World-Class Salmon & Trout Fishing on Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour offshore fishing adventure targeting trophy trout and salmonAll equipment provided with comfortable lodging accommodations includedAccommodates up to four guests with stunning Lake Ontario scenery
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario at first light, lines in the water, with Mexico Bay's calm waters stretching out around you. That's exactly what you get with Finhooker Charters' full-day fishing adventure. This isn't your typical morning trip – we're talking about an 8-hour deep dive into some of the best trout and salmon fishing the Great Lakes has to offer. Whether you've been casting lines for decades or just picked up your first rod, our top-rated charter puts you right where the big fish are feeding.
Your day kicks off early – that's when the fish are most active and the lake shows its true colors. We keep groups small at just 4 anglers max, so you're not fighting for space or waiting your turn to land that trophy fish. The boat comes loaded with everything you need: rods, reels, tackle, and all the gear that's proven to work in these waters. All you need is your New York fishing license and maybe a cooler for your catch. Mexico Bay gives us the perfect launching point – it's sheltered enough for a smooth start but connects directly to the deeper waters where the big trout and salmon cruise. The scenery alone is worth the trip, with the shoreline rolling past and nothing but open water ahead, but trust me, once the fish start hitting, you won't be looking at much else.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling – we're covering water and presenting lures at the depths where these fish live. We run a spread of downriggers and planer boards to get our offerings down 20 to 80 feet, depending on what the fish finder is telling us and where the thermocline sits that day. Spoons, flashers with flies, and plugs make up most of our arsenal. The downriggers let us pinpoint exact depths while the planer boards spread our lines wide, giving us maximum coverage. When a fish hits, you'll know it – these Great Lakes salmon and trout don't mess around. The drag will start screaming and you'll feel that head-shaking power that makes these fish legendary. We adjust our speed between 2.5 and 3.5 mph most days, but sometimes the fish want it faster or slower, and that's where experience on these waters makes all the difference.
Rainbow Trout are the acrobats of Lake Ontario – when you hook one, get ready for jumps and runs that'll test your drag settings. These chrome-bright fighters average 8-12 pounds here, with some pushing well over 15. Spring and fall are peak times, but summer fishing stays strong in the deeper, cooler water. They fight hard right to the boat and taste incredible on the dinner table. What makes them special here is how the lake's rich food chain fattens them up – they're stronger and bigger than most stream rainbows you'll find anywhere else.
Coho Salmon bring pure chaos to your fishing day in the best possible way. These silver bullets hit lures like freight trains and immediately start peeling line off your reel. Most run 6-10 pounds, but their pound-for-pound fight is legendary among Great Lakes anglers. Late summer into fall is prime time when they're staging near shore, loaded with energy and ready to demolish anything that looks like food. The aerial displays are something else – multiple jumps, tail walks, and runs that make your arms burn.
Chinook Salmon are the true heavyweights of our waters, and landing one is a badge of honor for any angler. These kings regularly hit 15-25 pounds, with 30-pounders caught every season. They're powerful, deep-diving fish that use their weight and the lake's depth to their advantage. Summer months bring the best action as they feed heavily in the cooler depths. When you're fighting a big king, it's not just about technique – it's a test of endurance and patience as they make long, steady runs that seem to go on forever.
Brown Trout are the lake's most cunning residents and arguably the most rewarding to catch. They grow massive here – 10-pound browns are common, and 20-pounders swim these waters. They're notorious for following lures without committing, then hitting when you least expect it. Early morning and evening produce the best results, and they often feed closer to structure than the other species. Their golden flanks and spotted sides make them one of the most beautiful fish you'll pull from these waters.
Lake Trout represent the deep-water challenge of Lake Ontario fishing. These native fish live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake and can reach incredible sizes – 20 to 30-pound lake trout aren't unusual. They're steady, powerful fighters that prefer the patient approach over flashy runs. Winter and early spring offer the best chances as they move into slightly shallower water. Their mottled green and gray coloring perfectly matches their deep-water world, and they're living pieces of the lake's natural history.
Lake Ontario's fishing season runs strong from April through October, with each month offering something different. Your 8-hour charter with Finhooker Charters puts you in prime position to experience what makes this fishery world-class. The combination of expert local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and some of the most productive waters in the Great Lakes system creates fishing memories that last a lifetime. Plus, with comfortable lodging included in your package, you can extend the adventure and fish multiple days if the bite is hot. Don't wait on this one – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Give us a call and let's get you out on the water where the big fish are waiting.
Our well-equipped motorboat is your ticket to prime fishing waters on Lake Ontario and Mexico Bay. This sturdy vessel comfortably handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything serious fishermen need - GPS navigation to hit the hottest spots, a quality fish finder to locate those trophy trout and salmon lurking below, and an onboard toilet for those long 8-hour days chasing the big ones. The boat's reliable engine gets you out to the deep offshore waters where the real action happens, while the electronics help you stay on fish all day. Whether you're targeting chunky lake trout in the depths or chrome-bright salmon near the surface, this fishing machine puts you right where you need to be. Perfect for small groups who want to focus on fishing without the crowds.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the clever ones - they're spooky but worth the challenge. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 8-24 inches and can live up to 20 years in Lake Ontario's cold waters. They love structure like drop-offs, rocky areas, and deeper pools where they can ambush prey. Fall is magic time when they feed aggressively, especially at night. What makes them special? They're smart fighters with excellent table quality and that mild, sweet flavor. Originally from Europe, they've made the Great Lakes home since 1883. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F and will head deep in summer heat. Local secret: try crawfish patterns near rocky bottom in 30-50 feet of water during low light - browns can't resist a well-presented crayfish imitation.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Lake Ontario, and for good reason - they can hit 20-30 pounds out here. These bruisers have silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots covering their head and fins. They're light-sensitive, so they stay deep during the day, making downrigging and trolling your best bets. Early morning and evening are prime feeding times. What makes them worth targeting? Pure power. These fish will test your gear and your skills with long, deep runs. Plus, that rich, reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move closer to structure. Here's the key: get your bait down to where they live - often 60+ feet deep - and use heavy tackle because these kings don't give up easily.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure excitement on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. Look for their dark blue-green backs and bright silver sides with black spots on the tail. They cruise the deeper, cooler waters of Lake Ontario but move up for feeding runs. Late summer through fall is peak season when they're most active. What draws anglers back? That combination of aerial shows and powerful runs, plus excellent eating with bright orange-red meat. The world record silver came from the Great Lakes at over 33 pounds. Pro tip: when trolling, use bright colors like chartreuse or pink - cohos are aggressive and will hit flashy lures hard in these waters.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of our fishery, often running 15-40 pounds with grey-green coloring and cream-colored markings. These char family members live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Ontario year-round, sometimes suspended over 100+ feet down. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they come shallower, but summer means deep jigging in 60-150 feet. What draws anglers? Size and power - these fish grow slow and fight hard with deep, bulldogging runs. They're also fantastic eating with firm, flaky meat. The world record hit 72 pounds from Great Bear Lake. They need high oxygen levels, so we target them over deep structure and basins. Here's my go-to technique: vertical jig with paddle-tail swimbaits in overcast conditions when they feed most actively.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are one of our most popular targets, running 12-24 inches and averaging 2-8 pounds in these waters. You'll spot them by that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. They love the cooler depths of Lake Ontario, especially around 55-65°F water temps. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into shallower areas to feed. What makes them special? These fish are scrappy fighters that'll jump and run when hooked, plus they taste fantastic on the table with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when the water's calm in early morning, look for them near drop-offs where they ambush baitfish. They're excellent pollution indicators too, so finding them means we're fishing clean water.
Lake Ontario