From June 29 – July 7, bring your family to some of Ontario’s best fishing spots for Family Fishing Week in Mississauga. Expert anglers and beginners alike can take advantage of special license-free fishing while soaking up the beautiful scenery of the city’s shorelines, lakes and rivers.
Not sure where to start? Plan the perfect angling excursion with our guide to the best fishing spots, tackle rentals and free lessons to help you hook the perfect catch.
THE BEST FISHING SPOTS IN MISSISSAUGA
- Erindale Park: Throughout the year, you can catch migratory trout and salmon in the Credit River at this park, along with smallmouth bass in the summer. This scenic park is a popular fishing spot for families, with picnic areas, hiking trails and a playground to add to the experience. This is a great place to launch if you prefer to head out on a canoe.
- Lake Aquitaine Park: Another family-friendly park, Lake Aquitaine has a large manmade pond filled with various fish including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, perch and crappie. Other amenities include
- Meadowvale Conservation Area: The Credit River runs through this park, offering plenty of ideal fishing pools, so you can walk along the water and try your luck at different spots. Other amenities include picnic tables, trails and a playground.
- Streetsville Memorial Park: Fly fishers can wade out in the water here to find rainbow trout, carp or smallmouth bass at this riverside park. Head toward the dam for views of the fish jumping!
LEARN TO FISH PROGRAM 2024
If you want to join in on the fun but need some guidance to get started, you can take part in the free Learn to Fish program at Mississauga’s lakefront parks throughout June and July. You’ll learn from an experienced angler in a practical teaching session before trying out some supervised fishing. Register to secure your spot.
BORROW FISHING TACKLE
Give fishing a try without investing in new equipment by participating in the TackleShare program. At participating sites throughout Mississauga, including Meadowvale Conservation Area and at Mississauga Public Library branches, you can borrow rods and other tackle free of charge. Make sure to reach out in advance to reserve.
WATERCRAFT RENTALS AND CHARTERS
If you prefer to be on the water instead of the shore, Mississauga has many options to help make your excursion more exciting with convenient boat rentals. Multiple companies in Mississauga offer fishing charter packages on Lake Ontario:
- Sea Angel Charters in Port Credit offers packages for groups of up to six, perfect for a memorable family adventure.
- Moby Nick: Suitable for up to 12 passengers, this charter is popular for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day on the lake, from experienced anglers to beginners, as fishing gear can be provided for guests.
FAMILY FISHING DAY 2024
Enjoy some fishing fun with the whole family and learn about Lake Aquitaine’s natural features and stormwater management pond. Experts will be available onsite to answer questions about fishing and conservation. A limited number of fishing rods will be available to borrow.
This is a great time of the year to try fishing. No fishing licence is required during Family Fishing Week (June 29 to July 7, 2024).
FINISH WITH A SEAFOOD FEAST
If you plan to catch and release, you can still enjoy some fresh fish at Mississauga’s seafood restaurants.
- Snug Harbour: Located in Port Credit on the shore of Lake Ontario, Snug Harbour is one of Mississauga’s most iconic restaurants with scenic views and plenty of Canadian fish on offer, plus some extra kid-friendly choices.
- Pier 87: Part market, part restaurant, find this spot inside Square One and enjoy a mix of casual yet upscale menu items, then bring some fresh or frozen snacks home for later.
- The Captain’s Boil: A family favourite, enjoy a traditional seafood boil (in a bag)with a Cajun-Asian twist.