Half Day Pro-Level Salmon And Trout Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour charter targets salmon and trout species professionallyPremium tackle provided for up to four experienced anglersCaptain Matt guides productive Lake Ontario fishing waters
Captain Matt's 4-hour Lake Ontario charter isn't for first-timers looking to learn the basics. This world-class fishing experience targets serious anglers who want to maximize every minute on the water. With space for just 4 guests, you'll have plenty of room to work as you chase some of the Great Lakes' most prized game fish. We're talking Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho salmon, plus brown, lake, and rainbow trout that'll test your skills and give you stories worth telling. The captain provides top-rated rods, reels, and tackle, so you can focus on what matters most – hooking up with fish that fight like their lives depend on it.
Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's built this charter around covering the most productive zones quickly. You won't be sitting in one spot hoping for bites – this is an active fishing trip designed for anglers who appreciate strategy and technique. The boat launches early to hit prime feeding windows when salmon and trout are most aggressive. Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters create perfect conditions for these species year-round, but Captain Matt adjusts tactics based on seasonal patterns and current conditions. The scenic backdrop of Lake Ontario and nearby Lake Niagara provides stunning views, but let's be honest – you'll be too focused on your rod tip to notice much else when the action heats up.
This charter runs on proven Lake Ontario techniques that produce consistent results. You'll primarily troll with downriggers and lead core lines to reach the thermocline where salmon and trout concentrate. Captain Matt switches between spoons, plugs, and flies depending on what's working that day – he's got the tackle selection dialed in from years of experience on these waters. The boat's electronics help locate bait schools and temperature breaks where predator fish ambush their prey. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – the captain's rods and reels are tournament-quality setups that can handle the powerful runs these Great Lakes fish are famous for. You'll learn proper fighting techniques for different species, because a 15-pound Chinook fights completely different than a chrome-bright steelhead.
Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario are the crown jewel catch – these hard-fighting fish average 8-12 pounds and are known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are ideal, and their silver flanks make them absolutely beautiful fish to photograph before release. Atlantics feed heavily on alewives and prefer depths between 40-80 feet, making them perfect targets for this style of fishing.
Chinook salmon are the bruisers of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and some true giants pushing 30-plus. These are the fish that'll test your drag and make your arms burn – they're called "kings" for good reason. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're most active during dawn and dusk feeding periods. Their aggressive strikes and powerful runs make them a customer favorite among serious anglers.
Coho salmon bring pure excitement to the boat with their acrobatic fights and willingness to chase lures. Averaging 6-10 pounds, they make up for size with attitude – these fish jump, run, and generally go crazy when hooked. Cohos are excellent eating and provide consistent action during summer months when they're feeding aggressively in the upper water column.
Steelhead trout are the wild cards of Lake Ontario fishing – these chrome-bright fighters are incredibly strong for their size and known for long, blistering runs that'll have you wondering if you hooked a much larger fish. They're most active during cooler months and provide some of the most rewarding battles you'll experience. Their pink meat and firm texture make them prized table fare.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists that can reach impressive sizes in Lake Ontario's cold depths. These native fish fight with bulldogging power and represent some of the best trophy potential on the lake. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into shallower water, but Captain Matt knows the deep structure where they hold year-round.
This half-day charter offers the perfect balance of intensity and convenience for skilled anglers who want to experience Lake Ontario's renowned salmon and trout fishing without committing to a full day. Captain Matt's expertise and quality equipment give you the best shot at connecting with these powerful Great Lakes fish. The 4-guest limit ensures everyone gets personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly – but with Captain Matt's track record and these productive waters, you're investing in a top-rated fishing experience that'll have you planning your next trip before you even reach the dock.
Step aboard the Viking, a restored 38-foot sport fishing machine that Captain Matt uses to chase salmon and trout across Lake Ontario's productive waters. This classic 1990 build got a complete makeover in 2016 and now runs like a dream with twin 220HP Crusaders pushing her to 27 knots when you need to cover water fast. The boat's equipped with everything serious anglers need - fish finder to mark schools, GPS and radar for navigation, plus an icebox and fridge to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. When the action slows, you'll appreciate the air conditioning, multimedia system, and flybridge for spotting surface activity. With a full galley, head, and sleeping quarters, the Viking handles Lake Ontario's conditions while keeping your group of four comfortable during those productive morning and evening bites when the big kings and steelhead are feeding.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are beautiful silver fish that run 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds on average. They're built for speed with streamlined bodies and forked tails. In Lake Ontario, these fish cruise mid-depths during cooler months but can go deeper when it warms up. Spring and fall are prime times when they're more active and feeding aggressively. What makes atlantics special is their incredible fight - they're acrobatic jumpers that'll test your skills. Unlike other salmon, they don't die after spawning, so they can live 4-6 years and get pretty smart. The meat is top-notch too, that classic orange-pink color. One tip: when you feel that first run, keep steady pressure but let them tire themselves out on those jumps rather than trying to muscle them in.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - massive fish that can hit 30+ pounds and fight like freight trains. These silver-sided bruisers average 12-39 inches but the big ones will really test your gear. They're light-sensitive, so they hang deep during the day, often 80-150 feet down in summer. Early morning, evening, and overcast days bring the best action. Kings are what serious anglers come for - they make blistering runs and have that head-shaking power that'll rattle your teeth. The reddish-pink meat is outstanding too. Spring and fall are prime when they move shallower to feed. Here's the deal with kings: when you hook one, don't try to stop that first run. Let them take line and tire out. Fighting them too hard early just pulls the hooks.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are fantastic fighters that average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds in Lake Ontario. They've got that classic silver body with dark backs and black spots on their tails. These fish are pure acrobats - they can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in mid-water columns, often suspended over deeper areas. Late spring through early fall is your best shot, especially during overcast conditions when they move up to feed. Anglers love cohos because they fight dirty - lots of jumps, runs, and head shakes. The bright orange meat is excellent eating too. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch for baitfish schools on your fish finder. Cohos will be right underneath or just outside those clouds, waiting to ambush.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water heavyweights of Ontario, ranging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These grey-green giants with cream markings live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round. They're homebodies that prefer 100+ feet of water, suspended near bottom or cruising along drop-offs. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are money times when they come up to feed more actively. Lakers are popular because they're pure power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging strength that'll make your arms burn. They're also the longest-lived fish we target, some over 20 years old. The white meat is mild and flaky. Key tip for lakers: fish vertical with heavy jigs or spoons. They rarely chase lures far, so keep it right in their face and work it slow.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are lake-run rainbows that grow big and mean in Lake Ontario's cold waters. These silver bullets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and really test your drag. They're the same species as rainbow trout but live differently - spending time in the big water makes them stronger and more aggressive. You'll find them anywhere from 20 feet down to the thermocline, often around structure or temperature breaks. Mid-fall through spring is peak season when they're most active. What makes steelhead special is their stamina - they'll make multiple long runs and can fight for 20 minutes. They're also excellent table fare. Pro tip: use lighter leaders than you think you need. These fish are line-shy, and 12-pound fluorocarbon often outfishes 20-pound, even on bigger fish.
Lake Ontario