Release of Rainbow Trout into the pond, April 24, 2025

The trout pond at Falls Reserve Conservation Area (Benmiller) opens on April 26, 2025. The season runs through till September 30, 2025. This coincides with the Ontario Fishing Regulation in this area (Zone 16). Trout caught in the FRCA pond are regulated under the Ontario Fishing Regulations.

All rules around licencing, possession limits and seasons apply to anglers fishing at the stocked pond. Anglers are required to review the Ontario Fishing Regulations.

Anyone 18 – 64 years of age is required to have an Ontario Fishing License under the regulations.

The pond has been stocked with over 460 rainbow trout. Please support the stocking program by purchasing a Pond Permit available at the park gatehouse.

The pond also has a sustainable largemouth bass population managed by the Conservation Area. Bass caught in the pond are “catch and release only” to help with maintaining the largemouth bass population in the pond. Angling for bass is prohibited prior to the 4th Saturday in June.

Pond Fishing Rules:

• All anglers fishing at the stocked trout pond must purchase a Pond Permit issued by the park on the same date and before fishing the pond (FRCA – POND PERMIT).
• If an adult supervising the child under 12 is assisting the child in the activity of fishing, the adult must have an Ontario Fishing Licence and be subject to that single Ontario Fishing Licence catch and possession limit shared with the child.
• Angling at the stocked trout pond is allowed during daylight hours only, no nighttime fishing.
• Daily catch and possession limits, 2-trout with a Sports Fishing License (1-trout with Conservation Fishing Licence). Please respect these catch limits.
• Use of barbless hooks is encouraged to support released trout survival. Any injured/expiry trout that are released is considered part of the angler’s limit under the permit.
• Anyone violating the pond fishing rules will forfeit their Pond Permit and must leave the pond area.
• All anglers are to be considerate of other anglers and show respect while fishing at the pond.
• Conservation Area staff monitor the pond and check on anglers regularly to ensure compliance

Pond Permits

Daily Adult Fishing Pond Permit: $12.00 (you must have an Ontario Fishing Licence to obtain a Pond Permit)

Daily Youth Fishing Pond Permit (ages 13 – 17): $6.00

Children 12 and under do not require a Pond Permit but must be accompanied by a supervising adult that has purchased a valid Adult Pond Permit.

Payment Options:

Permit payment can be made at the park Gatehouse or through park staff.

Payment can be made to [email protected] Indicate name and contact with your transaction. Your receipt of payment is your Pond Permit.

Payment can also be made by cash deposit in envelop at the honor pay system. Please include your name, contact information and the date on a provided envelop.

Each Pond Permit sale will be entered into a draw for prizes at the end of the season!

Thank you for your support of the stocking program.