Muddy York Fishing spots in Barrie
West of Barrie, the Nottawasaga River runs from Angus to Wasaga Beach and Georgian Bay, with steelhead and Chinook salmon in spring and fall. Its cold tributaries, the Mad, Boyne and Pine rivers, hold brook and brown trout.
The Nottawasaga and its tributaries are in Fisheries Management Zone 16; Georgian Bay is Zone 14.
Rivers near Barrie
Distances are straight-line from central Barrie. Each guide shows what's there, when it's open and today's season status.
Nottawasaga River Main stem: Angus to Wasaga · 17 km
Steelhead and Chinook from Angus to Wasaga Beach. Open all year below the Boyne River.
Nottawasaga tributaries Mad / Boyne / Pine Rivers (cold tribs) · 33 km
Cold Nottawasaga tributaries with brook and brown trout. The Boyne in Earl Rowe Park has its own closures.
Boyne River Primrose / Boyne valley cold headwaters · 39 km
Cold Boyne River headwaters with brook and brown trout. Season is the fourth Saturday in April to September 30.
Beaver River Lower: Thornbury below the dam/fishway · 63 km
Georgian Bay steelhead and salmon below the Thornbury Dam, open to December 31.
Beaver River Upper: Kimberley to below Eugenia · 68 km
Brook, brown and rainbow trout in the Beaver Valley. Season is the fourth Saturday in April to September 30.
Stop guessing which river to fish near Barrie
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Start your free 7-day trialFishing near Barrie through the year
Spring (March to May): spring steelhead in the lower Nottawasaga River and Beaver River. Trout season opens on most inland stretches on the fourth Saturday in April.
Summer (June to August): the cold water on the Nottawasaga tributaries, Boyne River and Beaver River holds trout through the heat. Fish early and late, and stop when the water passes about 20°C.
Fall (September to November): the Chinook salmon run on the Nottawasaga River and Beaver River 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 Barrie: 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 Barrie?
The closest rivers we cover are the Nottawasaga River (17 km), the Nottawasaga tributaries (33 km) and the Boyne River (39 km). Each guide lists public access and the official season for every stretch.
What fish can I catch near Barrie?
Steelhead, Chinook salmon, Brook trout, Brown trout and Rainbow trout, depending on the river and the season.
What fishing zone is Barrie in?
The Nottawasaga and its tributaries are in Fisheries Management Zone 16; Georgian Bay is Zone 14.
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 →