Grand River Smallmouth Bass Fishing Has Great Results With Platform Rafts

Bass fishing on the Grand River with platform rafts has added a new pleasure to the sport of fishing in Paris. Normally the riverbanks are not walkable because the land is privately owned and restricted. This forces anglers to wade through the rocky bottom and fight the river current when fishing for bass in the Grand River. The use of platform rafts solves the problem of wading.

With the rafting platform, anglers now have access to miles of shoreline with excellent smallmouth bass fishing along the Grand River. People of all sizes and ages can enjoy time together with friends or family to fish while cruising the Grand. Platform rafts allow anyone of any physical condition the opportunity to get out and fish some of the best spots for smallmouth bass.

For families wanting a day of catching fish, platform rafting is a great way to travel together. The rafts offer a safe experience that allows children freedom of movement and coexistence. There is the joy of not having mosquitoes or black flies as the rafts drift through a wilderness of forests, fresh springs and wildlife.

Rig decks typically accommodate two standing or 4 seated fly anglers with a steering guide at the rear. Those who turn can sit on loungers elevated above water level for easy viewing of the striking fish. The best thing about rig raft fishing is the speed of the raft…it allows for great casting opportunities in every pool.

These tours to the Grand River Smallmouth Bass rig are with experienced guides who know the fishing spots well. The experience of the guides increases the number of strikes and fish caught. Guides from the Paris area run tours on two stretches of the river. The upper Grand from Glen Morris to Paris is “catch and save” or the lower Grand from Paris to Brant Park is zoned “catch and release”.

The reason bass fishing has improved is due to the aggressive Fish Management Plan implemented in 1995. Special angling regulations have been introduced along certain areas of the river to protect bass. Anglers should use barbless hooks, not live bait and catch and release. This restricted zone is called Exceptional Waters between Paris and the Brant Conservation Area and it produces excellent big fish.

July 1 in southern Ontario is the start of largemouth bass season on the Grand River. It is normal to catch 40 to 50 sea bass in a four hour drift in the Paris area. Fish range from small to less than 24 inches with lots of action. Early in the season, late afternoon rides produce some of the best results. For visitors arriving at the Grand without fishing gear or tackle, the Big Catch Bait & Tackle shop in Paris will rent all gear plus a loaded tackle box for $20.

The Grand River is just an hour west of Toronto. It is easily accessible via the 401 or 403 freeways. For those wanting overnight accommodations, there is the rural River Ridge B&B in the area or the elegant Arlington Hotel. For those wishing to camp, some of the fish guide companies in the area have secluded camp sites right on the river.

Bass fishing on the Grand River is exceptional…but so is the scenery and abundance of wildlife. The proximity of the Great River allows people to get up in the morning… drive an hour for some excellent fishing… and be in their own bed at night.