flowing 120 km (74.5 miles) southeast into Lake Huron. It also borders Canada and the USA.
  • The Nipigon River is known more for its world-class Brook Trout fishing, but it has a great Steelhead population at different times. The lower stretch, which empties into Lake Superior, has an excellent run both in spring and fall. Look for small feeder creeks and rivers that empty into the main river.
About Fish'n Canada

As one of the original pioneers of Canadian adventure television, the Fish'n Canada Show has been broadcasting their pursuit of the ultimate adventure for over 30 years. Hosts Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman educate and entertain audiences with their passion and enthusiasm for fishing. Both are inductees in the Canadian Anglers Hall of Fame. Check out their episodes and video on the Fish'n Canada YouTube Channel and like them on Facebook!

Recommended Articles

5 Places to Shore Fish

Fish’n Canada shows you where to go shore fishing in Ontario.

Don’t Be Afraid Of Muskies

Muskies are fish of 10,000 casts and are found in large bodies of water in Northwestern Ontario.

Top 5 Baits for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass

What baits do you use to target bass? Find out why these 5 are the best!

10 Facts About Lake of the Woods

10 facts amazing about this massive Northwest Ontario Lake!

Bear Creek Bruisers

Fishing Musky on Lake Nipissing

3 Great Ontario Walleye Destinations

Karl of Extreme Angler recommends must do walleye lakes in Ontario.

Top 5 Tips To Fish Smallmouth Bass in Ontario

Ontario has some of the top smallmouth bass opportunities. in the world.

Catching Ontario Walleye

Pro Tips for Bait and Walley Presentations

Baptiste Bass

Catching 5- to 6-Pound Smallmouth Bass Each Fishing Season

Eating Northern Pike

The Best Recipe to Cook This Fish

Top 5 Musky Destinations in Ontario

The Musky Hunter shows you where to land the best musky in Ontario waters.

Long Nose Gar

A Fish for the Bucket List

Top 5 Flies for Smallmouth Bass

The inside scoop on bass flies from the hosts of The New Fly Fisher.

Reaching Deep For Walleye

Fishing for big Walleye in Ontario's Bay of Quinte.

Big Water, Big Fish

Chinook fishing on the Nipigon River

Salmon Fishing

The Michipicoten River is a Sleeper for Chinook

Lake of Bays fishing

Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Muskoka

The Tigers of Sunset Country

The most picturesque of all freshwater fish.

Catching Bucket List Walleyes at Dogtooth Lake Resort

The Ontario Experience visits Dogtooth Lake in Sunset Country

Hidden Musky Gems

The Musky Hunter shares 3 favourite musky hot spots across Ontario.