Tommy Thompson Park

About fishing at Tommy Thompson Park

Located at the bottom of Leslie, it provides excellent fishing opportunities in the many small bodies of water around the park that attract many different types of fish. The park is accessible by public transit but is a long walk into the park. Tommy Thompson Park has public washrooms. Note that no live bait is allowed to be used for fishing. This is to help limit the risk of introducing invasive species into the ecosystem. The Round Goby is already in the ecosystem. If caught, it is mandatory by law that you do not release it back into the water as it eats the fish eggs of the species and reduces the population.

The many different enclosed areas provide great fishing year-round. Tommy Thompson Park is one of the few parks in Toronto where lake trout have been recorded as being caught from the shore. Tommy Thompson Park is one of the best fishing locations near the downtown core. The park stretches out a few hundred meters which is why it attracts a variety of fish who prefer both cooler and warmer water temperatures.

Need directions to Tommy Thompson Park?

We've got you covered!

If you reel in a big catch, we want to hear about it. Fill out our form below to add your catch to our catch of the day board.

Northern Pike
Due to the many enclosed areas and marina at Tommy Thompson Park, pike fishing provides great action from late May to the end of June. Pike can be caught in any part of the park, but the body of water attached to the Aquatic Park Sailing Club provides exceptional pike fishing till the season closes in December. The cooler water from Lake Ontario flows into the bay and provides an ideal water temperature for pike. Anglers casting from shore will have the best luck using spoons and spinners as well as artificial minnow baits. The action also picks up from late September to the season close for pike at Tommy Thompson Park. Fishing at the mouth of the bay is one of the best spots to cast from shore.
Learn more >
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass can be found throughout the park near the shorelines, and the enclosed shallow, weedy areas are perfect spawning areas for them. When the season opens for bass in late June, the largemouth bass at Tommy Thompson Park is approaching five pounds. Cast in weedy shallow areas with either worms, artificial crayfish, or frogs, along with crank and top water baits. Bass action is fairly good from season open to close in December at Tommy Thompson Park.
Learn more >
Perch
Perch fishing is fair at Tommy Thompson Park in the enclosed water areas. The bays provide an excellent habitat for the perch which is why they are drawn to these areas. Roaming schools of perch are common through the bay which can provide high-paced action from time to time. For catching perch use worms, jigs, and very small minnow baits can be effective for larger perch due to their larger mouths.
Learn more >
Carp
Carp angling is one of the attractions at Tommy Thompson Park. The size of the carp at Tommy Thompson Park is approaching twenty pounds in size and provides excellent action throughout the year. The best spot in the park is by the bridge nearest the dragon boat club. The carp stay at the bottom of this bridge due to this semi-enclosed area. Anglers have the best luck using corn with a weight attached to the bottom. Cast from the shoreline, where you can land the fish. Landing a fifteen to twenty-pound carp from the bridge is almost impossible because of how carp’s mouths are not very strong. There is also a man-made point near the bridge where carp pass by near the shore. This point is also an excellent angling opportunity as well.
Learn more >
Lake Trout
Lake trout can be caught thanks to the deep water of Tommy Thompson Park. Lake trout prefer cooler water temperatures and can be caught in the deepest part of the water. Boat anglers have the best opportunities, but some anglers from shore can also enjoy some action due to the deep drop-offs. Anglers should use spoons and spinners that are heavy enough to reach near the bottom.
Learn more >

Catch of the day

See some of the latest fish reeled in at Tommy Thompson Park. Do you want to share your catch? Fill out the form below and get your catch showcased.

submit a catch

Bait used:
I caught this pike on a rapala husky jerk in March

Michael sykes

Marie Curtis Park

Bait used:
Monster chinook salmon caught on a fly.
Editor's Note: Look at that monster! Great catch Cody!

Cody

Duffin’s Creek Marsh

Bait used:
I caught an 18 inch bass on a 5 inch senko.
Editor's Note: Charles is on his way to be Toronto's best angler. Great job Charles!

Charles A-Y

Grenadier Pond

Bait used:
I got myself a nice pike this morning.
Editor's note: What a monster! Congrats Michael!

Michael

Rouge River

Bait used:
Silver bass . Striper. 2 lbs. 2 oz.
Editor's note: Congrats Peter!

Peter Molson Esq.

Humber River Marsh

Bait used:
A 16-inch 3 lbs. largemouth bass caught at grenadier pond.
Editor's note: Great catch Charles!

Charles A-Y

Grenadier Pond

Bait used:
A 24-inch northern pile.
Editor's note: Another catch for Charles! Congrats!

Charles

Grenadier Pond

Bait used:
Worm bait, bobber.
Editor's note: Awesome Ryan!

Ryan

Grenadier Pond

Send us your Catch of the day

Once we receive your submission, we will review and if it meets our standards, we will approve the post.

View all catches
Our friendly team is here to help.
See All Catches of the Day

Tommy Thompson Park

About fishing at Tommy Thompson Park

Need directions to Tommy Thompson Park?

Northern Pike

Largemouth Bass

Perch

Carp

Lake Trout

Catch of the day

Send us your Catch of the day

View all catches