5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Charters
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Fishing
Night fishing charter targets salmon and trout near Olcott HarborLight tackle with glow spoons creates exciting fishing experienceMaximum 3 guests ensures personalized guided charter service
Picture this: the sun's setting over Lake Ontario, the water's glass-calm, and you're about to experience some of the best night fishing the Great Lakes have to offer. Captain Sean's evening charters out of Olcott Harbor aren't your typical fishing trips. We're talking light tackle, glow spoons, and salmon that'll make your drag scream when they hit. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're just getting started, these 3 or 5-hour night trips deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Once you step aboard with Captain Sean, you're in for a personalized fishing experience that's hard to find anywhere else on Lake Ontario. With just three anglers max per trip, there's plenty of room to fish comfortably and get the individual attention that makes all the difference. We launch from Olcott Harbor and head to proven spots where salmon and trout cruise after dark, feeding aggressively in the cooler evening temperatures. The beauty of night fishing is that these fish lose their daytime caution – they're hunting, and that means better hookups for us. Captain Sean knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the currents and temperature breaks that hold fish. From April clear through Christmas, conditions permitting, you'll find consistent action that changes with the seasons. Spring brings fresh-run steelhead and early salmon, summer offers prime conditions for multiple species, and fall delivers the legendary salmon runs that make Lake Ontario famous among serious anglers.
Forget everything you think you know about Great Lakes fishing – we're not dragging heavy downriggers or fighting wind all day. This is all about finesse and feel. Captain Sean specializes in light tackle techniques that put you directly in touch with every movement below. We're casting glow spoons that salmon and trout can't resist in low light conditions. These lures charge up during the day and emit that subtle glow that triggers aggressive strikes after sunset. You'll feel every tap, every run, every head shake on rods that are perfectly matched to the technique. No heavy gear here – just responsive tackle that amplifies the fight and makes even smaller fish feel like monsters. All rods, reels, lures, and tackle are provided, so you don't need to worry about having the right setup. Captain Sean's got you covered with gear that's been tested and proven on these waters. The only thing you need to bring is your valid New York State fishing license and the willingness to learn something new about fishing Lake Ontario.
"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 the acrobats of Lake Ontario, and once you hook one on light tackle, you'll understand why they're a customer favorite. These silver rockets typically run 8-15 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. Peak season hits from late spring through fall, with some of the best action happening right here near Olcott Harbor. Cohos feed aggressively after dark, making them perfect targets for our glow spoon techniques. When one grabs your lure, expect immediate chaos – they'll strip line, leap clear of the water, and test every knot you've got.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon fighters that'll push your light tackle to its limits. These chrome-bright beauties range from 5-12 pounds on average, but don't let the size fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish swimming in the Great Lakes. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities, though summer holds fish too. What makes steelhead special is their endurance. While a salmon might make one explosive run and tire out, steelhead will fight you in multiple rounds, testing your patience and skill. They're also incredibly line-shy, which makes our light tackle approach absolutely essential for consistent hookups.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and landing one on our light tackle setup is an achievement any angler can be proud of. These bruisers commonly reach 15-25 pounds, with some monsters pushing well beyond that. Late summer and early fall bring the biggest fish as they stage for their spawning runs. Chinooks are powerful, determined fighters that'll take you on long, sustained runs toward deep water. On light gear, even a mid-sized king feels like a freight train, and the fight can last 20 minutes or more. They're the trophy fish that most anglers dream about, and our night fishing techniques put them within reach.
Brown Trout are the smart, wary predators that make our night fishing approach so effective. During daylight, they're notoriously difficult to catch, but after dark, they transform into aggressive hunters. Most browns you'll encounter range from 3-8 pounds, though Lake Ontario holds some true giants in the double digits. They're available year-round but fishing peaks in spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed. Browns are known for their crafty fighting style – they'll use every piece of structure, every current break, and every trick in the book to shake your hook. On light tackle, they're absolutely electric.
Lake Trout are the deep-water nomads that provide consistent
Our comfortable motorboat is built for serious Lake Ontario fishing, with a spacious deck that gives you and two other anglers plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. The stable hull cuts through Ontario's chop like butter, so you can focus on landing salmon instead of fighting seasickness. The wireless trolling motor lets Captain Sean position us silently over productive spots while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. GPS keeps us on the hottest fishing zones even after dark when we're casting those glow spoons for night-feeding salmon and trout. The boat's smooth ride means you'll stay comfortable during those long 5-hour charters, whether we're drifting outside Olcott Harbor or running to deeper water where the big chinooks are holding.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they didn't get their reputation for being wary by accident. These fish average 8-24 inches but can reach 39 inches in Ontario's waters. They're golden-brown with black spots and that small orange adipose fin near the tail. Browns love structure and cooler water, so we find them around drop-offs, rocky areas, and anywhere there's cover. They feed aggressively at night, which makes our evening trips productive. Fall is prime time when they're getting ready for spawning season and feeding heavily. Guests appreciate their fighting spirit and the challenge they present - they're not easy to fool. The meat is mild and sweet, making them excellent table fare. Local tip: browns often follow your lure before striking, so don't speed up your retrieve when you see one tailing behind - keep it steady and let them decide.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, and for good reason - they're the largest salmon species we target. Most run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen them push 40+ pounds in these waters. They have that distinctive black mouth and gums, plus black spots covering their back, head, and all fins. Kings prefer deeper, colder water and are light-sensitive, so they typically hug the bottom during daylight hours. Our evening trips are perfect since they become more active as light fades. Spring and fall offer the best fishing when they're feeding heavily. Guests love the power these fish bring - it's a real arm burner. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Key tip: use heavier tackle and don't be afraid to fish deep - we often find them 80+ feet down, so patience with your retrieve pays off.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are one of the most acrobatic fighters you'll hook in these waters. They typically run 8-12 pounds and have that classic silver body with black spots on their back and tail. What makes them special is their jumping ability - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water, which always gets guests excited. We find them suspended in mid-water during our evening trips, usually 20-60 feet down. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially when the water temps are in the 50s. The meat has that bright orange color and excellent taste that makes them a favorite at the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that first jump, keep your rod tip low and let the drag do the work - these fish will spit the hook if you horse them.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario and the largest member of the char family. These fish commonly reach 15-40 pounds with that gray-green coloring and cream-colored markings. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake, often suspended 80-150 feet down where oxygen levels stay high. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime seasons when they move up from the depths to feed. What makes lakers special is their size potential and the challenge of fishing deep water. They're slower growing than other species but that means bigger fish. The meat is rich and flaky when prepared right. These fish avoid bright light, so our evening trips work well. Pro tip: when jigging in deep water, use a heavy spoon and work it slowly - lakers often hit on the fall, so watch your line for subtle ticks.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in the big lake, and they come back stronger and more silver than their stream cousins. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches in Ontario's waters. They're built like torpedoes - streamlined and powerful with that distinctive pinkish stripe and black spotting. You'll find them roaming the deeper waters during summer, but they move shallower in spring and fall when we have our best luck. What guests love about steelhead is their stamina - they'll make multiple runs and fight right to the net. The meat is fantastic eating too. They're light-sensitive, so our evening trips are perfect timing. Here's a tip: when trolling for them, vary your speed every few minutes - the change often triggers strikes from followers.
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