An Angler’s Guide to Fall Fishing
Fall’s arrival brings the annual salmon migration in the Credit River. As water temperatures begin to cool and precipitation increases water levels, salmon begin their swim upriver to spawn and lay their eggs.
Watching this journey unfold is truly spectacular and we can see why it captivates the community. However, it’s important to watch the salmon run in a way that doesn’t interfere with the fish’s ability to complete their spawning cycle.
Fishing for Salmon Ended September 30
The general open season for trout and salmon fishing is the fourth Saturday of April until September 30. There are exceptions to these fishing regulations, which can make it challenging to understand where and when fishing is permitted.
Here is a summary of regulations about fishing for migratory trout and salmon in the Credit River Watershed. You can find the complete list of regulations on the Ontario website. The Credit River is in Fisheries Management Zone 16.
- Year-round open season: Fishing is permitted in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Highway 403 bridge downstream to Lake Ontario.
- Extended fall season: Fishing is permitted from October 1 until December 31, in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of Britannia Road upstream to the south side of the Highway 407 bridge.
- Fish sanctuary, no fishing permitted: No fishing is permitted from August 15 to the fourth Saturday in April, in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Highway 403 bridge upstream to the south side of the Britannia Road bridge.
If you are unsure if fishing is permitted in the section of the Credit River you are located in, it’s best to avoid fishing there. If you have questions about where to fish at CVC parks, contact our Parks Staff.
Fishing Licences
Most anglers in Ontario need to have a sport fishing or conservation licence issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). There are some exceptions, including those under the age of 18 or aged 65 and over, those with disabilities and active or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces.
All anglers, including those who don’t need a licence, are required to follow the catch and possession limits set out in the regulations. These limits depend on several things, including:
- Fish species
- Licence types: sportfishing or conservation
- Location where you are fishing
There are also aggregate limits for a group of species, such as trout and salmon.
Catch Limit
The catch limit is the maximum number of fish you can catch and keep in a single day. This includes fish that are not immediately released and any fish eaten or given away. Catch limits apply to each person. Any fish gifted to another person count towards your catch limit, including if they are gifted to a member of your fishing party.
Possession Limit
The possession limit is the number of fish you are allowed to have in your possession on hand, in cold storage, in transit or anywhere. Possession limits are the same as one day’s catch limit except where otherwise specified. If you reach the daily catch or possession limit for a species and catch another fish, you must release it immediately. If the limit is zero, anglers may only practice catch and release and you must release any fish caught immediately.
View our Fishing Regulations webpage for a summary of salmon catch limits.
Additional Rules Applicable to Fall Salmon Fishing
When fishing for salmon, remember it is illegal to:
- Abandon fish or permit the flesh to spoil
- Catch or kill a fish by impaling or snagging it with a hook through any part of the body other than the mouth
- Use two lines, unless ice fishing or fishing in locations in the Great Lakes
- Fish within 22.9 metres (75 feet) downstream from the lower entrance to any fishway or canal, obstacle or any device designed to assist fish around an obstacle
Reporting Illegal Fishing Activities
The Ministry of Natural Resources is the lead for enforcement of the fishing regulations in Ontario. Other police forces may also enforce the regulations. Unsportsmanlike or illegal activities include snagging, netting, fishing in closed areas or leaving fish to spoil.
It may not always be easy to identify if someone is fishing illegally, so it is best to call MNR who will forward the tip to a Conservation Officer. If you witness a suspected violation, call the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Complete our Fishing Survey Before October 31
Help guide the development of our Fisheries Management Plan by completing our fishing survey. The survey will close on October 31.
We are conducting this survey to better assess harvest, preferred species and other useful information. The results will be used to help guide the development of a fisheries management plan for Island Lake Conservation Area.
By Jon Clayton, Aquatic Ecologist