Lake Ontario King Salmon Charter - Sodus Point
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Five-hour charter targeting King Salmon and multiple trout speciesAll professional equipment and complimentary fish cleaning includedDeparts from Sodus Point covering productive Lake Ontario waters
There's something special about Lake Ontario's waters off Sodus Point, and Diamond J Charters knows exactly where to find the big ones. This half-day, five-hour fishing charter puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive salmon and trout fishing on the Great Lakes. Whether you're a first-timer or you've been chasing kings for years, Captain Diamond J will put you on fish and make sure you have everything you need for a successful day on the water. With all gear included and your catch filleted at the end, all you need to bring is your license, a cooler, and the desire to land some serious Lake Ontario chrome.
Your morning or afternoon starts at Sodus Point Marina, where you'll meet your captain and get a quick rundown of the day's game plan. Lake Ontario off Sodus Point is known for its deep, cold waters that hold massive schools of salmon and trout year-round, and Diamond J has been working these waters long enough to know exactly where they're biting. The boat comes equipped with top-rated downriggers, planer boards, and all the professional rods and reels you'll need – no need to haul your own gear unless you want to. The captain provides all tackle too, from spoons and flashers to plugs and flies, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. You'll spend your five hours covering productive water, adjusting depths and speeds until you find the sweet spot where the salmon are stacked up and ready to feed.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and Diamond J runs a clean, efficient spread that maximizes your chances of hooking up. The boat typically runs four to six lines using a combination of downriggers and planer boards to cover different depths and distances from the boat. Downriggers let you get your lures down to where the thermocline sits – usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet depending on the season – while the boards spread your presentation wide to cover more water. You'll be using heavy action rods paired with line counter reels spooled with 20-30 pound test, because when a mature king salmon decides to run, you need equipment that can handle the fight. The captain adjusts trolling speeds between 2.5 and 3.5 mph depending on conditions and what species you're targeting, and don't be surprised if you're marking fish on the sonar but need to make several passes before they commit to your spread.
Chinook Salmon, the legendary "kings" of Lake Ontario, are the main attraction here and for good reason. These chrome-bright fighters average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30, and when one grabs your lure, you'll know it immediately. Kings are most active from late April through September, with peak action in July and August when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. They fight dirty too – long runs, head shakes, and jumps that'll test your drag and your nerves. The thrill of landing a king salmon on Lake Ontario is something every angler should experience at least once.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to your day, known for their acrobatic fights and willingness to jump clear out of the water when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 8-15 pounds and are absolutely beautiful fish, with bright chrome sides that flash in the sunlight. Cohos are active from May through September, with some of the best action happening in late summer when they school up in massive numbers. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.
Steelhead Trout are the wildcard in Lake Ontario, and when you hook into a hot steelhead, you're in for a fight that's hard to match. These rainbow trout grow big and strong in the lake's cold, nutrient-rich waters, commonly reaching 8-12 pounds with some monsters pushing 15-20. Steelhead are available year-round but fishing is particularly good in spring and fall when they move closer to shore. They're known for their long, powerful runs and tendency to jump repeatedly, making them a customer favorite among anglers who appreciate a fish that refuses to give up.
Brown Trout in Lake Ontario are tough, smart fish that provide some of the most challenging and rewarding fishing on the lake. These golden-sided beauties are notorious for being finicky, but when conditions are right, they'll hit hard and fight with surprising strength. Browns typically range from 5-15 pounds, with occasional giants that make your reel scream. They're most active during low-light periods and can be found at various depths depending on water temperature and forage availability.
Lake Trout round out the slam and offer steady action when salmon fishing slows down. These deep-water dwellers love the cold water of Lake Ontario's depths and provide consistent action throughout the fishing season. Lakers typically run 5-12 pounds and while they don't jump like salmon, they're powerful fish that make long, determined runs toward the bottom. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake, with white, flaky meat that's perfect for fish fries.
Diamond J Charters has built a reputation on putting clients on fish and providing the kind of personalized service that keeps anglers coming back season after season. With all gear provided, complimentary fish cleaning, and a captain who knows Lake Ontario's productive waters like the back of his hand, this half-day charter offers world-class fishing without the commitment of a full day on the water. Remember to grab your New York State fishing license, pack that large cooler for your catch, and bring soft-soled shoes and weather-appropriate gear. If you're prone to seasickness, take your medication 24 hours before your trip – trust me on this one. Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is as good as it
Get ready to fish Lake Ontario's productive waters aboard our 37-foot Trojan International! This stable platform features twin 454 engines and a generous 14-foot beam that keeps you comfortable while targeting King Salmon, Coho, and Steelhead. The climate-controlled cabin offers relief from changing weather, plus you've got a stand-up head for convenience during those five-hour trips. Our GPS, fish finder, and VHF radio help locate the best fishing spots and keep you connected. With 24-mile radar and full Coast Guard safety compliance, you can focus on landing your catch. We dock right at Captain Jack's in Sodus Point for easy access, and we'll fillet and pack your fish at day's end. All professional tackle included – just bring your NY fishing license and cooler.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of the lake - they didn't earn their reputation for being wary without reason. These golden-brown beauties with dark spots average 2-8 pounds, though Lake Ontario holds some real trophies pushing 15+ pounds. They love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and areas near creek mouths, usually holding in 30-60 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they get aggressive before spawning, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Browns are prized for their wariness and fighting ability - they'll make long, powerful runs and aren't easy to boat. The eating quality is excellent too, with firm, flaky meat. My advice: fish them at dawn or dusk when they're most active, and don't be surprised if they follow your lure several times before committing. Patience pays off with browns.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These chrome-sided giants stay deep most of the time, often hugging bottom in 80-150 feet of water since they're light-sensitive. You'll spot them by their black mouths and spots covering the back and tail. Early morning and evening are your best shots when they move up to feed. Kings are what serious salmon anglers dream about - that initial run can strip 100 yards of line before you know what hit you. The meat quality is outstanding too, with rich orange flesh that's perfect for the grill. Here's what works: get your bait down to where they live. Don't be afraid to fish deep and use heavy tackle. These fish don't mess around, and neither should your gear.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in Lake Ontario. These beauties average 8-12 pounds and put on a real show when hooked, often jumping clean out of the water. You'll recognize them by their bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs with black spots on the tail. Cohos cruise the mid-depths, usually 40-80 feet down, following baitfish schools. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that hard fight combined with excellent table fare - their orange-red meat is top quality. Here's a tip: when you feel that first jump, keep your rod tip down and let the drag do the work. Too much pressure and they'll throw the hook every time.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water natives of Ontario, living in the coldest, most oxygen-rich depths year-round. These grey-green char with cream-colored markings are true heavyweights, averaging 5-15 pounds with 20+ pounders always possible. You'll find them suspended over deep basins, often 100+ feet down in summer, though they come shallower in spring and fall when water temps drop. The best fishing happens on overcast days or low-light conditions when they're more active. Lakers are popular because they're steady biters once you find them, and they provide consistent action when salmon fishing gets tough. The meat is rich and oily - great smoked. Here's the key: jigging is your best bet in deep water. Drop a heavy spoon or jig head down and work it right off bottom. Lakers aren't fancy, but they're reliable.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in the big water, making them bigger, stronger, and more aggressive than their stream cousins. These silver bullets typically run 24 inches and can hit 10+ pounds in Ontario's waters. They're built for speed with streamlined bodies and that classic pinkish stripe. You'll find them roaming open water, often suspended 60-100 feet down, but they'll move shallow during overcast conditions or low light. Fall through spring is prime time when they're most active. What gets anglers hooked is their raw power - steelhead make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Plus, they're excellent eating. Pro tip: when targeting steelhead, focus on areas where tributaries meet the lake. They're always thinking about that spawning run upstream.
Lake Ontario