5.0(3 Reviews)Wilson Harbor Spring Salmon & Trout Charter
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday guided salmon and trout fishing on Lake OntarioAll tackle provided with professional fish cleaning service includedPrime spring season targeting King Salmon, Coho, and Lake Trout
Lake Ontario's spring run is legendary among Great Lakes anglers, and Captain Dave at End of the Line Charters knows exactly how to put you on the fish. This half-day guided trip out of Wilson Harbor runs from April 22 through May 30, hitting the prime window when salmon and trout are staging in shallow waters and feeding aggressively. You'll target the big three – King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout – in some of the most productive waters on the entire lake. All your tackle is included, and Captain Dave handles the fish cleaning so you can focus on what matters: landing fish and having a blast on the water.
Wilson Harbor sits right in the heart of Lake Ontario's southern shore salmon corridor, where cold water upwellings and baitfish concentrations create perfect hunting grounds for trophy fish. Captain Dave runs a top-rated operation that's built a solid reputation among local and visiting anglers alike. You'll launch early to beat the crowds and take advantage of prime morning bite times when fish are most active. The spring season here is special – water temperatures are still cool, fish are hungry after winter, and the big kings haven't spread out to deeper water yet. Expect to cover water efficiently as Captain Dave uses his fish finder and years of experience to locate schools and structure that hold fish. The boat is equipped with downriggers and all the gear you need, so even if you're new to Lake Ontario fishing, you'll be set up for success from the first cast.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling with downriggers, and Captain Dave has this system dialed in perfectly. You'll be running spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations at precise depths where the fish are holding – usually anywhere from 20 to 80 feet down during spring. The downrigger setup lets you get your lures right in the strike zone while maintaining proper speed and presentation. Captain Dave monitors water temperature breaks and thermoclines constantly, adjusting depths and lure selection based on what the fish want that day. Spring fishing often means working the temperature breaks where warmer surface water meets the deeper, colder layers – that's where baitfish stack up and predators follow. You'll learn to read the sonar, understand how lure action changes with boat speed, and get hands-on experience with gear that's designed specifically for Great Lakes trolling. The tackle provided includes everything from lightweight spinning setups for smaller fish to heavy-duty trolling rods that can handle a 20-pound king when it decides to make a screaming run toward deep water.
"Incredible fishing, Dave definitely knows where to find the fish!!! Had an AWESOME time!!! Highly recommend End of the Line." - Debra
"Excellent 1st trip of the season!! Captain Dave hunted everywhere. Looking forward to our trip next Saturday!!!" - Debra
"We had a great experience out on Lake Ontario with Captain Dave. His expertise of the fishery was clear and he worked hard to manage the boat and keep us on the fish. We ended with 5 keepers and lost a few others. I would recommend this trip." - James Kirby
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and spring is when you have your best shot at landing a true trophy. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30, and they fight like nothing else in freshwater. During the spring staging period, kings are feeding heavily on alewives and smelt, making them aggressive and willing to hit a variety of lures. They're known for their blistering initial runs and stubborn deep fights that test both your drag system and your arms. What makes targeting them here so exciting is the combination of size and numbers – Lake Ontario holds one of the healthiest Chinook populations in the Great Lakes system.
Lake Trout are the native predators of these deep, cold waters, and they're perfectly adapted to Lake Ontario's environment. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 10-15 pounders being common and fish over 20 pounds always possible. They tend to hold deeper than salmon during the day but will move up to chase baitfish, especially in the cooler water of spring. Lake trout have a different fighting style than salmon – they're bulldogs that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making long, steady runs that test your patience and technique.
Brown Trout are perhaps the most challenging and rewarding fish you can target on Lake Ontario. These fish are extremely wary and have incredible eyesight, often requiring lighter lines and more natural presentations. Spring browns can be absolutely massive – fish over 15 pounds are caught regularly, and 20-pounders are always in the realm of possibility. They're known for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times and making quick direction changes that can throw hooks if you're not careful with your drag settings.
Rainbow Trout and their lake-run cousins, Steelhead, provide some of the most exciting action you'll find on the lake. These fish are built for speed and jumping, often going airborne multiple times during a fight. Spring rainbows are typically in the 8-15 pound range, though bigger fish are definitely possible. They're aggressive feeders during the spring period and will hit a wide variety of lures, making them perfect target fish for anglers of all skill levels.
Spring on Lake Ontario doesn't last long, and the prime fishing window from April 22 to May 30 fills up fast with both local anglers and visitors who know how good the action can be. Captain Dave's reputation for putting clients on fish means his dates book early, especially weekends and peak periods when conditions are ideal. The flexible cancellation policy gives you peace of mind – you can cancel up to three days
Step aboard our sturdy motorboat, built specifically to handle Lake Ontario's big waters safely while you chase those prized salmon and trout. This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS to keep us positioned over the hottest fishing spots, radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy, and a quality fish finder to pinpoint where the kings and cohos are holding. The reinforced hull cuts through Ontario's waves like butter, getting you to the productive water quickly and keeping you comfortable while you work your lines. With an onboard toilet, you can stay focused on your rods without worrying about heading back to shore. All the navigation tech means more time with lines in the water and less time searching. This boat is your ticket to Wilson Harbor's legendary spring salmon run.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they average 16-24 inches but fight way above their weight class. These fish like structure and cover, hanging around drop-offs and rocky areas during the day. They're most active in low light, so early morning and evening produce best. What makes browns special is they're wary and challenging to catch, but when you hook one, they're bulldogs that dive deep and use every trick to get free. The meat has a slightly nutty flavor that's really good eating. Browns can be stubborn about lures, often following without hitting. During spring in Ontario, they'll move shallower to feed on emerging insects and baitfish. My go-to trick is switching up retrieve speeds - sometimes a stop-and-go action triggers strikes when steady retrieves won't.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario - we see fish from 15-30 pounds regularly, with some real monsters pushing 40+ pounds. They prefer deeper water and stay down in the cold layers during our season. These fish are light-sensitive, so they hug the bottom most of the day. What draws people to kings is that raw power - when a big one hits, you know it immediately. They make long, strong runs and fight all the way to the net. The orange-pink meat is rich and perfect for grilling or smoking. Kings can be finicky about presentation though. Since they're often deep, we run heavy gear and use downriggers to get baits down 60-100 feet. Pro tip: don't set your drag too tight. These fish will snap line if they can't take some on that first run.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Ontario - these char typically run 20-35 inches and can push 15-25 pounds. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round, usually 60-120 feet down where the water stays around 45-50 degrees. Lakers are steady, powerful fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. The light-colored meat is mild and flaky, great for fish fries. What's nice about lake trout is they're usually willing to bite once you find them. The challenge is getting down to where they live and staying there. We use heavy jigs and work them right off bottom in a slow lift-and-drop pattern. Key tip: don't horse them up too fast from deep water - their swim bladders expand and they can't fight back down if released.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 12-20 inches in Lake Ontario, with that signature pink stripe and silver sides making them easy to spot. These fish love cool, clean water and you'll find them cruising mid-depths during our spring season. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and make runs, which keeps things fun for everyone on board. The meat is excellent eating too - mild and flaky when cooked right. What I like about rainbows is they're not too picky about baits. They'll hit spoons, spinners, and even small plugs when we're trolling. Here's a local tip: when the water's calm in early morning, try working your lure just above the thermocline. These fish often suspend right where the cold water meets warmer surface layers, and that's where we see most of our action.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the big lake - they're the same species but these fish are chrome-bright and built like torpedoes. Expect fish in the 20-30 inch range that'll test your drag system hard. They love deeper, cooler water and stay mobile, following baitfish schools around the lake. Spring is prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawning runs. What makes steelhead special is that fight - they're aggressive, fast, and love to jump. The meat is top-notch too, firmer than regular rainbows. These fish can be moody though. One trick that works well here is varying your trolling speed every few minutes. Steelhead often hit when you change pace, so don't just set it and forget it. Speed up, slow down, keep them guessing.
5.0 out of 5.0Incredible fishing, Dave definitely knows where to find the fish!!! Had an AWESOME time!!! Highly recommend End of the Line.
Excellent 1st trip of the season!! Captain Dave hunted everywhere. Looking forward to our trip next Saturday!!!
We had a great experience out on Lake Ontario with Captain Dave. His expertise of the fishery was clear and he worked hard to mana...
Buffalo, NY