Thames River does a vanishing act

Thames River does a vanishing act
By Randy Richmond, The London Free Press


It’s one of only 42 Canadian Heritage Rivers, and — at 273 km long — one of Southwestern Ontario’s biggest.

More than 500,000 people live in the seven counties and 54 municipalities in the area it drains.

But to the federal government, the Thames River ain’t no Scugog, Pigeon, Otonabee or Rosedale River — not even a Stevens Creek or Kemptville Creek.

Those smaller and lesser known waterways — none of them Heritage Rivers — will remain on Ottawa’s list of navigable waters, and under its protection if proposed amendments to federal legislation go ahead.

The Thames will be dropped.
Read more...

Chill Out: Fall Largemouth Bass and Trout are Still Out There

This month's issue of Ontario Out of Doors magazine indicates now's a good time for Largemouth Bass, not to mention Steelhead/Rainbow Trout, and I'd assume Brown Trout too.

I've known for awhile that Trout is a cold water fish, but the tips and tricks (such as bouncing between artificial lures and real fish eggs) seemed useful to me.

The Largemouth Bass article was a whole different beast, indicating that Largemouth Bass get quite active now in preparation for winter, and that you shouldn't bother going out once the water temperature drops below 10C.

Also, stick to cover (rocks, boulders, trees) as that tends to be where the warmth is, and thus the fish.

Really made me want to get the waders on and get out there! I'd like to brave it, but so far as I know, the Forest City (London, Ontario) isn't a great fishery for Largemouth or Trout. I know of one hole that's promising for Trout, and I've seen a few small Largemouth Bass in Mill Pond, but not much else.

If you're an avid Forest City angler, share some spots, and let us know where the honey holes are! Or, just invite us out for a morning!