Premium Half Day Salmon & Trout Adventure on Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour Lake Ontario charter targets salmon and trout speciesCaptain Matt provides premium tackle for up to four guestsScenic waters offer fishing action plus natural beauty views
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario at first light, watching the sun paint the horizon while your downrigger rod suddenly comes alive with a screaming Chinook on the other end. That's exactly what Captain Matt of 716 SportFishing delivers on this top-rated 4-hour charter. Designed for up to 4 anglers, this trip puts you right in the heart of some of the Great Lakes' best salmon and trout action. You'll have shots at Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, plus Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout – all while soaking in views that'll make you forget you're not on the ocean. Captain Matt brings the gear, you bring the enthusiasm, and Lake Ontario provides the fish.
This isn't your typical pond fishing – Lake Ontario is serious water with serious fish. Captain Matt runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, perfect for both seasoned anglers and folks just getting their feet wet. The 4-hour window gives you enough time to work different depths and techniques without feeling rushed. You'll cover water from the nearshore structure where Browns love to cruise, out to the deeper thermoclines where Lakers hang out. The boat's equipped with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need, so don't worry about bringing your own setup. Between fish, you'll have time to appreciate just how massive Lake Ontario really is – it's like being on an inland sea with Chicago-style skylines replaced by natural shoreline. The fresh air alone is worth the trip, but when you add in the chance to land multiple species in one outing, you've got a recipe for a day you'll be talking about for months.
Captain Matt knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and he'll put that knowledge to work for you. The game plan typically involves trolling with downriggers to get your baits down to where the fish are holding. We're talking depths anywhere from 40 to 120 feet, depending on the season and what the fish finder is showing. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place in the rotation – Captain Matt switches things up based on what's producing. The boat's outfitted with modern electronics to mark fish and structure, plus all the downrigger setups you need to work multiple depths at once. You might find yourself running dipsy divers on the outside lines while working downriggers closer to the boat. It's a chess match between angler and fish, and the lake's thermal layers add another dimension to the puzzle. Water temperature breaks are where the magic happens – baitfish stack up, and predators follow. Captain Matt reads these conditions like a book and positions the boat accordingly.
Atlantic Salmon are the newcomers that have old-timers talking. These fish fight like their ocean-run cousins, jumping and tail-walking when they feel the hook. They're typically smaller than Chinooks but make up for it with pure attitude. Spring through early summer is prime time, and they love hanging around the 60-80 foot range. What makes them special is their acrobatic nature – they'll clear the water multiple times during a fight, putting on a show that's worth the price of admission alone.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can push 30 pounds and will test your drag system to its limits. They're deep-water fish that prefer the cooler temps found 100+ feet down during summer months. Early morning and late evening are peak times, though they can be caught throughout the day. When a big King grabs your spoon, you'll know it immediately – the rod doubles over and your reel starts screaming. They're bulldogs that prefer to fight deep, making long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning.
Coho Salmon bring speed and aerial displays to the table. They're smaller than Chinooks but arguably more fun to fight, jumping repeatedly and making fast, erratic runs. Cohos love the mid-depth range, typically 40-70 feet, and they're suckers for bright spoons and plugs. They school up more than Chinooks, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. Summer months are best, and they're perfect for anglers who want consistent action over trophy size.
Steelhead Trout are Lake Ontario's silver bullets – they fight like salmon but think like trout. These fish are incredibly athletic, combining powerful runs with spectacular jumps. They can be found anywhere from 30 to 100 feet deep, depending on water temperature and bait location. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're staging for spawning runs. What sets them apart is their unpredictability – they might jump six times or bulldoze straight down, keeping you guessing throughout the fight.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that many anglers overlook, but they shouldn't. These native fish can live for decades and grow impressively large. They prefer the coldest, deepest water available, often 120+ feet down during summer. Lakers fight differently than salmon – they're strong but methodical, making steady runs rather than explosive bursts. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Many anglers specifically target them during the cooler months when they move shallower.
Lake Ontario fishing doesn't get much better than this. Captain Matt's half-day trips give you a genuine shot at multiple species without eating up your entire day, making it perfect for families or anyone wanting to sample what the Great Lakes have to offer. The combination of world-class fishing and stunning scenery creates an experience that works for both hardcore anglers and folks just looking for a great day on the water. With all gear provided and a captain who knows where the fish are biting, you just need to show up ready to have some fun. Keep in
Meet the Viking, your ticket to serious salmon and trout action on Lake Ontario's prime fishing waters. This restored 38-footer cuts through the waves with twin 220HP Crusaders, getting you to the hot spots where Atlantic salmon, Chinook, and Coho are waiting. Captain Matt knows exactly where the fish are biting, and with the boat's fish finder and GPS, you'll spend more time reeling them in than searching. The Viking isn't just about catching fish – it's built for comfort during those long battles with monster lake trout. Stay cool with onboard air conditioning between runs, grab cold drinks from the fridge, and take advantage of the flybridge for spotting surface action. With radar for those misty Lake Ontario mornings and a full galley setup, you're covered whether the fish are cooperative or playing hard to get. Four anglers fit perfectly without crowding each other's lines, giving everyone room to work when the salmon start hitting.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are sleek, silver-bodied fish averaging 8-12 pounds and 28-30 inches. In Lake Ontario, they cruise deep waters where cooler temperatures suit them best. These fish are famous for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap clear out of the water when hooked. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move into shallower areas. What makes them special is their incredible table quality - that orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can spawn multiple times, making them resilient fighters. One tip I always share: when you feel that first run, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. They're smart fish and will use every trick to throw the hook.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-20 pounds but regularly hitting 30+ pounds. They prefer deep, cold water and often hug the bottom in 80-150 feet during summer months. These fish are light-shy, so early morning and evening produce the best action. What draws anglers is their sheer power - they'll strip line like no other fish and fight hard to the boat. The rich, red meat is prized by anyone who's tasted fresh king salmon. They're sensitive to water temperature changes, making them great indicators of fishing conditions. My go-to technique is downrigger trolling with heavy tackle. When you hook a big king, check your drag twice - they'll find any weakness in your setup and exploit it.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 8-12 pounds with brilliant silver sides and dark backs. They're absolute acrobats - can jump 6 feet straight up when fighting. We find them cruising the thermocline in 40-80 feet of water, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring through early fall gives us the best shots at them. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and wild aerial shows once hooked. The bright orange meat makes for excellent eating too. These fish have serious attitude and will test your tackle. Here's a trick that works well: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes. Cohos love that erratic action and it often triggers strikes when nothing else will.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water heavyweights of Ontario, commonly running 15-40 pounds in our waters. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 100+ feet down during summer. These char prefer low-light conditions, making overcast days and dawn/dusk your best bets. What guests appreciate is their steady, powerful fight and excellent table quality. They're slow-growing fish that can live decades, so big ones are truly special catches. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow to feed. Jigging is your best approach - drop a heavy spoon or jig right to bottom and work it vertically. Keep your movements subtle; lakers are notorious for light bites that feel like bottom taps.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in big water, growing larger and stronger. They average 24 inches but can push 45 inches in Lake Ontario. These chrome-bright fighters prefer cooler water and often suspend in 60-100 feet, following baitfish schools. Mid-fall through spring gives us prime fishing when they're most active. What sets them apart is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment and patience. The firm, pink meat is outstanding on the table. These fish are light-sensitive, so overcast days or dawn/dusk periods produce better. Pro tip: when fighting one, keep your rod tip up and let them tire themselves out. Rushing the fight usually ends with a lost fish.
Lake Ontario