While the city sleeps
Something that I have always liked about Toronto is how quiet it can be at night. Sure it stays busy downtown at night on the weekends. Head a little West, or North of the downtown core. It can get as quiet as being on a river up North at dusk. This particular evening I thought I’d give the Humber River a little South of the Old Mill a shot.
I have fished this area quite a few times. Unless the Salmon are running it isn’t the greatest spot. I have had some success catching the odd trout there. That’s what I was fishing for that night. This was gonna be a new experience for me. I usually fish in the early morning. I have never fished this particular spot at night before. So I really didn’t know what to expect.
I decided to travel light. I brought my 8ft light flex two piece rod, and spincast Reel with 8lb monofilament. I only bought 3 lures with me. A number 3 Blue Fox silver spinner. A number 2 Panther Martin in the bumble bee colouring. Lastly a Silver & Blue spoon.
Anyone that’s fished downstream of the Old Mill knows that there are a fair number of potential snags. I figured that one of three things would happen to signal the end of my night. There wouldn’t be any action, and I wouldn’t even get a single bite for a few hours. I would lose all three lures to snags. I would actually catch a nice sized fish, and satisfyingly call it a night.
I took the TTC subway to Old Mill station and made my way along the path downstream. There are very few spots with access to the River that are suitable for shore fishing. Just north of the Toronto Humber Yacht club is one such spot. It also happens to be my favourite.
You can easily cast to both sides of the River. I’ve also had some success here before. Albeit the previously successful visits were in the morning. I decided to begin my evening of Fishing with the Blue and Silver Spoon. It ended up being a fantastic choice. I decided to make my first cast along the near shoreline. Practically the moment I closed the bail to begin working the lure back in I got a strike! I didn’t even have to set the hook. Fish on! I reeled it in with ease because it was a small 5 inch Trout. Still if was an indication of the right presentation, at the right time of night. Then things were looking good. Well it was a very good example. Too good in fact. I spent the next few hours casting, and reeling in fish. Unfortunately they were all similar to the first one I caught. Too small to put up a fight. One thing is for sure. The Humber River will have a healthy run of Trout for years to come. I’ve never pulled more than 2 or 3 fish out of this section of the Humber before. I caught over 6 small Trout in less than 3 hours.
What would have made the night complete was just one fish worth photographing. Still I’ve had those days where you catch absolutely squat. So I’m not going to complain. What I will take away from this is that Fishing the Humber at night is a great idea. If you live in Toronto, and find yourself with a sleepless night. Grab a Pole, and head out to the Humber. You won’t be disappointed.
