Now
24°C · Partly cloudy
Today
26° / 12°
Sun
06:57 – 19:47
Moon
Waning Crescent · solunar good
Fishing around London
AI field guide · refreshed weeklyFishing London, Ontario: Early Fall Walleye, Bass & Panfish
What's biting
Walleye
Where: Thames River main channel and deeper holes; Fanshawe Lake; Pittock Lake. Prefer structure—fallen timber, rock ledges, channel breaks.
Early fall is prime time as water cools. Fish dawn and dusk with live shiners or crawfish in 2–4 m (6–13 ft) depths; jigging works well over structure. Night fishing with crankbaits or soft plastics near lights is productive.
Caution: Check Ontario regulations for current season status and possession limits before fishing.
Largemouth Bass
Where: Fanshawe Lake shallows and weed edges; Thames River backwater bays; Pittock Lake vegetation. Active in cooler water now.
Target weed lines and fallen timber with soft plastics (4–5 inch worms), topwater early/late, or crankbaits. Water temp (19°C) is ideal—fish will be more aggressive than summer.
Caution: Confirm catch-and-release or harvest regulations with Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.
Smallmouth Bass
Where: Thames River rocky sections and ledges; Fanshawe Lake rocky shorelines and drop-offs.
Jigging with tube baits or small swimbaits in 1–3 m (3–10 ft) depths. Early morning and overcast days are best; they'll move shallower as water cools.
Caution: Verify size and possession limits; smallmouth are protected in some Ontario waters.
Panfish (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Crappie)
Where: Fanshawe Lake weed beds and docks; Pittock Lake shallow bays; Thames River backwaters with vegetation.
Live crickets, waxworms, or small jigs under bobbers in 0.5–1.5 m (2–5 ft). Early fall sees strong feeding before water cools further.
Caution: No special caution, but check Ontario regs for any panfish-specific rules.
Channel Catfish
Where: Thames River deeper holes and slower sections; Fanshawe Lake main basin.
Fish cut bait (herring, shad) or chicken liver on the bottom at dusk and night. Catfish are active through fall; use simple three-way rigs and wait for bites.
Caution: Confirm season and limits with Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.
Best times
Dawn and dusk this week, especially Sept 8–9 before the wind picks up. Overcast days (Sept 10–11) are excellent. Night fishing for walleye and catfish is productive. Avoid midday bright sun. The waning crescent (low light) favours active feeding.
Waters to try
- Thames River (main channel and backwaters near London), Fanshawe Lake, Pittock Lake, Medway Creek (lower sections), Kettle Creek.
Regulations
Ontario's fishing regulations change by species, season, and water body. Before you fish, check the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary (https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-ontario) for current open seasons, possession limits, size restrictions, and any closures. Licences are required for all anglers 18+. Many Thames River sections and lakes near London have specific rules—verify your target water.
Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary ↗The fishing note for London, every week
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