Full Day Salmon and Trout Trolling - Sodus Point
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday Lake Ontario fishing targeting five salmon and trout speciesProfessional equipment, fish filleting, and packing services includedFlexible five or eighthour trips for groups of four
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get ready to fish Lake Ontario's productive waters aboard our 37-foot Trojan International – a serious fishing machine built for comfort and results. With twin 454 engines and a 14-foot beam, this boat handles the lake's conditions while keeping you stable during the fight. The climate-controlled cabin gives you a break from the elements, and the stand-up head means no rushing back to shore. We've got you covered with GPS navigation, VHF radio, and fish finder to locate those salmon and trout schools. The 24-mile radar keeps us safe and helps track weather patterns. Perfect for targeting Kings, Coho, Atlantics, Steelhead, and Browns in Lake Ontario's legendary fishery. Docked right at Captain Jack's in Sodus Point for easy access.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they didn't get their reputation for being wary without reason. Lake-run browns can reach impressive sizes, often 8-15 pounds, with their golden-brown sides and distinctive black spots. They prefer structure like drop-offs, points, and rocky areas in 40-80 feet of water. Fall brings the best fishing when they feed aggressively before spawning season. Browns are prized for their fighting ability and excellent taste - firm, mild meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also the most challenging to catch consistently, which keeps experienced anglers coming back. Local secret: browns often feed at night, so our early morning trips right at dawn can be dynamite. They're spookier than other trout, so keeping noise down really matters with these fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-20 pounds with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly. They prefer deeper, cooler water and stay close to the bottom during bright conditions, making downriggers essential. Early morning and evening bites are prime time, especially during spring and fall runs. What draws anglers to kings is simple - they're the biggest salmon around and fight with bulldozer power rather than aerial acrobatics. The rich, red meat is outstanding eating. These fish are light-shy, so they hug deeper water during midday. My go-to tip: when targeting kings, fish your lures slower than you think. They're not speed demons like coho, and a methodical presentation in the strike zone will outproduce fast trolling every time.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are known for their silver sides and acrobatic fights - they'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. Most run 8-12 pounds and 18-24 inches, though Lake Ontario produces some real trophies. They cruise mid-depth waters following baitfish schools, making them perfect for our trolling setups. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're feeding heavily near thermal breaks and structure. What makes coho special is their willingness to hit lures aggressively and their bright orange meat that's perfect eating. These fish earn their nickname "silver rockets" with explosive runs that test your drag. Pro tip: when you see one jump, ease off the pressure for a second - that tight line during their aerial show is when most people lose them.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water specialists, living in the coldest parts of Lake Ontario year-round. These char can grow massive - 20-40 pounders aren't uncommon, and they're built for the long haul with steady, powerful fights rather than flashy jumps. You'll find them in 80-150+ feet of water, suspended or near bottom around structure. Spring right after ice-out and fall offer the best chances when they move shallower. What makes lakers special is their size potential and the challenge of deep-water fishing. The light-colored meat is mild and flaky when prepared right. They're also surprisingly long-lived fish that can exceed 20 years. Here's the key: lakers don't like bright light, so overcast days often outproduce sunny ones. When jigging deep, work your lure slowly - they'll follow for a long time before committing to bite.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to live like salmon, and they fight twice as hard because of it. These chrome-bright fish average 24 inches but can push 30+ pounds in Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters. They patrol open water and drop-offs, staying in the thermocline where temperatures suit them best. Peak season runs from late fall through spring when they're most active. What sets steelhead apart is their stamina - they'll make long, powerful runs that can take you well into your backing. The meat is firm and pink, making them excellent table fare. Here's something most folks don't know: steelhead are light-sensitive, so overcast days often produce better fishing than bright, sunny conditions. Keep your presentations subtle and be ready for a marathon fight.
Lake Ontario