Full Day Salmon and Trout Trolling - Sodus Point
Diamond J Charters runs one of the top-rated salmon and trout operations out of Sodus Point, and this full-day trip is exactly what serious anglers are looking for on Lake Ontario. You'll be targeting the big five - King Salmon, Coho, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout - with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. The charter handles groups of four perfectly, though you can squeeze in extra anglers if needed. Everything's included except your fishing license and lunch, so you're looking at a hassle-free day where the only thing you need to worry about is fighting fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at Sodus Point, one of Lake Ontario's premier fishing ports. You'll have the choice between a five-hour trip if you want to test the waters or go all-in with the eight-hour adventure for maximum fish time. The boat's rigged with professional-grade downriggers, planer boards, and all the trolling gear you could want. Your captain will read the water temperature, check the sonar, and adjust depths based on where the fish are holding that day. Lake Ontario's a big piece of water, but these guys know the productive zones - from the nearshore structure where browns cruise to the deeper thermoclines where kings and cohos stage. You'll cover serious ground trolling, and when the rods start bending, that's when the real fun begins. The crew handles all the net work and fish care, plus they'll fillet and pack your catch so it's ready for the cooler.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
This is straight-up trolling at its finest - no casting, no jigging, just covering water and letting the fish find your spread. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to spread the presentation wide. You'll be pulling spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that have proven themselves on Lake Ontario for decades. The captain adjusts speed based on conditions and target species - kings like it a bit faster while browns prefer a slower presentation. All the rods are matched to the task with quality reels spooled with fresh line. The electronics package includes fish finders and GPS to mark productive spots and track water temperature breaks where salmon and trout concentrate. When a fish hits, you'll know it - the rod tip loads up and the drag starts singing. The crew coaches you through the fight, especially important when you're dealing with a hot king salmon that wants to make long runs or jump.
Target Species
Chinook Salmon, better known as Kings, are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario and the fish most anglers dream about hooking. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus, and they fight like nothing else in freshwater. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're feeding heavily in preparation for their spawning runs. Kings are notorious for long, powerful runs that test your drag system and jumping ability that'll get your heart racing. They're the reason many anglers become addicted to Great Lakes fishing.
Coho Salmon bring pure acrobatics to the table - they're smaller than kings at 8-15 pounds but make up for it with spectacular aerial displays. These silver bullets love to jump repeatedly when hooked, often clearing the water completely in their attempts to throw the hook. Cohos are most active during summer months and are often found in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Their aggressive nature makes them excellent targets for trolling presentations.
Steelhead Trout are pound-for-pound one of the strongest fighters in the lake, combining the endurance of a salmon with the cunning of a trout. These chrome-bright fish typically range from 6-12 pounds and are famous for long, bulldogging runs along the bottom followed by sudden direction changes that can catch anglers off guard. They're available year-round but peak during spring and fall transitions when they're most aggressive.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in Lake Ontario and often the most challenging to pattern. These golden-sided beauties range from 5-15 pounds and are notorious for their wariness and ability to avoid heavily fished areas. Browns often feed in shallower water than salmon, making them accessible during periods when the deeper fish are scattered. Their rich, flaky meat makes them a customer favorite for the dinner table.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water specialists of this fishery, typically found in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake structure. These native char can grow quite large, with fish in the 10-20 pound range being common. Lakers are most active during spring and fall when they move into more accessible depths for feeding. Their prehistoric appearance and steady, powerful fight make them a unique addition to any mixed bag of Lake Ontario fish.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is world-class, and Diamond J Charters puts you right in the middle of the action from one of the lake's best ports. This full-day trip gives you the time needed to really work the water and find active fish, whether you're after the power of a king salmon or the acrobatics of a coho. The professional setup, experienced crew, and prime Sodus Point location make this a customer favorite that books up quickly during peak season. Don't forget your New York fishing license, soft-soled shoes, and a cooler big enough for your limit - and consider starting those motion sickness meds a day early if you're prone to seasickness. The fish are out there waiting, so grab your spot and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries.