Muddy York Fishing spots in Toronto
Toronto's rivers run right through the city: the Humber in the west end, the Don through the middle and the Rouge along the eastern edge in Rouge National Urban Park. Each fall Chinook salmon push up them from Lake Ontario, and the Humber at Old Mill is a popular place to watch the run.
Toronto's rivers are in Fisheries Management Zone 16. Lake Ontario and Toronto Harbour are in Zone 20.
Rivers near Toronto
Distances are straight-line from central Toronto. Each guide shows what's there, when it's open and today's season status.
Humber River Lower: Old Mill to the mouth (Toronto) · 9 km
Toronto's salmon run at Old Mill. The Humber is open all year for trout and salmon below Eglinton Avenue.
Rouge River Lower: Twyn Rivers to the mouth (Toronto) · 26 km
Salmon and steelhead in Rouge National Urban Park. Open all year below Kingston Road.
Credit River Lower: mouth to Streetsville · 28 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 · 34 km
Salmon and steelhead in downtown Oakville. Open all year below Lakeshore Road, to December 31 up to Highway 407.
Duffins Creek Lower: Ajax / Pickering · 35 km
Chinook, steelhead and Atlantic salmon in Ajax and Pickering. Open all year below the CNR tracks.
Bronte Creek Lower: Oakville to the lake · 39 km
Oakville's salmon and steelhead creek. Open all year below Lakeshore Road, to December 31 up to Highway 407.
Credit River Middle: Norval to Glen Williams · 43 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 · 52 km
Wild brook and brown trout in the upper Credit. Artificial lures and barbless hooks above Old Baseline Road.
Salmon run near Toronto
- Humber River salmon run at Old Mill
- Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit
- Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering
- Oakville salmon run on Sixteen Mile Creek
Stop guessing which river to fish near Toronto
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 Toronto through the year
Spring (March to May): spring steelhead in the lower Humber River, Rouge River and Credit River. Trout season opens on most inland stretches on the fourth Saturday in April.
Summer (June to August): the cold water on the Credit 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 Humber River, Rouge River and Credit 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 Toronto: 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 Toronto?
The closest rivers we cover are the Humber River (9 km), the Rouge River (26 km) and the Credit River (28 km). Each guide lists public access and the official season for every stretch.
What fish can I catch near Toronto?
Steelhead, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon (restoration), Brown trout (lake-run), Brown trout, Rainbow trout and Brook trout, depending on the river and the season.
Where can I see the salmon run near Toronto?
Humber River salmon run at Old Mill, Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit, Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering and Oakville salmon run on Sixteen Mile Creek. The run peaks in September.
What fishing zone is Toronto in?
Toronto's rivers are in Fisheries Management Zone 16. Lake Ontario and Toronto Harbour are in 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 →