Falls Reserve Conservation Area has a reputation for excellent year-round fishing.

Rainbow trout and salmon migrate up the river in spring and fall. Smallmouth bass can be caught during the summer months.

Young anglers can try their luck at the bass and trout pond near the park entrance. The pond is stocked with trout and supports a self-sustaining bass population. The pond has been the site of extensive naturalization efforts over the past several years. Trees, aquatic plants, and shrubs have been planted in and around the pond. A brood area for bass has been created along with nesting sites for birds and turtles.

Trout season opens on April 24, 2010 and Bass season opens on June 26, 2010. Check the Ministry of Natural Resource website at www.mnr.gov.on.ca for complete details on fishing regulations.

There are several fishing events planned for Falls Reserve this year:

1. Trout Derby – 8:00 am Saturday April 24, 2010 until Sunday May 2, 2010 at 4:00pm at the stocked pond.

   No registration required. Prizes awarded for tagged trout that are caught in the pond. Derby runs during daylight hours only.

   Pond permit and park day use admission required.

   The trout derby is being run in partnership with the Huron Fish and Game Club. We appreciate their support!

2. Kids, Cops and Canadian Tire Fishing Derby

   Saturday May 29, 2010 at the stocked pond. Fishing begins at 9:00a.m.

   There will be lots of great prizes for children. Fishing rods and life jackets are available. Lunch is provided for participants.

   This derby is run in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police. OPP vehicles and equipment will be on display.

   This is a free event.

3. Family Fishing Derby

   Family Fishing Weekend runs from Friday July 9, 2010 to Sunday July 11, 2010. Prizes awarded for tagged fish caught in the stocked fish pond throughout the weekend.

   On Saturday July 10th prizes will also be awarded for the largest fish caught by length in the pond. Registration required at the event to claim prizes. The derby runs during daylight hours. On Saturday a free lunch will be provided for participants.

   Derby registration is $15 per person or $30 per family for all three days. Single day registration is $7 per person or $20 per family. Park admission is also required: $5.50 per adult and $2.75 per child to a maximum of $15 (for vehicles carrying up to 6 people).

   Camping is available at the Conservation Area.

   The Family Fishing Derby is part of the annual Ontario Family Fishing Weekend. Canadian residents can enjoy the fun of fishing without a licence. You must respect all of Ontario?s other fishing rules and regulations. For more information visit the www.familyfishingweekend.com website.

Maitland River Water Levels

To view data on current water levels from MVCA's Benmiller Gauging Station, follow these steps:

1. Visit Environment Canada's Real-Time Hydrometric Data site. (The link will open in a new window.)

2. From the "View all Real Time Stations within" drop down menu, select "Ontario".

3. From the next menu select "MAITLAND RIVER AT BENMILLER - [02FE015] - [ON]".