Muddy York Fishing spots in Oshawa and Bowmanville
Durham's eastern creeks, Bowmanville Creek and Wilmot Creek in Newcastle, get strong fall runs of Chinook salmon and steelhead. The Bowmanville Creek fish ladder is a favourite place to watch salmon jump each September.
Durham Region rivers are in Fisheries Management Zone 17; Lake Ontario is Zone 20.
Rivers near Oshawa and Bowmanville
Distances are straight-line from central Oshawa and Bowmanville. Each guide shows what's there, when it's open and today's season status.
Bowmanville Creek Lower: Bowmanville to the lake · 7 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 · 15 km
Steelhead, Chinook and Atlantic salmon in Newcastle. Open all year below the CNR tracks, to December 31 up to Highway 2.
Duffins Creek Lower: Ajax / Pickering · 22 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) · 31 km
Salmon and steelhead in Rouge National Urban Park. Open all year below Kingston Road.
Ganaraska River Lower: Port Hope below the fishway · 40 km
Port Hope's famous salmon run. Official seasons differ by stretch: one is closed all year, one closes September 1 to October 14.
Humber River Lower: Old Mill to the mouth (Toronto) · 64 km
Toronto's salmon run at Old Mill. The Humber is open all year for trout and salmon below Eglinton Avenue.
Salmon run near Oshawa and Bowmanville
- Port Hope salmon run and fish ladder
- Humber River salmon run at Old Mill
- Bowmanville salmon run and fish ladder
- Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering
Stop guessing which river to fish near Oshawa and Bowmanville
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 Oshawa and Bowmanville through the year
Spring (March to May): spring steelhead in the lower Bowmanville Creek, Wilmot Creek and Duffins 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 Bowmanville Creek, Wilmot Creek and Duffins 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 Oshawa and Bowmanville: 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 Oshawa and Bowmanville?
The closest rivers we cover are the Bowmanville Creek (7 km), the Wilmot Creek (15 km) and the Duffins Creek (22 km). Each guide lists public access and the official season for every stretch.
What fish can I catch near Oshawa and Bowmanville?
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 Oshawa and Bowmanville?
Port Hope salmon run and fish ladder, Humber River salmon run at Old Mill, Bowmanville salmon run and fish ladder and Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering. The run peaks in September.
What fishing zone is Oshawa and Bowmanville 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 →