It’s hardly surprising that Toronto – Canada’s most populated city – has been among the world’s most liveable cities. It has arts, culture, great food, and amazing people. But it also has a well-kept secret – an amazing angling scene. Fishing in Toronto is something you can experience within the city limits by just getting in your car and driving to the nearest body of water. In fact, you can even take the bus there!
Reeling in a good catch in Toronto isn’t hard at all. The city sits on the shorelines of Lake Ontario – although it has a lot more to offer. In this guide, we’ll go through the most interesting species and best spots for fishing in Toronto to get you ready for your next adventure. So, without further ado…
Best Fish to Catch in Toronto
Quite a few species dominate the local angling scene in Toronto. You have Great Lake superstars such as Walleye, Salmon, and Trout, along with other freshwater favourites. In this section, we’ll go through the most popular catches in the area.
Trout
We’ll start with Trout. Lake Trout are one of the largest fish species that you can find in Toronto, especially when you look for them in deeper and colder waters. In fact, Lake Trout are often caught during the ice fishing season, when they prefer to hang out closer to the surface. Toronto Lakers react well to live bait, as well as silver spoons and jigs.
Beautiful Rainbow Trout are among the main targets for seasonal anglers who look for them in the fall as they move upstream. There are many rivers in Toronto where you can enjoy great fly fishing action for Rainbow Trout, although you can also find them in Lake Ontario throughout the year.
Next, there’s Brown Trout. These species are abundant in the various rivers and streams that connect to Lake Ontario all across Toronto. Brownies hide around large logs and rocks, where you can lure them in with flies, spinners, spoons, and leaders.
Finally, Trout enthusiasts can also enjoy hunting for Brook Trout. Just like Brown Trout, Brookies don’t stay for the ice season and usually move to their spawning areas in rivers before winter comes. You can look for Brown Trout all throughout Toronto.
Salmon
Salmon fishing in Toronto rarely disappoints. There are various streams and rivers, including the Rouge River, Humber River, Duffins Creek, and, of course, the mighty Lake Ontario where you can get your hands on your very own Salmon.
So, which Salmon can you catch in Toronto? First of all, anglers can fish for Chinook in the deeper cool waters. If you want, you can try trolling for them on Lake Ontario as soon as May, or wait until early fall when Chinook begin looking for their spawning grounds upstream. Fly fishing is also an option, especially if you decide to fish from shore.
Coho Salmon are on the river fishing menu in the fall and spring months. Just like Chinook Salmon, Coho settle upstream until the water freezes, which usually happens in December. When the ice fishing season is over, anglers head to the colder parts of the lakes to look for Cohos.
Walleye
Walleye are known to be quite picky, preferring to hang out in cooler waters. Toronto is home to various lakes with waters cool enough for good Walleye fishing. In fact, in some places, you can fish for these Pickerels pretty close to shore. Ice fishing season is the best time to catch Walleye, especially in Frenchman’s Bay.
You can also hunt for Walleye in Toronto Harbour, around Toronto Islands, the Humber River, and the Don River. Locals often catch Walleye when fishing for Northern Pike. They use jigs and live bait, including night-crawlers, worms, and minnows, along with artificials.
Bass
Our list wouldn’t be complete without one of the best game fish in North America. The season for Bass fishing in Toronto opens in late June, when anglers head to shallow waters to look for Largemouth. The season will depend on the zone you’ll be fishing, so make sure you check it out in advance.
Another Bass you can target in Toronto is Smallmouth. Similar to Largemouth, these Bass hang out in weedy shallow waters, although they prefer slightly cooler spots.
Along with Smallmouth and Largemouth, Bass fishing in Toronto includes White and Rock Bass. Anglers catch White Bass in the early spring as they move upstream, concentrating on rivers, bays, and creeks around Toronto. White Bass are, however, available throughout the year.
Finally, there’s Rock Bass, which some anglers consider to be the most underrated. Locals enjoy fishing for Rock Bass and can name a dozen waterways where you can catch one. These Bass aren’t the biggest trophies out there, although they are mighty fun to catch!
Pike
Every Toronto angler knows that there’s always the chance to find Pike almost anywhere in the area. Just like anywhere in North America, Pike here fight hard and can easily test your angling skills. These freshwater monsters are great even for fly fishermen and ice fishing enthusiasts. You can look for them in shallow areas of the bay, river mouths, and streams, along with cooler and deeper waters if you’re fishing from a boat.
Pike fishing in Toronto is a year-round pleasure, although you should still consider the local rules and regulations. Be sure to know the limits and open season in the area you’re planning to fish.
Crappie & Perch
Perch fishing in Toronto is open all year, although it’s especially popular during the winter months. Anglers hit the frozen lakes all throughout GTA and even in the city. Who in the area hasn’t dreamt about ice fishing for jumbo Perch on Lake Simcoe?
Finally, anglers can also fish for Black Crappie. These smaller fish are an interesting target for beginner anglers in the spring, summer, fall, and winter months – so all throughout the year! Note that, even though Crappie bite well any time of the year, there are open and closed seasons in certain parts of Toronto.
How to Go Fishing in Toronto
Now that you know what fish species there are in Toronto and where you can find them, you might wonder what kind of fishing is best. Well, first of all, the majority of the local fishing scene is concentrated on lake fishing. With Lake Ontario right in your backyard, we’re not surprised!
Toronto offers a strong selection of fishing charters. You can hire a professional guide to fish in Lake Ontario, and not only there. River fishing is also popular, and you can hit the waters by yourself or book a trip with a professional river guide.
How you’ll approach your fishing adventure depends on the season and your target fish. You can hit one of the frozen lakes for some ice fishing during the winter months, fish right from shore almost any time of the year, or head to the deeper waters of Lake Ontario in summer. Or, if you’re up for an adventure, try a little bit of everything!
Toronto Fishing Spots
As you might have already guessed, Toronto has a lot of interesting species on the fishing menu. So we picked our favourite spots to wet a line in the city and to come back home with a solid catch. Let’s take a look at our list below.
- Bluffers Park. This is a great spot for Toronto anglers and visitors. The park offers access to Lake Ontario and allows you to experience all the seasons. You can cast right from shore or from a boat, depending on what species you have in mind. There’s Chinook and Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and even the occasional Walleye. Plus, you can enjoy some gorgeous scenery!
- Toronto Islands. It’s hard to talk about fishing in Toronto and GTA without mentioning the islands. This is where you can enjoy some fresh air and an incredible view of the city. And, of course, cast your line for some interesting catches. The Toronto Islands are full of bays and lagoons with Northern Pike, Bass, trophy Carp, Trout, Salmon, and who knows what else.
- Ashbridges Bay. This bay is located at the bottom of Lakeshore and Coxwell Boulevards and offers some great fishing opportunities for all urban angers. This is where you can get a taste of Lake Ontario fishing within the city limits. Plus, fishing here is available year-round, although some species are seasonal. Depending on when you hit the bay, you can hunt for Salmon, Trout, Perch, and Pike to name a few.
- Rouge River. Ask any Toronto angler where the best place for Bass fishing in Toronto and GTA is. We bet the answer will be Rouge River. It’s located at the very end of Lawrence Avenue in Scarborough and offers amazing views and great seasonal fishing. Of course, Bass aren’t the only available species here – the river also attracts Salmon and Trout.
Toronto Fishing Regulations
If you decide to check out what fishing in Toronto is all about, it’s important to learn the local rules and regulations. Make sure to check those in advance, since there might be open and closed seasons for certain fish species, along with bag limits and special fishing zones. The best idea would be to head out with a local guide.
Note that before you begin your fishing adventure you’ll need to purchase a valid Ontario fishing license. All anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 need to have a license.
Fishing in Toronto – Urban & Fun!
There are various ways to get away from the city crowds. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy some nice angling is to embrace the city and check the fishing action. While fishing in Toronto isn’t necessarily about world-class and huge trophies, it downright has a lot to offer. You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Grab your fishing rod, book a charter near you, and hit the waters to see for yourself!
If you crave more information on how to fish in Canada, take a look at our Canada fishing guide and learn about fish species, hotspots, angling techniques, and regulations.
What’s your favourite place for fishing in Toronto? Have you fished in the city this season? Tell us your stories in the comments below!
