Watch the salmon make the journey of their lives

Imagine taking the trip of a lifetime, but to the same destination as everyone in your city, all at the same time. Now imagine having to take that trip safely to make sure future generations would be able to live full and meaningful lives.

A trip like that would come with a lot of pressure – it’s a good thing we aren’t salmon!

Each fall, the annual salmon migration – or salmon run – happens in Mississauga waters. As water temperatures start to cool and water levels deepen thanks to fall rains, freshwater salmon begin their yearly trek from the mouth of Lake Ontario up along the Credit River. If they make the trip successfully, they spawn or lay their eggs and complete their life journey.

Taking part in the salmon run

Witnessing the journey of these fish is truly incredible when the odds of making it to their destination are heavily against them. So, as we watch these fish swim, it’s important to do so in a way that won’t impede their journey.

Most fishing for salmon ended September 30

Fishing for these beautiful salmon is one way to witness their journey. Despite catching them, it’s important that they are released so they can continue their way.

It’s also important to note that September 30 marked the end of most allowable fishing for the salmon. During that time some people were netting fish. Netting fish is illegal and if you are caught you will be charged.

Fishing is however still open in the following areas:

• Year-round open season in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of the Highway 403 bridge downstream to Lake Ontario.
• Extended fall season from October 1st until December 31st in the Credit River and tributaries from the south side of Britannia Road upstream to the south side of the Highway 407 bridge.
• Fish sanctuary (no fishing) 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 from August 15th to the 4th Saturday in April.

Watching the salmon

Across Mississauga, there are several great locations along the Credit River where you can easily view the salmon make their journey. Due to the rainstorms which took place in the summer of 2024, some of the trails to watch these amazing fish are closed for safety reasons as they are being repaired.

The spots that remain open for great viewing only, include:

1. Meadowvale Conservation Area: Located in the north part of the city, this natural oasis gives you a good opportunity to watch the migration from a pedestrian bridge overlooking the Credit River.
2. Barbertown Bridge (Streetsville): Located just south of downtown Streetsville, this quiet pedestrian bridge is an incredible spot to watch the salmon stage, or prepare, for their push up the river. For the fish, ‘staging’ means resting and feeding to build up their strength for the journey ahead.

Respect the process

While the salmon run can be incredible to watch, it can be perilous for the fish. Many of the salmon won’t survive the swim and the ones that do still have much work left to do to safely spawn or lay their eggs. Their journey can also be made more difficult by spectators trying to get a closer look.

Here’s how you can witness the salmon run while respecting the fish:

• Watch from a safe distance.
  • Standing in the river or disrupting the water of the Credit River can stress the fish out. The ample banks of the Credit River have many spots to snap a great photo without showing the fish your feet up close.
• Learn where the fish are and watch online.
  • The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has a website where you can see where the salmon currently are on their journey. You can also report salmon sightings through this site – a cool way to plan a successful salmon-watching trip before you head out!
• Keep the creek clean.
  • Watching the salmon work can work up an appetite. So, if you’re snacking while tracking the fish, keep your trash for the trash bin and not the creek or the park.
• Enjoy the silence.
  • We typically don’t like it when other people are being loud, disruptive or throwing things at us, so treat the fish the same. Watch quietly, respectfully and don’t abuse the salmon.

Respecting the salmon’s journey is the best mindset to have when fishing the Credit River.

Know what to look for

While you are out watching the salmon, you’ll notice they don’t all look the same. That’s because there are three main types of salmon sharing the waterway.

1. Chinook salmon: This species migrates once they reach maturity (between three and seven years) and typically die after spawning is complete. Chinook can grow up to 100 centimetres in length.
2. Atlantic salmon: Unlike Chinook salmon, this smaller salmon species will make their way back to Lake Ontario after their migration upstream. Atlantic salmon are native to Lake Ontario.
3. Coho salmon: While smaller than the Chinook, both species are native to the North Pacific Ocean and were introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1960s. Coho can grow up to 75 centimetres in length.

In the spring, offspring from all three species hatch and swim downstream. They make their home in Lake Ontario until it’s their time to migrate.

Don’t miss it!

Salmon migration season is now underway. It peaks in early October and most fish have spawned by the end of the month depending on the weather. You may not get close and personal with a salmon – but keep your eyes open for one!

When you’re out and about, give salmon the best chance of survival by respecting their space. Make sure you are also aware of all recreational fishing rules and regulations that apply for the Credit River (Fisheries Management Zone 16) during this important migration season.

Watch videos of salmon in the Credit River or learn more about the Credit River Watershed by visiting the Credit Valley Conservation website at cvc.ca.

Learn more about Mississauga parks at mississauga.ca/parks.

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• Parks and Forestry
• Things to Do