Lake Ontario Afternoon Salmon and Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour afternoon charter targets salmon, trout, and walleye offshoreProfessional trolling equipment and tackle provided for all skill levelsAccommodates up to six anglers with seasonal AprilSeptember availability
Captain William's afternoon fishing charter on Lake Ontario is hands-down one of the best ways to experience world-class salmon and trout fishing without burning your whole day. This top-rated 6-hour adventure launches at noon and takes you straight to the prime offshore spots where the big fish are actively feeding. From April through September, Lake Ontario transforms into a salmon and trout paradise, and this charter puts you right in the thick of the action. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to land your personal best or a complete beginner who's never held a fishing rod, Captain William's got the skills and patience to make your afternoon memorable.
Your charter kicks off at 12:00 PM sharp, giving you the perfect excuse to sleep in or grab lunch before heading out. The afternoon timing is actually money – that's when the fish are often most active, especially during the warmer months. Captain William runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, making sure everyone from kids to grandparents feels comfortable on deck. The boat heads offshore to depths where the water stays cool and the baitfish gather, creating perfect conditions for trophy salmon and trout. You'll cover serious water during your 6-hour trip, moving between productive spots based on what the fish finder shows and where Captain William's experience tells him to look. The $700 rate covers your entire group of up to six anglers, making it a solid deal when you split it between friends or family. Need more time on the water? Extended hours run $100 per hour – totally worth it when the fish are biting.
This isn't your typical bobber-and-worm fishing trip. Captain William employs serious trolling techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. Downriggers are the backbone of the operation, getting your lures down to precise depths where salmon and trout cruise. Planer boards spread your lines wide, covering more water and preventing tangles when multiple fish hit at once – and trust me, that happens more often than you'd think. Dipsey divers add another dimension, running your presentations at different angles and depths to trigger strikes from finicky fish. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so you don't need to invest in expensive gear or worry about bringing the wrong setup. Captain William switches between spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos depending on conditions and what the fish are showing interest in. The beauty of this approach is that it works for every skill level – beginners can focus on fighting fish while experienced anglers can learn advanced techniques from a captain who knows these waters inside and out.
Chinook Salmon, also called King Salmon, are the absolute heavyweights of Lake Ontario and the fish that gets most anglers' hearts pumping. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30, making for rod-bending fights that'll test your stamina. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with fish staging near shore before their spawning runs. What makes Kings so special is their raw power – they'll make screaming runs, jump clear of the water, and generally put on a show that'll have you grinning for weeks. The fight can last 20-30 minutes on heavy fish, giving everyone on the boat time to grab photos and cheer you on.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their King cousins, typically running 8-15 pounds, but they make up for it with pure athleticism. These silver rockets are absolute acrobats, launching themselves skyward multiple times during the fight. Coho are incredibly aggressive, often hitting lures hard and fast, which makes for exciting action throughout the trip. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill. Peak Coho action happens mid-summer through early fall, and they tend to feed actively during afternoon hours.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of Lake Ontario, known for their endurance and spectacular aerial displays. These chrome-bright fish average 6-12 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Steelhead are notorious for their long runs and multiple jumps, often clearing the water several times before coming to the net. They're available pretty much year-round but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. What sets steelhead apart is their unpredictability – you never know if they'll bulldoze deep or dance on the surface.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, often requiring finesse and patience to hook consistently. These golden-sided beauties typically range from 5-15 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 20-plus. Browns are known for their wariness and tendency to inspect lures before committing, making them a favorite target for experienced anglers. They fight with dogged determination, using their broad tails and heavy bodies to stay deep. Lake Ontario browns are renowned for their size and fighting ability, often surprising anglers who underestimate their strength.
Walleye provide consistent action and exceptional eating, making them a customer favorite on every charter. These golden-eyed predators typically run 2-6 pounds in Lake Ontario, with occasional fish pushing into double digits. Walleye are aggressive feeders during low-light periods, making afternoon and evening prime time for action. They're not the flashiest fighters, but they pull hard and steady, and their firm white meat is considered among the best-tasting freshwater fish. Captain William knows the structure and depth changes where walleye concentrate, often producing multiple fish when he finds a school.
Lake Ontario's afternoon salmon and trout fishing is trending for good reason – it delivers consistent action, accommodates busy schedules, and puts you on some of the Great Lakes' most sought-after game fish. Captain William's seasonal charter runs daily from April through September, hitting the absolute peak months for salmon and trout activity. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to get into fish
Our 27-foot Sportcraft is your ticket to Lake Ontario's best salmon and trout action. This 300HP fishing machine cuts through the big water at 21mph, getting you to the productive offshore zones where the Kings and Cohos are feeding. Built specifically for Great Lakes charter work, she handles six anglers with room to move while fighting fish. The onboard fish finder pinpoints schools and structure, while GPS keeps us on the hottest spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with steelhead and browns. Captain William runs downriggers, planer boards, and dipsey divers from this stable platform, putting your lines exactly where the fish are holding. Whether you're after trophy lake trout in deep water or working the thermocline for salmon, this boat delivers the space and power needed for serious Lake Ontario fishing.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest fish in the lake and probably the most challenging to consistently catch. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 8-15 pounds but can grow much larger. They're opportunistic feeders that patrol various depths, from shallow nearshore areas at dawn and dusk to deeper offshore waters during the day. Fall fishing can be outstanding as they feed aggressively before winter. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've earned their reputation as the "thinking angler's fish." The meat is mild and firm, making excellent table fare. They can live up to 20 years, so the big ones have seen every lure in the tackle box. My tip: vary your trolling speeds when targeting browns. Sometimes slowing down or speeding up triggers strikes when nothing else works.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Lake Ontario, with mature fish pushing 20-30 pounds or more. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer deeper, cooler water - usually 80-200 feet down during our afternoon trips. They're light-sensitive, so they stay deep during bright days, making downriggers essential. Early season through mid-summer provides the hottest action as they feed heavily on alewives. What makes kings special is their sheer power and that rich, red meat that's perfect for the grill. They don't jump like coho, but they'll pull drag for what feels like forever. The black mouth and gums distinguish them from other salmon. My advice: when you hook a big king, stay patient and keep steady pressure. They'll sound deep and try to wrap your line on anything they can find.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure excitement on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and love to jump - sometimes clearing 6 feet out of the water. They cruise the upper water column offshore, typically in 40-120 feet of water, chasing schools of alewives. Late spring through summer is prime time when they're feeding heavily and putting on weight. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and aerial show once hooked. The bright orange meat makes for excellent table fare too. Coho are known for their silver sides and dark backs with black spots on the tail. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working the surface, there's usually coho underneath feeding on baitfish. Run your lures just below the action.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have lived in the big lake, growing larger and stronger than their stream cousins. These silver bullets typically run 24-30 inches and are absolute bulldogs when hooked. They patrol the offshore waters in summer, usually between 60-150 feet down, following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're actively feeding. Anglers love steelhead for their long, powerful runs and stubborn fights - they just don't quit. The meat is excellent eating with that classic trout flavor. Unlike salmon, steelhead can spawn multiple times, so they're built for the long haul. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. They'll make several hard runs before coming to the boat.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of Lake Ontario's tastiest fish, averaging 12-20 inches with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. They prefer deeper waters during the day, usually hanging around rock piles, drop-offs, and weed edges in 15-40 feet of water. Spring through early summer offers the best action as they move into shallower areas to feed. What makes them special is that mild, flaky white meat - there's a reason they're called the best eating fish in the lake. They can be tricky to locate, but once you find a school, you're in business. My tip: when trolling, watch for that subtle "tick-tick" bite rather than a hard strike. Walleye mouth the bait first, so give them a second before setting the hook.
Salmon River