Muddy York Fishing spots in Collingwood
Between Collingwood and Meaford, the Beaver River at Thornbury and the Bighead River at Meaford both get Georgian Bay steelhead and salmon, open to December 31 on their lower reaches. Up the Beaver Valley, the river holds resident trout.
These rivers are in Fisheries Management Zone 16; Georgian Bay is Zone 14.
Rivers near Collingwood
Distances are straight-line from central Collingwood. Each guide shows what's there, when it's open and today's season status.
Beaver River Lower: Thornbury below the dam/fishway · 20 km
Georgian Bay steelhead and salmon below the Thornbury Dam, open to December 31.
Nottawasaga tributaries Mad / Boyne / Pine Rivers (cold tribs) · 22 km
Cold Nottawasaga tributaries with brook and brown trout. The Boyne in Earl Rowe Park has its own closures.
Beaver River Upper: Kimberley to below Eugenia · 28 km
Brook, brown and rainbow trout in the Beaver Valley. Season is the fourth Saturday in April to September 30.
Bighead River Lower: Meaford to Georgian Bay · 32 km
Georgian Bay steelhead and Chinook in Meaford, open to December 31.
Nottawasaga River Main stem: Angus to Wasaga · 33 km
Steelhead and Chinook from Angus to Wasaga Beach. Open all year below the Boyne River.
Boyne River Primrose / Boyne valley cold headwaters · 41 km
Cold Boyne River headwaters with brook and brown trout. Season is the fourth Saturday in April to September 30.
Sydenham River Lower: Owen Sound below the dam · 58 km
Owen Sound's salmon run below the Mill Dam. Sanctuaries close parts of the river; check each stretch.
Salmon run near Collingwood
Stop guessing which river to fish near Collingwood
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 Collingwood through the year
Spring (March to May): spring steelhead in the lower Beaver River, Bighead River and Nottawasaga 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, Beaver River and Boyne 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 Beaver River, Bighead River and Nottawasaga 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 Collingwood: 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 Collingwood?
The closest rivers we cover are the Beaver River (20 km), the Nottawasaga tributaries (22 km) and the Beaver River (28 km). Each guide lists public access and the official season for every stretch.
What fish can I catch near Collingwood?
Steelhead, Chinook salmon, Brook trout, Brown trout and Rainbow trout, depending on the river and the season.
Where can I see the salmon run near Collingwood?
Owen Sound salmon run on the Sydenham River. The run peaks in September.
What fishing zone is Collingwood in?
These rivers 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 →