Fishing

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.

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.

Hooked a Turtle While Fishing?

Ontario’s turtle populations are in decline. If you’ve got a turtle hooked and on the line, please follow the recommended steps. Every rescue counts!

LEARN MORE

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 have bait available for purchase and can provide fishing tips as well!

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

Learn to Fish

Learn to Fish is a hands-on program that teaches new anglers how to fish in Ontario. This is a great opportunity to learn everything you need to know to have a safe and fun fishing experience.

Learn to Fish classes are offered throughout the summer at TRCA’s Heart Lake Conservation Park (10818 Heart Lake Road, Brampton).

LEARN MORE

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.

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