5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Evening salmon fishing charters on Lake Ontario watersLight tackle fishing with provided rods and glow spoonsSmall group trips limited to three anglers maximum
Captain Sean's night fishing charters on Lake Ontario offer anglers a chance to target some of the Great Lakes' most prized species using light tackle and glow spoons. Operating out of Olcott Harbor, these evening trips put you on productive waters where salmon and trout feed aggressively after dark. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Sean's personalized approach and proven techniques will have you connected to hard-fighting fish in no time. With trips running from April through Christmas season and a maximum of three guests per charter, you'll get the hands-on instruction and fishing spots that larger boats simply can't provide.
Your evening charter begins just outside Olcott Harbor, where Lake Ontario's deeper waters hold concentrations of salmon and trout throughout the fishing season. Captain Sean specializes in light tackle fishing with glow spoons, a technique that's incredibly effective during low-light conditions when predatory fish become more active. These 3 or 5-hour trips are timed perfectly to coincide with peak feeding periods, giving you the best shot at hooking into multiple species during a single outing. The small group size means Sean can work directly with each angler, adjusting techniques based on your experience level and helping you read the water like a local. Weather conditions play a crucial role in trip planning, and Sean's knowledge of Lake Ontario's patterns ensures you'll be fishing the most productive areas regardless of conditions.
Sean provides all the gear you'll need, including rods, reels, lures, and tackle specifically chosen for Lake Ontario's salmon and trout. The light tackle approach makes every fish feel like a trophy, allowing you to experience the full power and speed of these hard-fighting species. Glow spoons are the go-to lure for evening fishing, their luminescent glow attracting fish from considerable distances in darker water. Captain Sean will show you proper jigging techniques, how to work the spoons at different depths, and when to switch up your presentation based on fish behavior. The beauty of this fishing style is its versatility – you might be casting for salmon one moment and switching to bass tactics the next, all while using the same light tackle setup. Don't forget to bring your New York State fishing license, as it's required for all anglers 16 and older.
"My son, son in law, and I went out to fish for walleye at night. First time for those young men but I grew up trolling Hamburg shores for them. So I thought that's how we were going to be fishing…. Whe he said we would be jigging with plastics, I shuddered and thought, "we ain't catching anything" … well, 11 22" walleye and half a dozen bass later, we were ecstatic! We learned a lot and Sean is a great teacher! He could tell I was skeptical but kept saying "we'll get em!" … and get em, we did! Thank you, Sean for making a memory that will last a lifetime with me and my boys!!! You were awesome!" - Tony
Coho Salmon are among the most popular targets during these evening charters, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights that often include multiple jumps. These silver bullets typically range from 8 to 15 pounds and are most active from late spring through early fall. Coho respond exceptionally well to glow spoons during low-light conditions, making them perfect targets for night fishing. Their aggressive nature means they'll often hit lures hard and fast, giving you that heart-stopping moment when your rod doubles over.
Steelhead Trout are the ultimate light tackle fish, combining size, speed, and aerial displays that make every hookup memorable. These chrome-bright fighters can exceed 20 pounds and are available throughout most of the season, with peak action during spring and fall runs. Steelhead are known for their long, powerful runs and ability to throw hooks during spectacular jumps. Landing one on light tackle requires skill, patience, and a bit of luck – which is exactly why anglers keep coming back for more.
Chinook Salmon, also called King Salmon, are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can weigh 30 pounds or more and provide the kind of fight that tests both angler and equipment. Peak Chinook action typically occurs from late spring through early fall, with fish staging near harbors before their spawning runs. On light tackle, even a medium-sized King will give you a workout, often taking long runs toward deeper water while testing your drag system and patience.
Brown Trout are perhaps the wariest of Lake Ontario's salmonids, making them a prized catch for experienced anglers. These golden-sided fighters are most active during spring and fall, often feeding close to structure around Olcott Harbor. Browns are known for their powerful runs and tendency to head for cover when hooked, making them challenging opponents on light tackle. Their excellent table quality and beautiful coloration make them a favorite among charter guests.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water specialists of this fishery, typically found in cooler water throughout the season. These char can grow quite large in Lake Ontario's nutrient-rich waters, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Lake trout provide steady, determined fights rather than flashy runs, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy a more methodical battle. They're available year-round but often move to shallower water during spring and fall, bringing them within range of evening fishing trips.
Captain Sean's Lake Ontario salmon fishing charters offer the perfect combination of expert guidance, productive fishing grounds, and personalized attention that creates lasting memories on the water. With trips available from April through Christmas season and flexible 3 or 5-hour options, you can choose the charter that fits your schedule and fishing goals.
Our motorboat is built for serious Lake Ontario fishing, with a spacious deck that gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work the waters outside Olcott Harbor. The stable hull cuts through choppy lake conditions smoothly, so you can focus on your lines instead of fighting the boat. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning for the perfect cast, while our GPS and fish finder help locate where the salmon and trout are holding. Whether you're pulling glow spoons after sunset or battling a hard-fighting smallmouth bass in the dark, this boat handles it all. The comfortable layout means you can fish for hours without feeling cramped, and there's room to land and handle your catch properly. Perfect for small groups who want a personalized fishing experience on the big lake.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish we target, with golden-brown backs covered in black spots and a reputation for being extremely wary. These European natives typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds in our area, though bigger ones lurk in the depths. They love cool, clear water and are most active during fall nights when they feed aggressively. Browns are notorious for their wariness - they'll follow lures forever without committing, making them both frustrating and rewarding to catch. The fighting style is smart and determined rather than flashy, and they're excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. What I've learned fishing browns here is patience pays off - they often hit on the second or third pass over the same spot, so don't give up on productive water too quickly, especially around structure.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, often called Chinook, and for good reason - these fish can push 20-30 pounds in our waters. They're built like submarines with silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots covering their heads and fins, plus that telltale black mouth. Kings are light-sensitive, so they spend most daylight hours in deeper water, which is why our evening trips work so well. Early morning and dusk are prime times when they move up to feed. The fight is powerful but different from cohos - more bulldogging than jumping. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Since these fish stay deep most of the day, I focus our efforts near drop-offs and structure where they ambush baitfish. A steady retrieve with occasional pauses often outproduces constant motion.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll encounter on Lake Ontario. These fish typically run 8-12 pounds and 12-30 inches, with their distinctive silver sides and dark blue-green backs making them easy to identify. What makes cohos special is their jumping ability - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. We find them cruising in cooler waters throughout our season, but they really turn on during fall when they're feeding heavily before spawning. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes fantastic. Out here, I like to work our glow spoons with a subtle jigging motion rather than straight trolling - that little extra action often triggers strikes when they're being picky about following but not committing.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of our fishery, often called lake char, with grey-green coloring and cream-colored spots. These native fish can reach 15-40 pounds and live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Ontario year-round. They're slow-growing and can live decades, making each one special. Lakers prefer depths where the water stays consistently cold, usually suspending in mid-water or hugging bottom structure. Spring after ice-out and fall are our best seasons when they move shallower to feed. The fight is powerful and steady - no jumping, just pure strength trying to get back to the depths. Their meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. My go-to technique is vertical jigging with glow spoons, but the key is finding the right depth - use your electronics to locate baitfish, and the lakers won't be far below.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in big water, making them larger and much stronger fighters than their stream cousins. These silvery torpedoes average 24 inches but can push 45 inches in Lake Ontario, with that classic streamlined shape and black-spotted back. They're incredibly strong because of all that open-water living, and when you hook one, expect long runs and aerial shows. We catch them consistently from mid-fall through spring in our cooler waters. Unlike resident rainbows, steelhead have that brassy silver coloration and hit harder than you'd expect. The key trick I've learned fishing these waters is to keep your drag smooth but not too tight - steelhead will test your equipment on those first few runs, and a sticky drag will cost you fish every time.
5.0 out of 5.0My son, son in law, and I went out to fish for walleye at night. First time for those young men but I grew up trolling Hamburg sho...
New York