Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Charter
Captain Andy knows Lake Ontario's salmon and trout hotspots like the back of his hand, and his 6-hour charter puts you right where the action is. Whether you're chasing chrome-bright Coho or wrestling with hefty King Salmon, this top-rated fishing experience delivers the goods. You'll launch aboard a spacious vessel that's built for serious fishing – not some pleasure craft pretending to be a fishing boat. With morning trips at 6:00 AM and afternoon runs at 2:00 PM, you can pick the bite that works for your schedule. The best part? Captain Andy's got such confidence in his fish-finding abilities that he backs every trip with his "Fish Guarantee" – no fish means you only pay the deposit.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your typical lake fishing trip. Lake Ontario fishes more like an ocean than a lake, with depths reaching over 800 feet and massive schools of baitfish that draw in trophy salmon and trout. You'll be fishing aboard a well-equipped charter boat that handles the big water with ease, complete with downriggers, fish finders, and all the gear you need to put fish in the boat. The enclosed restroom is a game-changer for longer trips – no more crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. Captain Andy supplies everything from rods and reels to tackle and bait, plus he'll clean your catch so it's ready for the cooler. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines.
Trolling Techniques & Gear
Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing is all about covering water and presenting lures at the right depth. You'll be trolling with downriggers most of the time, running spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos anywhere from 20 to 150 feet down, depending on where the fish are holding. Captain Andy reads the water temperature breaks and thermoclines like a roadmap – that's where the baitfish stack up and the predators follow. The boat's electronics show exactly what's happening below, from schools of alewives to individual fish marks. You might run copper line setups for certain conditions or switch to lead core when the fish are finicky. The key is staying flexible and adjusting to what the fish want on any given day. When a rod starts bouncing, you'll know immediately – Lake Ontario fish hit hard and fight harder.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Brown Trout in Lake Ontario are absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag system and your patience. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can push 20 pounds or more, especially during the fall spawning run when they're loaded with muscle and attitude. They're notorious for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Browns are most active during low-light periods, making early morning and late afternoon prime time. What makes them special is their wariness; they've seen every lure in the book, so it takes the right presentation to fool them. When you finally slide one into the net, you'll understand why experienced anglers consider them the ultimate Lake Ontario prize.
Coho Salmon, or "silvers" as the locals call them, bring pure adrenaline to every hookup. These chrome rockets typically weigh 6-10 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're famous for their aerial displays – once hooked, a Coho will often spend more time out of the water than in it, tail-walking across the surface in spectacular fashion. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the best action happening when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 50-60 degrees. Cohos school heavily, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. They're aggressive feeders that'll slam spoons and plugs with authority, making them perfect for anglers who love fast action and spectacular fights.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing represents some of the finest freshwater angling in North America, and Captain Andy's charter puts you right in the middle of it all. With his fish guarantee backing every trip, professional-grade equipment, and intimate knowledge of these waters, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. The boat's comfortable layout and convenient amenities mean you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the box. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Lake Ontario trophies to your list or someone ready to experience world-class salmon and trout fishing for the first time, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait for the "perfect" conditions – Captain Andy knows how to find fish in any weather, and the best fishing stories always start with actually getting on the water.