Fishing and Paddling
Fishing the Maitland River, Goderich or Nine Mile River, Port Albert, for Fall/Salmon or Spring/Fall Trout. Enjoy some paddling in the area’s local waterways.
Fishing
The types of fish that may be caught in Huron County can be divided into three distinct groups based on the type of fishery that predominates: the cool and cold water fish communities in Lake Huron; cold-water fish found in rivers and streams; warm water fish found in rivers, streams, and smaller inland lakes.
Port Albert – Nine Mile River
The Nine Mile River once provided power for a few small industries, but the dam now operates as a Fish Ladder in the spirit of the conservation & study of our abundant salmon and trout population.
Port Albert Fishway
The Port Albert Fishway (located in the Village of Port Albert north of Goderich) is a man-made structure that allows fish to bypass obstructions to travel upstream on the Nine Mile River. There is a self-guided interpretative centre on-site and regular lifts of Rainbow Trout occur on the Easter Weekend. For more information contact the Ministry of Natural Resources (Clinton Office) at (519) 482-3428.
Each spring and fall the Nine Mile Steelheaders organize a lift. This process of handling the fish provides much information about the populations, health and habits of the fish. Data collected includes scale samples, measurement, sex and general condition.
Fish jumping can be viewed from late March until early May, with peak runs occurring during the last 2 weeks in April. In the fall, jumping occurs from mid-September until late November, with peak runs occurring during October and early November.
Sports Fishing is very popular in Port Albert and the scenery abounds.
The types of fish that may be caught in Huron County can be divided into three distinct groups based on the type of fishery that predominates: the cool and cold water fish communities in Lake Huron; cold water fish found in rivers and streams; warm water fish found in rivers, streams, and smaller inland lakes.
Anglers can either try their luck casting into Lake Huron for rainbow trout, chinook and coho salmon, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and walleye, or they can go further afield to one of the many streams, rivers and lakes in Huron County. Fishing equipment and the latest fishing conditions are available at;
The Huron County Fishing Guide provides a comprehensive overview of angling in Huron County. The Guide also identifies public access points for fishing within our many conservation areas, along with a corresponding map showing all waterways. Pick up your free copy at local or regional tourism centres, or have the Fishing Guide sent to you at no charge contact: You can also download it here – Fishing Guide
1-800-280-7637
info@hurontourism.on.ca
FLY FITTERS
37213 Hills Road
R.R.#4 Goderich (Benmiller)
Ontario, N7A 3Y1
(519) 524-7474
mike@flyfitters.ca
http://www.flyfitters.ca
Fly Fitters offers guided fly fishing for trout, salmon and summer bass on local rivers along the shores of Lake Huron. Beginner’s workshops to full day walk/wade or drift boat adventures. Use your own equipment or ours. April to December.
Paddling
Huron County offers a variety of paddling opportunities ranging from flat water to mild whitewater (during flood conditions). There are 6 dams located in Huron County which provide all summer flat water paddling ranging from 1.5hrs to 3hrs round trip and none require a shuttle. The Maitland River is Huron’s crown jewel, offering a 2 – 3 day leisurely trip from Wingham to Goderich with campgrounds located along the way. Early spring or after a large rainfall is the best time for this trip as the river is very wide and water levels fluctuate quickly. Hullett Marsh is also located in Huron County and provides spring and fall paddling in the Marsh. An abundance of wildlife and migrating birds can be viewed while in the Marsh. Paddling in Huron offers commanding views specific to where you are and the time of year. Spring offers spring runoff, trees and wildlife waking up, new growth to see and the remainders of winter left in the hills and valleys. Summer shows off the variety of trees and shrubs, young ducks and geese learning to swim, and the summer breezes (and bugs) that get you away from the office to enjoy nature. Fall is an exciting time to paddle as the fall migration of ducks and geese is at its peak, the colours of the trees change daily and the summer heat and bugs have dissipated, making for a more enjoyable paddle. Paddling doesn’t have to be a week-long trip in the wild; it can be an hour trip in your own ‘backyard’. Check out the details of the Huron County Fishing and Paddling Guide to find out what Huron County has to offer.