Humber River fishing in Toronto and Etobicoke

Coming for the salmon run? Old Mill Salmon Run 2026: Is It Running Now?, with this week's run status.

Toronto's salmon run at Old Mill. The Humber is open all year for trout and salmon below Eglinton Avenue.

Toronto's own salmon-and-steelhead river, a strong fall chinook run and spring/fall steelhead, plus a small stocked Atlantic-salmon component. Warms in summer; a cold-season fishery in the lower reaches.

What fish are in the Humber River?

This section holds Steelhead, Chinook salmon and Atlantic salmon (restoration). The table shows when each is most active through the year, from Muddy York Fishing's species model. It shows the fish, not the law, so check the open season below too.

● peak · ◐ good · ○ fair

Can I fish the Humber River right now?

Ontario sets the season by stretch. Here are the official rules for this section (Fisheries Management Zone 16), from the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary:

Eglinton Ave to Lake Ontario

• Rainbow trout: open all year (limits S-2 and C-1)
• Pacific salmon: open all year (limits S-5 and C-2)
• Atlantic salmon: open all year (limits S-0 and C-0)

Official wording: Humber River - City of Toronto, between Eglinton Avenue and Lake Ontario

All Zone 16 fishing regulations →

How the Humber River fishes

This is migratory water. Steelhead and salmon move up from the lake on fresh rain, so the best fishing usually comes as the river drops and clears a day or two after a rise. Fish hold in deep pools, tailouts and current seams. Drift eggs and nymphs, or swing and strip streamers, depending on clarity.

Tactics by species

• Steelhead: drift eggs, stoneflies and nymphs through runs and tailouts under a float or on a tight line, and swing streamers when the water is stained.
• Chinook salmon: fish deep holding pools and log-jam tailouts in the lower river with bright streamers swung slowly, or drift roe and egg patterns. Use stout tackle.
• Atlantic salmon (restoration): Atlantic salmon are catch-and-release only. Use small wets and nymphs on light tippet in low light, and release them quickly.

Coming for the fall run? See our Humber River salmon run at Old Mill guide for where to watch and what's legal.

The Humber River through the year

Spring

Spring is steelhead season on the Humber River. Fish that came in over the winter spawn from March into April, then drop back to the lake. Rain and snowmelt keep the water high and cold, so fish slow and deep in the softer edges.

Summer

Summer is the quiet season on lower Humber River. The water warms and most migratory fish are in the lake. Fish early in the morning if you go, and stop when the water passes about 20°C.

Fall

The Chinook salmon run fills the Humber River from late August, peaks from mid September to mid October, and fades through October. Steelhead follow the salmon in to feed on loose eggs, and fresh rain brings each new wave of fish.

Winter

Part of the Humber River is open all year, and steelhead hold in the slow, deep pools through winter. Mild days after a thaw are best. Fish slow and small, and watch for shelf ice on the banks.

Flies and lures for the Humber River

• Steelhead: on the fly rod, egg patterns (Nuke Eggs, Sucker Spawn), stonefly and Pheasant Tail nymphs, and Woolly Buggers or Intruder style streamers. On spinning gear, roe bags or soft beads under a float, plus small spinners and spoons in stained water.
• Chinook salmon: on the fly rod, large, bright streamers and egg patterns swung slowly through holding pools. On spinning gear, spoons, plugs and rattle baits, which trigger strikes from territorial fish.
• Atlantic salmon (restoration): on the fly rod, small wet flies and nymphs on light tippet (release every Atlantic salmon). On spinning gear, small spinners with a single barbless hook (release every Atlantic salmon).

Gear and bait rules can differ by stretch, so match what you tie on to the rules for your water above. Muddy York Fishing picks the technique and fly for the day from live water temperature and clarity.

Reading the water

Migratory fish rest in the deepest, slowest water they can find and move through the shallow riffles quickly. Look for pools below riffles, tailouts, log jams and the seam where fast water meets slow. After rain, fish move; as the water drops and clears, they settle into those lies and bite best.

Before a trip, check the river's flow on the Water Survey of Canada real-time gauges and any flood or safety messages from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, which manages the Humber River watershed and publishes maps of its conservation areas and trails.

Where to fish the Humber River

Public places along this section include Étienne Brûlé Park (Old Mill) and King's Mill Park. Park in public lots, follow posted signs, and never cross private land without permission. Muddy York Fishing members get parking and walk-in routes for each section, and exact spots are never shared publicly.

Before you go

• Carry your Outdoors Card and fishing licence.
• Check which stretch you'll fish and its official season above. Rules often change at a bridge or road.
• Look at the water temperature. Above about 20°C, trout and salmon struggle, so fish early or rest them.
• After heavy rain the Humber River can be high and dangerous. Never wade water you can't read, and wear a wading belt.
• Pack out everything you bring, including line and bait containers.

Frequently asked

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