5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Ontario Ice Fishing Trips | Full Day Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday ice fishing adventure targeting salmon and troutAll equipment provided with experienced professional guidesSmall group capacity of three anglers maximum
Picture this: you're standing on the frozen expanse of Lake Ontario, hole drilled, line in the water, and nothing but eight solid hours ahead of you to chase some of the most sought-after fish in the Great Lakes. Our full-day ice fishing adventure gives you the real deal – maximum time on the ice with guides who know exactly where the fish are holding and how to get them to bite. Whether you're after your first steelhead through the ice or looking to land a trophy salmon that'll have your buddies talking all season, this trip puts you right where you need to be.
We're talking about a genuine eight-hour commitment to putting fish on the ice. This isn't some quick morning jaunt – it's a full day of serious angling where patience meets payoff. You'll be targeting some of Lake Ontario's premier species including salmon, brown trout, and smallmouth bass, all while staying comfortable in one of the most productive winter fisheries in North America. Our experienced guides handle all the heavy lifting – from scouting productive spots to drilling holes and setting up your gear. You just focus on what you came for: catching fish. The beauty of a full day means we can move around if the bite slows, chase schools when the electronics light up, and really dial in what's working. Plus, there's something special about being out there when the lake's completely frozen over – it's just you, your line, and whatever's swimming beneath that thick ice.
Ice fishing on a lake this size requires the right approach, and that's where our guides shine. We're running quality electronics to locate fish and structure, using everything from jigging spoons to live bait presentations depending on what the fish want that day. All your gear is provided – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and even the ice augers for drilling holes. We'll have you set up with tip-ups for passive fishing while you actively jig other holes, maximizing your chances of connecting with fish. The key to success out here is reading the electronics, understanding how these fish behave in winter conditions, and being ready to adapt your presentation. Sometimes it's an aggressive jigging motion that triggers strikes, other times it's barely moving your bait at all. Our guides have been doing this for years and know how to adjust tactics based on conditions, weather, and what species we're targeting that particular day.
"Highly recommended. Sean was awesome and took my 9 year old under his wing sharing his fishing knowledge with him. Wasn't a dull moment on the lake. When Sean said we would catch some big bass, he wasn't kidding. I will be taking another charter with him." - Alan
Smallmouth bass are absolute fighters through the ice, and Lake Ontario holds some real bruisers. These fish stay active even in the coldest water, and when you hook into a 4-5 pound smallie through 6mm line, you'll know you're in for a battle. They typically hold near rocky structure and drop-offs, and the best part about targeting them in winter is they're often concentrated in predictable spots. Once you find them, you can usually count on steady action.
Coho salmon are Lake Ontario legends, and catching one through the ice is something most anglers never forget. These silver rockets can push 8-12 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're typically found in deeper water during winter months, often suspended in the water column. When a coho takes your bait, there's no mistaking it – they'll strip line and make runs that'll have you questioning your drag setting. The meat quality is outstanding too, making them a top target for anglers who like to take fish home.
Steelhead trout are the holy grail for many Great Lakes anglers, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fighters are built for speed and endurance, often making multiple long runs before you can get them to the hole. Lake Ontario's steelhead population is world-class, with fish regularly exceeding 10 pounds. They can be finicky feeders in winter, but when you dial in the right presentation and find an active school, the fishing can be absolutely phenomenal. Their aerial displays and bulldogging runs make every hookup memorable.
Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the apex predator in Lake Ontario and can reach massive proportions – we're talking fish that can hit 20-30 pounds or more. Landing a king through an ice hole is an achievement that puts you in pretty exclusive company. These fish are pure power, and the fight often becomes a test of endurance between angler and fish. They typically hold in deeper water during winter and can be challenging to locate, but when you connect with one, it's a fish-of-a-lifetime experience.
Lake trout are the native char of Lake Ontario and represent some of the most consistent ice fishing action you'll find. These fish are perfectly adapted to cold water and stay active all winter long. They're typically found in deeper areas and are known for their steady, powerful fights. Lakers in the 5-15 pound range are common, and they make excellent table fare. They're also one of the more reliable species to target when other fish are being finicky, making them a guide's go-to when we need to put some action on the ice.
A full-day ice fishing trip on Lake Ontario isn't just about the fish you'll catch – though with salmon, trout, and bass on the target list, you're definitely in for some action. It's about experiencing one of the Great Lakes' premier winter fisheries with guides who live and breathe this stuff. Eight hours gives us real flexibility to chase the bite, try different techniques, and put you on the best fishing of the day. Whether you're an ice fishing veteran or someone who's always wanted to try it, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of
Our spacious motorboat cuts through Lake Ontario's waters with the stability you need for serious ice fishing. Built for comfort during those long 8-hour days, this vessel handles choppy conditions smoothly while you focus on landing salmon, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working prime spots, while our GPS navigation system gets you to the hottest fishing zones efficiently. The integrated fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating your targets beneath the ice. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to fish comfortably without crowding. The boat's design prioritizes both performance and relaxation, so you can stay focused on your lines while enjoying Lake Ontario's winter fishing opportunities. Whether you're after your personal best or just love being on the water during ice season, this reliable boat delivers the stable platform you need for a productive day of fishing.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the apex predator of Lake Ontario, with mature fish commonly hitting 20-30 pounds and some topping 40. These silver-sided giants with black-spotted backs and tails patrol the deepest, coldest water - often 80-150 feet down in winter. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are best, but ice fishing lets you target them all day in deep water. What makes kings special is the combination of size, fight, and that rich, red meat that's second to none. They're built like torpedoes and fight like freight trains, making long, powerful runs that'll empty your reel if you're not ready. The Great Lakes population thrives on abundant forage, creating world-class fishing. My key tip: use heavy spoons or big jigs in the 2-4 oz range to get down fast and stay in the strike zone. They want a substantial meal.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ in Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters. These acrobatic fighters are known for their aerial displays and never-quit attitude. During winter, they cruise the thermocline in 60-100 feet of water, following baitfish schools. Their silver sides and dark backs make them easy to identify, and that bright orange meat is as good as it gets on the dinner table. Coho are aggressive feeders that will chase lures and put on a show when hooked. The Great Lakes strain grows bigger than their Pacific cousins thanks to the rich forage base. Winter fishing can be hot when you find them - they don't shut down like some species. My go-to trick is using bright spoons in chartreuse or pink; the flash triggers their predatory instincts even in low-light conditions.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the largest char in Lake Ontario, with fish regularly hitting 15-25 pounds and some giants pushing 40+. These grey-green bruisers with cream-colored spots live in the lake's deepest, coldest water year-round - think 100-200+ feet. They're perfectly built for this environment with slow metabolisms and long lifespans. Winter ice fishing puts you right over their preferred habitat without fighting summer thermoclines. Lakers are steady fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making powerful runs toward bottom. The firm, pink meat has a unique, rich flavor that's excellent smoked or grilled. These fish can live 20+ years, so you might catch true trophies. Here's an old-timer trick: after you hook one, pump and wind rather than steady pressure. They're strong but tire quicker with an aggressive fighting technique.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass in Lake Ontario typically run 18-20 inches and pack a serious punch for their size. These bronze fighters love rocky bottoms and structure, holding in 15-30 feet of water during winter months. You'll find them near drop-offs, boulder piles, and submerged ledges where they ambush crayfish and small baitfish. Winter fishing can be productive since they stay active in cold water, just moving deeper than summer. What makes smallmouth special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like fish twice their size. The meat is firm and flaky with a mild taste that's great on the table. Pro tip: when jigging for them through the ice, let your lure sit still on bottom for 10-15 seconds between hops. They often hit on the pause when the bait looks like it's resting.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are rainbow trout that have adapted to Great Lakes living, growing much larger and stronger than their stream cousins. These silver rockets average 24 inches but can hit 10+ pounds, with their streamlined bodies built for speed and power. They roam Lake Ontario's open waters in winter, typically 40-80 feet down, following smelt and alewife schools. What sets steelhead apart is their incredible fight - long runs, jumps, and head-shaking that'll test your tackle. The pink meat rivals salmon for table quality. Unlike Pacific steelhead, these fish don't die after spawning, so they can live 7+ years and reach trophy size. Winter is prime time since they're actively feeding. Here's a local secret: use small, subtle presentations like 1/4 oz jigs in white or silver. They can be finicky, and downsizing often makes the difference.
5.0 out of 5.0Highly recommended. Sean was awesome and took my 9 year old under his wing sharing his fishing knowledge with him. Wasn't a dull m...
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