Wilmot Creek fishing in Newcastle and Clarington

Steelhead, Chinook and Atlantic salmon in Newcastle. Open all year below the CNR tracks, to December 31 up to Highway 2.

Historic native Atlantic-salmon stream and a key restoration site, with quality steelhead and salmon runs. Holds cold better than most lakeshore creeks.

What fish are in the Wilmot Creek?

This section holds Steelhead, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon (restoration) and Brown trout (lake-run). 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 Wilmot Creek right now?

Ontario sets the season by stretch. Here are the official rules for this section (Fisheries Management Zone 17), from the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary:

CNR tracks 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)
• Brown trout: open all year (limits S-5 and C-2)

Official wording: Regional Municipality of Durham - all waters lying between the southerly limit of the CN…

Hwy 2 (Newcastle) to the CNR tracks

• Rainbow trout: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-2 and C-1)
• Pacific salmon: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-5 and C-2)
• Atlantic salmon: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-0 and C-0)
• Brown trout: open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season) (limits S-5 and C-2)

Official wording: Regional Municipality of Durham - all waters between Highway 2 and the southerly limit o…

All Zone 17 fishing regulations →

How the Wilmot 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

• 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.
• Brown trout (lake-run): fish streamers, eggs and nymphs on dropping, clearing water, especially at first and last light.

The Wilmot Creek through the year

Spring

Spring is steelhead season on the Wilmot Creek. 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

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

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

Winter

Part of the Wilmot Creek 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 Wilmot Creek

• 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).
• Brown trout (lake-run): on the fly rod, egg patterns and sculpin or minnow streamers. On spinning gear, small spinners and minnow plugs, or baits under a float.

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 Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority, which manages the Wilmot Creek watershed and publishes maps of its conservation areas and trails.

Where to fish the Wilmot Creek

Public places along this section include Newcastle. 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 Wilmot 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

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