Fishing in Markham, Ontario?

For small panfish in late May and under 30 minutes from Richmond Hill, my best pick is usually:

Toogood Pond Park (Markham)

It’s one of the easiest urban spots nearby for bluegill, pumpkinseed, and small perch. Late May is a great time because the shallow water warms up and panfish move close to shore to feed and spawn.

Why it’s a good choice

• Short drive from Richmond Hill
• Lots of shore access
• Panfish often hang around weed edges, docks, and shallow coves
• Very beginner-friendly for light tackle

Best setup

• Rod: ultralight or light spinning rod
• Line: 2–6 lb mono or fluoro
• Lures/baits:
  • tiny tube jigs
  • 1/32 to 1/16 oz jigs
  • worms under a bobber
  • small spinners like a size 0 or 1
• Fish early morning or last 2 hours before sunset

Where to cast

• Along the reeds and weedline
• Near bridge areas or any deeper edge next to shallow water
• Around quiet coves with less foot traffic

Good backup spots

If Toogood is busy, try:

• Swan Lake Park
• Mill Pond in Richmond Hill
• Smaller neighborhood ponds if fishing is allowed there

Late May tip

If the weather is warm and stable, panfish may be shallow and aggressive. If you get a cold front or windy/rainy day, fish a little deeper and slow down your presentation.

If you want, I can give you a top 3 panfish spots within 30 minutes of Richmond Hill with the best bait for each.

Absolutely — here are my top 3 panfish spots within 30 minutes of Richmond Hill for late May:

1) Toogood Pond, Markham

Best for: bluegill, pumpkinseed, small perch
Why it’s great: lots of shallow shoreline, weeds, and easy access. Late May is prime because panfish often move up to spawn.

Best bait:

• worm under a float
• tiny jig tipped with a piece of worm
• micro curly-tail grub

Best approach: fish the weedy edges and any quiet corners early or near sunset.

---

2) Mill Pond, Richmond Hill

Best for: panfish, occasional bass mixed in
Why it’s great: it’s close, easy to reach, and can hold small panfish around warmer shallows and structure.

Best bait:

• small red wigglers
• waxworms
• 1/32 oz jig

Best approach: cast close to lily pads, docks, and shaded edges if available. If the sun is bright, panfish may tuck tighter to cover.

---

3) Swan Lake Park, Markham

Best for: bluegill, sunfish, small perch
Why it’s great: shallow, urban, and usually good for light-tackle action. It can be a nice backup if Toogood is pressured.

Best bait:

• small bobber and worm
• tiny inline spinner
• micro jig

Best approach: work the shoreline banks slowly and don’t overlook spots where people don’t usually cast.

Quick late-May tip

If the week is warm and calm, fish very shallow. If there’s wind or a cold front, move a little deeper and fish slower. Panfish in urban ponds can get picky, so downsizing your bait often makes a huge difference.

If you want, I can also give you a super simple panfish setup you can buy once and use anywhere around Richmond Hill.