Twelve Mile Creek fishing in St. Catharines and Pelham

A cold, spring-fed creek with brook and brown trout in the Short Hills near St. Catharines.

Niagara's only cold-water stream, self-sustaining wild brook trout plus naturalized brown trout. Cold, spring-fed, holds through summer. Heavily protected; special regulations and sanctuary closures apply.

What fish are in the Twelve Mile Creek?

This section holds Brook trout and Brown trout. 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 Twelve Mile Creek 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:

Short Hills cold reach (inland)

• Brook trout: fourth Saturday in April to September 30 (limits S-5 and C-2)
• Brown trout: fourth Saturday in April to September 30 (limits S-5 and C-2)

All Zone 16 fishing regulations →

How the Twelve Mile Creek fishes

These cold, spring-fed headwaters run clear and cool. Trout hold in shade, undercut banks and pocket water. Approach quietly, use light tippet, and fish small dries, dry-droppers and nymphs.

Tactics by species

• Brook trout: fish small dries, nymphs and tiny streamers on light tippet, and keep low and quiet in small water.
• Brown trout: nymph the seams in cool water, run a dry-dropper in prime temperatures, and swing or strip streamers at dawn and dusk for bigger fish.

The Twelve Mile Creek through the year

Spring

Snowmelt and spring rain run the Twelve Mile Creek high and cold. Trout feed hard once the water starts to warm, and nymphs and streamers fished slow and deep take most fish. In most of Zones 16 and 17 the trout season opens on the fourth Saturday in April; check the stretch rules above.

Summer

Groundwater keeps this water cool through July and August. Trout spread into the riffles to feed, so light tippet, small dries and nymphs, and a quiet approach are the keys.

Fall

Cooling water brings trout back into the open, and brown and brook trout get aggressive before they spawn. Most zone-wide trout seasons close on September 30, so check the stretch rules.

Winter

Most of this water is closed or frozen in winter. Use the time to plan spring trips and check the new regulations summary when it comes out.

Flies and lures for the Twelve Mile Creek

• Brook trout: on the fly rod, small Adams and Elk Hair Caddis dries, beadhead nymphs and tiny streamers. On spinning gear, the smallest inline spinners, with the barbs pinched.
• Brown trout: on the fly rod, Pheasant Tail and Hare's Ear nymphs, Elk Hair Caddis and mayfly dries, and sculpin or Woolly Bugger streamers at dawn and dusk. On spinning gear, small inline spinners and minnow imitating plugs cast tight to cover.

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

In small, cold water, trout live under cover: undercut banks, fallen trees, root wads and the plunge pools below small drops. Walk upstream, stay back from the bank, and make the first cast to each spot count.

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 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, which manages the Twelve Mile Creek watershed and publishes maps of its conservation areas and trails.

Where to fish the Twelve Mile Creek

Public places along this section include Short Hills Provincial 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 Twelve Mile Creek 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

Nearby rivers

Fishing spots in Niagara Falls and St. Catharines → · Fishing spots in Oakville → · All 26 river guides →