Thames River

The Thames River is one of the most diverse rivers in Ontario. 94 species of fish can be found in the river making it one of the best fishing rivers in south western Ontario. Fishing opportunities abound in the London section of the river (both North and South branches) with lots of public access to the river. A paved trail system extends along the river for more than 20km within the city. Fanshawe Lake provides both boating and shore fishing prospects. The river changes from fast, deep and chocolate brown during the spring runoff to areas that can be crossed with barely getting wet in the summer.

Within the London city limits and immediately adjacent there are a large number of sport and coarse fish available for angling. Available species are:

Sport Fish

• Brook Trout
• Brown Trout
• Crappie
• Largemouth Bass 
• Pike
• Rainbow Trout
• Smallmouth Bass
• Sunfish (Pumpkinseed, Bluegill and Rock Bass) 
• Walleye

Coarse Fish

• Bullhead
• Carp
• Channel Catfish
• Gar Pike
• Redhorse Sucker
• Sheepshead
• White Bass 
• White Sucker
• Various other sucker fish 

Popular spots to fish

Fanshawe Lake

North of Fanshawe Lake is a good spot for nice sized smallmouth bass and brook and brown trout in the tributaries. Fanshawe Lake is a small man-made lake that features walleye, smallmouth bass and good sized carp. Both shore and boat fishing can be accomplished here. There is a boat launch at the lake.

Downtown London

The Forks of the Thames is in downtown London where the north and south branches meet. A wide variety of fish can be found at this location and access to the river is very easy. (Great for fishing after work)

Springbank Park

Springbank Park is a large urban park in London's west end. The park follows the river valley for several kilometers. The Springbank Dam is a popular fishing spot with residents.