Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter - Sodus Point
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target King Salmon, Coho, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, Brown TroutProfessionalgrade equipment and complimentary fish filleting includedFlexible five or eight hour charter accommodates four guests
Get ready to experience some of the best salmon and trout fishing on the Great Lakes with Diamond J Charters out of Sodus Point. This top-rated charter targets Lake Ontario's legendary runs of King Salmon, Coho, Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Atlantic Salmon. Whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned angler, our professional setup and local knowledge put you right in the action. We handle all the gear, tackle, and fish cleaning so you can focus on what matters most - landing that trophy fish and making memories with your crew.
Your Lake Ontario fishing adventure kicks off from the historic harbor at Sodus Point, one of the lake's premier fishing ports. You'll have your pick of a five-hour or eight-hour trip, depending on how long you want to stay in the bite zone. The boat accommodates four anglers comfortably, with room to add extra guests if your fishing party grows. We're talking serious sport fishing here - professional-grade rods and reels, quality tackle boxes stocked with the lures and rigs that produce results, and a captain who knows where the fish are holding. The best part? We clean and package your catch so it's ready for the freezer or dinner table. Just bring your valid New York fishing license, some non-marking boat shoes, sun protection, and a cooler big enough for your haul. Pro tip: start taking motion sickness meds a day before your trip, even if you're usually fine on the water - Lake Ontario can get choppy and you don't want to miss out on prime fishing time.
Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing is all about trolling - covering water efficiently while presenting lures at the right depth and speed. We run a spread of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to target different depths where these fish cruise. The thermocline is key here, especially during summer months when salmon and trout seek cooler water temperatures between 45-55 degrees. Our tackle selection includes proven producers like spoons in silver, copper, and chartreuse, along with flasher and fly combinations that drive these predators crazy. We're constantly adjusting lure colors, depths, and boat speed based on sonar readings, water temperature, and what the fish are telling us. Spring and fall offer phenomenal fishing when salmon stage near river mouths for their spawning runs, while summer requires working deeper water offshore. The captain reads the electronics, sets the spread, and coaches you through every hookup so you can focus on fighting these powerful fish.
Chinook Salmon, also called King Salmon, are the apex predators of Lake Ontario and the fish every angler dreams about. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus pounds during peak season from late spring through early fall. Kings are notorious for their bulldogging runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll test your drag and your nerves. What makes them special is their aggressive feeding behavior when they're staging offshore, gorging on alewives and smelt before heading to tributary rivers.
Coho Salmon bring incredible energy to every fight, earning their nickname "silver rockets" for good reason. These fish typically run 8-15 pounds and are absolute dynamite when hooked, known for spectacular jumps and fast runs that'll have you whooping and hollering. Coho hit their stride from late spring through summer, and they're often the most cooperative species when conditions get tough. Their chrome-bright sides and aggressive nature make them a customer favorite.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon fighters of Lake Ontario, combining size with stamina in ways that'll wear out your arms. These lake-run rainbows average 8-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making searing runs and using their broad sides to leverage against your rod. Spring and fall are prime time for steelhead, when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning runs. They're also the most likely to give you multiple jumps during the fight.
Brown Trout are the cunning veterans of the lake, often the hardest to fool but incredibly rewarding when you connect. These fish can live longer than salmon, growing thick and heavy with some specimens exceeding 20 pounds. Browns are most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making them perfect targets for early morning starts or late-season trips. Their golden flanks and distinctive spots make them beautiful trophies.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water specialists, hanging out in the coldest parts of Lake Ontario year-round. These fish grow slowly but get huge, with 20-30 pound lakers not uncommon in these waters. They're typically caught while targeting salmon and provide a different kind of fight - more of a powerful, steady pull than the flashy runs of salmon. Lake trout are excellent table fare and a bonus catch that adds variety to any trip.
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is world-class, and Diamond J Charters puts you right in the middle of it all. From the moment you step aboard until we're filleting your catch dockside, this charter delivers the complete Great Lakes fishing experience. The combination of professional equipment, local knowledge, and Sodus Point's prime location gives you the best shot at filling your cooler with quality fish. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing, planning a guys' trip, or just need to get your fish fix, this charter handles all the details so you can focus on having a great day on the water. Don't wait - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs.
Our 37-foot Trojan International is built for serious Lake Ontario fishing. With twin 454 engines and a 14-foot beam, she cuts through the water smoothly while keeping you stable when the salmon are running. The climate-controlled cabin means you'll stay comfortable whether you're trolling for kings in spring or chasing steelhead in fall. Everything's set up for fishing success - GPS to find the hot spots, fish finder to locate schools, and VHF radio for safety and reports from other boats. The stand-up head and spacious layout make those long days on the water more enjoyable. We dock right at Captain Jack's in Sodus Point, so you're just steps from some of Lake Ontario's best fishing grounds where salmon, trout, and steelhead cruise the depths.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the sneaky veterans of Lake Ontario - smart, spooky, and absolutely delicious when you manage to fool one. These golden-brown beauties typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, with their distinctive black spots and sometimes orange or reddish fins. They're most active during fall nights when water temps drop, making dawn and dusk your best windows. Browns love structure - dropoffs, rocky areas, and anywhere baitfish gather. What makes them special is their wariness; they've survived everything the lake can throw at them, so landing one feels like a real accomplishment. The meat is mild, sweet, and firm - perfect for the dinner table. They fight with surprising strength for their size, making quick runs and trying to wrap you around any cover they can find. Local tip: during fall, try trolling closer to shore in 15-30 feet of water as they move shallow to feed before winter.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, and for good reason - these bruisers regularly hit 20-30 pounds and can stretch over three feet long. Also called Chinook, they're built for power with silver sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive black spots covering their head, back, and fins. You'll know you've hooked a king by the way they strip line and head for deep water in long, determined runs. We find them in deeper areas, usually 60+ feet down, since they're light-sensitive and prefer cooler temperatures. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during low-light conditions at dawn and dusk. Their reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. The thrill factor is huge - landing a big king is a team effort that can take 20 minutes of steady pressure. One key tip: use a quality drag system and don't try to muscle them up too quickly. Patience pays off with these giants.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also known as silver salmon, are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll encounter on Lake Ontario. These beauties typically run 8-12 pounds and 12-30 inches, with their distinctive silver sides and dark blue-green backs dotted with black spots. What makes coho special is their amazing jumping ability - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. We usually find them in open water during spring and fall runs, and they're known for their bright orange-red meat that tastes fantastic. The best action happens during overcast conditions when they're actively feeding. Here's a local tip: when a coho jumps, resist the urge to reel tight - keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. Their wild runs and aerial displays make every hookup memorable, and you'll go home with some of the best-tasting salmon Lake Ontario has to offer.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Ontario, living in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round. These char family members are built like torpedoes with grey-green coloring and cream-colored spots, typically running 15-40 pounds and 24-36 inches. What sets them apart is their preference for depths of 80-200 feet, where they suspend in the water column or cruise near bottom structure. They're steady, powerful fighters that make long runs rather than jumping, and their light-colored meat has a rich, unique flavor. Lake trout bite best during low-light conditions and overcast days, with spring right after ice-out being prime time when they come up to shallower water. These fish can live decades, so the big ones are truly special catches. Here's the key: use downriggers or heavy jigs to get down to their level, and once you hook one, prepare for a long, methodical battle in deep water.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have adapted to the big lake life, and they're absolute powerhouses because of it. These silver bullets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches in Lake Ontario's rich waters. Unlike their freshwater cousins, steelhead develop a streamlined, brassy silver body with black spots from their time in deep, cold water. They're incredibly strong fighters with long, blistering runs that'll test your drag system. We target them from mid-fall through spring when they're most active, usually in 40-80 feet of water near structure or thermal breaks. What anglers love most is their unpredictability - one minute they're hugging bottom, the next they're screaming line off your reel. The meat is firm and delicious too. Pro tip: when fighting steelhead, keep your rod tip up and let them run - trying to horse them in early will usually result in a broken line or bent hook.
Lake Ontario