Muddy York Fishing spots in Guelph
North of Guelph, the Grand River below Shand Dam is a renowned brown trout tailwater, through Fergus, Elora and the Elora Gorge to West Montrose. The Conestogo tailwater near Waterloo is close by too.
The Grand River and the Conestogo are in Fisheries Management Zone 16.
Rivers near Guelph
Distances are straight-line from central Guelph. Each guide shows what's there, when it's open and today's season status.
Grand River Tailwater: Shand Dam to West Montrose · 21 km
Wild brown trout below Shand Dam, special catch-and-release stretches through Fergus and Elora.
Credit River Middle: Norval to Glen Williams · 29 km
Brown and rainbow trout on the middle Credit. Season runs the fourth Saturday in April to September 30.
Credit River Upper: Forks of the Credit / Belfountain · 33 km
Wild brook and brown trout in the upper Credit. Artificial lures and barbless hooks above Old Baseline Road.
Conestogo River Tailwater: below Conestogo Dam · 36 km
Cold tailwater below the Conestogo Dam with brown and rainbow trout near Waterloo.
Credit River Lower: mouth to Streetsville · 44 km
Chinook and steelhead in Mississauga. Open all year below Highway 403; Highway 403 to Britannia Rd closes August 15.
Sixteen Mile Creek Lower: Oakville to the lake · 45 km
Salmon and steelhead in downtown Oakville. Open all year below Lakeshore Road, to December 31 up to Highway 407.
Bronte Creek Lower: Oakville to the lake · 47 km
Oakville's salmon and steelhead creek. Open all year below Lakeshore Road, to December 31 up to Highway 407.
Humber River Lower: Old Mill to the mouth (Toronto) · 62 km
Toronto's salmon run at Old Mill. The Humber is open all year for trout and salmon below Eglinton Avenue.
Salmon run near Guelph
- Humber River salmon run at Old Mill
- Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit
- Oakville salmon run on Sixteen Mile Creek
Stop guessing which river to fish near Guelph
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 Guelph through the year
Spring (March to May): spring steelhead in the lower Credit River, Sixteen Mile Creek and Bronte Creek. Trout season opens on most inland stretches on the fourth Saturday in April.
Summer (June to August): the cold water on the Grand River, Credit River and Conestogo 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 Credit River, Sixteen Mile Creek and Bronte 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 Guelph: 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 Guelph?
The closest rivers we cover are the Grand River (21 km), the Credit River (29 km) and the Credit River (33 km). Each guide lists public access and the official season for every stretch.
What fish can I catch near Guelph?
Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, Brook trout, Chinook salmon, Brown trout (lake-run) and Atlantic salmon (restoration), depending on the river and the season.
Where can I see the salmon run near Guelph?
Humber River salmon run at Old Mill, Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit and Oakville salmon run on Sixteen Mile Creek. The run peaks in September.
What fishing zone is Guelph in?
The Grand River and the Conestogo are in Fisheries Management Zone 16.
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 →