Muddy York Ontario salmon run 2026: where and when to see it
Every fall, Chinook salmon swim out of the Great Lakes and up Southern Ontario's rivers to spawn, leaping fish ladders and weirs on the way. The run starts in late August, peaks in September and is over by early November.
Below are the best-known places to watch near Toronto and around Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay, with what's legal to fish at each, straight from the official Ontario regulations.
When is the salmon run in Ontario?
Chinook (king) salmon are the main event. They begin staging off river mouths in August, push upstream on the first cool rains of late August and September, and spawn through early October. Coho follow into October and November. Lake-run steelhead and brown trout often follow the salmon in, feeding on eggs.
The run comes in waves. A heavy rain raises and colours the rivers and pulls a fresh push of fish; a warm, dry spell stalls it. The day or two after rain is usually the best time to see fish moving.
Where to see the salmon run
Port Hope salmon run and fish ladder
The best-known viewing spot is the fish ladder at Corbett Dam on the Ganaraska River in Port Hope, where Chinook salmon leap the falls and climb the fishway. Bring patience: fish move in waves, often after rain.
River guide: Ganaraska River fishing
Humber River salmon run at Old Mill
In Toronto, the classic place to watch is the Humber River at Old Mill and Étienne Brûlé Park, where salmon jump the weirs on their way upstream. It's an easy walk from Old Mill subway station.
River guide: Humber River fishing
Bowmanville salmon run and fish ladder
The fish ladder on Bowmanville Creek is one of the easiest places east of Toronto to see Chinook salmon jump. The Bowmanville Valley Trail follows the creek.
River guide: Bowmanville Creek fishing
Credit River salmon run in Mississauga: Erindale and Port Credit
Erindale Park in Mississauga is a popular place to watch salmon move up the Credit, and Port Credit at the river mouth sees fish staging in early fall.
River guide: Credit River fishing
Duffins Creek salmon run in Ajax and Pickering
Rotary Park in Ajax and the trails along Duffins Creek are good places to look for Chinook salmon in September and October.
River guide: Duffins Creek fishing
Owen Sound salmon run on the Sydenham River
Owen Sound's salmon gather below the Mill Dam fishway on the Sydenham River and in the river through Harrison Park, a short walk from downtown.
River guide: Sydenham River fishing
Oshawa salmon run on Oshawa Creek
In Oshawa, Chinook salmon run Oshawa Creek in September and October. The Oshawa Creek Trail follows the valley from the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens down to Lakeview Park at the mouth, with plenty of places to look into the pools from the path.
Oakville salmon run on Sixteen Mile Creek
In Oakville, salmon run Sixteen Mile Creek through the downtown valley. Lions Valley Park and the trails below it are popular places to watch fish holding in the pools, and the harbour at the mouth sees fish staging in early fall.
River guide: Sixteen Mile Creek fishing
Sauble Falls salmon run
At Sauble Falls Provincial Park, north of Sauble Beach, Chinook salmon and later steelhead leap the limestone ledges of the falls in September and October. It is one of the best places on the Lake Huron side to watch fish jump.
River guide: Sauble River fishing
Catch the run on the right day
Muddy York Fishing reads live river conditions every morning, so you know which rivers just got rain and where fish are likely moving.
Start your free 7-day trialWatching the run responsibly
- Watch from the bank and stay off the gravel beds where salmon are spawning.
- Don't touch, chase or throw things at the fish.
- Keep dogs leashed and away from the water's edge.
- Fish only where it's open. Several popular viewing spots are sanctuaries during the run.
Frequently asked
When is the salmon run in Ontario?
Chinook salmon start entering Lake Ontario, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay tributaries in late August, peak through September and finish in October. Coho run a little later, into October and November. Exact timing shifts each year with rain and water temperature.
Are the salmon running right now?
In September and early October, almost certainly in the rivers listed on this page; by November the Chinook run is over. A cool, rainy week brings the biggest pushes. Muddy York Fishing tracks each river's conditions daily.
Where is the best place to see the salmon run near Toronto?
The Humber River at Old Mill in Toronto, the Credit River in Mississauga, the fish ladders in Port Hope and Bowmanville, and Duffins Creek in Ajax are all within an hour of downtown.
What time of day is best to see the salmon run?
Early morning and evening, and on overcast days after rain, when fish are most active and moving. Midday in bright sun is usually slowest.
Why can't you eat salmon after spawning?
Chinook and coho die after spawning, and their bodies break down as they near the end of the run, so fish deep into the run are poor to eat. Many anglers release coloured fish.
Can you fish for salmon during the run?
In many places, yes, but rules change by stretch. Some sections near fish ladders are sanctuaries during the run. Each spot page below lists the official rules.
How to fish the salmon run → · Ontario fishing regulations by zone → · Fishing spots in Toronto →