Ganaraska River – Corbett's Dam, Port Hope

About this water

The Ganaraska is arguably Ontario's most productive Lake Ontario salmon tributary — Corbett's Dam is the classic viewing and fishing spot.

Narrow, fast-flowing river running right through town. A protected fish sanctuary near Jocelyn St is closed to fishing September 1 – October 14. FMZ 20.

FMZ 20 regulations — Lake Ontario & St. Lawrence River

The Canadian waters of Lake Ontario, the Bay of Quinte, the Niagara River below Niagara Falls (the Lower Niagara), Hamilton Harbour and the St. Lawrence River. Deep cold water supports a world-class salmon and trout fishery, while eastern Lake Ontario and the upper St. Lawrence hold warm- and cool-water species.

• Chinook / coho salmon: open all year in the lake; tributaries have sanctuaries.
• Rainbow trout (steelhead): Apr 1 – Sept 30 & 4th Sat Nov – Mar 31 in tributaries.
• Walleye (Bay of Quinte): 3rd Sat in May – Feb 15; S-2/C-1 – 46 cm min.
• Smallmouth bass: last Sat in June – Nov 30; S-6/C-2.

Zone check: FMZ 20 set by review — Great Lakes tributary below Corbett's Dam, the first barrier — the reach below the dam is managed with Lake Ontario (FMZ 20). Reviewed 2026-08-12.

Summary only — always confirm current seasons and limits on the Ontario MNRF FMZ 20 page before your trip.

Seasonal availability

Open-season windows for the species found at Ganaraska River – Corbett's Dam, Port Hope, taken from the FMZ 20 regulation summary. Green months are within a published open season — they are not a prediction of how well fish will bite.

No FMZ 20 season line published in our summary for: Northern Pike, Carp, Yellow Perch. Check the official page before keeping these species.

Summary only, and seasons change annually. Confirm dates on the Ontario MNRF FMZ 20 page before your trip.

Fishing tips

• Bay of Quinte trophy walleye trolling peaks Oct–Dec on shallow flats after dark.
• Toronto Harbour offers year-round shore fishing — pike, bass, salmon all available.
• Check the current sanctuary boundaries and closure dates before you fish — they are enforced and clearly signed through town.
• Access: Public lots near the fish cleaning station and Riverside Park. Some trail sections close during the salmon migration (September to mid-October).

Gear setup

Setup:

Float or fly gear for migratory runs

Rod:

11'–13' float rod or 8-weight fly rod

Reel:

Centrepin or 4000-size spinning reel

Line:

10–12 lb mainline with 8 lb leader

Best bait:

Roe bags, Dew worms

Best lures:

Cleo spoons, Nymph patterns, Estaz eggs, Jig and float