Fish-Hawk.Net

Hello all,

It's been a dream of mine since I got deep into fishing about 6 years ago to make a trip to fish the Ganaraska in Port Hope for Salmon and/or Steelhead. While I've done a bit of research and have some of the necessary gear, there's a lot I have to learn, and I'm a young guy looking for something of a mentor who might share some advice over PM, or even if there is anyone planning to make a trip down there themselves sometime this spring, someone who'd be willing to have a first-timer tag along. It's a bit of a stretch, but thought I'd ask since I feel that fishing Salmon and Steelhead is quite a bit trickier than most other types of fishing and some guidance could go a long way.

I know that regs have changed there a bit (I believe the river becomes a fish sanctuary for the early fall), which is why I'm aiming for the spring. Heard the fishing can be good then, and less people tend to be out. However, I've also heard from some folks on YT that the river is closed indefinitely, but I'm not sure that's true.

Anyways, if anyone with some experience would be so kind as to share some advice, I would appreciate it immensely. And, even better, if anyone would be willing to buddy-up sometime on a weekend once the season opens, that would be even sweeter!

In the meantime, I'll be savouring our last few weeks of hardwater. Been my best season yet, and looking to end on a good note. Wishing the same luck for the rest of you.

Thanks,

John Zach

I used to fish Port Hope every spring in late March to the April opener to combat spring fever. Yes, before the April opener on the main river but the season in Zone 17 includes an open all year section on the Ganaraska River - between the southerly limit of the CNR right-of-way and Lake Ontario. Seen some hard core fishermen down there on cold days in March. See the FZ 17 rules https://www.ontario.ca/files/2025-03/mn ... 2-09_0.pdf all sorts of open water between the CNR tracks and lake O.

You're right, the new closures are for fall (Sept 1-Oct 15) from the dam to the CNR bridge) to protect the Chinook spawn. See the FZ 17 rules. Essentially no fall fishing in town. I've gone and it was always a zoo anyhow so I don't go unless its just to watch the fish at the ladder.

For people refer to the "closed all year" I think they are remembering that Port Hope closed the access to the river during COVID to prevent people coming during the pandemic. The municipal access restriction was lifted so the spring fishing is on AFAIK. In spring Port Hope allowed camping along the river on opening weekend. Pretty wild. Not sure its still a thing.

At the mouth drifting spawn sacks under floats was the ticket ... I'd get mine in Oshawa at Gagnon when travelling to Toronto for work (I'd drive so I could stop at Port Hope) One dude just cast jigs and twisters and did well. I've seen people casting spoons and hooking up. Some folks cast into the main lake off the break water (don't slip!) and do well with brown and steelhead in spring. Since I used to fish ad-hoc when travelling, I didn't always do well but I've seen some nice fish caught while there.

My advice is just go. Check the regs and try some stuff.

Can't thank you enough! I did not know about the section that's open all year, and I will definitely look into that.

What gear would you recommend to a newbie, beyond tackle? I'm wondering if I should invest in waders or not, since my "fishing fund" is going towards tidying up my new boat and installing a trailer hitch on my vehicle this spring. If you think I could get away with not getting waders, that would be reassuring.

For the section thats open all year you don't user waders. A long net to land them is handy.

Waders would be good but a good set of waterproof boots are fine too and many sections don't need them so I wouldn't sweat the waders for now.

I'd consider your first trip a reconnaissance, it won't be perfect but you can learn alot ... also, you have a boat .. there is a nice launch right there too for future consideration.

I'm recenty retired so I may make a trip in the next month (weather dependent) and wil report if I do.