Lake Ontario Fishing Trips - Mexico Bay
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
12hour offshore fishing trip targeting trout and salmonAll equipment and overnight lodging included in packageProfessional guide leads groups of up to 4 anglers
Want to experience some of the best Great Lakes fishing without the crowds? Mexico Bay on Lake Ontario is where serious anglers come to test their skills against trophy trout and salmon. This isn't your typical weekend trip – we're talking about a full 12-hour adventure that puts you right in the heart of some of the most productive fishing waters in the region. With lodging included and all the gear you need provided, you can focus on what really matters: landing the fish of a lifetime. Whether you've been chasing salmon for decades or you're just getting started with Great Lakes fishing, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back season after season.
Mexico Bay sits in one of those sweet spots where the lake's thermal layers create perfect conditions for holding big fish. We're heading out for a solid 12 hours on the water, which gives us time to work different depths and structures as conditions change throughout the day. The beauty of this location is that we're not just fishing one technique – depending on what the fish are doing, we might be working the thermocline in deeper water or targeting fish staging near structure closer to shore. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, including the seasonal patterns that put fish in specific areas at different times of year. With space for up to four anglers, there's plenty of room to spread out and work different lines without getting tangled up. The included overnight stay means you're not rushing to get back to the dock – we can chase the bite wherever it takes us.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and presenting baits at the right depth. We run a combination of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to get your lures down where the fish are holding. The boat comes equipped with everything you need – from the electronics to track fish and baitfish to the heavy-duty reels that can handle a 20-pound chinook making a run for deep water. Spoons, plugs, and meat rigs all have their place depending on conditions and what species we're targeting. Water temperature drives everything out here, so we use the fish finder and temperature probe to locate that magic zone where cold lake water meets warmer surface temps. That's where you'll find concentrations of baitfish, and that's where the predators come to feed. The trolling speeds vary throughout the day – sometimes we're crawling at 1.5 mph with meat rigs, other times we're pushing 3 mph with spoons to trigger aggressive strikes.
Atlantic Salmon are the newcomers that have everyone talking. These fish fight differently than their Pacific cousins – they're acrobatic, jumping repeatedly and making long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system. Most Atlantics in Mexico Bay run 8-15 pounds, but the occasional 20-pounder shows up to remind you why you need good equipment. They're most active during cooler months and early morning periods, often feeding aggressively on alewives in the upper water column. What makes them special is their stamina – these fish don't give up easily.
Rainbow Trout are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario fishing, and Mexico Bay consistently produces quality fish in the 8-12 pound range. These chrome-bright fighters are known for their aerial displays and blistering initial runs. Peak action typically happens during spring and fall when they move shallow to feed, but summer fishing can be outstanding when you find them staged along temperature breaks. Rainbows here get fat on emerald shiners and alewives, which makes them incredibly strong fighters. They're also one of the most reliable species – when other fish are finicky, you can usually count on rainbows to bite.
Coho Salmon bring pure excitement to every trip. These silver rockets rarely exceed 10 pounds in Lake Ontario, but what they lack in size they make up for in attitude. Cohos are surface-oriented feeders that explode on lures with impressive aggression. Summer months are prime time when they school up and feed actively on baitfish. They're known for jumping completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, and their speed can strip line faster than you'd expect from a fish their size. Many anglers consider cohos pound-for-pound the strongest fighters in the lake.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and Mexico Bay produces some true monsters. These fish commonly reach 15-20 pounds, with 30-pounders caught every season. Chinooks are deep-water specialists that require heavy tackle and patience. They make powerful, sustained runs toward the bottom and use their weight to fight you every inch of the way. Late summer and early fall offer the best chances at trophy-sized fish as they begin staging for their spawning runs. Landing a mature chinook is a test of endurance – fights often last 15-20 minutes and leave your arms aching.
Brown Trout are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These lake-run browns are some of the most challenging fish to consistently catch, but when you connect with one, it's usually a quality fish in the 8-15 pound range. They're notorious for their wariness and tendency to follow lures without committing. Dawn and dusk periods offer the best opportunities, especially during overcast conditions. Browns are known for their bulldogging fighting style – they don't jump much, but they use their broad sides and strength to wage war near the bottom. Catching a good brown trout requires patience and persistence, which makes them incredibly satisfying to land.
This 12-hour Mexico Bay adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing world-class Great Lakes fishing without having to worry about logistics. With overnight accommodations included and all equipment provided, you can focus entirely on fishing. The combination of productive waters, multiple target species, and extended time on the water creates opportunities that shorter trips simply can't match. Whether you're chasing your personal best salmon or looking to experience the consistent action that makes Lake
Our well-equipped motorboat cuts through Lake Ontario's waters with ease, getting you to the prime fishing spots in Mexico Bay where the big trout and salmon are biting. This fishing machine comes loaded with GPS navigation to pinpoint the hottest locations and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. When nature calls during those long fishing sessions, there's an onboard toilet so you don't have to head back to shore. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Built for offshore Lake Ontario conditions, she handles the open water like a champ while you focus on landing that trophy catch. Perfect for serious fishing where you need reliable gear and enough space to work those rods properly.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silver bodies that turn bronze during spawning runs. Unlike Pacific salmon, these fish can spawn multiple times, making them incredibly resilient fighters. They prefer deeper, cooler waters around 40-60 feet during summer months, often relating to structure like drop-offs and thermoclines. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow to feed aggressively on alewives and smelt. What makes them special is their aerial acrobatics - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. The meat is top-notch too, with that rich orange flesh that's hard to beat on the table. Here's a local trick: when trolling spoons, slow your speed way down during cold fronts. Most guys fish too fast, but these salmon want a lazy, wounded baitfish presentation when the water temperature drops.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart old veterans of Lake Ontario, typically running 18-28 inches with golden-brown backs covered in black spots and that telltale orange adipose fin. These wary fish love structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges, often in 15-50 feet of water depending on season. Fall is absolutely prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning, though spring and summer produce good action too. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're the hardest to fool but fight like bulldogs once hooked. The firm, flaky meat has excellent flavor that's milder than salmon. Guests appreciate the challenge these fish present and the satisfaction of outwitting such a clever species. Browns often feed heavily at night and during low-light conditions. My local trick: during bright sunny days, fish deeper than you think and use natural colors like brown, olive, or black. While other trout might hit flashy lures, browns prefer subtle presentations that match their cautious nature.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the true kings of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly hitting 15-30 pounds and growing even larger. These bruisers have silver sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive black spots covering their entire bodies including fins. They're deep water specialists, typically found 60-150 feet down, relating to structure and temperature breaks. Early spring through late fall produces fish, with summer being prime time for the biggest specimens. What sets kings apart is their raw power - they don't jump much but will make long, bulldogging runs that test your equipment. The reddish-pink meat is premium table fare with rich, full flavor. Guests get addicted to the sheer size and strength of these fish - landing a 20+ pound king is a lifetime memory. Since chinooks are light-sensitive, they stay deep during bright days. Here's my tip: use heavy leadcore or downriggers to get your baits down 80+ feet, and don't be afraid to fish right on bottom where the biggest fish cruise.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Ontario, jumping up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with that classic dark blue-green back and bright silver sides. They patrol depths from 15-60 feet, often relating to temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Late spring through early fall is prime time, with overcast days producing some of the best action. What makes coho special is their aggressive nature and willingness to chase down fast-moving lures. The bright orange meat is outstanding table fare with a rich, full flavor. Guests love how these fish fight dirty - they'll jump, run, and change directions constantly, keeping you on your toes the entire battle. Here's my local secret: when coho are finicky, switch to bright pink or chartreuse spoons and speed up your trolling. While other salmon prefer slower presentations, aggressive coho will often respond to that fast, flashy bait that triggers their predatory instincts.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Ontario are absolute rockets, typically running 15-25 inches and fighting way above their weight class. You'll find them in 20-80 feet of water, often suspended and chasing baitfish schools. They love structure like points, humps, and temperature breaks where cooler water meets warmer layers. Spring through fall are your best bets, with early morning and evening producing the hottest action. These fish are famous for their acrobatic jumps and screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The pink flesh is excellent eating with a mild, clean taste that's perfect grilled or pan-fried. What guests love most is how unpredictable they are - one minute you're marking fish deep, next they're busting baitfish on top. My go-to tip for rainbows: don't be afraid to fish shallow early morning, especially around creek mouths. They'll move up to 10-15 feet to feed before sunrise, then drop back down as the sun gets higher.
Lake Ontario