Lake Ontario King Salmon Full Day Charter
Captain Ken's Wild Wings runs one of the most popular full-day fishing charters out of Olcott, New York, targeting Lake Ontario's legendary King Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a serious day on the water where you'll cover plenty of ground and get multiple shots at some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish. The 23-foot HydroSports tournament boat gives you the stability and space you need for a comfortable day of trolling, while Captain Ken's years of experience reading these waters means you'll be fishing the right spots at the right times.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at the Olcott harbor, where you'll meet Captain Ken and get a quick rundown of the game plan. Lake Ontario can be a different animal depending on the season, weather, and what the fish are doing, so flexibility is key. The boat's loaded with top-shelf electronics – GPS, fish finders, and downriggers that'll help locate schools and get your baits down to the right depth. You'll be trolling most of the day, which means covering water and letting the boat do the work while you watch the rods. When a fish hits, you'll know it – these Kings don't mess around. The trip runs a full day, so pack some snacks and drinks since meals aren't provided. Captain Ken supplies all the gear, but you'll need your New York state fishing license before you step on board.
Trolling Setup & Techniques
Lake Ontario trolling is all about precision – the right speed, the right depth, and the right presentation. Captain Ken runs a spread of downriggers and planer boards to cover multiple depths and keep lines separated. The boat's rigged with quality rods and reels that can handle the brutal runs these salmon are famous for. Spoons, flasher-and-fly combos, and plugs are the go-to baits, with colors and sizes adjusted based on water clarity and what the fish are hitting. You'll be working depths anywhere from 20 to 150 feet, depending on where the thermocline sets up and where the baitfish are holding. The beauty of trolling is that beginners can get in on the action just as easily as experienced anglers – Captain Ken handles the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push well into the 30s during peak season. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with the best action often happening in 80-120 feet of water where they follow baitfish schools. When a King hits your line, expect a fight that'll test both your endurance and the drag system – they're known for long, powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. The thrill of landing a 20-pound salmon after a 15-minute battle is what keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Steelhead Trout are Lake Ontario's acrobats, putting on aerial shows that'll leave you breathless. These chrome-bright fighters typically run 8-15 pounds and are active throughout most of the season, though they can be pickier about water temperature than Kings. They tend to feed higher in the water column and closer to shore during certain times of year, making them a bit more unpredictable but equally rewarding. Steelhead have incredible stamina and will use every trick in the book – jumping, diving, and making sudden direction changes that'll keep you on your toes.
Brown Trout are the lake's opportunists, often showing up when you least expect them. They're typically smaller than Kings but make up for it with aggressive strikes and surprising strength. Browns can be caught throughout the season and often feed in shallower water, especially during low-light periods. What makes them special is their willingness to hit a variety of baits and their tendency to fight dirty – they'll wrap around downrigger cables and use structure to their advantage. Landing a heavy Brown Trout is always satisfying because you never know when you'll get another shot at one.
Rainbow Trout round out the slam and provide consistent action when the bigger fish are being finicky. They're beautiful fish with bright silver sides and pink stripes, typically running 5-12 pounds. Rainbows are often the most cooperative species, willing to bite throughout the day and providing steady action between the bigger fish. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among families and anglers who like to keep a few fish for dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Ken's Lake Ontario charter offers serious value at $800 for up to four anglers, with additional guests at $100 each. That price covers everything except your fishing license and food – boat, fuel, all tackle, and Captain Ken's expertise putting you on fish. The boat's tournament-style layout gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and the professional-grade equipment means you won't lose fish due to gear failure. Special tournament trips and Lake Ontario Derby charters are available for anglers looking to get competitive. Book online to lock in your dates, especially during peak salmon season when spots fill up fast. Whether you're a local angler or visiting from out of state, this charter gives you the best shot at experiencing what Lake Ontario fishing is all about.
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Port Clinton, OH, United States
Full day Lake Ontario charter targeting King Salmon and Steelhead
