One of my favourite things to do in the whole world is spend time fishing with my two sons.  We have two spots that we like best; Milne Dam Conservation Park in Markham and Toogood Pond in Unionville.  We like to go early on Sunday mornings equipped with a container of worms and a couple of snack bars.  This is urban fishing at its best.

 Markham resident, Eugene Lo, took up fishing last year and tries to get out at least once a week for a few casts.

 “It’s trying to find the fish and feeling the tension on the rod that makes fishing fun,” says Lo, who immediately took to fishing after his first cast. “You don’t know what’s on the end of your line and it’s kinda like a surprise when you reel it out.” Lo has fished the (Milne) Dam a few times, trying for salmon and trout. “Unfortunately, my fishing skills haven’t developed to the point that I can say I’ve caught either species at the Dam,” he says with a chuckle.

Markham boasts a circuit of fishing in parks and rivers throughout the city for fishing enthusiasts of all varieties.  Milne Dam Conservation Park is open seasonally from Victoria Day until Thanksgiving Day. This 305-acre park is the largest in Markham and one of the cities best-kept treasures.  A concrete fish ladder has been constructed in the park to assist the fish populations traveling along the Rouge River system. 

They say the Dam has bass, sunfish, trout, perch, salmon and pike in it.  We haven’t been so lucky as to catch anything too big so far.  But I have to confess that half of our time is spent checking out the wildlife and wondering the many trails.  An MNR fishing permit is required to fish at the park and can be purchased at Canadian Tire stores or any bait shop.  There’s a great bait shop on Hwy 7 in Unionville just west of Main Street called Joe's Bait and Tackle.  They have everything you need to make it a great day!

This year, I plan to take the boys to Toogood Pond for its annual Urban Fishing Festival in July. You can bring your own fishing gear, or borrow equipment at the event.  The festival features a variety of helpful angling demonstrations.  The boys and I hope to show them what we’re made of by entering some of the many contests.  A fishing license is not required at this event and all ages are welcome.  You may be lucky enough to catch bass, panfish or carp.  And the best part… free worms!