Best fishing spots near Toronto
Toronto
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) offers a surprising wealth of angling opportunities, from Lake Ontario fishing at harbour waterfronts to river mouths, urban ponds and nearby lakes.
Whether you’re a beginner or a lifelong angler, knowing when, where and what to fish is important, as fishing for certain species is permitted only during specific seasons.
Fish ON-Line is a great resource for determining where, when and which species you are allowed to fish in any location. Search for fishing locations on a map and review zone regulations. There are exceptions and exemptions for fish species and locations, so read the regulations carefully.
Before setting out, you will also need to get a fishing licence or take advantage of one of four free family fishing weekends.
The annual Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary is the most up-to-date guide for everything you need to know, from licences, season and catch limits to regulations and zones.
In addition, you may wish to connect with a local fishing guide or charter service for a fun and hassle-free day out on the water.
Here are tips for popular species, seasons and fishing spots near Toronto.
Fish species and seasons
Southern Ontario is home to a diverse range of freshwater fish. The most popular fish species targeted by anglers in and around the GTA include trout, salmon, bass, walleye, northern pike, carp and a variety of panfish.
Ontario’s fishing regulations set the open seasons for each species. Regulations vary by zone and location; always confirm season dates before you go, using the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary. The information below reflects general rules for the zones in Southern Ontario nearest to Toronto.
Trout
Rainbow trout, also called steelhead, brown trout and lake trout are all found in the rivers and tributary streams of Lake Ontario near Toronto.
Trout can be caught in all cold-weather months, starting from October through to May. Trout season generally opens on the fourth Saturday in April and runs until the end of September; however, river mouths and the lower reaches of most tributaries are open year-round. Be sure to check the waterbody exception details in the zone you will be fishing, which is found in the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary. Trout are most active in cool water, so early-morning outings in spring are especially productive.
Trout migration is greatly impacted by winter runoff, rain, and fluctuating water levels. The prime time to catch trout is from mid-March until late April during their migration from Lake Ontario into tributaries. Rising water levels trigger trout movement. Most major river mouths along Lake Ontario are open for trout fishing all year-round. Be sure to check zone regulations to understand the boundaries.
Salmon
Chinook, Atlantic and coho salmon are the signature fall-run species on Lake Ontario tributaries.
The salmon season typically opens on the fourth Saturday in April and runs to the end of September. However, salmon don’t begin their river runs until late August or early September, making September the prime month to target them.
The day after the first significant rain of September is often exceptional for salmon once runoff clears. Cooler morning water temperatures boost fish activity. Salmon entering fresh water from the lake are bright silver and full of fight.
Bass
Smallmouth and largemouth bass are the most widely distributed sport fish in the GTA, found in rivers, ponds, harbours and in Lake Ontario.
The bass fishing season in the GTA runs from late June through November. For the most part, bass prefer rocky and weedy habitat and are usually easier to catch during early mornings, sunsets and even full-moon nights. Always confirm season dates for the specific zone you’re fishing.
Walleye
Walleye, also known locally as pickerel, is one of Ontario’s most sought-after game fish.
Generally, walleye season in the GTA runs from January 1 to March 15 and from the second Saturday in May through to late fall. Spring and fall are the most popular times to target walleye. The final hour of daylight is the best feeding period, though the first hour after dawn can also be productive, especially on hot days when the river has cooled overnight.
Walleye can also be targeted in winter, making them a year-round option.
Other species
Many urban fishing spots in and around the Greater Toronto Area offer year-round fishing for panfish species, including yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass, brown bullhead, crappie and carp. These species have no closed season in most GTA zones, making them ideal targets for casual anglers, families and beginners.
Fishing spots in Toronto and Etobicoke
The GTA has more fishing access than most visitors (and many locals) realize.
Here’s a list of recommended fishing spots in downtown Toronto, North York, Scarborough and west to Etobicoke, along with the fish species present.
Biidaasige Park
This park is located at the mouth of the re-naturalized Don River near Cherry Street on Ookwemin Minising (part of the Port Lands). Pronounced “bee-daw-si-geh,” meaning “sunlight shining toward us” in Anishinaabemowin, the park celebrates waterway restoration and reconciliation. There are several fishing access points in the restored Don River and its wetland habitat, one of the most ecologically diverse spots in Toronto. Parking is limited; check signage to avoid ticketing.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, white sucker, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 51 Commissioners Street, Toronto
Tommy Thompson Park
Located on the Leslie Street Spit, a peninsula extending into Lake Ontario, this area is renowned for bird watching, wildlife and prime fishing along the rocky shoreline and sheltered bays. It is open to the public on weekends and holidays with free parking at Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue and easy access to public transit.
Fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 1 Leslie Street, Toronto
The Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands offer exceptional fishing in the lagoons, canals and rocky Lake Ontario shorelines surrounding the peaceful, car-free, multi-island chain.
Species diversity is high, including walleye, which is unusual for a within-city location. The islands are accessible via a 15-minute ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street and Queen’s Quay. Public washrooms are available on the islands.
Fish species include northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 9 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Toronto Harbourfront Centre
One of the most accessible urban fishing spots in the city, fishing is permitted in specifically designated areas around Harbourfront Centre. It’s easily reached by public transit (Union Station and the 509/510 streetcars), with some parking options nearby.
Fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
Coronation Park
Located just east of Ontario Place along the Martin Goodman Trail, this pleasant spot for urban anglers targeting warm-water species has shoreline access around Brigantine Cove. Nearby find washrooms, a picnic shelter and limited parking.
Fish species include northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 711 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
Ashbridge’s Bay Park
A popular Toronto waterfront fishing destination offering access to both sheltered bay waters and the open lake. This combination of bay and lakeshore habitats produces a range of species throughout the year. Paid parking and washroom facilities are on-site.
Fish species include chinook salmon, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 1561 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto
G. Ross Lord Park
Part of the West Don River watershed, the reservoir pond in this North York park is an active urban fishery, popular for both angling and bird watching. Over four kilometres of trails and two cricket pitches make it a great all-around outing. Find washrooms and limited parking on-site.
Fishing species include largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 4801 Dufferin Street, North York
Rouge River Marsh
Located within Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto’s east end, this is one of the most diverse fishing spots in the GTA, known for both resident fish and migratory species travelling up from Lake Ontario. The park itself is a remarkable urban wilderness with trails and educational amenities.
Note that Rouge Beach and the marsh are temporarily closed due to construction, with access expected to resume in 2027.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 195 Rouge Hills Drive, Scarborough
Humber Bay Park West
This massive waterfront park with stunning views of the Toronto skyline is a great fishing spot. The nutrient-rich inflow of Mimico Creek, combined with the park’s location near the mouth of the larger Humber River, attracts both migratory and resident fish species year-round. The park features several Green P parking lots, nature trails and a lakeside promenade.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 225 Humber Bay Park Road West, Etobicoke
Humber River Mouth
The mouth of the Humber River, around Humber Bay Park East and the pedestrian bridge, is one of the most productive urban salmon and trout fishing spots in Toronto, especially in the fall run. The Humber is the largest watershed in Toronto, flowing from the Niagara Escarpment into Lake Ontario at Humber Bay. Parking is available.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 1998 Lake Shore Boulevard West, Toronto
Etienne Brulé Park
A historically significant park along the Humber River was named after Etienne Brulé, the first French explorer to venture beyond the St. Lawrence into what is now Ontario.
Once a major trade route used by Indigenous Peoples, the Humber River along this stretch is a prime fall salmon fishing spot, with the river winding north from near the Old Mill toward the Baby Point neighbourhood. On-street parking is available in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon.
Location: 10 Catherine Street, York
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
The varied shoreline habitat and proximity to Lake Ontario make this scenic waterfront park a reliable spot for a range of species throughout the season, with both marina and open-lake fishing. Parking and trail access are available.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 65 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, Etobicoke
Grenadier Pond in High Park
Toronto’s best-known urban fishing pond is popular for its variety of warm-water species and beautiful High Park setting. Park amenities include parking, washrooms, restaurants and trails.
Fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto
Topham Pond, Eglinton Flats
Located in the bowl-shaped park with treed slopes at the intersection of Jane and Eglinton West, anglers target a variety of warm-water species at this neighbourhood fishing spot. Find street parking nearby.
Fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 60 Astoria Avenue, York
Joe Benesh Pond
This small, accessible urban pond within Centennial Park in Etobicoke is an excellent starting point for new anglers, particularly children. Nearby, find a full range of recreational facilities, accessible paths and parking.
Fish species include bluegill, pumpkinseed and brown bullhead.
Location: 256 Centennial Park Road, Etobicoke
Where to fish in Mississauga
Further west, find great fishing opportunities in the neighbouring city of Mississauga.
Marie Curtis Park
Located on the Toronto-Mississauga border, find year-round fishing access and some of the best seasonal trout and salmon fishing in the area, as migratory fish travel up Etobicoke Creek. Two boat launch ramps provide access to Lake Ontario.
There is parking on both the east and west sides of Etobicoke Creek, although the road can be rough for low-clearance vehicles.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 2 Forty Second Street, Etobicoke
Lakefront Promenade Park
The combination of sandy beach, marinas and open lakeshore provides a varied habitat that supports a wide range of species depending on the season. The popular waterfront spot offers free parking, public transit access, a sandy beach, a marina and scenic trails.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 115 Lakefront Promenade, Mississauga
The Credit River in Port Credit
This is one of the premier fishing rivers near Toronto, renowned for over 45 fish species.
The lower section of the river in Mississauga is especially productive for migratory salmon and trout. Port Credit is a vibrant waterfront community, making it easy to combine an angling trip with a meal or a walk along the harbour. Nearby are several municipal parking lots with time restrictions.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 14 Stavebank Road South, Mississauga (mouth of the Credit River)
Erindale Park
Access a different stretch of the Credit River, farther upstream, for migratory trout and salmon and also walleye, a less common but valuable species for this region.
Public parking is available from Dundas Street at the south end and Burnhamthorpe Road West at the north end.
Fish species include chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 1695 Dundas Street West, Mississauga
Lake Aquitaine Park
This popular urba fishing spot in Mississauga offers a warm-water habitat and a variety of panfish and bass. In addition, there’s a five-kilometre loop walking trail around the lake, a large parking lot, washroom facilities and recreational green space.
Fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: Aquitaine Avenue, Mississauga
Fishing spots in Brampton
Northwest of downtown Toronto, the city of Brampton is home to several great fishing locations, especially for beginner anglers.
Heart Lake Conservation Area
Managed by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), Heart Lake is a top family-friendly fishing destination near the city, as it’s stocked with rainbow trout and also home to populations of bass and panfish. The large accessible parking area provides at-grade access to the fishing ponds. TRCA entry fees apply.
Fish species include rainbow trout (stocked), largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 10818 Heart Lake Road, Brampton
Professor’s Lake
This large human-made, spring-fed lake is home to a variety of fish species. Managed by the city of Brampton, the park features a recreation centre, beach, trails and parking.
Fish species include northern pike, largemouth bass, rock bass, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 1660 North Park Drive, Brampton
Parr Lake North
A quiet, naturalized park in Brampton with scenic views, walking paths and a variety of warm-water species offers a more peaceful atmosphere than some of the busier spots nearby. There is limited parking near the park entrance.
Fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 484 Vodden Street East, Brampton
Parr Lake South
This is a great spot for panfish and bass, ideal for beginners due to its calm, accessible shoreline and healthy fish populations. Parking is limited near the park entrance.
Fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead and carp.
Location: 60 Laurelcrest Street, Brampton
Fishing day trips from Toronto
Between one and three hours’ drive from the city are some of Southern Ontario’s finest fishing opportunities. These lakes and river systems are well worth a day trip for serious anglers targeting specific species.
(Upper) Credit River and Saugeen River
The Credit River flows nearly 90 kilometres from the Headwaters region near Caledon into Lake Ontario at Port Credit, offering trout fishing along much of its length, especially on its upper reaches.
Heading northwest, the Saugeen River is one of the finest trout rivers in Ontario. Specifically, the stretch below Denny’s Dam Conservation Area is a favourite spot. The Nottawasaga River, which flows into Georgian Bay at Wasaga Beach, is another excellent option.
Locations:
Ganaraska River
Approximately 100 kilometres east of Toronto in Northumberland County, the Ganaraska River flows from the Oak Ridges Moraine into Lake Ontario at Port Hope and is home to one of the most extensive salmon runs in Southern Ontario. It also offers excellent trout fishing.
Multiple public access points make it easy to find a good stretch of river. Arrive early, the Ganaraska attracts large numbers of anglers during the fall salmon run.
Location: Ganaraska River, Port Hope
Balsam Lake
Balsam Lake in the Kawartha Lakes region, about 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, offers great walleye fishing and can be accessed from Balsam Lake Provincial Park.
The Kawarthas region features over a dozen excellent fishing lakes with ample public access.
Location: Balsam Lake
Thames River
About two hours west of Toronto in London, the Thames River is a reliable bet for both smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Greenway Park and Harris Park both provide good shore access to the river.
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is one of the top walleye fisheries in North America. The pier at Sugarloaf Marina in Port Colborne provides easy shore access to the lake, approximately two hours southwest of Toronto.
Location: Lake Erie, Port Colborne
From city skylines to urban shorelines, discover diverse angling opportunities in the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding areas to trade traffic for tackle and reel in an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Last updated: June 8, 2026