Salmon Migration in the Credit River This Fall

It’s been described as one of nature’s incredible spectacles, occurring this season in Mississauga and various spots around the Greater Toronto Area.

For those who know where to catch the best view, the salmon run – which the City of Mississauga refers to as an “annual phenomenon” – is a thrilling sight as thousands of fish journey upstream in the river from Lake Ontario.

This yearly salmon migration kicks off each September in the Credit River in Mississauga – along with areas in Brampton and Caledon – and lasts until late October.

Some of the top locations in the city to see this natural event are traditionally Erindale Park, The Riverwood Conservancy’s Riverwood Park, and Meadowvale Conservation Area.

The peak of the salmon run typically occurs in early October

City officials encourage residents of all ages to come out and witness the salmon run, noting that it usually peaks in early October.

In previous years, city officials have characterized this annual occurrence as fish “pushing their way upstream on the journey of their lives,” mentioning that during this time, they find themselves “in prime viewing locations for residents.”

As explained by Mississauga officials, each late summer and early fall, salmon “push their way against the current of the Credit River to spawn and lay their eggs. All of this happens right here in Mississauga. As temperatures cool down and rain increases water levels, freshwater salmon begin their annual migration from Lake Ontario up the Credit River to spawn. If successful, they lay their eggs and complete their life cycle.”

Destination Ontario, the tourism agency for the province, pointed out that by mid-September, the annual salmon run is fully underway again. They noted that Credit River “is one of Toronto’s leading salmon rivers, with fish entering from Lake Ontario as early as mid-August.”

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The agency suggests starting your exploration at Port Credit where “the river meets the lake,” then moving upstream to Erindale Park for great views of migrating salmon and trout.

The tourism body also mentions that Mississauga’s David Culham Trail “links riverside lookouts through The Riverwood Conservancy (Riverwood Park) leading toward Meadowvale Conservation Area and Hewick Meadows Park” located in northern parts of the city.

Citing previous runs, City officials remarked that observing these large fish on their yearly journey “is truly incredible when so many challenges stand against them. So while we watch these fish swim upstream, it’s crucial we do so without disrupting their path.”

(Photos: City of Mississauga)

The city encourages everyone to learn about three types of salmon that travel up the Credit River every fall.

“Every year, salmon return from Lake Ontario to reproduce in streams where they were born (or stocked),” officials mentioned earlier.

This springtime brings offspring from all three species – Chinook, Atlantic and Coho salmon – which hatch before swimming downstream into Lake Ontario until it’s time for them to head back north.

Each type has unique traits:

Chinook salmon: These migrate once they’ve matured (between three and seven years) but usually die after spawning. They can grow up to 100 centimeters long. Atlantic salmon: Unlike Chinook varieties; these smaller salmons return back to Lake Ontario post-migration upstream. They are native species found within Lake Ontario. Coho salmon: Smaller than Chinooks but both types hail from North Pacific Ocean origins; they were introduced into Great Lakes during the 1960s. Coho can reach lengths up to 75 centimeters. INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

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