Southern Ontario is a creek angler's paradise. Hundreds of cold, clean streams wind through its farmland, forests, and conservation areas — many of them loaded with wild trout, steelhead, and salmon, and some sitting just a short drive from major cities. Whether you're swinging flies for brook trout on a brushy headwater stream or drifting spawn bags through a deep pool during the spring steelhead run, this region delivers some of the best creek fishing in the country.
Here are our picks for the top 10 creek fishing spots in Southern Ontario, covering the species you'll find, the access you need, and the best times to wet a line. For broader background, see our complete Ontario fly fishing guide and our backcountry brook trout feature.
1️⃣ The Ganaraska River ("The Ganny") — Port Hope
Port Hope, Northumberland County — Lake Ontario tributary
If you're chasing steelhead or Chinook salmon in Southern Ontario, the Ganaraska should be near the top of your list. About 70 minutes east of Toronto, the "Ganny" is one of the most popular eastern tributaries flowing into Lake Ontario — in some years over 30,000 Chinook salmon migrate through the lower river. Access via East Beach near the mouth, Riverside Park, Optimist Park near the Corbett Dam fish ladder, and the Port Hope and Sylvan Glen Conservation Areas. Best times: spring for steelhead; September–October for salmon runs.
The fish ladder at the downtown dam is a can't-miss spectacle during the fall salmon run — there's even a live camera feed. Fly fishing, float fishing and lure casting all produce. Updated fall regulations took effect in 2024 to protect vulnerable salmon in the lower river — always confirm current OMNR rules.
2️⃣ Credit River — Mississauga to Orangeville
Lake Ontario mouth at Port Credit → headwaters near Orangeville
One of the premier trout and steelhead systems in all of Ontario. The lower river is a go-to for spring steelhead and fall salmon, while the upper sections and tributaries like Shaws Creek hold resident brook trout in cold, brushy conditions. Multiple public access points including Norval, Belfountain Conservation Area, Grange Public Lands and Upper Credit Conservation Area.
Spinners, spoons and crankbaits work across the system. Float fishing with spawn bags or beads is the go-to for steelhead and salmon in the lower river. For upper-system brook trout, target cold mornings early in the season before summer heat warms the smaller tributaries.
3️⃣ Bronte Creek — Oakville / Burlington
Oakville / Burlington — Lake Ontario tributary
A long-time favourite for steelhead, brown trout and salmon anglers west of Toronto. Fast-flowing through a deep scenic valley, with a large waterfall at Lowville Park acting as a natural barrier — the best steelhead and salmon fishing is below that point. Above the falls, brook trout and resident brown trout thrive in cooler, cleaner water. Access via Lowville Park, Bronte Pier and Sheldon Creek Park.
An excellent fly-fishing creek — active water with plenty of riffles and runs. Walk downstream from the main access points to find fish that haven't seen much pressure.
4️⃣ Duffins Creek — Ajax / Pickering
Ajax / Pickering — Lake Ontario tributary (East & West forks)
One of the best-kept fishing secrets within easy reach of Toronto. Splits into East and West forks — migratory steelhead and salmon in the lower sections, and wild brook trout up in the cold headwaters. A dam on the West Duffins blocks migratory fish, making the water above it a quiet refuge for natives. Access via Whitevale Park, Devonside Park, Seaton Trail and Greenwood Conservation Area.
Great river for all methods — fly fishing, float fishing and casting lures all produce. Above the West Duffins dam is a rewarding spot for anglers who enjoy small-stream brook trout fishing in a more natural, undisturbed setting.
5️⃣ Wilmot Creek — Newcastle / Bowmanville Area
East of Oshawa — Lake Ontario tributary
Small but punches well above its weight. Strong runs of steelhead and salmon each season, and its manageable size makes it well-suited for float and fly fishing. Can run tight and brushy in places — that's part of the charm.
Fishes best when water levels are up after a good rain. When the river is falling and clearing, aggressive fresh steelhead can be very willing — pink and chartreuse presentations tend to produce well during these prime windows.
6️⃣ Nottawasaga Tributaries — Mad, Pine & Boyne Rivers
Simcoe / Dufferin / Grey Counties — Georgian Bay drainage
The Nottawasaga system is widely considered to have the largest wild steelhead runs in Ontario, and its smaller tributaries — the Mad, Noisy, Pine and Boyne rivers — are genuine gems for creek anglers. Excellent fishing for brook trout and resident brown trout, especially in spring and early summer when hatches can trigger non-stop surface action. Access via Earl Rowe Provincial Park (Boyne) and various public road crossings.
The Boyne averages just 15–20 feet wide — ideal for lighter rods and smaller flies. May and June are prime for dry-fly action. The Mad River near Collingwood shouldn't be overlooked. Scout access in advance — much of this system runs through private land.
7️⃣ Beaver River — Thornbury / Heathcote
Grey County — Georgian Bay tributary
One of the crown jewels of Georgian Bay's creek fisheries. Fast boulder-strewn riffles in the upper sections and slower, deeper pools near Thornbury where steelhead and brown trout stage in spring. The far upper river near Heathcote is excellent for brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout in a classic small-stream setting; the lower river is a steelhead destination in spring and fall.
A fly-fishing favourite for good reason — varied water types, clear flows and good hatches. Plan walk-and-wade trips to the upper river to access water that rarely sees pressure. Streamer fishing in the lower river can produce big migratory browns in spring.
8️⃣ Humber River — Upper Reaches (Bolton / Palgrave Area)
Bolton / Palgrave — upper Humber and Cold Creek tributary
The upper Humber holds solid populations of brook trout fed by cold, clean groundwater springs. Several small tributaries entering the upper Humber — including Cold Creek, accessible through Cold Creek Conservation Area — also hold fish. The lower river transitions to steelhead and salmon territory as it approaches Lake Ontario; Etienne Brûlé Park is a popular mouth-area access point in Toronto.
Cold Creek is a small, tight tributary that rewards patient, stealthy anglers. Keep a low profile, make short presentations and fish the cooler morning hours for best results on resident brook trout.
9️⃣ Bowmanville Creek — Bowmanville
Bowmanville, just east of Oshawa — Lake Ontario tributary
Compact but productive. Like many Lake Ontario tributaries, it comes alive in spring with steelhead and in fall with salmon runs. Manageable size for both spin and fly anglers, and its proximity to Highway 401 makes it a convenient stop. Access via Bowmanville Conservation Area and municipal parks.
Fish where the creek deepens into pools below faster water — steelhead hold there to rest during their upstream migration. Float fishing with a small jig or bead can be deadly when fish are tight to the bottom.
🔟 Saugeen River Tributaries — Bruce & Grey Counties
Bruce / Grey Counties — Lake Huron drainage near Southampton
No southern Ontario creek list is complete without the Saugeen system. The main river is well known for steelhead, Chinook salmon and big brown trout, but it's the smaller tributary creeks that hold extraordinary numbers of brook trout and are largely ignored by the crowds. Access via Southampton and Denny's Dam on the main river; the Saugeen Conservation Authority publishes a fishing map with over 20 listed waters.
The SVCA fishing map is invaluable. Look for streams that stay cold all summer — if the water is still cool to the touch in July, there's a very good chance brook trout are in there. Small spinners, jigs and wet flies all work well on the smaller feeders.
A few reminders before hitting any of these creeks: always check current OMNR regulations for the specific body of water you're fishing — seasons, sanctuary areas and catch limits vary by creek and zone, and some have seen recent changes. See our Ontario fishing rules page for a current overview.
Respect private property. A lot of prime creek water in Southern Ontario runs through private land — use public access points and conservation area trails.
A valid Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing licence is required for anyone 18 and older.
Catch and release is encouraged on many of these streams to protect wild trout populations for future generations. For wild-trout ethics in particular, see our backcountry brook trout guide.
Southern Ontario's creek fishing is a living, breathing resource — and with a little exploration, you'll find that the best water is often closer to home than you think. Get out there and tight lines.
Always consult the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary and your local conservation authority for up-to-date rules before fishing. Regulations are subject to change.
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