Hook, Line, and Sinker: Looking for that Next Great Catch?

Why not give fishing a try this year and become a reel legend? You just might get hooked. Fishing is a great way to spend some time outdoors near or on the water. Mississauga is home to more than 70 fish species varieties, many of which are found in the Credit River and Lake Ontario. Some common types include smallmouth and largemouth bass, coho, salmon, rainbow trout, chinook and pumpkinseed.

So now that you’re hooked, how do you get started?

First, you will need to purchase or borrow a fishing rod and a reel of fishing line, a few fish hooks, a plastic or cork bobber, a pack of fishing weights and some fishing lures.

Now that you have the right gear – you can set up your rod with hook, line, and sinker. Tie on a fishhook. Attach a sinker 6 to 12 inches above the hook. This weight will keep the bait or lure down in the water and will help swing it away from shore. A bobber lets you know when fish bite because it moves up and down in the water as fish nibble at the bait.

Now you will want to keep it reel and practice casting a line a few times.

Another important thing to consider is checking local area regulations as certain species can only be caught during certain months. Don’t forget to also look into the rules on using fishing tackle.

Licence Required
When fishing in Ontario, it is important to have a fishing licence. By law, you must have an Outdoors Card and fishing licence before heading out on the water. Ontario currently has two different types of recreational fishing licences, and both are available in either one-day, one-year or three-year durations in Ontario.

Outdoors Card: Before you start fishing, you require a valid Outdoors Card. This is a plastic identification card issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. The card is valid for three calendar years, required by those over 18 and under 65 years of age. Once you have the card, you can need to purchase a fishing licence.

Conservation Fishing Licence (reduced catch limits): This licence has a lower possession limit and is suited for catch and release.

Sport Fishing Licence (normal catch limits): A sport fishing licence is for anglers who want full catch and possession privileges. If you plan on keeping your catch – this is the licence you need.

If you plan to fish for one day only, you do not need an Outdoors Card – you will, however, need a one-day sport fishing licence. Remember, you need to follow certain rules while fishing, including catch and possession limits.

If you’re interested in fishing but don’t want to buy a licence, there are a few licence-free fishing days the province allows:

• Family Fishing Weekend in February (February 18 to 20, 2023)
• Mother’s Day Weekend in May (May 13 to 14, 2023)
• Father’s Day Weekend in June (June 17 to 18, 2023)
• Family Fishing Week in July (July 1 to 9, 2023)

Local Fishing Spots in Mississauga
Mississauga has two local ports and harbouring marinas where you can launch your boat or book a charter to start your fishing adventure. In addition to fishing in Lake Ontario, there are a few other recommended fishing spots around Mississauga:

Erindale Park is famous for its year-round open season for migratory Trout and Salmon (peaking in September and October). Smallmouth Bass fishing is also good into the summer. Ample parking is found in Erindale Park off Dundas Street. [map]

Lake Aquitaine by Meadowvale Community Centre is an excellent spot for young anglers. It has abundant panfish and bass (both smallmouth and largemouth). The lake is best accessed from the Meadowvale Community Centre on Glen Erin Drive. Parking available. This is also the location for Family Fishing Day, being held on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fishing rods, tackle and bait will be supplied for children to try out fishing under the guidance of volunteers. [map]

Riverwood is situated along the east bank of the Credit River and provides access to some great fishing spots. Parking available. [map]

Meadowvale Conservation Area offers quiet fishing areas along with picnic areas, open spaces and a nature trail. Parking available. [map]

Streetsville Memorial Park is a great place to wade into the river and try your hand at fly fishing. An ideal spot for rainbow trout during the spring. Parking available. [map]

Protecting Wildlife and Pollution

Remember, when casting, be careful, as lines and lures can end up in places that can injure people and animals, including swans, ducks and geese. Remember to take all hooks, fishing lines and other items with you when you are done fishing. Please don’t leave them behind, as animals and children could get tangled in the line or hurt. If you see injured wildlife, please call Animal Services at 905-896-5858.

The City is strongly urging those who fish to be extra cautious to make sure nothing is left behind. Please dispose of litter like fishing lines, nets and hooks. Some fishing locations across Mississauga (mostly along Lake Ontario and at Lake Aquitaine) have fishing line collection tubes for anglers to dispose of old fishing lines

Understanding how to prevent pollution from entering our stormwater system is essential to protecting local aquatic wildlife, like our fish population, as well as our own source of drinking water. When debris, household waste and other pollution go into the catchbasins on your property or streets, it flows through the City’s stormwater system. These pollutants go directly into creeks, rivers and Lake Ontario – Mississauga’s primary source of drinking water. This pollution is also harmful to the environment and local wildlife.

Now that you’ve been given the basics about how and where to fish in Mississauga, grab a rod and some bait and start reeling in the fish! Good things come to those who bait.

To learn more about Mississauga’s parks and amenities, visit mississuaga.ca/parks.

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