Lake Ontario King Salmon & Trout Full Day Charter
Captain Ken's Wild Wings runs one of the top-rated fishing operations out of Olcott, New York, putting you right in the heart of Lake Ontario's legendary salmon and trout action. This full day charter targets the lake's most prized species - King Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout - using proven trolling methods that consistently put fish in the boat. You'll fish aboard a 23-foot HydroSports tournament-style walk-around that's built for comfort and performance, equipped with premium marine electronics to locate schools and track the thermocline where these fish love to hang out. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never held a rod, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at Olcott Harbor, one of Lake Ontario's premier fishing ports known for consistent salmon and trout action. The 23-foot HydroSports gives you plenty of room to move around while fighting fish, with a tournament-style layout that keeps lines organized and maximizes your chances of staying hooked up. Captain Ken provides all the high-end rods and reels you'll need, along with a tackle box full of spoons, plugs, and other proven baits that Lake Ontario's fish can't resist. The boat's marine electronics include GPS, fish finders, and temperature gauges that help locate the thermocline and baitfish concentrations where salmon and trout feed most actively. You'll spend the day trolling at various depths and speeds, covering water efficiently while the captain reads conditions and adjusts tactics based on what the fish are telling him. The relaxed atmosphere means you can focus on enjoying the fight when you hook up, while learning techniques that'll make you a better angler on future trips.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
Trolling is the name of the game on Lake Ontario, and Captain Ken's setup reflects years of fine-tuning what works best in these waters. You'll run multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups that cover the entire water column where salmon and trout cruise. The captain supplies premium spoons in silver, gold, and copper finishes, along with cut bait rigs and plugs that mimic the alewives and smelt these fish feed on. Electronics play a huge role in success here - the fish finder shows baitfish schools and helps identify the thermocline, that temperature break where cold and warm water meet and predator fish love to hunt. You'll learn to read water temperature, watch for birds working over schools of baitfish, and understand how wind and current affect where fish position themselves. The downrigger setup lets you precisely control depth, keeping baits in the strike zone even as conditions change throughout the day. When a rod goes off, the fight is on - and with multiple lines in the water, double and triple hookups aren't uncommon when you find an active school.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Ontario King Salmon are the crown jewel of this fishery, with mature fish averaging 15-25 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30 pounds or more. These Pacific salmon were introduced to the Great Lakes decades ago and have thrived in Ontario's deep, cold waters. Kings are most active during early morning and evening hours, though they can be caught throughout the day when you find them relating to baitfish schools or temperature breaks. Spring and fall offer the best action, with fish moving closer to shore during spawning runs. What makes Kings so special is their raw power - when one hits your bait, you'll know it immediately as they make blistering runs and leap clear of the water. The fight can last 10-15 minutes or more, testing both your endurance and the captain's boat handling skills as he maneuvers to keep you connected to the fish.
Steelhead bring a different kind of excitement to the boat, known for their acrobatic fights and stunning silver appearance. These lake-run rainbow trout typically range from 5-15 pounds, though larger fish over 20 pounds swim in these waters. Steelhead are incredibly athletic, making multiple jumps and long runs that'll have your drag screaming. They're often found in slightly shallower water than Kings, relating to structure and temperature changes where they ambush schools of baitfish. Spring offers world-class Steelhead action as fish stage near river mouths before spawning runs, while summer fishing can be excellent when you locate them following thermoclines in deeper water. Their bright silver sides and pink stripe make them one of the most beautiful fish you'll catch, and their table fare is outstanding for those who choose to keep a few.
Brown Trout round out the slam, representing the wariest and most challenging target species. These fish are known for their intelligence and tendency to follow baits without committing, making them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate the chess match involved. Browns typically range from 3-12 pounds, with trophy fish over 15 pounds caught regularly in Lake Ontario's fertile waters. They're most active during low-light conditions and can be incredibly selective about bait presentation and speed. What makes Browns special is their stunning coloration - golden sides with distinctive spots and a hooked jaw on mature fish. They're also excellent table fare, with firm white meat that's prized by anglers who know how to prepare them. Fall fishing for Browns can be phenomenal as they move shallow for spawning, often providing fast action when conditions align.
Time to Book Your Spot
This full day Lake Ontario fishing experience delivers everything serious anglers want - professional equipment, proven techniques, and access to some of the Great Lakes' best salmon and trout fishing. At $800 for up to 4 guests, plus $100 per additional angler, you're getting exceptional value for a world-class fishing adventure that includes the boat, fuel, all tackle, and Captain Ken's expertise. Remember to bring your valid New York state fishing license - it's required for all participants. The boat's 4-guest capacity