I’m wanting to fish on the Thames river London Ontario and need to figure out my best bet at catching something

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Best bet on the Thames River (London, Ontario) in early winter: target walleye.** In cold water, walleye slow down and hug deeper holes and current breaks, making them the most reliable option when the river is still largely open or just ice-covered. If you do find open water, you can also encounter smallmouth bass and northern pike, but walleye remains your best bet for consistent bites this time of year.

**Prime spots to start**
- Deep pools and eddies downstream of bends
- Current breaks along channel edges, near structure such as fallen trees or under bridges
- Behind any strong current seams where baitfish tend to hold

**Winter tactics (open water vs. ice conditions)**
- Open water (no ice): use a jigging lure or small jigging spoon (1/4–1/2 oz) paired with a live minnow or a soft plastic bait. Cast along the current seam and employ a slow lift-and-pause rhythm; drift fishing near deeper holes also works well.
- Ice fishing (where safe): vertical jigging with a jig in the 1/8–1/2 oz range, tipped with a wax worm or minnow head; drop to the bottom and jig in short pulses. A tip-up with a live minnow can be effective in deeper sections.

**Gear and tackle (practical)**
- Rods: 6'6"–7' medium action for jigging/casting in a river
- Reels: 2500–3000 size, 6–12 lb fluorocarbon mainline with a light steel or fluoro leader
- Terminal tackle: jigging spoons and jigs from 1/8–1/2 oz; soft plastics around 3–4 inches; live minnows where allowed

**Amazon picks (fishing-related)**
- [TRUSCEND Pre-Rigged Fishing Jigs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G4QCMN5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [TRUSCEND Well-Made Rooster Tail Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJVC9WZZ?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [XOSQEF Swimbait Glide Bait for Bass (A01)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FX3P356K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Topconcpt 275-Piece Fishing Lure Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074W3NY4Q?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

**Weather note (early winter)**
- Cold water slows fish activity; focus on the warmest part of the day and use a steady, patient presentation. Windy days can push baitfish to banks—cast along inside bends where current slows. If a warm spell arrives, shallow edges may become more productive. Always monitor ice safety and local regulations.

**Pro tips**
- Confirm Thames River regulations for London, Ontario (season dates, size limits, and bait rules) before you fish.
- Start with a simple setup, then add a second rod or jig if you’re not getting bites after 20–30 minutes.
- Keep your presentations short and methodical; walleye often bite in short, decisive taps.

Remember, consistency beats luck. Stay patient, read the water, and you’ll land that keeper. Tight lines and good luck! 🎣

🎣 Thames River, London, Ontario, Canada

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