When local rivers are running high and dirty, some unsafe to wade and others only marginally suitable for throwing big streamers, it’s nice to have another option. Moreover, when the short resident trout season ends at the end of September and the only fishing left is migratory species near the mouths of rivers and some warm water fishing, it’s great to have somewhere to turn.
To this effect, I decided to try something new this year. The trout ponds at Glen Haffy’s Fly Fishing Club offer some excellent stocked Rainbow Trout fishing for about 8 months out of the year. As an added benefit, they also enjoy a healthy population of native Brook Trout that enter one of the ponds from a small spring creek. The ponds are nestled within hundreds of acres of conservation land and offer excellent fishing in a truly serene atmosphere.
Early morning view from one of Glen Haffy’s trout ponds
Normally, I’m not a fan of pay-to-enjoy outdoor activities, especially when it comes to fishing. To this end, I have to admit that I had certain preconceptions about what my experience would be like at Glen Haffy. I pictured very easy to catch stocked Rainbows, a commercialized feel to the club and a certain attitude from members. To my pleasant surprise though, none of these preconceptions were true. What I found instead was a challenging but rewarding little piece of paradise, with quiet, friendly members who share a common passion.
A couple Deer spotted last weekend while driving back to the ponds
Compared to fishing rivers, a completely different skill set is required and often as much (or more) experimentation is necessary to fool fish. Of course, having a very healthy and well maintained population of fish does improve odds at times.
The price point seems about right, where it’s high enough to keep away the crowds of non-serious anglers, but low enough that it’s affordable to those with a lower budget. Kids fish for free with a member, which of course is nice for someone like me who has three of them. In fact, I think it’s an ideal environment to introduce children to fly fishing, with plenty of fish and wide boats that provide stable casting platforms with unlimited back casting room.
Although there’s still lots of season left at the ponds this year, I’ll admit that I’m unsure how much value I’ll end up getting when it’s all said and done. I anticipate more regular trips after resident trout season closes, though I imagine if I were to calculate the cost per day for my number of visits, it will end up being a lot higher than I care to admit. If I lived a bit closer (it’s about a 40 minute drive right now), I’d likely get more use out of it. Still, it’s difficult to put a dollar amount on the opportunity to catch fish like the one below in such a setting any day of the week.
One of the larger Rainbow Trout I caught at Glen Haffy this year
After the resident trout season closes, have you ever fished the lower end of the Humber River, south of Eglinton? I understand MNR says it is open year round? Big city fishing?
I live between acton/Guelph and work in the city. Wondered if it would be worthwhile to bring my rod for some after work casts? If so, any recommendations on flies for that bigger water (new to the sport- since spring ’14 and only have small wet flies so far 9′ 8wt Whiteriver rod- weight forward line)
I don’t make it out to the Humber very often and when I do it’s usually to the upper stretches. I believe the section from Eglington and down would see a run of Steelhead and I’m sure a few stick around throughout the fall and winter. If that stretch is indeed open year around (I haven’t checked the regs) then it might be worth while if you’re in the area anyways.
I imagine trout during the regular season would be very difficult to come by on that stretch, but perhaps Bass or other warm water species make it up that far.
Have you ever been fishing for bonefish? I’m in the gta and I am in the same boat as you for fishing. I can find legal spots to fish if there is no ice. But once that happens, it’s fly tying time.
I have been able to find cheap weeks in Cuba (<$500) and then fished with a guide for 2 days at 120/day, plus tip. In between, I fished off the beach and wandered back into the mangroves for snook, snapper, blue runners and small tarpon.
My wife said she had not seen me smile so much in years.
It's not glamorous, it may be a little dangerous. But with your admittedly limited back country experience, you'd do well.
My fishing buddy is more experienced than I am, but I'm getting there. We head north about 4 or 5 times a summer. Mostly south of the soo, but sometimes it's wawa or bust.
Hey Andrew, I’ve never experienced salt water fly fishing actually. Young kids have kept vacations like that out of the picture for far too many years, but with them getting a bit older now, it’s something I’ll no doubt take up in the coming years. I’m sure once I try it I will be hooked.
It’d be a great way to break up the winter, that’s for sure… because 7 months (with some limited fishing a couple months before and after trout season) is far to long to wait. I’ve got a few northern spots on my radar for this summer, hopefully I can make it happen.