Full Day Salmon & Trout Fishing - Sodus Point
Lake Ontario's eastern shore holds some of the finest salmon and trout fishing in the Great Lakes, and Sodus Point puts you right in the heart of the action. This full-day charter with Diamond J Charters gets your group of four out on the big water where King Salmon, Coho, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout cruise the depths. Whether you're seasoned anglers or first-timers looking to land your personal best, this trip delivers the goods with professional gear, expert guidance, and all the fish cleaning you'll need to take home a cooler full of fresh fillets.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at Sodus Point, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on conditions, target depths, and what the fish have been hitting. You've got flexibility here – choose five hours if you want a solid morning or afternoon session, or commit to the full eight-hour experience to really maximize your time in the productive waters. The boat comes loaded with top-rated rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, reading the sonar and adjusting presentations as conditions change throughout the day. Don't forget your New York State fishing license – it's required and strictly enforced out here. Bring non-marking soft-soled shoes, plenty of sun protection, and a large cooler to haul home your catch. Pro tip: start taking motion sickness medication 24 hours before you head out, even if you think you've got your sea legs.
Trolling the Thermal Layers
Lake Ontario trolling is all about covering water and finding where the baitfish are stacked up in the thermal columns. Your captain will deploy a spread of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to present lures at multiple depths simultaneously. This isn't casting and cranking – it's precision trolling where every rod has a purpose and every lure runs at a specific depth and speed. The downriggers get your spoons and flasher-fly combinations down into the cold water where the big Kings and Lakers hang out, while the planer boards spread your lines wide to cover more territory and avoid spooking fish directly behind the boat. You'll be running everything from tiny flies behind dodgers to large spoons that mimic the alewives and smelt these predators feed on. The captain reads the fish finder constantly, adjusting depths and speeds as you work through different temperature breaks and structure. When a rod fires off, you'll know it – Lake Ontario fish hit hard and fight harder.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon, the legendary Kings of Lake Ontario, are the heavyweights you dream about. These chrome-bright fighters average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus, and when one grabs your spoon in 80 feet of water, you'll know why they're called Kings. They're most active from late spring through early fall, staging in deeper, cooler water during summer heat before making their spawning runs. The initial run when you hook a King is absolutely explosive – they'll strip line like there's no tomorrow and jump clear out of the water. These fish are why anglers travel from across the country to fish Sodus Point.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement with their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes. Smaller than Kings at 8-15 pounds, Cohos make up for size with pure athleticism. They're jumpers and runners, often spending as much time in the air as in the water once hooked. Cohos school up heavily and when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. They love the mid-depth ranges where the thermocline sets up, making them perfect targets for planer board presentations. Summer and early fall offer the best Coho action, and their bright silver sides and fighting spirit make them a customer favorite.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of the Great Lakes, known for long, powerful runs that test your drag and your patience. These Lake Ontario steelhead are chunky and strong, typically running 8-12 pounds with some pushing 15-plus. They're available year-round but really shine in the cooler months when they move shallow and become more aggressive. Steelhead have incredible endurance and will make multiple runs, often heading straight for the surface in spectacular leaps. Their fight-to-weight ratio is off the charts, and many anglers consider them pound-for-pound the strongest fish in these waters.
Brown Trout are the wary veterans that challenge even experienced anglers. These golden-sided beauties are notorious for their cautious nature, but when conditions are right, they provide some of the most rewarding fishing on the lake. Browns typically run 6-12 pounds with occasional larger specimens, and they prefer specific temperature ranges and structure. Early morning and late evening are prime times, and they often hold in areas other species might avoid. Their distinctive spotted pattern and rich coloration make them one of the most beautiful fish you'll encounter, and their reputation for being difficult makes landing one extra satisfying.
Lake Trout round out the target species list as the deep-water specialists. These native char love the cold depths and provide steady action when other species are finicky. Lakers are built for the deep, cold environment and fight with a steady, powerful pull rather than the explosive runs of salmon. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat, and they're often the most reliable producers during tough fishing conditions. Lake Trout fishing stays consistent throughout much of the season, making them a dependable backup when other species are being stubborn.
Time to Book Your Spot
Sodus Point consistently produces some of Lake Ontario's best salmon and trout action, and this charter puts you in position to capitalize on it. With professional equipment, expert local knowledge, and complimentary fish cleaning, you're getting world-class
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Lake Ontario
Full-day Lake Ontario charter targeting multiple salmon and trout species
