Salmon Run Returns to Mississauga’s Credit River, Showcasing Nature’s Marathon
MISSISSAUGA — One of nature’s most remarkable spectacles has arrived in Mississauga: the annual salmon run. Each fall, thousands of salmon swim upstream in the Credit River, leaving Lake Ontario to return to their spawning grounds and complete their life cycle.
This year’s migration began in mid-September and will continue through late October, with peak activity expected in early October. The run offers residents and visitors a chance to witness salmon battling currents, leaping over obstacles, and navigating rapids to lay their eggs.
The salmon of the Credit River
Three species of salmon migrate along the Credit River each year:
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Chinook Salmon: The largest species, reaching up to 100 cm in length. Chinook migrate once at maturity (3–7 years) and typically die after spawning. They can be identified by their dark mouths and black gums.
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Atlantic Salmon: Once abundant in the Great Lakes, these are now the focus of major restoration efforts. Unlike Chinook, they survive after spawning and may return multiple times. They are distinguished by large black spots on their gill covers and back, and no spots on the tail fin.
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Coho Salmon: Introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1960s, Coho grow to about 75 cm. They feature a white mouth line, black tongue, and sharp teeth.
Where to watch the run
Mississauga offers excellent public viewing spots along the Credit River:
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Erindale Park: The city’s largest park, with extensive trails and riverside views.
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Riverwood: A 150-acre urban oasis with accessible trails and prime salmon-watching locations.
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Meadowvale Conservation Area: Features a pedestrian bridge overlooking the river for a bird’s-eye view of the migration.
Respect the run: watching responsibly
While the salmon run is thrilling to witness, the City urges spectators to avoid disrupting the fish during their journey:
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Keep your distance: Avoid standing in the river or disturbing spawning beds. Do not chase or touch salmon.
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Protect the environment: Dispose of litter, fishing lines, and hooks properly to prevent harm to fish and wildlife.
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Stay quiet: Lower noise levels to reduce stress on the salmon.
Fishing rules during the run
Fishing is permitted in certain parts of the Credit River under Ontario’s Zone 16 regulations, but strict rules apply to protect spawning salmon. Practices such as netting and snagging are illegal.
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Open year-round: From the south side of the Highway 403 bridge downstream to Lake Ontario.
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Extended fall season: From Britannia Road to Highway 407, until December 31.
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Sanctuaries (no fishing): Several stretches of the river, including between Highway 403 and Britannia Road, are off-limits during spawning.
Anyone who witnesses illegal fishing activity is urged to report it by calling 1-877-847-7667 (TIPS-MNR).
After the run
For Chinook and Coho salmon, death follows soon after spawning. While sobering, their remains play a vital ecological role by adding nutrients to the river system, supporting insects, birds, and other aquatic life. Atlantic salmon, however, may survive and spawn multiple times.
By spring, eggs will hatch, and young salmon will begin their own journey downstream, continuing a cycle that has defined the Credit River ecosystem for centuries.
For more information and salmon run videos, visit Credit Valley Conservation.
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