Lake Ontario Charters | Advanced Anglers
Ready to tackle the big water? Captain Mark and his crew know Lake Ontario like the back of their hand, and they're here to put you and up to three buddies on some serious fish. This isn't your typical half-day charter – we're talking about a full adventure targeting everything from chrome-bright steelhead to hefty salmon that'll test your drag system. Whether you're chasing browns in the shallows or running copper lines for kings, this charter adapts to what's biting and where the fish are holding.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Mark brings years of experience from both river and lake fishing, so you know you're in capable hands. The boat holds up to four anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Expect to cover some serious water as the crew reads conditions and adjusts tactics throughout the day. Some mornings you might start shallow working the browns, then head to deeper water where the big salmon cruise. The team switches up techniques based on what's working – could be pulling boards, running copper, or working the thermocline with downriggers. Pack your own lunch and drinks since meals aren't included, but trust me, you'll be too focused on the action to think much about food.
Techniques and Gear Setup
This charter runs the full spectrum of Lake Ontario fishing methods. You'll likely see copper line setups – those long, heavy lines that get spoons and flies down to where the big fish patrol. Downriggers are another go-to, especially when targeting specific depths along temperature breaks. The crew also works planer boards to spread lines out and cover more water, which is deadly effective when fish are scattered. Depending on conditions, you might troll spoons, flies, or even run flasher-and-fly combos that drive salmon crazy. All the gear is provided, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, feel free to bring it along. The captain knows how to read the electronics and will adjust speed, depth, and lure selection based on what the fish finder shows.
Customer Stories
"Me and my buddies went out with mark and Andrew and we started the morning getting hits on browns we got into a few took a few hits boxed a couple then went out to the salmon waters and found a coho my first ever coho on a 300 copper we boated that fish then fished for the salmon a few minutes with no prevail so we slipped back in to see if browns were gonna play again they didn't want anything so we headed to the dock with happy faces and a happy smoker cause it got some fresh fish to smoke again all in all was a great trip great company and laughs and stories to be had I've been going with mark for 6-7 years now on the river he convinced me to get on the big boat finally and he showed he's just as knowledgeable on the lake as he is on the river if your looking for a memory of a life time and a guy you can be a friend with he's the man he will show you everything and anything you want or need to know get with the man 10/10 recommend" - Jack
Top Catches This Season
Steelhead trout are the chrome rockets of Lake Ontario, and they're why so many anglers get hooked on Great Lakes fishing. These fish run anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 20. Spring and fall are prime time, when they're staging near river mouths or cruising the shoreline breaks. What makes steelhead so special is their fight – they'll jump, run, and test every knot in your setup. The lake keeps them fat and strong, so even a 6-pounder will give you a workout. Captain Mark knows the seasonal patterns and where to find them holding at different times of year.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the boat. These silver torpedoes typically range from 3 to 8 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. They love to jump repeatedly, shaking their heads and throwing spray everywhere. Cohos are often found in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. They're particularly active in summer and early fall, often feeding on baitfish in the upper water column. The 300-copper setup that landed Jack's first coho is a proven method – those copper lines get your lure down to the right depth while maintaining the perfect trolling speed.
Brown trout are the lake's sneaky predators, often the biggest fish in the cooler at day's end. These bruisers can push 10, 15, even 20 pounds, and they're smart – they didn't get that big by being easy to catch. Browns often feed close to shore early and late in the day, picking off baitfish in surprisingly shallow water. They're notorious for following lures for long distances before deciding to strike, and when they do, it's often a subtle tap that requires experience to detect. The reward is worth it though – a big lake-run brown is one of the finest eating fish you'll find anywhere.
King salmon are the ultimate prize on Lake Ontario, the fish that dreams are made of. These monsters can exceed 30 pounds, and even average-sized kings in the teens will test your endurance. They're typically found in deeper water, often relating to temperature breaks and baitfish concentrations. Kings have incredible stamina and will make long, powerful runs that can empty a reel if your drag isn't set right. The fight often lasts 15-20 minutes or more, making every fish a real achievement. Late summer through fall is prime king season, when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Ontario fishing doesn't get much better than this. Captain Mark's reputation speaks for itself – he's put in the time to learn both the river systems and open lake patterns, so you're fishing with someone who truly knows these waters. The boat handles Lake Ontario's moods well