Fishing


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Please see our Places to Visit page for up-to-date status of our conservation areas, trails, and properties.

NOTE:

Please review our Visitor Protocols prior to visiting all Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) locations. Prior to coming to a location, every visitor must do the Ontario Ministry of Health self-assessment for COVID-19. If they do not pass the assessment, they should not visit the location.


There are many excellent fishing spots across the GTA, along the northwest shore of Lake Ontario and at various Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) conservation areas. View a map.

We have great fishing opportunities for all kinds of fishing enthusiasts. Just select your skill level to find information that will help you catch the big one.


Please help ensure the protection of fisheries, wildlife, and enjoyment by other users. Learn about responsible fishing.


 

BEGINNER FISHING

TRCA offers the easiest way to learn how to fish!

At Glen Haffy and Heart Lake Conservation Parks, we stock our fishing ponds and lake with rainbow trout raised from TRCA’s own fish hatchery, located at Glen Haffy Conservation Park.

Also great for beginners. Just show up, cast your line, and try your luck!  We can provide equipment rentals, bait, and fishing tips.

Experienced anglers are also welcome at these parks — but please respect the posted catch limits and bait policy.



TRCA Bait Policy

TRCA has adopted a NO LIVE BAIT policy at all of our conservation areas.

Invasive species, which are commonly transported in bait buckets, enter lakes when people dump their left-over bait and water. Once unwanted species enter water systems, they aggressively compete with native species for food and habitat.

Please help us in our continuing effort to be free of invasive species and provide a great fishing experience for years to come.

The following baits are permitted in TRCA conservation areas:

• Worms
• Artificial lures

Family Fishing Events

The Province of Ontario offers Family Fishing events every year to allow anglers without licenses to get outside and try their luck. Through this program, you are free to enjoy the benefits of an Ontario Sport Fishing License without the need to pay the annual fee.

Family Fishing Events in 2021:

  • TBA*

* Event may be cancelled due to COVID-19. Please check back again for updates.

Learn more about License-Free Family Fishing.

Family fishing day at Heart Lake Conservation Area

 

INTERMEDIATE FISHING

You’ve fished before — but maybe you’re rusty, or you’ve only been at it a year or two. The Greater Toronto Area offers all kinds of ways to get outside fishing!

Fishing at TRCA parks

Better yet, get a license and check out some of the great spots along the northwest shore of Lake Ontario and around the Toronto Area. We’ve set up a map to help you get the most out of your day. View our Fishing Spot Map.

 

EXPERT FISHING

Find a spot on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario and in our conservation areas.

Click on a fishing spot below to see details about the location:


Eating Ontario Fish

The Guide to Eating Ontario Fish is an essential resource for the avid angler. It provides detailed information on the fish species found in water bodies across the Province.

View the Guide to Eating Ontario Fish.

 

How TRCA contributes to better fishing

TRCA works with many partners on a wide range of projects that contribute to healthier fish populations and opportunities for recreational fishing.

  • Fisheries Monitoring – Find out how our monitoring contributes to programs and services that support fish and their habitat
  • Urban Recreational Fishing Strategy – See more about fishing along the northwest shore of Lake Ontario and opportunities to enhance recreational fishing
  • Fishing Code of Conduct – Please help ensure the protection of fisheries, wildlife, and enjoyment by other users by fishing responsibly.

 

 

Find Fishing at these Locations*

(*seasonal hours vary at each location)