Full Day Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Charters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eight hours targeting King Salmon, Coho, and Steelhead on Lake OntarioProfessional charter accommodates up to four anglers with all gear includedPrivate fishing trip departing from Olcott Harbor with fish filleting service
If you're serious about salmon fishing, Lake Ontario out of Olcott Harbor is where you need to be. This full-day charter gives you eight solid hours to chase some of the finest King Salmon, Coho, and Steelhead in the Great Lakes. We're talking deep water fishing in one of the most productive salmon fisheries in North America, with professional guidance every step of the way. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early at Olcott Harbor, where we'll get you set up with all the gear you need before heading out into Lake Ontario's prime fishing zones. This isn't a rushed half-day trip – you've got eight full hours or until we hit our catch limits, whichever comes first. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers in the base rate, though we can accommodate up to six if you're bringing a bigger crew. We target the deep water structures and thermoclines where these salmon like to hang out, often running 15-30 miles offshore to find the best action. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the fish finder and adjusting tactics based on what the salmon are doing that day. All your tackle, rods, reels, and bait are provided, plus we'll clean and fillet your catch so it's ready for the cooler.
Lake Ontario salmon fishing is all about trolling, and we run a serious spread to cover water effectively. We'll typically have 6-8 lines out using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and leadcore setups to target different depths in the water column. The gear is top-notch – quality rods matched with smooth-drag reels that can handle the screaming runs these salmon are famous for. Spoons, flasher-and-fly combinations, and plugs make up the core of our tackle selection, with colors and presentations adjusted based on water clarity and fish behavior. The captain will put you on the rods when fish hit, but he's handling the boat positioning, speed control, and lure selection. Water temperatures and baitfish location drive our strategy, so we're constantly monitoring electronics and adjusting our approach. Don't worry if you've never trolled before – the crew walks you through everything from setting the drag to fighting technique.
King Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, and for good reason. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30, delivering arm-burning fights that test your tackle and technique. They're most active from April through September, with peak action typically hitting in late spring and early fall. Kings love structure and temperature breaks, often holding deep during summer months. When one hits your line, you'll know it immediately – they make powerful initial runs and keep fighting right to the boat.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their acrobatic fighting style. These silver rockets average 8-15 pounds and are famous for their spectacular jumps and surface runs. Coho are often found higher in the water column than Kings, especially during morning and evening periods. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a wide variety of lures, making them a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels. The fight might not last as long as a King, but the aerial displays are something special.
Steelhead Trout are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the Great Lakes. These chrome-bright fish typically run 6-12 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Steelhead are active year-round in Lake Ontario, though spring and fall produce the most consistent action. They're incredibly strong swimmers and will test your drag system with long, powerful runs. Many anglers consider landing a Lake Ontario steelhead to be one of the premier freshwater fishing experiences in North America.
Chinook Salmon, often referred to as Kings, represent the pinnacle of Great Lakes fishing. These powerful fish can exceed 30 pounds and provide battles that can last 20 minutes or more. They prefer cooler water temperatures and are typically found near the bottom, making downrigger fishing the most effective technique. Chinook are most active during the pre-spawn period in late summer and early fall, when they're feeding heavily and building energy reserves.
Lake Trout add variety to the mix with their deep-dwelling habits and steady, powerful fighting style. These native fish can live for decades and grow quite large, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Lakers prefer the deepest, coldest water and are often caught while targeting salmon in 100+ feet of water. They're excellent eating and provide a different challenge than the more acrobatic salmon species.
Lake Ontario's salmon fishing is world-class, and this full-day charter gives you the best shot at experiencing it properly. With professional equipment, expert guidance, and access to the most productive fishing zones, you're set up for success from the moment you step on board. The eight-hour format means you're not rushed – there's time to work different areas, adjust techniques, and really dial in on what the fish want that day. Whether you're looking to land your personal best or introduce someone to Great Lakes salmon fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Spots fill up fast during peak season, so grab your New York fishing license and get your reservation locked in.
Cast off aboard the Ridge Runner, a well-equipped 30ft Penn Yan Prowler that's built for serious Lake Ontario salmon fishing. This spacious charter boat handles the big lake's conditions with twin Mercruiser engines and top-tier Lowrance and Furuno electronics to put you on the fish. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you positioned over productive waters. Stay comfortable during your 8-hour salmon hunt with the icebox for drinks and snacks, plus a multimedia system for downtime between strikes. Captain knows where the Kings, Cohos, and Steelhead are running in these Niagara County waters. Fully Coast Guard certified and insured for up to 4 anglers, with all rods, reels, and tackle provided. They'll even clean your catch at day's end. Just bring your fishing license, polarized glasses, and layers for those cool morning launches from Olcott Harbor.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are rare gems in Lake Ontario waters, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silver bodies and small heads. Unlike Pacific salmon, these fish can survive spawning and return multiple times, making them special catches. They prefer cooler, deeper waters and are most active during overcast conditions or early morning hours. What makes them so sought after is their incredible fighting ability combined with that prized orange-pink meat that's worth top dollar at any table. They're closely related to brown trout but pack way more power. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - they're notorious for throwing the hook with those acrobatic jumps, so let your drag do the work.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario for good reason - these bruisers average 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon out here. They're light-sensitive fish that hug the bottom during bright conditions, which is why we run our gear deep and focus on early morning or evening bites. Their blue-green backs, silver sides, and black gums make them easy to identify once you boat one. The fight is legendary - pure power with deep runs that'll test your equipment. That reddish-pink meat is restaurant quality, making them prized for the dinner table too. Here's what works: since they avoid bright light, don't be afraid to fish deeper than you think. We often find them 60-80 feet down even when baitfish are higher up.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver body and black-spotted tail that gives them away. They hang out in the deeper, cooler waters of Lake Ontario and can jump up to 6 feet vertically when hooked - quite the show for everyone on deck. Spring through early fall gives you the best shots at them, especially during low-light conditions. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating, and their aggressive nature makes them great targets for newer anglers. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch for subtle ticks on your rod tip rather than big strikes - coho often hit soft before they commit fully.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water heavyweights of Ontario's waters, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds of pure muscle. These char family members love the coldest, deepest parts of the lake where oxygen levels stay high - often 80-150 feet down during summer months. They're slow growers that can live decades, making every big one a special catch. Spring right after ice-out offers the best shallow water opportunities, but most of the year you're fishing deep with heavy jigs and downriggers. Their grey-green color with cream markings is distinctive, and the firm, flaky meat is outstanding table fare. Local secret: when jigging deep, use a subtle lift-and-drop motion rather than aggressive jerking - these fish inspect baits carefully before committing.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to bulk up in the big water. These streamlined fighters typically run 24 inches but can push 45 inches and over 50 pounds in exceptional cases. They cruise Lake Ontario's deeper structures and drop-offs, using current breaks and temperature layers as highways. Fall through spring is prime time, especially when water temps drop and they start their spawning runs. What sets them apart is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and your patience. The chrome-bright sides and spotted backs make them beautiful fish, and they're fantastic table fare. My go-to advice: when fighting one, resist the urge to winch it in. These fish have 11-year lifespans and the strength to match.
Lake Ontario