For those seeking fishing adventures, Credit Valley parks offers some remarkable locations, teeming with opportunities to reel in a variety of fish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice looking to try your hand, these parks provide the perfect settings to connect with nature and test your skills.
“We’ve made it a priority to ensure that everyone, no matter their background or experience, can enjoy the thrill of fishing in our parks,” said Bill Lidster, manager of conservation for Credit Valley Conservation. “With thriving fish populations, the chances of actually catching something are high, and that makes the experience even more rewarding. People often say it’s not about the catch, it’s about the time spent in nature. And while I agree there’s beauty in that, I’ll be honest, there’s nothing quite like the excitement of feeling that tug on the line or a bobber disappearing out of site. For me, a simple worm and hook is all it takes to connect with something real, and that feeling never gets old.”
Where to Cast Your Line
Two standout destinations for fishing enthusiasts in or near Dufferin County are Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville and Ken Whillans Conservation Area in Caledon Village.
Island Lake Conservation Area boasts a sprawling 400-acre lake, ideal for both boat fishing and shore fishing. Along its south shore, anglers can access ten fishing piers designed for convenience and accessibility. For those preferring the quiet charm of ponds, Ken Whillans Conservation Area offers two serene spots: Orchard Pond and Kidd Pond, both equipped with small fishing piers. Canoe or kayak fishing is also allowed, and the Credit River flows through the west side of the property, adding to its appeal.
The Grand River watershed includes swift coldwater trout streams, serene pastoral stretches filled with smallmouth, pike and walleye, and big river fishing for anything from rainbow trout to crappies. In fact, over half of the fish species in Canada are in the Grand River watershed.
Belwood Lake Conservation Area in Fergus, Elora Gorge Conservation Area in Elora, Guelph Lake Conservation Area in Guelph, Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Grand Valley and Rockwood Conservation Area in Rockwood are all ideal spots to cast a line.
The Best Fish to Catch
Island Lake is renowned for its variety of fish species, making it a favourite year-round destination. Northern pike, black crappie, yellow perch, largemouth bass, and other panfish populate its waters. Each season offers a unique opportunity to try for these catches, such as ice fishing for Northern pike in the winter months.
Ken Whillans Conservation Area is another hotspot, with Orchard Pond featuring Northern pike and rainbow trout stocked each spring. Kidd Pond is perfect for those eager to catch largemouth bass.
Techniques and Tools for Success
To ensure a successful fishing trip, consider these strategies tailored to the fish and environment:
- Bait and Lures: Opt for live or artificial bait, or explore casting with artificial lures such as spinners, small spoons, and top-water lures. Match your bait or lure to the fish species you are targeting in the season.
- Fishing Methods:
- Float fishing uses a bobber to suspend your bait at various depths, minimizing snags on underwater structures.
- Bottom fishing eliminates the bobber, allowing bait to settle at the water’s base for fish near the bottom.
- Swimming lures, like crankbaits and spinners, mimic the movements of prey, attracting fish closer to the surface.
- Equipment: Choose rods, reels, and lines based on the size and strength of your targeted fish to enhance your chances of reeling in a prize catch.
When to Go Fishing
Fishing seasons and events add an extra layer of excitement to your trips. Island Lake hosts two annual fishing events: the Bass Derby in July and the Ice Fishing Derby in February. These events feature prizes and categories for adults and youth, creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
Year-round, Northern pike fishing is popular at Island Lake, while largemouth bass fishing opens on the fourth Saturday in June, running until November 30. Panfish species remain open throughout the year with specific catch limits depending on your licence type. At Ken Whillans, fishing seasons align with provincial regulations, featuring trout fishing from late April to September.
Tips for Sustainable Fishing
Credit Valley Parks emphasizes conservation practices to ensure sustainable fishing. Voluntary harvest limits are in place, and baitfish regulations help prevent invasive species. Additionally, anglers should dispose of used lines and garbage responsibly, maintaining the ecological health of these cherished waters.
Getting Started
For those new to fishing, Credit Valley Parks participates in the TackleShare Program, simplifying access to rods, reels, and tackle for prospective anglers. Canoes, kayaks, and fishing kayaks are available for rent, enabling visitors to explore the lakes and ponds further.
Whether you’re on the shores of Island Lake or casting into the ponds at Ken Whillans, fishing in Credit Valley Parks promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation, thrill, and respect for nature. Pack your gear and head out to discover the bountiful waters that await.
CVC participates in the TackleShare Program at Island Lake and Ken Whillans. This program was initiated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and is sponsored by Ontario Power Generation. It gives new and intermediate anglers the opportunity to go fishing by removing the barriers that prevent them from getting involved, such as access to fishing equipment, and knowledge about recreational angling.
“Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has been involved in the TackleShare Program for over 20 years and offers it two locations, Island Lake Conservation Area and Ken Whillans Conservation Area,” said Lidster.
“Initiated by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), the TackleShare Program gives new and intermediate anglers the opportunity to go fishing by removing the barriers that prevent them from getting involved, such as access to fishing equipment, and knowledge about recreational angling. Participating anglers simply sign out a rod and reel, as well as an assortment of tackle from the Park Store.”
CVC has had a long standing partnership with the local Dufferin North Peel Anglers’ and Hunters’ Association, led by one of its members Rob Little. Little has been an advocate for providing angling opportunities for kids and was instrumental in initiating the idea and securing funding for two of the fishing piers from his home club, as well as the Ontario Federation od Anglers and Hunters Zone H.
In addition to funding fishing piers, the Dufferin North Peel Anglers and Hunters sponsor the kids fishing Derby, and provide volunteers, as part of the Friends of Island Lake Conservation Area Annual Bass Derby. Fishing is one of the main activities offered at Island Lake, so the Friends of Island Lake decided it would be a good fit for their main fundraising event.
Participating anglers simply sign out a rod and reel, as well as an assortment of tackle in the same way they would borrow library material from a TackleShare loaner site, such as Credit Valley Parks.
For more information on the program, visit the TackleShare website.
Those between the ages of 18 and 64 need a valid Ontario Fishing Licence to fish at the parks. There are four times during the year that families can try fishing without a licence in Ontario:
- Family Fishing Weekend in February
- Mother’s Day Weekend in May
- Father’s Day Weekend in June
- Family Fishing Week (this year it runs from June 28 to July 6, 2025)
Shore fishing is allowed, and they have fishing piers around the lake.
Whether you’re on the shores of Island Lake or casting into the ponds at Ken Whillans, fishing in Credit Valley Parks promises an unforgettable blend of relaxation, thrill, and respect for nature. Pack your gear and head out to discover the bountiful waters that await.
15th Annual Bass Fishing Derby
Join the Credit Valley Conservation Foundation and the Friends of Island Lake for the 15th Annual Island Lake Bass Derby on July 12 and 13.
Big catch prizes are available for the top 10 bass. Prizes are also available for perch, crappie, pike and youth categories.
Registration Fees:
Regular (age 13+): $70 to $100
Youth (age 15 and under): $10 to $20
Prizes:
Regular (age 13 years and older): Prizes will be awarded to the registered participant catching the fish that has the highest combined score that includes weight (in grams) and length (in millimetres). Read the full rules and regulations.
1st place Bass: $5000 cash
2nd place Bass: $1500 cash
3rd place Bass $1000
and more…
Youth (15 years old and under): Daily plaques for first place: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, pumpkinseed and rock bass.
All funds raised go toward the Friends of Island Lake’s projects. The main project in the next couple of years is to reroute a section of the Vicki Lakeside trail between the south dam and gatehouse. This will see the trail moved to the eastern shoreline of Island Lake, with additional fishing piers and docks for anglers.