5.0(3 Reviews)Full Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sevenhour guided salmon and trout fishing on Lake OntarioAll tackle provided plus complimentary fish cleaning service includedExpert crew assistance for both beginners and experienced anglers
Western Lake Ontario is hands down one of the most productive salmon and trout fisheries in North America, and Captain Dave at End of the Line Charters knows exactly where to find them. This 7-hour guided fishing adventure puts you right in the heart of the action, targeting some of the most sought-after species in the Great Lakes. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add to your trophy wall or someone who's never held a fishing rod, this charter delivers the goods. All your tackle is provided, your fish get cleaned for you, and you walk away with fresh fillets ready for the grill. It's the kind of day on the water that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Your 7-hour adventure starts early when the fish are most active and the lake conditions are typically at their best. Captain Dave runs a tight operation - his boat is well-maintained, equipped with top-tier fish finders, and stocked with an arsenal of proven lures and tackle. You'll cover serious water throughout the day, adjusting depth and location based on where the fish are holding. The western end of Lake Ontario offers incredible structure and temperature breaks that attract massive schools of salmon and trout, especially during prime feeding times. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license and maybe some snacks - everything else is handled. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and even cleans your catch so you can focus purely on the fishing. Weather can change quickly on the big lake, so dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket just in case.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling - covering water at the right speed and depth to intercept feeding fish. Captain Dave runs multiple lines at different levels using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to maximize your chances. You'll fish everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait, depending on what the fish are hitting that day. The captain constantly monitors water temperature, baitfish activity, and marking fish on the sonar to stay on top of the action. When a rod goes off, it's game on - these Lake Ontario salmon and trout fight hard and make blistering runs that'll test your skills. The boat stays positioned perfectly to help you land your fish, and the captain coaches you through the fight if needed. Expect to fish anywhere from 20 feet down to over 100 feet deep, following the thermocline where the fish concentrate during different times of the season.
"Captain Dave went above and beyond trying to locate the very elusive fish for us. He tried an immeasurable amount of lures, different colors, etc. Highly recommend End of the Line Fishing Charter and Captain Dave!!!" - Debra
"AWESOME day fishing with Captain Dave!! Caught 7 GORGEOUS Salmon!! Highly recommend Captain Dave!!" - Debra
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and hooking into one is like winning the lottery. These sleek fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ pounds, and they're absolute rockets when hooked. They prefer cooler water and are most active during spring and fall transitions. What makes them special is their acrobatic fighting style - expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming.
Coho Salmon, also called silvers, are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. They typically run 5-10 pounds and are incredibly aggressive, often jumping clear out of the water when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're suckers for flashy spoons and bright colors. Cohos stay relatively shallow compared to other species, making them perfect targets when conditions keep you in closer to shore.
Steelhead Trout are the marathon runners of Lake Ontario - these chrome-bright fighters will take you into your backing and test every knot on your setup. They range from 6-15 pounds and are active year-round, though spring and fall produce the biggest fish. Steelhead are notorious for their long, sustained runs and aerial displays. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake when prepared fresh.
Chinook Salmon, the kings of the Great Lakes, are what every angler dreams about. These bruisers commonly hit 15-25 pounds, with 30+ pounders always a possibility. They're most active during the cooler months and prefer deeper, colder water. When you hook a big king, plan on a 20-30 minute battle - they use their size and power to test your equipment and endurance. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the smoker or grill.
Lake Trout are the natives of Lake Ontario and can live for decades, growing to impressive sizes. They're typically found in the deepest, coldest water and can exceed 20 pounds. Lakers are steady fighters that use the depths to their advantage, making long, powerful runs toward the bottom. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed. The light-colored meat has a unique flavor that's prized by those who know how to prepare it properly.
Western Lake Ontario fishing doesn't get much better than this. Captain Dave's track record speaks for itself - he puts in the work to find fish and has the patience to stick with you until you're hooking up consistently. The 7-hour trip gives you plenty of time to experience different techniques and locations, and with all tackle provided plus fish cleaning included, it's a complete package deal. Additional anglers can join for just $70 per person, making it a great value for groups. Just remember the 3-day cancellation policy if weather or life throws you a curveball. Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is world-class
Our fully-equipped motorboat handles Lake Ontario's big waters with confidence, featuring a sturdy hull designed specifically for the Great Lakes' challenging conditions. When salmon and trout are running deep or visibility drops, you'll appreciate the onboard radar and fish finder that help locate productive fishing spots. The GPS keeps us on track to the hottest bite zones, while the marine toilet ensures comfort during your 7-hour adventure. This vessel is built for serious anglers who want to target trophy fish in one of Ontario's most productive fisheries. All the technology you need is at your fingertips, so you can focus on what matters most – landing that perfect salmon or steelhead trout.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the prize fish of Lake Ontario, averaging 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silver bodies and small black spots. These fish live deep in the cold waters, usually 60-120 feet down where the thermocline sits. They're incredibly strong fighters - once hooked, they'll make long runs and aerial jumps that test your gear. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially during cooler weather when they move closer to shore to feed on alewives and smelt. What makes them special is their rich, orange-pink meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's a tip: when you feel that first run, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let your drag do the work and they'll tire out faster.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, commonly running 15-25 pounds with some pushing 30-plus. These silver and blue-green giants prefer the deepest, coldest water - often 80-150 feet down where it stays dark. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the best action, along with overcast days. Spring through fall is prime season, with late summer being particularly hot. What draws anglers to kings is their sheer power and the challenge of landing such a large fish. Their rich, red meat is also top-notch eating. Since they hug the bottom, downriggers and heavy tackle are essential. Here's the key: use plenty of weight to get your bait down where they live, and when you hook one, settle in for a long fight - these fish don't give up easily.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fish in Lake Ontario. These beauties run 8-12 pounds on average and are famous for their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in 40-80 feet of water, often suspended and chasing baitfish schools. Late spring through early fall is prime time, especially during overcast conditions when they feed more actively. What guests love about cohos is their aggressive strikes and the spectacular aerial show they put on. Their bright orange meat makes for great eating too. Pro tip: when trolling, use bright colors like chartreuse or hot pink - cohos can't resist flashy presentations, and a slight speed change often triggers strikes when fish are following but not committing.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water natives of Ontario, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-20 pounds, though monsters over 40 pounds swim these waters. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 100-200 feet down in summer. Early spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move shallower. What makes lakers special is their steady, powerful fight and excellent white meat that's perfect for smoking. They're also long-lived fish, so catching a big one is always memorable. Since they live so deep, jigging with heavy spoons or large swimbaits is most effective. Here's my go-to trick: use a jigging spoon in white or silver, and work it with sharp upward jerks followed by controlled drops - lakers often hit on the fall.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout on steroids - these lake-run fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and pack serious muscle. They're silver with black spots and that signature pink stripe, built like torpedoes from living in open water. You'll find them anywhere from 30 feet to over 100 feet deep, usually following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Fall through spring offers the best fishing, especially during low-light conditions. What makes steelhead special is their endurance - they'll make multiple long runs and fight right to the net. They're also excellent table fare with firm, pink meat. Local tip: when you hook one, keep your rod tip up and let them run. Try to turn their head toward the boat on each run - fighting them sideways tires them out quicker than straight pulls.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Dave went above and beyond trying to locate the very elusive fish for us. He tried an immeasurable amount of lures, differ...
AWESOME day fishing with Captain Dave!! Caught 7 GORGEOUS Salmon!! Highly recommend Captain Dave!!
Excellent day fishing!! Limited out on Salmon and got 1 Nice Sized Lake Trout!! Captain Dave was AMAZING as ALWAYS!!
Buffalo, NY