Atlantic Salmon

The MNR began stocking Atlantic salmon into the Credit River in 1988 in an effort to re-establish the species in Lake Ontario.

Initial results were fairly good with a good number of adults returning in 1990 and 1991 (100 to 500 each year). Unfortunately that strain of fish was lost and the new strains have not done well. The MNR began various studies to determine survival and competition in the river and results are good, but the adults have not returned. The most likely reason for the lack of returns is probably mortality in the lake, but there is nothing conclusive.

CRAA began hatching and stocking Atlantic salmon with the MNR in 1996. We will not have any adults returns until 2000, but juvenile survival has been very good.

Atlantic salmon are out of season all year in the Credit River and must be released immediately if caught.

Resident Fishery

The resident fishery is entirely self sustaining and is renowned across southern Ontario. The credit for this fishery goes to Trout Unlimited and the Izaak Walton Fly Fishing Club working with the CVC and the MNR for the past 20 years. CRAA has been active in rehabilitation work with the two clubs since 1993 and we continue to have an excellent working relationship. For details and a hatch chart Click Here!

Bass Fishing

Bass fishing can be excellent in the lower Credit River, but people fishing before the bass season open often harm the fishery. However, every summer there are good numbers of smallmouth bass in all the deep pools and pockets from the Streetsville Dam to the mouth. There are also some bass between Streetsville and Norval, but the numbers are very low. The CVC has worked with the MNR and CRAA to move adult and juvenile bass into the mid-section of the river to create another fishery. In time we hope the bass will take hold in good numbers.

July is best bet for fishing in any of the excellent holding pools. Some anglers enjoy popping a small fly over the surface with their fly rod, while others have excellent success with jigs and live bait. The bass usually migrate back to Lake Ontario by late August when the salmon arrive.