What to Expect
How a guided day actually runs, what is provided, what to bring, licences and trip policies.
How the day runs
You will meet Sasha at an agreed spot at an agreed time. Where that is depends on the river and the conditions, and it gets confirmed close to the date rather than months ahead — because the right water on the day is not always the right water a month out.
After a short safety briefing and a look at the water, you fish. Expect to move on foot between runs rather than standing in one place; covering water properly is most of what catches fish in these rivers.
Instruction runs through the whole day, not just at the start. That is the part you are paying for, and it is the part you keep.
What we provide
What every trip includes
- Rods and reels if you need them
- Centerpin tackle
- Flies and terminal tackle
- Leaders and tippet
- Instruction throughout the day
- Photos of your fish
- River and location planning
- Safety briefing
Waders available by advance request.
What to bring
- A valid Ontario fishing licence
- Waders, if you have them
- Polarized sunglasses
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Food and water
- Any personal medication you need
- Your own rod, if you would rather fish it
A note on waders and footwear
Every trip is walk and wade, so you will be standing in the river. Bring your own waders and wading boots if you have them — they will fit you better than anything borrowed.
Waders are available by advance request. Ask when you book rather than on the day, and understand that we cannot promise every size.
Felt soles are restricted in some jurisdictions and are a real biosecurity issue between watersheds. Rubber-soled boots are the sensible default, and cleaning your gear between rivers matters more than most anglers think.
Ontario fishing licences
Every angler needs a valid Ontario fishing licence. This is the one thing on the list we cannot provide for you, and a trip cannot go ahead without it.
Licences are bought from the Ontario government — online in a few minutes — and you should sort it out before the morning of your trip rather than on the way. Bring proof with you, on your phone is fine.
Choose the licence type that matches what you intend to do. We fish catch and release, so a Conservation licence is generally sufficient, but the choice is yours and the Ontario licence pages set out the current options and fees.
Open seasons, sanctuary stretches and special rules vary by river and by section, and they change. Always check the current Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary for the water you are fishing. On a guided day, Sasha picks water that is legally open and in shape for the conditions.
Trip policies
| Booking and deposit | A 50%% deposit reserves your date and is what takes it out of the calendar for anyone else. The balance is due on the day. |
|---|---|
| If the river is unfishable | If rain, flow, ice or water temperature make the river unsafe or genuinely unfishable, your trip is rescheduled at no charge and your deposit carries over. River conditions are not your financial risk. This is the single most important policy on this page and it exists because these are rain-fed rivers. |
| If you cancel 72 hours or more ahead | Your deposit transfers to another date, subject to availability. |
| If you cancel inside 72 hours | The deposit is non-refundable. Inside three days there is rarely time to fill the date. |
| Late arrival | Trips start at the agreed time. A late start shortens the day rather than extending it, because the fishing windows on these rivers do not move to suit us. |
| Weather that is merely unpleasant | Cold, rain and snow are steelhead fishing. A trip only reschedules for conditions that make the river unsafe or unfishable, not for conditions that make it uncomfortable. Dress for it and you will be glad you came. |
Fish handling
Every fish goes back. Fish are kept in the water wherever possible, handled wet, photographed quickly and released facing into the current until they swim off under their own power. If you have not done it before, you will be shown how — it is part of the trip.
Getting the most out of the day
Say what you want to learn
The most useful thing you can tell us when booking is what is frustrating you. A day aimed at one specific problem is worth far more than a general day on the water.
Overdress
Especially in spring and late fall. You can always take a layer off. Standing in a cold river all day with too little on ends trips early.
Bring polarized sunglasses
Eye protection first, and on a carp trip they are the difference between seeing fish and not fishing at all.
Be honest about your level
Nobody is judging. Overstating your experience just means the day starts in the wrong place and has to be walked back.
Any questions before you book?
Ask. It is a better use of both our time than guessing.