Falls Reserve Conservation Area has a reputation for excellent year-round fishing. Rainbow trout and salmon migrate up the river in spring and fall. Smallmouth bass provide great fishing opportunities during the summer months.
The Falls area at the park is a hotspot for anglers and swimmers alike. All users need to be considerate and respectful of each other. Please stay at least 2 metres away from anyone who is not part of your group.
Fishing in Ontario
The Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary provides information on licenses, open and closed seasons and catch limits. This document is available to view at the Ministry of Natural Resources website (www.mnr.gov.on.ca). The summary also available as a .pdf file. Click the link below to confirm angling open season dates, catch limits and fishing license information.
2022 Fishing Ontario – Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary
Please be sure to read, understand and follow the rules regarding fishing in Ontario, including the requirements for Ontario’s Fishing Management Zone (FMZ) 16, related to the Maitland River.
Witness a fishing violation?
Report Resource Abuse to the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667
Fishing Season Dates at FRCA
Trout season opens on April 23, 2022 (4th Saturday in April) on the Maitland River
- Sport catch and possession limit – 2 rainbow trout
- Conservation catch and possession limit – 1 rainbow trout
Bass season opens on June 25, 2022 (4th Saturday in June) on the Maitland River
- Sport catch and possession limit – 6 bass
- Conservation catch and possession limit – 2 bass
- Help protect the bass fishery. It is a best practice NOT to target or catch bass prior to the bass season opening date.
Fishing Licences
You must purchase a Resident Fishing Licence unless you are under 18 years of age or 65 years of age or older. People who are under 18 years or are 65 or older do not need a license but have all the rights and responsibilities of people with a license. Visitors from outside the province require a Non Resident Fishing License.
FRCA Stocked Trout Pond
The pond at Falls Reserve Conservation Area will be stocked with rainbow trout prior to the opening of the trout angling season on April 23, 2022. An Ontario fishing licence is required to fish at the pond. The pond is open daily during day light hours.
FRCA purchases over $2,000 of rainbow trout annually, without provincial aid, to stock the pond so young anglers have a chance to catch a big one! To ensure this tradition continues, all pond anglers are required to purchase a pond fishing permit at the gatehouse.
Our pond also contains a largemouth bass population. Largemouth bass caught in the pond will be catch and release only again for the 2022 season. This is to help with restoring the largemouth bass fishery in the pond.
The pond has been the site of extensive naturalization efforts over the past several years. Trees, aquatic plants, and shrubs have been planted in and around the pond. A brood area for bass has been created along with nesting sites for birds and turtles.
Pond Fishing Rules
- The pond is open during daylight hours only.
- The use of barbless hooks is encouraged.
- Largemouth bass caught in the pond are catch and release only.
- A limit of 2 trout may be taken from the pond with a valid pond fishing permit.
- Adults must purchase an $8.00 daily pond fishing permit. Permits available at the park gatehouse.
- Youth 13 – 17 require a $4.00 daily pond fishing permit available at the park gatehouse.
- Children 12 and under do not require a permit to fish, but are to be supervised by an adult.
- Please respect physical distancing; maintain a minimum of 2 metres with anyone who is not part of your group.
OFAH Tackle Share Program
No fishing equipment? No problem! Falls Reserve Conservation Area offers access to angling equipment for visitors thanks to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Tackle Share program. It’s easy! Simply sign out a rod and reel and an assortment of tackle from the park Gatehouse. Once you’re finished, return the equipment so that others can enjoy the same opportunity.
Fishing Events
Ontario Family Fishing Events
Join in the province-wide opportunity for Canadian residents to experience fishing in Ontario waters without the otherwise mandatory fishing version outdoor card licence. Check out the websites below for more information:
This year the dates for licence-free fishing are:
May 7 & 8, 2022
June 18 & 19, 2022
July 2 – 10, 2022
Please note that during all other time periods, Canadian residents between the ages of 18 and 64 years of age must purchase a valid Ontario fishing licence to legally fish in Ontario.
Participants fishing without a licence must fish under the Conservation fishing licence limits which are set out in the 2022 Fishing Ontario – Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary
Family Fishing Derby
Check back for information in this year’s event.
Visit the Falls Reserve CA Facebook page