"The Upper Credit truly is one of the last bastians of wilderness in the shadow of urban sprawl, one of the few remaining cold-water stream in southern Ontario that has genuine blue-ribbon trout fishing." (Ontario Out of Doors Magazine)

The Credit River is world renowned for fishing. It is home to over 45 fish species - testimony to the health and diverse habitat of the river. Popular "sportfish" include: brook, brown and rainbow trout; Chinook and Coho salmon; smallmouth and largemouth bass; northern pike and carp. Black crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and bullhead catfish represent smaller panfish that are widespread and common to many small lakes and ponds in the watershed, and may even be found in slow moving river sections.

So, grab your fishing rod, pack a picnic and enjoy what the Credit has to offer.

General Regulations for the Credit River (2008-2009)

Who Needs a Fishing Licence?

Most residents of Canada and all non-residents between 18 and 65 need a fishing licence. Non-residents under 18 years of age do not require a licence, however, if they are fishing with an adult who has a fishing licence, any fish caught are part of the catch and possession limit of the adult. Those who qualify to fish without a licence may fish with the same catch and possession limits as holders of a Sport Fishing Licence. Anglers who don't need a licence must abide by the same regulations and have the same responsibilities as those who have purchased a licence. The Fishing Regulations Summary can be found at www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/index.html .

Catch and Possession Limits

The catch limit is the number of fish you are allowed to catch and keep in one day. The possession limit is the number you are allowed to have in your possession on hand, in cold storage, in transit, etc. and is the same as one day's catch limit. As well, fish caught that day and eaten are counted as part of your daily catch limit. For example, if you have a Sport Fishing licence that entitles you to possess six northern pike and you have two in the freezer, you can only keep 4 pike.

The following regulations guiding seasons and catch and possession limits apply:

* - Catch and possession limits for trout & salmon are combined and are not to exceed individual limits.
S - sportfishing licence; C - conservation licence

Exceptions for the Credit River

Regulation exceptions have been developed to provide anglers with additional opportunities or to protect fish during sensitive times of the year such as spawning periods. These exceptions are:

•  EXTENDED FALL SEASON Until December 31 for rainbow and brown trout and pacific salmon from the south side of Britannia Road upstream to the south side of the Highway 407 bridge.

•  YEAR ROUND OPEN SEASON for rainbow trout, brown trout and pacific salmon from the south side of Highway 403 bridge downstream to Lake Ontario .

•  NO FISHING for any species from August 15 to the Friday before 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.

•  NO FISHING for any species from January 1 to the Friday before the fourth Saturday in April in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Britannia Road bridge upstream to the south side of the Old Baseline Road bridge, excluding Levi's Creek and Fletcher's Creek.

•  NO FISHING for any species from October 1 to the Friday before the fourth Saturday in April in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Old Baseline Road bridge in Caledon upstream to Highway 9.

•  Rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout catch and possession limit of zero and only artificial lures (no organic bait) with one barbless hook can be used when angling the Credit River and tributaries upstream of Old Baseline Road in Caledon.

Did You Know?

•  The Ministry of the Environment publishes the Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish . Copies can be obtained by calling 1-800-820-2716 or by visiting www.ontario.ca/fishguide .

•  Anglers in possession of a valid fishing licence are allowed to harvest baitfish, leeches and northern leopard frogs for bait.

•  A permit is required for all fish transfers and stocking into Ontario waters.

•  When no fishing seasons are in effect, anglers CANNOT practice catch and release.

•  It is illegal to:

• Abandon fish or permit the flesh to spoil.
• Transfer live fish or live spawn from one body of water to another.
• Use crayfish in bodies of water other than where they were caught.
• Release aquarium fish into Ontario waters;
• Bring live fish, crayfish, live leeches or salamanders into Ontario for use as bait;
• Possess any of the following live invasive species: rudd, ruffe, bighead carp, black carp, grass carp, silver carp, round goby or tubenose goby or any member of the snakehead family.
• Have more than 120 minnows in your possession;
• 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, except when ice fishing or fishing on parts of the Great Lakes ;
• Fish within 22.9 m (75 feet) downstream from the lower entrance to any fishway or canal, obstacle, or any device designed to assist fish around an obstacle;

FALL SALMON MIGRATION

Background

Historically, the fall salmon run was made up of Atlantic salmon. The abundance of Atlantic salmon is illustrated by some quotes from early settlers - "two persons in a canoe with a spear and a torch will sometimes kill eight or ten barrels (of 200 lbs. each) of salmon in one night". Other stories report being able to walk across a stream dry-shod on their backs ( Georgetown , 1843), and farms are reported to have been bought and paid for and houses built from the sale of salmon. The Village of Terra Cotta used to be known as Salmonville.

Due to pollution, deforestation, dams and overfishing, Atlantic salmon were extirpated from Lake Ontario around the 1890's. The control of large numbers of introduced alewife and other baitfish and interest in developing a recreational fishery were main reasons for stocking of Chinook salmon in large numbers in the late 1960's and 1970's.

Biology

Brook trout, Atlantic salmon and lake trout are native to southern Ontario while Chinook salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon (together considered Pacific salmon) and rainbow trout are introduced from the west coast of North America and brown trout are introduced from Europe . Brook trout, Atlantic salmon, lake trout and brown trout are fall spawners and do not die after spawning. Rainbow trout are a spring spawning fish and also do not die after spawning. Pacific salmon are fall spawners and die after spawning.

Chinook salmon regularly attain weights of 25 lbs and lengths of more than three feet. The largest Chinook salmon caught in Lake Ontario weighed 46 lbs.

The fall migration, or run, begins as water temperatures cool and water levels increase from post-summer rains. This is typically early September but some fish enter the Credit River as early as mid-August. Most Chinook salmon are 4 years old when they make their one and only spawning run. Spawning males develop a hooked jaw called a "kype" and can be quite aggressive. Fish will also lose their bright silver colour and become very dark, at times turning almost black. The fall migration usually peaks around early October and by the end of the month, most of the fish have spawned and died.

Viewing

The Culham Trail provides access to much of the river from Dundas Street upstream to just north of Eglinton Avenue . Erindale Park , located east of Mississauga Road between Dundas Street and Burnhamthorpe Road , is the most popular location to see migrating salmon. Public parking is available at both ends of the park and a pedestrian bridge allows for viewing directly over the river.

A parking lot accessible from eastbound Eglinton Avenue east of Mississauga Road is a less popular spot. Follow the trail north where two pedestrian bridges provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Polarized glasses will help to reduce reflection off the water and improve the chances of seeing fish.

CVC Conservation Areas

• A valid Ontario fishing licence is required.
• Ontario Fishing Regulations apply.
• Fishing is permitted only when the conservation area is open.
• Please do not transfer baitfish, crayfish or leeches from one waterbody to another.
• Please remove any plants from your trailer and empty your livewell and bilge before launching your boat at Island Lake .
• Please practice catch and release of largemouth bass at Ken Whillans and Island Lake .
• Lead tackle alternatives are encouraged.
• Conservation limits may be in effect. Please check with conservation area staff.
• Fishing is not permitted at Rattray Marsh.

Enforcement and Reporting

• For potential resource violations, please call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667).
• For spills or fish kills, contact the Ministry of the Environment or the Spills Action Centre at (416) 325-3000 or 1-800-268-6060.
• Report sightings of invasive species to the OFAH/MNR invading species hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or www.invadingspecies.com .

Access Points in our Watershed

Click on the map to enlarge

---

TOP

Places to Fish in the Credit Watershed

Click on the names of any of the following for more information.

• Ken Whillans Resource Management Area (Hwy. 10 south of Orangeville)
  • Rainbow Trout, largemouth bass, rock bass, sunfish and catfish; access to Credit River for brown trout
  • We promote catch and release fishing for bass.
• Fairy Lake (Acton, Hwy.7 northwest of Georgetown)
  • Pike, largemouth bass, catfish, black crappie, sunfish
• Island Lake Conservation Area (formerly Orangeville Reservoir)
  • Pike, largemouth bass, bullhead, sunfish, perch and black crappie.
  • We promote catch and release fishing for bass.
• Forks of the Credit
  • Brook trout, brown trout
• Terra Cotta Conservation Area (Winston Churchill Blvd. north of Village of Terra Cotta)
  • Rainbow trout, largemouth bass and sunfish.
  • We promote catch and release fishing.
• Lower Credit River
  • Pike, large and small mouth bass; Pacific Salmon and rainbow trout - during spawning
• Lake Aquitaine
  • Largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, pumpkinseed, bullhead, yellow perch and black crappie
• Lake Ontario Waterfront ( Port Credit , Lakefront Promenade Park )
  • Rainbow trout, salmon, smallmouth bass, northern pike and carp.

 Ken Whillans Resource Management Area

The Ken Whillans Resource Management Area is a Provincially significant wetland. Such wetlands are important for water quality, flood water storage, nesting, feeding and breeding habitat for fish and wildlife. Recreational uses include nature appreciation, fishing and hiking.

An abandoned railway line bisects the area that stretches for 48 km from Terra Cotta to Palgrave. Permitted recreational uses include hiking, cycling, horseback riding and cross country skiing. A new bridge has been constructed, by the Town of Caledon , over Highway 10 to allow Caledon Trailway users to cross this busy highway safely.

There are two ponds for fishing Rainbow trout, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass and Pumpkinseed. Small boats, canoes, float tubes and electric motors are permitted. Proper safety gear including life jackets must be on hand.

Bass season opens the fourth Saturday in June. Angling before this time is illegal and results in the high mortality of young as they are under constant protection by the male from other fish. The two ponds have an average depth of two metres with the deepest spot about 3.5 metres. Throughout the ponds, offshore reefs made of Christmas trees were placed by Credit Valley Conservation and Mississauga Bassmasters to provide shelter for the fish. The reefs are best placed on the ice and left to melt through the pond in the spring.

There is access to the Credit River from the main parking lot via the internal trail system, where there are angling opportunities for resident Brown Trout. Catch and release is mandatory as this section of the Credit River has been designated as a fish sanctuary to conserve the wild fishery near and throughout the upper Credit. Artificial lures with a single-pointed barbless hook must be used. No live organic bait allowed. For information on what's in season, please refer to the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations.

This area is currently undergoing a management plan to consider appropriate uses for this property.

Please note: This area is now open seasonally for recreational activities.

Link to Ken Whillans Resource Management Area

  Fairy Lake - Acton

Largemouth Bass

Fairy Lake is a man-made lake built on Black Creek in 1830. It is located in the town of Acton, northwest of Georgetown on Hwy. 7. A boat launch is located in Prospect Park managed by the Town of Halton Hills. The use of electric motors, row boats and canoes are permitted, gas powered motors are not. Safety floatation devices and other safety equipment is required on board as per the Ontario Coast Guard Small Vessel Regulations. Also, please respect the private waterfront properties.

Northern pike, largemouth bass, brown bullhead catfish, black crappie and pumpkinseed sunfish, perch and rock bass provide excellent fishing for everyone. Dense aquatic plants, old tree stumps and deep holes provide cover for all species of fish in Fairy Lake.

There are some water quality problems within Fairy Lake due to urban run off during or after a heavy rainfall. This will affect the operation of the public beaches and possibly the edibility of fish.

Crappie average about 7-10 inches in length and weigh up to 1lb. Mosaic black blotches are located on either side of the fish. Colour varies from olive, metallic green to a golden brown with an overcast of silver or blue sides depending on habitat or depth. Spawning occurs in April to late May. The male prepares a spawning nest in sand, gravel or mud by fanning his tail making a small depression in the bottom. One female carries an average of 25,000 eggs and these are deposited in the nest. The male guards the eggs until they hatch in 3-5 days.

Adult crappie feed on small fish, leeches and worms. Any of these used on a jig or under a slipfloat when fish are suspended will work. Fly fishing has become popular for Crappies, and most patterns will work. The Ontario record is 3.78 lbs caught in Lake Erie in 1984.

  Island Lake Conservation Area
(Formerly Orangeville Reservoir)

Black Crappie

Northern pike, largemouth bass, bullhead, sunfish and perch and black crappie within Island Lake provide excellent angling opportunities. Bass were originally stocked in the reservoir, but due to the accidental/illegal release of Pike, competition with the Bass has become a limiting factor. Catch and release of Bass within Island Lake is required to develop more trophy size "bucket mouths".

Pike, not native to the upper Credit, that escape from Island Lake make their way downstream and voraciously feed on the self sustaining populations of Trout. People are encouraged to enjoy their limit of Pike to control this problem.

Within the Conservation Area, snowmobiles and motorized vehicles are prohibited. Services in the park include boat and ice hut rentals, bait, tackle and snacks. Portable ice huts and boats are permitted, but must be removed after day use hours. The use of gas powered outboards is prohibited, but electric motors are permitted.

Please respect the habitat of this Environmentally Significant Area and Wetland. Exotic species including released bait fish, Zebra Mussels and Purple Loosestrife threaten our aquatic ecosystems. To prevent the spread of these species, please take all necessary precautions. Visitors are encouraged to use alternate types of sinker and tackle, given the increase in lead poisoning of our waterfowl.

Link to Island Lake Conservation Area page

  Forks of the Credit

Resident Brook and Brown Trout provide excellent angling opportunities in the Credit River. In co-operation, the Greg Clark Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Izaak Walton Fly Fisherman's Club, Credit Valley conservation and the Ministry of Natural Resources are active in rehabilitative efforts to sustain fisheries of this area.

Through the Forks of the Credit Provincial Park to Highway 24, a special regulations catch and release section is enforced. No live or organic bait is permitted and only single barbless hooks can be used to avoid lethal injuries. Trout have improved in numbers and size since 1988 when experimental regulations were initiated. A 2.5 km stretch of the river between Inglewood and the Forks has the same regulations. Public access is permitted in co-operation with Trout Unlimited, which has a special agreement with the private landowners. The agreement states that the river will be maintained and rehabilitated by volunteers if the landowners allow public access for fishing purposes only.

Other publicly accessible areas include the Main Credit downstream of the Provincial Park gate at the end of Dominion Street, the West Credit at the Belfountain Conservation Area, and upstream form the Forks of the Credit. Fishing is also available at the Ken Whillans Resource Management Area and the Charles Sauriol Conservation Area via trails only. Local fly fishing services are available for all these blue ribbon waters. Please practice catch and release.

Terra Cotta

Pumpkinseed Sunfish

Fishing at Terra Cotta is restricted to Muskrat Pond and Wolf Lake. Other ponds should not be disturbed until management plans are implemented. New ideas are always welcomed.

Muskrat Pond

Panfish and trout are popular pursuits in Muskrat Pond.

Wolf Lake

Largemouth bass have been stocked in Wolf Lake where a catch and release program is promoted. Only artificial bait is permitted to avoid lethal injuries to the Bass. Spawning boxes located in Wolf Lake have been placed there to increase reproductive success. Wading and float tubes are not permitted, given the shallow, sensitive nature of the habitat.

Trout Season: Open last Saturday in April to September 30.

Bass Season: Open last Saturday in June to November 30.

User fees are applicable for this area and can be paid at the self serve registration box at the entrance, $5.00 per vehicle.

Link to Terra Cotta page

Lower Credit River

A wide variety of species in the Lower Credit River provide excellent sport fishing opportunities. Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass and other species are year round residents of slow moving water up the mouth of the Credit River. Smallmouth Bass reside as far up as Streetsville. Experimental Smallmouth transfers have occurred into reaches as far as Norval. Adult fish were tagged and anglers are encouraged to report any Bass caught.

Pacific Salmon and Rainbow Trout are migratory species from Lake Ontario and can be found in the river during their spawning runs. Two large sanctuaries were established due to unethical "anglers" during the fall Salmon run. The location of these sanctuaries are from the Q.E.W. to Dundas street and from Hwy. 403 upstream to Britannia Road from August 15 to the Friday preceding the last Saturday in April. Erindale Park and downstream of the Q.E.W. are open year round for fishing, although some regulation changes are being considered. The Credit River Anglers Association is active in the conservation of these fisheries resources. Interested anglers may call their hotline number at (905) 814-5794.

Rainbow trout, Erindale

There is a private fish ladder at Streetsville that is designed to allow Atlantic Salmon and Rainbow Trout to move upstream and spawn. The eggs from the fall Pacific Salmon run are collected by the Ministry of Natural Resources at Streetsville to be raised in hatcheries and are not given access further upstream. Each barrier prevents competition with those species naturally reproducing upstream.

After being extinct in Ontario for nearly a century, the Atlantic salmon has been re-introduced into Lake Ontario. The Ministry of Natural Resources' Atlantic Salmon Program is dependent on experimental stockings in the Credit River watershed. It is illegal to fish for Atlantic Salmon in the river. Please help monitor their distribution and size by reporting your records.

Lake Aquitaine

Urban fishing festival          at Lake Aquitaine

Lake Aquitaine is a storm water management pond fed by run-off water from the surrounding urban area. It is intended to improve water quality before it enters the Credit River. Shrubs and trees were planted to prevent erosion, and provide shelter and food for wildlife. A variety of aquatic plants were introduced to provide fish and wildlife with cover and nursery areas, increase food production, out compete nuisance algae, and improve water quality and aesthetics. Woody cover, offshore submerged reefs and floating logs also provide areas for fish to reproduce, feed and rest, as well as habitat for other wildlife such as dragonflies, ducks and turtles. Wildflower plantings have helped establish an uncut buffer strip around the lake.

Surrounding paths, as well as a dock behind the Meadowvale Community Centre at 6655 Glen Erin Drive provide access to the lake. Paddleboats, canoes and small sailboats are permitted. Swimming, wading, sailboarding and gas-powered boats are not allowed.

A variety of fish can be pursued in Lake Aquitaine, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, yellow perch and black crappie. The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for children in an urban setting. It also attracts more serious anglers. Many parts of the shoreline are ideal for flyfishing.

It is important to note that bass season opens the last Saturday in June. A high mortality rate can result by not observing this date because parents of young bass provide constant protection from predators. Even short parental absences, such as might occur in catch and release situations, can be fatal for offspring.

Lake Ontario Waterfront

Brown trout

The mouth of the Credit River and the surrounding waters are inhabited by many different species of fish. The two most popular species are Trout and Salmon. They can be caught by boat through the summer months. For information on Lake fishing charters call (416) FISH-123 (416-347-4123). For shore fishing, spring and fall are the best seasons. By the beginning of August, the chinook salmon are preparing for their spawning run up the Credit river in the fall. In the early spring, the Rainbow Trout or 'Steelhead' are running up the river, but they will also make a 'false' or feeding run in the fall.

Fishing season is open year round from the south side of the Hwy 403 bridge downstream to Lake Ontario .  All Atlantic salmon caught in the Credit must be released.  The Waterfront Trail, extending from Newcastle to Burlington , offers a variety of access points, and cycling and hiking opportunities.

Port Credit

The spawning run provides excellent opportunities for the shore angler to catch Salmon up to thirty pounds. The fishing pier and park shorelines surrounding the river mouth are good places to start. The best fishing spots at the mouth of the river are on the east side, the walkways and pier beside the Port Credit Marina on the west side, and J.C. Saddington Park. One of the more popular methods is to fish an egg imitation bait a few feet off the bottom of the river. Other techniques include casting and retrieving heavy spoons, such as the Little Cleo or Krocodile. Plans to create a wetland area at the mouth of the river are being considered for fish habitat and water quality improvement.

Lakefront Promenade Park

One of the other hot spots for fishing is at Lakefront Promenade Park located between Cawthra and Dixie Roads, south of Lakeshore Boulevard. The sheltered waters make a great fishery for Carp, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and the occasional Brown or Rainbow Trout. Try using crankbaits for pike or trout, jigs or tubes for bass, and corn for carp.