Full Day Salmon & Trout Fishing on Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday Lake Ontario fishing targeting salmon and trout speciesCaptain Bruce provides expert guidance and professional fishing equipmentEarly morning departure accommodates up to four guests maximum
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario at first light with Captain Bruce, watching your downrigger suddenly snap to attention as something big takes your bait. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's an 8-hour adventure targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized game fish. From the moment we push off from Oswego at dawn, you'll be working the deep waters where King Salmon, Brown Trout, Coho, and Steelhead cruise the thermoclines. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, Captain Bruce knows exactly where to put you on the fish.
We're talking early mornings here – departure times run from 5:00 to 5:45 a.m., which means you'll want to grab that coffee before you head to the dock. But trust me, once you see that sunrise over the lake and feel the first fish hit your line, you'll forget all about being tired. Captain Bruce runs a tight ship with top-notch equipment, and his local knowledge of Lake Ontario's structure is second to none. You'll be fishing the productive waters off Oswego where the Oswego River dumps nutrients into the lake, creating a perfect feeding zone. The boat handles up to 4 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to work without bumping elbows. We're out there for the full 8 hours, which gives us time to hit multiple spots and adjust our game plan based on what the fish are telling us.
This is classic Great Lakes trolling at its finest. We'll be running a spread of downriggers, leadcore, and copper lines to cover the entire water column from surface to 150 feet down. Captain Bruce has all the gear dialed in – from the Scotty downriggers to the fish-finding electronics that'll show us exactly where the baitfish are stacked up. You'll learn how to work spoons, plugs, and cut bait depending on what the salmon and trout want that day. The key out here is speed and depth control. Lake Ontario's fish are constantly moving, following temperature breaks and bait schools, so we're always adjusting our presentation. Don't worry if you've never run downriggers before – the captain will walk you through everything from setting the clips to fighting fish without tangling lines.
"Great trip. Good fishing; great captain and mate. Would recommend Eagle Charters to anyone looking for a great day fiahing andon the water" - Martin
Brown Trout are the lake's resident heavyweights, and Oswego's waters hold some absolute tanks. These fish average 8-12 pounds but don't be surprised if you hook into a 15+ pound brownie that'll test your drag system. Browns are most active during low-light periods, which is why those early departures pay off big time. They're structure-oriented fish that love to cruise the drop-offs and thermal bars where Lake Ontario's cold, deep water meets the warmer surface layers. What makes browns so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to jump. The best part? They're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics to your fishing day. These silver bullets typically run 6-10 pounds and are absolutely notorious for their aerial displays once hooked. Coho are aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from bright spoons to natural baits, and they school up heavily during their spawning runs from late summer through fall. They prefer the upper portions of the water column, often feeding just below the thermocline where the water temperature drops. When you hook a Coho, get ready for a show – they'll jump repeatedly and make blistering runs that'll have you questioning whether your reel can keep up. These fish are pure adrenaline on a fishing line.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of Lake Ontario, known for their incredible stamina and determination. These chrome-bright fish average 8-14 pounds and are famous for their long, sustained fights that can last 15-20 minutes. Steelhead are lake-run Rainbow Trout that behave more like salmon, and they're considered by many anglers to be pound-for-pound the strongest fish in the Great Lakes. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone. What sets Steelhead apart is their unpredictability – they might stay deep and slug it out, or suddenly bolt for the surface in spectacular leaps. They're also excellent eating and represent the pinnacle of Great Lakes sport fishing.
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is world-class, and Captain Bruce's local expertise gives you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. This full-day charter gives you the best shot at connecting with multiple species while learning techniques you can use for years to come. The early season brings aggressive fish, summer offers consistent action, and fall provides some of the year's biggest catches as fish stage for their spawning runs. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up fast during prime fishing season. Don't wait until the fish are biting to realize you should have booked – secure your spot now and get ready for a day of fishing you'll be talking about for years.
Step aboard Captain Bruce's restored 33-foot Wellcraft cruiser and get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Ontario's productive waters. This fully equipped sport fishing vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers with plenty of room to fight those hard-running King Salmon and Steelhead. The boat's twin 350HP Mercury engines will get you to the hot spots quickly, while the fish finder helps locate schools and the GPS keeps you on the productive structure. When you need a break from battling fish, grab a cold drink from the onboard fridge or use the clean restroom facilities. The full galley means you can fuel up between fishing sessions. Modern radar ensures safe navigation even when morning fog rolls in off the lake. This charter boat is wheelchair accessible and built for serious fishing - from the early 5 AM departure until you head back to Oswego's harbor with your coolers full of fresh Lake Ontario salmon and trout.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are smart, wary fish that average 8-24 inches and pack serious fight in their golden-brown bodies. They love cool water around 54-65°F and hang near cover - think fallen trees, rocky drop-offs, and deeper holes during the day. Fall and early winter are prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters with great table fare, plus they can live 12-20 years so you might hook into some real bruisers. On Ontario, we troll deeper water with downriggers, but here's a tip: switch to smaller spoons in bright chrome or copper when the bite gets tough. These fish have seen it all, so finesse often wins over power.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are pure adrenaline on a rod - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and fight like nothing else. Most run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver sides and dark blue-green back. They patrol open water but move shallow during feeding times, especially dawn and dusk. Late summer through fall is when they really turn on as they prepare for their spawning run. What sets them apart is their acrobatic nature and that bright orange meat that tastes amazing. We usually troll spoons and plugs in the top 40 feet of water. Pro tip: when you see birds working baitfish, get your lines there fast - cohos will be right underneath going crazy.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to get tough in the big lake - they're silver missiles that average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches if you're lucky. These chrome-bright fighters cruise open water most of the year but move shallow in spring and fall. Mid-fall through spring gives you the best shot at them. What makes steelhead special? They're probably the hardest fighting fish in the lake, period. Long runs, big jumps, and they just don't quit. The meat is excellent too - firm and clean tasting. We target them with spoons and plugs, usually running deeper than coho. Here's the secret: bright silver or blue spoons work best in clear water, but switch to chartreuse when it's cloudy.
Great trip. Good fishing; great captain and mate. Would recommend Eagle Charters to anyone looking for a great day fiahing andon t...
Lake Ontario