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 others in this shared area. Please maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 2 metres with anyone who is not part of your household.
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.
2021 Fishing Ontario – Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary
Season Dates
Trout season opens on the Maitland River on April 24, 2021 (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 the Maitland River on June 26, 2021 (4th Saturday in June) on the Maitland River
- Sport catch and possession limit – 6 bass
- Conservation catch and possession limit – 2 bass
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
It’s back! The pond at Falls Reserve Conservation Area will be stocked with rainbow trout, ready for the 2021 trout angling season, opening on April 24, 2021. An Ontario fishing licence is required to fish at the pond. In addition you are required to purchase a pond fishing permit at the park gatehouse. The pond is open daily during day light hours.
Our pond also contains a largemouth bass population. Largemouth bass caught in the pond will be catch and release only for the 2021 season. This is to help with restoring the ponds largemouth bass fishery.
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 for the 2021 season.
- A limit of 2 trout may be taken from the pond with a valid pond permit.
- Adults must purchase an $8.00 daily pond fishing permit. Permits available at the gatehouse.
- Youth 13 – 17 require a $4.00 daily pond fishing permit available at the gatehouse.
- Children 12 and under do not require a permit to fish, but are to be supervised by an adult.
- Please maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 2 metres with anyone who is not part of your household while fishing at the pond.
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 8 – 9, 2021
June 19 – 20, 2021
July 3 – 11, 2021
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 current Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulation Summary.
Family Fishing Derby
Our annual Family Fishing Derby has been postponed due to Covid-19. We hope to see you in 2022! In the meantime we encourage you to spend some time fishing with your family.
Visit the Falls Reserve CA Facebook page