Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 6hour Lake Ontario charter targets salmon and troutAccommodates up to 6 guests with premium gear providedEarly morning departure with extended fishing on slower days
Lake Ontario delivers some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in North America, and this 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of the action. DNA Fishing runs a top-rated operation that caters specifically to skilled anglers who know what they're after – trophy salmon and trout that call these deep, cold waters home. Your private charter accommodates up to 5 guests, so you'll have plenty of elbow room and personalized attention from your captain. Starting at the crack of dawn (5:30 a.m.), you'll maximize your time during prime feeding hours when these fish are most active.
This isn't your typical weekend fishing trip – it's designed for anglers who appreciate the nuances of Great Lakes fishing and want to put their skills to the test. Your captain brings years of local knowledge, reading water temperatures, thermoclines, and baitfish movements to put you on fish consistently. The boat comes fully rigged with professional-grade downriggers, planer boards, and all the tackle you'll need for success. Most days run the full 6-7 hours, but here's the beauty of this charter: if you're crushing it and hit your limit early, you can call it a day after 6 hours. On those tougher days when fish are being finicky, your captain extends the trip an extra hour to give you the best shot at filling the cooler. Weather and fish behavior on Lake Ontario can change quickly, so having a flexible captain who adjusts tactics on the fly makes all the difference.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling and understanding the lake's structure. Your captain runs a spread of downriggers at various depths, typically working 40 to 150 feet down where the big salmon and trout cruise. Spoons, flasher-fly combos, and plugs dominate the tackle selection, with colors and presentations adjusted based on water clarity and conditions. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders and GPS to mark productive spots and track baitfish schools. You'll learn advanced techniques like reading downrigger angles, adjusting speed for different lures, and recognizing subtle bites on the rods. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but experienced anglers often enjoy bringing their favorite setups. Line counter reels and medium-heavy trolling rods are standard, with 20-30 pound test line handling these powerful fish. Lead core lines and copper wire lines come into play when fish are holding deeper or being particularly selective.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and these acrobatic fighters put on a show like no other. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ pounds, especially during their fall staging period. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action in June and July. What makes Atlantic salmon special is their aggressive strikes and aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and long runs that test your drag system. They prefer cooler water temperatures and often suspend over deep basins, making them a challenge that skilled anglers appreciate.
Chinook Salmon, the true kings of Lake Ontario, are what trophy hunters dream about. These beasts regularly hit 15-25 pounds, with 30+ pounders caught every season. Peak Chinook season runs from late July through September when they're staging near river mouths for their spawning runs. Their powerful, bulldogging fights will test your tackle and technique. They're typically found deeper than other species, often 80-150 feet down, following massive schools of alewives and round gobies.
Coho Salmon bring non-stop action and acrobatic fights that keep things exciting all day long. Averaging 5-8 pounds, these silver rockets make up for size with pure energy and spectacular jumps. Coho fishing peaks from June through August, and they're often found in the top 60 feet of the water column. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of presentations, making them perfect for anglers who enjoy fast-paced fishing.
Rainbow Trout, including steelhead strains, offer year-round opportunities and incredible fighting ability. These fish range from 3-8 pounds on average, but Lake Ontario rainbows can exceed 15 pounds. Spring and fall provide the best action, though summer fishing can be outstanding in deeper, cooler water. Their runs are legendary – long, powerful dashes that can strip line off your reel in seconds. They're also known for their unpredictable behavior, sometimes hitting aggressively and other times requiring finesse presentations.
Brown Trout are the most challenging species to target consistently, but that's exactly why skilled anglers love pursuing them. These fish are incredibly spooky and selective, often requiring precise presentations and stealthy approaches. Lake Ontario browns average 4-10 pounds but can reach trophy sizes over 15 pounds. Early morning and late evening produce the best results, and they're notorious for following lures without committing. When you do hook a big brown, expect a smart, powerful fight with surprising stamina.
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing represents some of the best freshwater angling opportunities you'll find anywhere. This charter combines professional-grade equipment, local expertise, and flexible timing to give skilled anglers the experience they're looking for. With five target species and year-round fishing opportunities, every trip offers something different. Your captain's commitment to extending trips on slower days and ending early when limits are reached shows the kind of personalized service that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Prime dates fill up quickly, especially during peak salmon runs, so secure your spot early. The non-refundable deposit policy ensures serious anglers get priority, and the results speak for themselves – consistent action on world-class fish in one of North America's premier fishing destinations.
Get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Ontario's productive waters aboard this well-equipped 28-foot Baha Cruiser. The single 350HP Mercury pushes you to the best fishing spots at a comfortable 25 knots, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper water. With space for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of room to work lines without getting tangled up. The radar keeps you safe when early morning fog rolls in, and GPS gets you back to those sweet spots where the fish were biting yesterday. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long summer runs. The onboard head means no cutting trips short, so you can stay out there until you limit out on those Lake Ontario giants. Perfect setup for serious anglers who know their way around tackle and want a solid platform to fish from.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are rare gems in Lake Ontario - the second-largest salmon species with that classic streamlined build and forked tail. These fish average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, though bigger ones swim these waters. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can spawn multiple times, making each one special. They're built for the fight with powerful runs and jumps that'll test your skills. The silver sides and bronze spawning colors make them easy to identify. Best action comes during cooler months when they're actively feeding. Since they're protected in most areas, catch-and-release is the rule - but the battle alone makes it worthwhile. Pro tip: focus on deeper structure during midday when they move down from the surface to avoid bright light.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in Lake Ontario, with golden-brown backs and those distinctive black spots covering their sides. They typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, but the big ones can surprise you at nearly 40 inches. These European natives are extremely wary and prefer cooler water around 54-65°F. They love structure - rocky points, drop-offs, and areas with cover where they can ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night. The firm, mild-flavored meat makes excellent eating. What sets browns apart is their intelligence - they're the hardest to fool but give a solid fight once hooked. They'll often hold tight to bottom structure during the day. Pro tip: browns spook easily, so use lighter leaders and natural presentations. Fish deeper during bright conditions and focus on twilight hours when they're most active.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - the biggest salmon you'll encounter, running 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, with true monsters pushing 30+ pounds. These silver-sided bruisers have black spots on their back, tail, and fins, plus that telltale black mouth. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deeper water during bright conditions, so we often fish 40-80 feet down. Spring and fall provide the best action when they're feeding heavily. The reddish-pink meat is outstanding table fare. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll strip line and test heavy tackle. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move up to feed. Since they stay deep, downriggers and weighted lines are essential. Pro tip: use cut bait or large spoons near bottom structure - chinooks are opportunistic and will hit bigger presentations other fish won't touch.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure excitement on Lake Ontario. These 12-30 inch fish average 8-12 pounds but can push past 20 in these waters. They're famous for those vertical jumps - up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. The dark blue-green back and bright silver sides make them easy to spot. Cohos prefer deeper water during summer heat but move shallow in spring and fall. They're aggressive feeders, hitting spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. The bright orange-red meat is top-shelf eating. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they're actively hunting. They like structure and current breaks where baitfish gather. Pro tip: when trolling, use bright colors like chartreuse or pink - cohos are drawn to flashy presentations that trigger their aggressive nature.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches in Lake Ontario, with that signature pink stripe and spotted pattern that makes them stand out. These fish love cooler water between 55-65°F, so they'll move to different depths as seasons change. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag system. The meat has that mild, nutty flavor that's perfect on the table. They prefer areas with structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and weed lines where they can ambush prey. Early morning and evening are prime times when they're feeding on insects and small baitfish. Local trick: match your presentation to water clarity - bright spoons on sunny days, darker colors when it's overcast.
Lake Ontario