Muddy York Fishing spots in Ajax and Pickering
Duffins Creek runs through Ajax and Pickering to Lake Ontario, with public access at Rotary Park in Ajax and Greenwood Conservation Area. Below the CNR tracks it's open all year for trout and salmon, and the Rouge River is just to the west.
Durham Region rivers are in Fisheries Management Zone 17; Lake Ontario is Zone 20.
Rivers near Ajax and Pickering
Distances are straight-line from central Ajax and Pickering. Each guide shows what's there, when it's open and today's season status.
Duffins Creek Lower: Ajax / Pickering · 2 km
Chinook, steelhead and Atlantic salmon in Ajax and Pickering. Open all year below the CNR tracks.
Rouge River Lower: Twyn Rivers to the mouth (Toronto) · 11 km
Salmon and steelhead in Rouge National Urban Park. Open all year below Kingston Road.
Bowmanville Creek Lower: Bowmanville to the lake · 27 km
The Bowmanville salmon run and fish ladder. Open all year below the CNR tracks, to December 31 up to Highway 2.
Wilmot Creek Lower: Newcastle · 35 km
Steelhead, Chinook and Atlantic salmon in Newcastle. Open all year below the CNR tracks, to December 31 up to Highway 2.
Humber River Lower: Old Mill to the mouth (Toronto) · 44 km
Toronto's salmon run at Old Mill. The Humber is open all year for trout and salmon below Eglinton Avenue.
Ganaraska River Lower: Port Hope below the fishway · 60 km
Port Hope's famous salmon run. Official seasons differ by stretch: one is closed all year, one closes September 1 to October 14.
Credit River Lower: mouth to Streetsville · 63 km
Chinook and steelhead in Mississauga. Open all year below Highway 403; Highway 403 to Britannia Rd closes August 15.
Salmon run near Ajax and Pickering
- Port Hope salmon run and fish ladder
- Humber River salmon run at Old Mill
- Bowmanville salmon run and fish ladder
- Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit
- Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering
Stop guessing which river to fish near Ajax and Pickering
Muddy York Fishing ranks every river near you each morning from live conditions, shows whether it's open, and tells you what to tie on.
Start your free 7-day trialFishing near Ajax and Pickering through the year
Spring (March to May): spring steelhead in the lower Duffins Creek, Rouge River and Bowmanville Creek. Trout season opens on most inland stretches on the fourth Saturday in April.
Summer (June to August): lower rivers run warm and quiet. Most trout and salmon are out in the lake.
Fall (September to November): the Chinook salmon run on the Duffins Creek, Rouge River and Bowmanville Creek peaks from mid September to mid October, with steelhead following into November.
Winter (December to February): the stretches that are open all year hold steelhead in the slow, deep pools. Mild days after a thaw are best.
Fishing near Ajax and Pickering: good to know
- Rules change by stretch, often at a road or bridge. Check the official season before you cast.
- Fish only where access is public or permitted, and respect posted private land.
- Trout and salmon struggle in warm water. In summer heat, fish early or rest them.
Frequently asked
Where can I go fishing in Ajax and Pickering?
The closest rivers we cover are the Duffins Creek (2 km), the Rouge River (11 km) and the Bowmanville Creek (27 km). Each guide lists public access and the official season for every stretch.
What fish can I catch near Ajax and Pickering?
Steelhead, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon (restoration) and Brown trout (lake-run), depending on the river and the season.
Where can I see the salmon run near Ajax and Pickering?
Port Hope salmon run and fish ladder, Humber River salmon run at Old Mill, Bowmanville salmon run and fish ladder, Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit and Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering. The run peaks in September.
What fishing zone is Ajax and Pickering in?
Durham Region rivers are in Fisheries Management Zone 17; Lake Ontario is Zone 20.
Do I need a licence to fish here?
Yes, most anglers need an Outdoors Card and a valid Ontario fishing licence. Ontario residents under 18 or 65 and over have different rules; check the official licensing page.
All river guides → · Ontario fishing regulations by zone → · Ontario salmon run →