Fly fishing in the Grand River in Fergus, Ontario.
Photo by Kelly Waterhouse

Whether you’re an expert sportsmen in fly fishing or a novice angler who just wants to experience the thrill of a fish on the line, the Grand River and its tributaries, including the Irvine River, offer world-class recreational fishing. This isn’t a fish tale – it’s true. These waters are legendary.

Plan your fishing trip and plan to stay with us. Glamping in the great outdoors at Irvineside Farm will bring you within minutes to some of the finest fishing in the province. You’re going to love it here.

Protected by the Grand River Conservation Authority, (and all of us who cherish this beautiful environment), the waters provide an excellent natural environment for several species of fish, including:

Irvineside Farm is located within 5 to 10 minutes of some of the best fishing locales, with easy access to a world-renowned brown trout fishery, known as the Tailwater. This stretch of the Grand River flows from the Shand Dam, at Belwood Lake, through the historic towns of Fergus and Elora, weaves through the Elora Gorge and on to the town of West Montrose, in Woolwich Township (approx. 15 minutes from Irvineside Farm).

The cool water released from the Shand Dam (Belwood Lake) reservoir makes the Tailwater a good habitat for brown trout. Each spring, the Ontario Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry stocks about 40,000 trout in the river. As a result, this region around Fergus and Elora has been acclaimed as one of the best fly-fishing spots in North America.

The potential of these areas was identified as one of the “best bets” in the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan.

The Grand River flows from the Shand Dam, at Belwood Lake through the heart of downtown Fergus, with plenty of easy access to the river through the area. Photo by Kelly Waterhouse

Here’s a few of the most popular spots – according to the fish!

Belwood Lake Photo by Keegan Taylor
Confederation Park in Fergus is a great place for fishing and a perfect place to kick back and enjoy the day, just minutes from downtown Fergus. Photo by Kelly Waterhouse
The Aboyne Trail in the shadow of the Trestle Bridge is an ideal, tranquil spot for your catch of the day. Photo by Kelly Waterhouse

For everything you need to know, talk to our LOCAL fishing professionals, Tania & Scott, owners of Grand River Outfitting & Fly Shop in Fergus. They’ll hook you up!

Please note: Special fishing regulations are in effect in this area. And, as river levels can change rapidly with the release of the Shand Dam, we remind you to be consult the Grand River Conservation Authority’s website for river flow updates.