Northern Pike Fishing on Ontario’s Grand River (Hotspots + Bait Guide 2025)
If you’ve ever had a northern pike slam your lure, you know the rush. They’re long, mean-looking, and fight like crazy. For me, they’re one of the most exciting fish you can hook in the Grand River. The thing is—finding them can be hit or miss unless you know which stretches of the river they like best.
The Grand River is no small creek. It’s Ontario’s largest inland watershed, covering close to 7,000 square kilometers and home to more than 80 fish species (according to the GRCA). That’s a lot of water and a lot of variety, but pike are definitely out there if you focus on the right spots.
Map of Grand River, Ontario by Geo Swan, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Belwood Lake (Shand Dam Reservoir)
Belwood is pike central. Every spring, anglers gather here for the annual Pike Derby, and for good reason—this reservoir produces fish that regularly push into the 30–40 inch range. Belwood itself covers about 12 square kilometers, so there’s plenty of room for these predators to grow big.
Belwood Lake at sunrise – prime northern pike habitat.
Below Shand Dam (to West Montrose)
Most folks head here for trout, but don’t be surprised if a pike smashes your spinner. The tailwater below the dam has current breaks, deeper pools, and lots of ambush spots. Pike aren’t as common as bass or browns, but they’re definitely there.
Tailwater below Shand Dam – pike love these ambush spots.
West Montrose to Paris
This section has that classic Grand River mix—fast runs, lazy pools, and some weedy banks. It’s a buffet for multiple species, but it also hides northern pike. The GRCA lists this stretch as good water for pike, bass, walleye, crappie, and panfish.
West Montrose stretch – ideal mix of current and weedbeds for pike.
Paris to Brantford (Exceptional Waters)
The GRCA calls this section “Exceptional Waters,” and they’re not kidding. Pike here often run in the mid-20 to high-30 inch range, and there’s easy access in Paris or along riverside parks.
Paris riverside – excellent access for northern pike anglers.
Brantford to Caledonia
This is where the Grand slows down and gets wider, which is perfect for pike. Wilkes Dam is the hotspot in Brantford, with its deep pools and steady current. Pike, walleye, and big catfish all show up here.
Wilkes Dam – prime location for big northern pike.
Caledonia to Dunnville (and Out to Lake Erie)
By the time the river reaches Dunnville, it feels less like a river and more like a lake. This is big, open water and pike thrive here. You’ll also find walleye, drum, and the occasional rainbow.
Grand River in Ontario – public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
Conestogo River (Tributary)
The Conestogo doesn’t get as much attention, but below the dam it holds some solid pike. It’s a great backup plan when the main river is blown out or running too high.
Angler holding a Northern Pike — public domain.
Conestogo River below the dam – hidden northern pike hotspot.
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Belwood Lake (Shand Dam Reservoir)
- Live: Large shiners, suckers, chubs
- Lures: Red/white spoons, spinnerbaits (½–1 oz), 5–7" swimbaits
- Tips: Fish weed edges & windblown points. Best at dawn/dusk with steel leaders.
Below Shand Dam → West Montrose
- Live: Chubs, shiners under floats
- Lures: Inline spinners, suspending jerkbaits, compact spoons
- Tips: Cast across seams, pause on swing. Cloudy days or dusk produce bigger fish.
West Montrose → Paris
- Live: Suckers, large minnows
- Lures: 5" paddle tails, perch/firetiger crankbaits, bucktails
- Tips: Work inside bends & slack water. Use stronger leaders around weeds.
Paris → Brantford (Exceptional Waters)
- Live: Suckers, jumbo shiners
- Lures: Spoons, spinnerbaits, suspending crankbaits
- Tips: Target eddies near islands & bridge pilings. Slow down in cold water.
Brantford → Caledonia (Wilkes Dam)
- Live: Suckers on quick-strike rigs
- Lures: Heavy spoons, spinnerbaits, 6–8" swimbaits
- Tips: Fan-cast across current breaks. Use caution around high flows near dam.
Caledonia → Dunnville (into Lake Erie)
- Live: Large minnows, suckers
- Lures: Trolled crankbaits, big spoons, large spinnerbaits
- Tips: Drift or troll contours. Dawn/dusk windows are best.
Conestogo River (Tributary)
- Live: Minnows under floats
- Lures: Small spoons, inline spinners, jerkbaits
- Tips: Fish eddies & transitions below dam. Compact lures in higher flow.
Pike Fishing Tips
- Look for structure: Pike love spots where they can ambush prey like bridge pilings, weedbeds, and dam outflows.
- Fish mornings and evenings: They’re more active in low light.
- Use flashy lures: Spinnerbaits and spoons are classic choices.
- Don’t skip the leader: Pike teeth will slice through regular line like butter.
Final Word
The Grand River is a diverse fishery, and pike are one of its best-kept secrets. Whether you’re chasing them in Belwood, drifting through Paris, or working the big water near Dunnville, you’ve got a real shot at landing one of these predators.
For perspective, the Ontario record northern pike weighed an insane 42 pounds, 12 ounces (caught back in 1946). You won’t likely find that in the Grand, but fish over 15 pounds do show up, and that’s plenty to make your drag scream.
Where to Buy Bait Near Each Hotspot
- Kingsway Sports (Guelph) — Fishing bait & tackle for Belwood Lake / Fergus area.
- T T Bait Ltd (Waterloo) — Live bait supplier for Belwood → Paris corridor.
- Natural Sports (Kitchener) — Wide tackle selection, good for Fergus/Belwood anglers.
- Catch’em Bait & Tackle (Kitchener) — Convenient for Paris-to-Brantford stretch.
- H & H Tackle (Brantford) — Live bait, lures, plastics near Paris/Brantford hotspots.
- Riverside Bait & Tackle (Brant) — Tackle & gear near Brantford stretch.
