Half Day Salmon and Trout Charter Mexico NY
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour morning charter targeting salmon and trout on Lake OntarioAccommodates up to four passengers with all equipment and tackle includedProfessional fish cleaning services provided at no additional charge
When you're talking serious salmon and trout action on Lake Ontario, Captain William's charter out of Mexico, NY delivers exactly what hardcore anglers are looking for. This isn't some tourist boat ride – it's a proper fishing trip that gets you on the water at 5:30 AM sharp, right when the big fish are feeding. We're talking about a full 6-hour morning session aboard a 27-foot Tiara sportfishing rig that's built for one thing: putting fish in the box. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the track record to prove it. You'll be targeting the lake's premier species – Chinook, Coho, Atlantic salmon, plus steelhead and brown trout that'll test your skills and your drag system.
This top-rated charter runs from mid-April through October 1st, hitting the prime seasonal windows when salmon and trout are most active in Lake Ontario's deeper waters. Captain William keeps his trips to a maximum of four anglers, which means you're not fighting for rod space or competing with a crowd when the action heats up. The early departure time isn't just for show – it's strategically timed to hit that golden feeding window when big fish move shallow and get aggressive. The 27-foot Tiara gives you the stability and deck space you need for serious fishing, plus the range to reach the productive structures and thermoclines where the best fish hold. All your tackle, rods, reels, and lures are provided, so you can focus on what matters most: landing fish. The captain even throws in professional cleaning service at no extra charge, so you're walking away with vacuum-sealed fillets ready for the freezer.
Captain William runs a mixed approach that adapts to what the fish are telling him on any given day. The primary technique is trolling with both light and heavy tackle setups, covering different depths and speeds to locate active schools. You'll be running downriggers, leadcore, and copper lines to get your presentations down to where the salmon and trout are staging. The boat carries a full spread of proven Lake Ontario lures – spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and plugs in colors that have been putting fish in the boat season after season. When the fish are holding deep in 80-150 feet of water, the heavy tackle comes out with serious downrigger balls and long leads. But when they're up shallow or relating to temperature breaks, the light tackle gives you that direct connection and fight you're looking for. The captain reads the fish finder constantly, watching for bait schools, temperature breaks, and the suspended fish that indicate feeding activity below.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These fish commonly run 15-25 pounds, with 30-pounders showing up regularly during peak season. They're most active during the cooler months – late April through June, then again in August and September when they start their spawning runs. What makes Chinooks so special is their raw power and stamina. When you hook one, you know it immediately. They make long, sustained runs that'll test your drag and your patience. The fight can last 15-20 minutes with a good fish, and they have a habit of making one last surge right at the boat that catches anglers off guard.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to the table. These are the acrobats of Lake Ontario – when you hook a coho, expect it to come completely out of the water multiple times. They typically run 8-15 pounds and are incredibly aggressive feeders, especially in the morning hours. Cohos tend to be more consistent throughout the season than Chinooks, and they're often the fish that save the day when other species are being finicky. Their silver sides and high jumps make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers who love visual excitement during the fight.
Atlantic salmon are the wild cards in this fishery. These are naturally reproducing fish that have been making a comeback in Lake Ontario, and they're absolutely gorgeous. They fight similar to Cohos but tend to be a bit larger on average. What's really exciting about Atlantics is that they're catch-and-release only in New York waters, so you're participating in a conservation success story. They're most active during the same periods as Chinooks but can be more selective about their feeding, making them a prized catch for experienced anglers.
Steelhead are basically rainbow trout on steroids. Lake Ontario steelhead run hard and jump high, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. They typically range from 5-12 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 15-plus. These fish are known for their unpredictable behavior – they might run straight at the boat, then suddenly peel line off your reel in a screaming run toward deep water. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer steelhead can provide fast action when salmon fishing slows down.
Brown trout are the thinking angler's fish. They're typically more cautious than the other species, but when you connect with a good brown, you're in for a methodical, powerful fight. Lake Ontario browns commonly run 8-15 pounds, with trophy fish over 20 pounds caught every season. They're most active during low-light periods, which makes the early morning departure perfect for targeting them. Browns often hold closer to structure and are more likely to be found in slightly shallower water than the salmon species.
This charter operates Friday through Sunday during the season, which gives you flexibility for weekend trips while ensuring Captain William is fishing during the most productive periods. The 6-hour trip length hits the sweet spot – enough time to locate fish, work different areas, and put a solid catch together without burning your whole day. At four anglers maximum, you're getting personalized attention and prime fishing time that larger boats simply can't match. The include
Our 27' Tiara cuts through Lake Ontario's waters with twin 270HP engines, getting you to the fish fast and keeping you comfortable all morning long. This sportfishing boat handles the lake's swells like a champ while you're working the downriggers for salmon and trout. Captain William has this rig dialed in with GPS to mark productive spots and radar for those foggy early mornings when the bite is hot. The fish finder shows what's swimming below while you troll for Chinook, Coho, and steelhead using both light and heavy tackle setups. With room for four anglers and an onboard head, you can focus on fishing without missing a beat. All your gear is ready to go – rods, reels, and tackle are set up perfect for Lake Ontario's big fish. Plus you get professional cleaning service so your catch goes home table-ready.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the heavyweights of our Lake Ontario fishery, typically running 8-12 pounds and stretching 28-30 inches. These silver beauties are the only salmon native to the Atlantic, and they're built for power with their streamlined bodies and forked tails. We find them cruising the deeper, cooler waters during summer months, especially around thermoclines where baitfish concentrate. They're most active during our early morning departures from April through June and again in fall. What makes atlantics special is their incredible fight - they'll make long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag. Unlike pacific salmon, these fish can survive spawning and return to deeper water. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run. Fighting them too hard early will tire you out before you land them.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in our waters, and that's what makes landing one so satisfying. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, but we see some real monsters pushing 15+ pounds in Lake Ontario's deep water. They're structure-oriented, hanging around drop-offs, rocky points, and near-shore reefs in 40-100 feet. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though they bite well through our season. Browns are extremely wary and will spook easily, but once hooked, they fight with bulldogging power and surprising speed. The firm, flaky meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My secret for browns: fish them at first light or dusk when they're most comfortable moving shallow. Also, browns love crayfish patterns, so anything orange or brown colored tends to trigger strikes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason - these bruisers regularly hit 15-30 pounds and can stretch nearly 40 inches. They're built like torpedoes with dark backs, silver sides, and distinctive black gums. Since chinooks are light-sensitive, we find them deep, usually 80-200 feet down, hugging the bottom structure and following baitfish schools. Early morning trips are crucial because that's when they move up to feed. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll make long, steady runs that'll test your equipment and endurance. The rich, red meat is prized by chefs too. Here's my best chinook tip: when you hook one, don't rush it. These fish have incredible stamina, so settle in for a 10-15 minute fight and let your drag do the work. Pump and wind, never just crank.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are absolute acrobats that'll jump six feet out of the water when hooked. These 12-30 inch fish typically weigh 8-12 pounds and have beautiful silver sides with dark blue-green backs. We target them in 60-120 feet of water where they're chasing baitfish near temperature breaks. Peak season runs from late spring through summer, with dawn being the magic hour for consistent action. What makes cohos special is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays - they'll cartwheel and tail-walk like no other salmon. The bright orange meat is fantastic on the grill too. Here's something I've learned over the years: when a coho jumps, bow to it by dropping your rod tip. This keeps slack in the line so they can't throw the hook on their way back down.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout, also called steelhead when they hit the lake, are some of the most colorful fish you'll encounter - those pink stripes really pop when they come to the net. These 8-24 inch fighters average 2-8 pounds and love our cool Lake Ontario waters, especially when temps hit that sweet spot of 55-64°F. We typically find them suspended in 40-80 feet of water, following schools of alewives and smelt. Spring through early summer is prime time, but they bite well into fall when water temps drop. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - these fish will jump clear out of the water multiple times. They're also fantastic eating with that pink, flaky meat. Here's a local trick: when trolling for them, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbows often hit on the speed change when the lure action shifts.
Lake Ontario