The fine art of fly fishing with Grand River Troutfitters

The idea of casting a fly might seem too difficult.

But Ken Collins, owner and operator of Grand River Troutfitters Ltd. in Fergus, says the art of fly fishing is a skill that anyone can learn.

It’s the first step and once mastered, Collins says, the experience can be really magical.

“When you get that floating fly line, carry the weightless lures in a certain direction, and lay it where you think it should go, man oh man!”

Collins knows first-hand.

A guide for over 30 years, he helps people achieve this fly fishing milestone.  

“A lot of people believe that fly fishing can be hard to accomplish. But that’s not how we approach it. I often tell people that I can teach them to cast in less than five minutes,” Collins said.

“That’s the easiest part. The rest of time is spent teaching you how to be a self-sufficient fly fisher.”

Grand River Troutfitters Ltd. also offers advanced lessons in casting techniques for more accuracy, greater casting distance, abilities to cast in the wind, or even learn to spey cast.

“It takes a lot more than a fly cast to catch fish,” Collins said.

“It’s the patience involved that ends up winning that game.”

Group sizes are kept small during each lesson, usually capped at three participants.

“One person gets it and then there’s always one that needs more attention. So, smaller numbers are always better,” Collins said.

Collins guides people of all ages and from all over including visitors from New Zealand, Europe, and the U.S.

“I first ascertain if they are ready. Generally, it’s anyone from 10 years up, to people in their 80’s. I have lots of older clients who depend on me for getting them outdoors,” he said.

One client in particular, who recently passed away, was an extraordinary fly fisher.

“He was one of the best fly fishing partners I’ve had for many years. He was legally blind, but he was such a great caster, that I could still take him out with a drift boat. It was priceless,” Collins said.

“I would take him down the water. He would cast. I would say cast a little more left, or farther. He would still do the fish catch, just relying on my eyes. And that was so wonderful.”

Since 1993, Grand River Troutfitters Ltd. has grown from a fly fishing retail store to a popular destination that offers fly fishing education, from beginners to aspiring life-long fly fishers.

For Collins, fly fishing is a great way to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and natural beauty of your surroundings.

“For me, its all about the outdoors. So many people are just going way to fast in their lives. It’s about having that moment when you can just get outdoors, slow the heck down, and just see things in a different light. And you don’t get bored. When fly fishing, you are always in charge of the next step, the next move,” Collins said.

“I started fly fishing because of a Grade 7 gym teacher. And that was it,” he said.

“I learned that anything with a fin can be caught on a fly.”

But, Collins says, you do have to do a little bit of homework.

“If you want to catch a trout, you better know where they like to live, what kind of food they want, and know how to present that food so it looks as natural as possible,” he said.

Observation is key when it comes to fly fishing.

“Fly fishing knowledge comes to those who are willing to open their eyes, be a good observer, and have lots of patience,” Collins said.

“I was working with a client, a little ways from his wife, when she began looking upstream. She noticed birds feeding all over the water, about 100 yards away from us. There was lots of activity up there. So, off we went upstream where there were happy fish, enjoying the food on the water that the birds were enjoying too. She kept her her eyes open and noticed it.”

And as for location, Grand River Troutfitters couldn’t be in a better spot, near the world’s largest collection of fresh water.

Fishing takes place in the world class Grand River Tail-water Brown Trout Fishery in Fergus/Elora, or driftboating in one of Ontario’s other rivers such as Saugeen, Sauble, Maitland, or Nottawasauga, as well as the waters of the lower Grand River. 

Participants on a fly fishing angling tour can catch fish such as trout, smallmouth bass, wild steelhead, carp, pike or mooneyes.

Grand River Troutfitters has fly tying professionals located in Fergus, Elora, Guelph, Kitchener, Brantford and Owen Sound. Anyone interested can book a guide. Corporate bookings are also available.

There are also satellite Troutfitter education depots located on the lower Grand River in Paris, Brantford, in the London Area, on the Thames River, and on the Saugeen River in the Walkerton and Durham areas.

A day on the water includes all equipment, flies, tippets and even waders if needed. A full day event includes a lunch, snacks and beverages and half day event include snacks and beverages.

Participants do need to have a valid Ontario fishing licence.

Collins says fly fishing is ageless and gender non-specific. For anyone looking to improve or just learn, lessons can be customized.

Every day on the water still offers a new experience for Collins.

“It’s so diverse. I get taught something new almost every moment. And that’s incredible,” he said.  

“I get to be outdoors everyday of my life. I appreciate everything about that. It’s my Zen.”