Lake Ontario Fishing Charters with Captain Brent
Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters hold some of the best salmon and trout fishing you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes. Captain Brent Perkins has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are holding at any given time of year. Whether you're looking for a quick half-day trip to wet a line or want to spend the whole day chasing that trophy salmon, Captain Brent's got you covered. His boat comes fully rigged with top-shelf tackle, so all you need to bring is your fishing license and maybe a cooler for your catch.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain Brent runs a spacious, well-equipped charter boat that comfortably handles up to four anglers. You'll launch from one of Lake Ontario's premier ports and head out to where the fish are biting. Don't be surprised if Captain Brent takes you to spots other boats aren't hitting – he's got his finger on the pulse of these waters and isn't afraid to try new areas when the fishing calls for it. The boat's equipped with modern fish finders and GPS, plus all the downriggers and planer boards you need to get your lures down to where the big fish cruise. Captain Brent provides all rods, reels, and tackle, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines.
Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Brent has dialed in the techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. You'll be running multiple lines at different depths using downriggers to get your spoons and plugs down 20 to 100 feet where the salmon and trout are feeding. The captain sets up planer boards to spread your lines wide and cover more water as you cruise at trolling speed. Popular lures include bright spoons like Michigan Stingers and Dreamweavers, plus diving plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators are chasing. When a fish hits, the rod tips down hard and the reel starts screaming – that's when the real fun begins. Captain Brent coaches you through the fight, helping you land everything from scrappy coho salmon to monster king salmon that can top 20 pounds.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain Brent was great, his boat was very spacious and nicely equipped. We had a family of 6 including 2 kids, and he used his expertise to get us into some fish near shore while all the other boats were heading way offshore to find them. We all landed fish including the little guys. A great time was had by all. We will definitely book again." - Neil
"Very knowledgeable and patient captain. Excellent equipment. Top notch. 5 star. Best trip I've ever gone on. Anyone at any level should utilize BP." - Nicholas
"Captain Brent worked to put us in fish and got us a mixed bag consistent with our hopws to have some trout and salmon. He was kind to my children and ensured their safety and fun! Great trip overall. We will be back!" - Eric
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These silver bullets can weigh anywhere from 15 to 30+ pounds and fight like freight trains when hooked. Spring and fall are prime time for chinooks, when they're feeding heavily on alewives and smelt in 40 to 80 feet of water. When a king hits your downrigger rod, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful runs and jump clear out of the water. Landing one of these beauties is a true test of your angling skills.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, but they more than make up for it with aerial acrobatics. These 8 to 15-pound fish are absolute rockets when hooked, often jumping multiple times and making blazing runs. Cohos are most active in the upper water column during summer months, making them perfect targets for planer board presentations. Their bright silver sides and aggressive nature make them a favorite among Lake Ontario anglers.
Steelhead Trout are Lake Ontario's ultimate fighters, pound for pound. These chrome-bright fish range from 5 to 15 pounds and are famous for their long, powerful runs and spectacular jumps. Steelhead can be caught year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action as they stage near river mouths. Their incredible stamina means you'll often fight these fish for 10 minutes or more – pure adrenaline from start to finish.
Lake Trout are the deep-water heavyweights of Lake Ontario, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. These native char prefer the coldest water, often found 60 to 120 feet down during summer months. Lakers are strong, steady fighters that use their bulk and the deep water to their advantage. Spring and fall bring them into shallower water where they're easier to target, and their firm, pink meat makes them excellent table fare.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in the lake, and also some of the most beautiful. These golden-bronze fish with distinctive dark spots are notoriously finicky, often requiring lighter tackle and more subtle presentations. Browns can reach impressive sizes in Lake Ontario, with fish over 10 pounds caught regularly. They're most active during low-light periods and can be found anywhere from shallow nearshore areas to deep offshore waters.
Rainbow Trout are colorful, acrobatic fighters that provide consistent action throughout the fishing season. These fish typically run 3 to 8 pounds and are known for their pink stripe and energetic fights. Rainbows often school up with other trout