Multi Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Two full days targeting King Salmon, Coho, and Lake TroutAll tackle, rods, reels, and fish filleting includedProfessional captain guides groups up to 6 anglers
When you're serious about salmon and trout fishing on Lake Ontario, one day on the water just isn't enough. This two-day fishing charter out of Olcott Harbor gives you sixteen total hours to dial in on the best bite zones and really get into the rhythm of these legendary waters. Captain Brian Cook has been working these productive fishing grounds for years, and he knows exactly where the big kings stage up and where the cohos are running hot. You'll fish private waters with professional-grade tackle, and at the end of each day, Brian handles all the fish cleaning so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the boat.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back to the dock. With two full eight-hour days, you'll have time to work different depths, try multiple techniques, and really zero in on what's producing. We launch from Olcott Harbor, one of the premier fishing ports on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, with easy access to both nearshore structure and deep water drop-offs where the big salmon cruise. The boat comes fully rigged with top-shelf rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need – downriggers, planer boards, dipsy divers, and a tackle box full of proven spoons and flasher combos. Groups of up to six anglers can fish comfortably, whether you're a seasoned charter veteran or picking up a rod for the first time. Just bring your valid New York State fishing license and we'll handle the rest.
Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing is all about covering water and presenting your baits at the right depth and speed. We run a spread of downriggers to get spoons and cut bait down to where the fish are holding, typically anywhere from 40 to 120 feet deep depending on the thermocline and time of year. Planer boards let us spread lines out wide and cover more water, especially effective when fish are scattered or boat-shy. The boat's fish finder and GPS are constantly running, helping us locate baitfish schools and temperature breaks that concentrate predators. Popular lures include Silver Streak spoons, Michigan Stinger spoons, and various flasher-fly combinations that mimic the alewives and emerald shiners these salmon and trout feed on heavily. We'll adjust trolling speed based on conditions and target species – kings often prefer a slower presentation around 2.5 mph, while cohos and steelhead might want something with more action at 3+ mph.
Chinook salmon, or "kings" as we call them locally, are the undisputed heavyweights of Lake Ontario. These fish average 15-25 pounds with 30+ pounders caught regularly during peak season from late July through September. Kings are powerful fighters that make long runs and test your drag system to the limit. They're most active in deeper water along temperature breaks and often stage near river mouths as spawning time approaches. The adrenaline rush of hooking into a fresh chrome king in open water never gets old.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These acrobatic fighters average 8-15 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays once hooked. Cohos are aggressive feeders that often hit lures with authority, and their speed and jumping ability make for some of the most visual fishing action on the lake. They tend to stay higher in the water column than kings, often found between 20-60 feet deep during summer months. Peak coho action typically runs from June through August.
Lake trout are the native bruisers that call these deep, cold waters home year-round. These prehistoric-looking fighters can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon in Lake Ontario's fertile waters. Lakers are structure-oriented fish that love rocky reefs, drop-offs, and underwater humps. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action when salmon fishing slows down. Spring and fall are prime times for trophy lake trout, though they can be caught throughout the fishing season.
Steelhead trout are the wild cards of Lake Ontario, running anywhere from 5 to 15+ pounds with incredible fighting ability pound-for-pound. These chrome rockets make blistering runs and acrobatic jumps that rival any gamefish in freshwater. Steelhead are opportunistic feeders that can be found at various depths throughout the season, from shallow water early in the year to deeper zones during summer heat. Their unpredictable nature and explosive fights make every hookup memorable.
Atlantic salmon represent one of the Great Lakes' greatest restoration success stories. These fish are making a comeback in Lake Ontario thanks to ongoing stocking efforts, and catching one is always special. Atlantics are known for their jumping ability and strong runs, with fish ranging from 8-20+ pounds. They're most commonly caught during late spring and summer months, often mixed in with coho schools in mid-depth water.
Two days on Lake Ontario gives you the best shot at experiencing everything these world-class fisheries have to offer. You'll learn the water, dial in successful techniques, and have time to adjust when conditions change – because they always do. Captain Brian's local knowledge and professional fish cleaning service at day's end make this a customer favorite among serious salmon and trout anglers. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to maximize your time on one of the Great Lakes' top fishing destinations, this multi-day charter delivers the goods. Peak season books up fast, so secure your dates early and get ready for some of the best salmon and trout action in the region.
The Ridge Runner is a 30-foot Penn Yan Prowler built for serious Lake Ontario salmon fishing out of Olcott Harbor. This spacious charter boat handles the big water with twin Mercruiser engines and professional-grade Lowrance and Furuno electronics to locate salmon and trout in deeper waters. The roomy layout comfortably accommodates up to 6 anglers with plenty of space to fight those hard-running Kings and Cohos. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long days targeting trophy fish. The fish finder technology helps locate schools in Lake Ontario's vast waters, while GPS navigation ensures efficient runs to productive fishing spots. Captain Brian Cook keeps this USCG-equipped vessel fully stocked with quality rods, reels, and tackle for pursuing salmon and lake trout. The multimedia system provides entertainment during travel time between fishing locations. Perfect for multi-day adventures when you want maximum time on the water chasing Lake Ontario's famous salmon runs and trophy trout.
Salmo SalarAtlantic Salmon are unique in our waters - the only salmon species native to the Atlantic. These sleek, silver fish typically run 8-12 pounds and 28-30 inches, with a distinctive bronze coloring when they enter freshwater. Unlike Pacific salmon, they can spawn multiple times throughout their 4-6 year lifespan. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters during summer months, often suspended mid-column. They're strong fighters with serious jumping ability, making every hookup memorable. The meat is premium - orange-pink with rich flavor that's hard to beat. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active. Pro tip: match your lure color to water conditions and don't be afraid to go deep with weighted presentations when the sun's bright.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their name - they're the biggest salmon in the lake, commonly hitting 20-30 pounds with some pushing much larger. These silver and blue-green bruisers have black spots everywhere and distinctive black mouths. Being light-sensitive, they cruise deep water during bright days, so we fish 40-100+ feet down. Early morning and evening bring them up shallower. What makes kings special is their raw power - no jumping around, just bulldogging runs that'll burn your forearms. They're also the best eating salmon with rich, orange-pink meat. Peak season runs spring through fall, but summer's most consistent. The trick with kings is patience - they're methodical feeders, so let your presentation work through their zone completely. When trolling, don't speed up when you mark fish. Slow and steady wins with these heavyweights.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump up to 6 feet straight out of the water when hooked. Look for their dark blue-green backs and bright silver sides with black spots on the tail. They prefer calmer waters around structure like debris piles and drop-offs. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during overcast conditions. What makes cohos special is their aggressive strikes and non-stop fighting - they'll test your drag from the moment they hit. The bright orange-red meat is table fare at its finest. Local trick: when they're being picky, try twitching a long-tailed jig in holding water rather than constantly moving presentations. Sometimes that subtle action triggers strikes when nothing else will.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep water specialists - our biggest native trout that can live over 20 years and reach 40+ pounds. They're grayish-green with cream-colored markings and prefer the coldest, most oxygenated water we can find, usually 60-150 feet down. These char family members are built for the depths and fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps. Spring after ice-out and fall turnover are prime times when they move shallower. What makes them appealing is their size potential and excellent white, flaky meat. They're also active year-round when you find the right depth and temperature. Best technique is vertical jigging with spoons or paddle-tail swimbaits right on bottom. Local tip: when jigging, work a slow lift-and-drop rhythm. Lakers often hit on the drop, so keep tension and be ready to set the hook.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to live the lake life - same species, different lifestyle. These chrome-bright fighters average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and over 20 pounds in our waters. They're built like silver bullets with black spots and that signature pink stripe. Find them around structure - rocks, fallen trees, anywhere with good cover in 15-40 feet of water. Mid-fall through spring is prime time when they're most active. What draws anglers back is their incredible fight and aerial displays. They can live up to 11 years and spawn multiple times, making them smart and strong. The firm, pink meat is fantastic eating too. Here's a guide secret: use thin, sparsely tied flies in darker colors during low-light periods. They're spooky fish, so subtle presentations often outfish flashy ones.
Lake Ontario