Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Toronto (Complete Guide)

The rich waters around Toronto offer some of the best fishing in Canada. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish near Toronto can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish near Toronto are spring, summer, and fall, particularly during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Month	Toronto Fishing Location
January	Lake Simcoe is a popular spot near Toronto for ice fishing Yellow Perch.
February	The Credit River near Toronto is good for winter brown trout and steelhead fishing.
March	The Humber River near Toronto offers fishing opportunities for Northern Pike and Carp.
April	The Credit River near Toronto is known for its fishing for Smallmouth Bass.
May	The Kawartha Lakes near Toronto are great for Largemouth Bass fishing in the spring.
June	The Humber River near Toronto is a popular spot for Carp fishing.
July	The Niagara River near Toronto is a top location for Rainbow Trout fishing.
August	The Rideau River near Toronto is known for Musky fishing.
September	Lake Ontario near Toronto is a prime spot for targeting Walleye.
October	The Grand River near Toronto is a good location for Brown Trout fishing.
November	The Saugeen River near Toronto offers opportunities for Steelhead fishing.
December	Rice Lake near Toronto is a popular spot for ice fishing Yellow Perch.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Toronto. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Consult this expert guide to learn the best fishing time slots in Canada for both saltwater and freshwater environments.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish near Toronto

Credit River: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Humber River: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Grand River: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting smallmouth bass, walleye, and carp.

Don River: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Rouge River: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Credit Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Duffins Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Bowmanville Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Sixteen Mile Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Bronte Creek: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Humber Creek: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Mimico Creek: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Etobicoke Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Highland Creek: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Rouge Creek: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Duffins Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Carruthers Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Frenchman’s Bay: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass.

Petticoat Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Lynde Creek: Best months to fish are April to November, targeting brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass.

Best Times: Lake Fishing near Toronto

Lake Simcoe: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting yellow perch, lake trout, and northern pike.

Lake Ontario: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting salmon, trout, bass, and pike.

Lake Erie: Best months to fish are June to September, targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.

Georgian Bay: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting musky, smallmouth bass, and pike.

Rice Lake: Best months to fish are April to October, targeting walleye, bass, and musky.

Sturgeon Lake: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting largemouth bass, musky, and panfish.

Lake Scugog: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting musky, walleye, and crappie.

Lake Couchiching: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting smallmouth bass, walleye, and musky.

Lake Huron: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting salmon, trout, and smallmouth bass.

Chemong Lake: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting walleye, musky, and bass.

Pigeon Lake: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting bass, walleye, and musky.

Lake Scugog: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting musky, walleye, and crappie.

Lake Muskoka: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting musky, smallmouth bass, and pike.

Lake Joseph: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting bass, musky, and pike.

Lake Rosseau: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting musky, smallmouth bass, and pike.

Lake Nipissing: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting walleye, musky, and pike.

Lake Scugog: Best months to fish are May to October, targeting musky, walleye, and crappie.

Balsam Lake: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting bass, walleye, and musky.

Lake Temagami: Best months to fish are May to September, targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake trout.

Lake Erie: Best months to fish are June to September, targeting walleye, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.

Check out this helpful guide for picking the best times to fish in Yukon. You may also like this article on the best times to fish in Ontario throughout the year.

Best Times: Fishing Locations near Toronto

Lake Ontario

As one of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario provides many fishing opportunities for species such as salmon, trout, bass, and pike. The best time to fish is spring, summer, and fall. Fishing can be successful at various times of the day, and rain can also provide good fishing opportunities before, during, or after rainfall.

Lake Simcoe

Just north of Toronto, Lake Simcoe offers excellent fishing opportunities for species such as yellow perch, lake trout, and northern pike. Lake Simcoe offers good fishing for species like yellow perch, lake trout, and northern pike. The best time to fish is spring, summer, and fall. Fishing can be successful during various times of the day, and rain can also provide good fishing opportunities before, during, or after rainfall.

Grand River

Located west of Toronto, the Grand River is known for its scenic beauty and offers smallmouth bass, walleye, and carp fishing. The best time to fish is spring, summer, and fall. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, and it’s important to be aware of water levels, which can impact fishing conditions.

Humber River

The Humber River flows through Toronto and provides fishing opportunities for species like carp, northern pike, and smallmouth bass. The best time to fish is spring, summer, and fall. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, and it’s important to be aware of water levels, which can affect fishing conditions. Fishing can be successful before, during, and after rain, but heavy rainfall may result in higher water levels and more challenging fishing.

Credit River

The Credit River near Toronto is a popular fishing spot known for its diverse fish species, including brown trout, steelhead, and smallmouth bass. The best time to fish is spring and fall, such as April to June and September to November. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, and it’s important to be aware of water levels affecting fishing conditions. Fishing can be successful before, during, and after rain, but heavy rainfall may result in higher water levels and more challenging fishing conditions.

Niagara River

Near Toronto, the Niagara River is famous for its salmon and trout fishing, attracting anglers from far and wide. The best time to fish is during the fall months, from September to November. Early mornings and late afternoons are optimal, and it’s essential to know water levels that can impact fishing conditions. Fishing can be successful before, during, and after rain, but heavy rainfall may lead to higher water levels and more challenging fishing.

Ganaraska River

Situated east of Toronto, the Ganaraska River is known for its salmon and steelhead fishing, providing exciting angling experiences.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Toronto

These Toronto-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Kings Landing Sportfishing	Toronto, ON
Salmon Catcher Charters	Toronto, ON
Angler’s Edge Fishing Charters	Toronto, ON
Sure Thing Sportfishing	Toronto, ON
Sea Angel Charters – Toronto	Mississauga, ON
Sea Angel Charters – Mississauga	Mississauga, ON

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing near Toronto is best during the spring, summer, and fall, typically from April to November. Smallmouth bass are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for smallmouth bass fishing include Lake Simcoe, the Kawartha Lakes, the Rideau River, and the Bay of Quinte.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing near Toronto is best during the spring, summer, and fall, typically from May to October. Largemouth bass are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for largemouth bass fishing include Lake Simcoe, the Kawartha Lakes, the Rideau River, and the Bay of Quinte.

Northern Pike

Pike fishing near Toronto is best during the spring, summer, and fall, typically from April to November. Pike are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for pike fishing include the Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe, the Rideau River, and the Grand River.

Musky

Musky fishing near Toronto is best during the summer and fall, typically from June to October. Musky are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for musky fishing include the Kawartha Lakes, Lake Simcoe, the Rideau River, and the Ottawa River.

Yellow Perch

Perch fishing near Toronto is best during the spring, summer, and fall, particularly from April to November. Perch are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for perch fishing include Lake Simcoe, Lake Ontario, the Trent-Severn Waterway, and the Bay of Quinte.

Lake Trout

Lake trout fishing near Toronto is best during the spring and fall, typically from April to June and September to October. Lake trout are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for lake trout fishing include Lake Simcoe, Lake Ontario, Georgian Bay, and Lake Huron.

Brown Trout

Brown trout fishing near Toronto is best in spring and fall, typically from April to June and September to October. Brown trout are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for brown trout fishing include the Credit River, the Grand River, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing near Toronto is best in spring and fall, typically from April to June and September to October. Rainbow trout are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for rainbow trout fishing include the Credit River, the Ganaraska River, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing near Toronto is best in spring and fall, particularly from April to June and September to November. Steelhead are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for steelhead fishing include the Credit River, the Ganaraska River, the Niagara River, and the Saugeen River.

King Salmon

King salmon fishing near Toronto is best during the summer and early fall, typically from July to September. King salmon are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for king salmon fishing include the Credit River, the Ganaraska River, the Niagara River, and the Saugeen River.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon fishing near Toronto is best during the fall, particularly from September to November. Coho salmon are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for coho salmon fishing include the Credit River, the Ganaraska River, the Niagara River, and the Saugeen River.

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon fishing near Toronto is best during the fall and early winter, typically from September to December. Atlantic salmon are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some top locations near Toronto for Atlantic salmon fishing include the Credit River, the Ganaraska River, the Niagara River, and the Saugeen River.

Carp

The best time to fish for carp in the Toronto area is usually during the warmer months, from May to September. Carp are often most active early in the morning and late in the evening. Some top locations for carp fishing near Toronto include the Credit River, Lake Ontario, Lake Simcoe, and the Grand River.

Catfish

The best time to fish for catfish in the Toronto area is typically during the warmer months, from May to September. Catfish are often most active at night or during the early morning and late evening hours. Some top locations for catfish fishing near Toronto include the Credit River, the Humber River, Lake Ontario, and the Grand River.

White Bass

White bass fishing near Toronto is best during the spring and early summer months, from May to July. White bass are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations near Toronto for white bass fishing include the Trent River, the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario, and the Niagara River.

Crappie

Crappie fishing near Toronto is best during the spring and fall seasons, particularly from April to June and September to November. Crappie are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations for crappie fishing near Toronto include Lake Scugog, Lake Simcoe, Rice Lake, and the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Gar

Gar fishing near Toronto is best during summer, particularly from June to August. Gar are most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations for gar fishing near Toronto include the Grand River, the Credit River, Lake Ontario, and the Humber River.

Freshwater Drum (Sheepshead)

Sheepshead fishing near Toronto is best during the summer and fall, particularly from June to October. Sheepshead are often most active during the early morning and late afternoon. Some top locations near Toronto for sheepshead fishing include Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, the Bay of Quinte, and the St. Lawrence River.

Best Fishing near Toronto on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

• Lake Simcoe near Toronto offers excellent ice fishing opportunities during the winter season, where you can catch Yellow Perch, Whitefish, and Lake Trout.
• The Credit River is a popular spot for winter Steelhead fishing near Toronto, known for its challenging and rewarding angling experiences.
• Head to Lake Ontario for winter Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout fishing, with opportunities to catch these prized species.
• The Grand River in southwestern Ontario is a great location for winter Walleye fishing, offering a chance to reel in these tasty fish during the colder months.
• Explore the Trent-Severn Waterway near Toronto, which provides winter fishing for various species such as Pike, Perch, and Walleye.

Spring

• The Credit River near Toronto is a popular spot for spring fishing, with opportunities to catch trout, bass, and pike.
• Head to Lake Ontario for spring fishing, where you can target species such as salmon, trout, and bass.
• Lake Simcoe offers excellent spring fishing for perch, pike, and whitefish.
• The Humber River is a great location for spring fishing, with catches including bass, carp, and catfish.
• Explore the Rouge River near Toronto for spring fishing opportunities, where you can catch species like bass, pike, and panfish.

Summer

• Lake Ontario near Toronto offers excellent fishing for bass, pike, and panfish during the summer months.
• The Credit River is a popular spot for summer fishing, where you can target trout, bass, and carp.
• Head to Lake Simcoe for summer fishing opportunities, including catches of perch, bass, and pike.
• The Grand River provides great summer fishing for smallmouth bass, walleye, and catfish.
• Explore the Trent-Severn Waterway near Toronto, where you can catch a variety of species such as muskie, pike, and panfish during the summer season.

Fall

• The Credit River near Toronto is a popular spot to catch salmon and trout during fall.
• Lake Ontario offers opportunities to catch bass, pike, and walleye as they feed heavily before winter.
• The Humber River is a great location for fall fishing, with species such as catfish and carp being commonly targeted.
• Head to Lake Simcoe for fall fishing, where you can catch perch, whitefish, and lake trout.
• Explore the Rouge River, where you can find species like bass and pike for fall fishing near Toronto.