Lake Ontario Fishing Charters | Afternoon 6-Hour Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
6-hour afternoon charter targeting salmon and lake troutRestored 1989 Penn Yan with spacious deck and quality gearCaptain Mark and Mate Andrew provide expert fishing guidance
If you're looking for serious fishing action on one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters, you've found the right crew. Captain Mark and Mate Andrew know Lake Ontario like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some of the best salmon and trout fishing you'll find anywhere. This isn't just another charter trip – it's your chance to battle trophy fish in waters that have been producing monster catches for decades. The afternoon bite can be absolutely electric, especially when the fish are staging deep and the trolling patterns come together perfectly.
You'll be fishing aboard Current Situation's fully restored 1989 Penn Yan 262 Competitor, a boat that's built for the big water and tough conditions Lake Ontario can throw at you. The spacious, open deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, which is huge when multiple rods go off at once. Captain Mark and Andrew keep top-quality gear onboard, so you don't need to worry about tackle failing when that king salmon decides to make a screaming run toward deep water. The six-hour afternoon window hits prime time perfectly – you'll be out there when the fish are most active, trolling structure and temperature breaks where the big ones hang out. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a small group that wants personalized attention and plenty of elbow room when the action heats up.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and presenting lures at the right depths, and that means trolling with downriggers, divers, and lead core setups. Captain Mark runs a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut bait depending on what the fish are hitting, and he's constantly adjusting depths and speeds based on water temperature, bait location, and fish activity. The boat's electronics help locate schools of baitfish and mark productive temperature breaks where salmon and trout like to feed. You'll learn how to read the rods, feel the difference between a fish strike and bottom contact, and handle the net when your buddy is fighting a fish boatside. The crew takes care of all the technical stuff – rigging lines, adjusting depths, and keeping everything running smooth – so you can focus on the fun part of reeling in fish.
"Mark and his crew are very good at what they do. After a little weather delay in the morning, we were able to get back to the boat. Mark and his crew were able to put us onto the fish. My crew of guys and I will be back for sure very soon…The day we had with mark and his guys, we will talk about for a very long time." - Ralph
"Mark, and his crew, were absolutely legendary yesterday on our outing. Rough waters lead to pushing the trip back a few hours for safety reasons… But once we got out on the lake, they showed how great and knowledgeable they really are, putting fish on the lines, and having my guys and myself hammer the fish.. Hands down a great crew, and best part is his deck hands were always on top of the hectic scenario with 3 fish being landed at one time!! And a double at another time!!! Without a doubt my crew will be coming back for more!!! Mark thank you for sharing your knowledge with my crew!!!" - Mike
Steelhead Trout are pure adrenaline on the end of your line – these chrome-bright fighters jump, run, and never give up easy. Lake Ontario steelhead average 8-12 pounds but fish over 15 pounds show up regularly, especially during spring and fall runs. They're incredibly acrobatic, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight, and their stamina will test your drag system and your arms. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior and the way they attack lures with bad intentions. The best action typically happens when water temperatures are in the 50-60 degree range, and these fish will hit everything from spoons to plugs to cut bait.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, with mature fish commonly reaching 20-30 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 40 pounds or more. These powerhouse salmon make blistering runs that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds, and their sheer size and strength make every hookup a serious battle. Peak season runs from late July through September, when the fish are fattened up and staging near shore before their spawning runs. Kings love deeper water during hot summer months, often suspending 60-80 feet down over 200+ feet of water. When you hook into a big king, everything else on the boat stops – it's all hands on deck to clear lines and help land what might be the fish of a lifetime.
Brown Trout are the thinking angler's target – they're smart, cautious, and absolutely beautiful when they come to the boat. These golden-sided fighters typically range from 5-15 pounds, with trophy browns over 20 pounds caught each season. They're most active during low-light periods and cooler water temperatures, making them perfect targets for afternoon trips when the sun starts dropping. Browns have incredible eyesight and can be line-shy, so Captain Mark uses longer leaders and natural presentations to fool these educated fish. Their fight is different from salmon – more bulldogging and head-shaking than long runs, but they're incredibly strong and stubborn near the boat.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that call Lake Ontario's coldest depths home year-round. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly by anglers who know where to find them. Lakers have a unique fighting style – they dive deep and use their weight and the water pressure to their advantage, making you work for every inch of line you gain. Summer finds them in 100+ feet of water where temperatures stay cool, but they'll move shall
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones - they didn't earn their reputation as "old school" trout for nothing. These golden-sided fighters typically run 8-24 inches in the lake, though we've pulled some real tanks over 10 pounds from deeper water. They love structure like drop-offs, rocky points, and weed edges, usually staying in 20-60 feet during daylight hours. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning. What guests love about browns is their unpredictable nature - they'll slam a lure one minute and completely ignore it the next. The fight is bulldogged and determined. Here's something I've learned: browns often follow your lure for a long time before committing, so vary your trolling speed and try figure-eights near the boat.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, and when one hits your line, you'll know it. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but we regularly see 30-pounders that'll test your arms and your gear. They patrol deep, cold water during summer, usually 60-120 feet down, so we use downriggers to get our lures in the zone. Spring and fall offer the best shots when they move shallower. What makes Kings special is that raw power - they don't jump much, but they bulldoze through the water with incredible strength. The orange-pink meat is premium eating too. Pro tip: when trolling, watch for sudden direction changes on your electronics - Kings often follow baitfish schools and that's where the action happens.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of Ontario, and catching one is always special since they're the lake's native predator. These grey-green bruisers average 24-36 inches and can hit 40+ pounds - the biggest trout species we target. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake, usually 80-200+ feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out and fall turnover are your best bets when they move up. What makes them unique is that slow, steady power - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle grinding against your drag. The light-colored meat is excellent eating. One thing I always tell guests: lakers often follow your lure up from the depths, so don't reel in too fast when checking baits. I've seen fish grabbed just 20 feet under the boat.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the big water, which makes them stronger and more aggressive fighters than their freshwater cousins. These silver bullets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches in Lake Ontario. You'll find them cruising open water and staging near tributaries, especially during spring and fall runs. They hit hard and jump like crazy - that's what keeps guests coming back. The meat is firm and tasty too. Here's a tip from years out here: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it. They'll make long runs and aerial displays, so let your drag work and enjoy the show. Best action happens in low light conditions when they're actively feeding.
Mark and his crew are very good at what they do. After a little weather delay in the morning, we were able to get back to the boat...
Mark, and his crew, were absolutely legendary yesterday on our outing. Rough waters lead to pushing the trip back a few hours for ...
Oswego, NY, United States