Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting Brown Trout and Chinook SalmonAll fishing equipment provided with experienced Lake Ontario captainsAccommodates up to four guests with valid New York fishing licenses
Picture this: you're eight hours into some of the best offshore fishing Lake Ontario has to offer, with Mexico Bay stretching out around you and your rods bent with fighting fish. This private charter with Finhooker Charters puts you right in the heart of Lake Ontario's most productive salmon and trout waters, where seasoned captains know exactly where the fish are holding and how to get them in the boat. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to upgrade your fishing game or a complete beginner who's always wanted to try big-water angling, this trip delivers the full Lake Ontario experience without any of the guesswork.
Your day starts early in Mexico Bay, where Lake Ontario opens up into some seriously fishy water. The captains at Finhooker Charters have been working these waters for years, and they know the structure, the thermoclines, and the seasonal patterns that put salmon and trout on the end of your line. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat that handles the big lake conditions with ease, giving you a stable platform to work from whether the lake's glass-calm or showing a bit of attitude. The beauty of a private charter is that it's just your group - no strangers, no waiting for other anglers to figure out their gear, and no compromising on where you want to fish. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to serious fishing, friends looking to settle some bragging rights, or couples who want to share the excitement of landing their first Lake Ontario salmon. All your rods, reels, and tackle come with the trip, so you just need to show up with your New York fishing license and be ready to fish.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling - covering water, finding the fish, and putting your baits where they're feeding. The captains run a spread of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to work different depths and cover more water. You'll be pulling everything from spoons and flasher-fly combos to plugs and cut bait, depending on what the fish are showing interest in that day. The key to success out here is reading the electronics, understanding the thermal layers, and knowing how to adjust your presentation as conditions change throughout the day. Mexico Bay gives you access to both the shallower near-shore structure where browns and rainbows cruise, and the deeper offshore zones where the big kings and cohos hunt. The captains handle all the technical stuff - setting lines, watching the fish finders, and making the calls on when to move and when to stay put. Your job is to be ready when that rod tip starts dancing and the drag starts screaming. The learning curve isn't steep, but there's definitely technique to fighting these fish properly, especially when you hook into a fresh king that wants to make multiple runs and test every knot in your setup.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push well over 30, with the occasional monster hitting 40-plus. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing typically hitting in July and August when they're staging in the deeper water before making their spawning runs. What makes kings so special isn't just their size - it's the way they fight. When you hook a fresh chinook, you're in for a battle that can last 20 minutes or more, with multiple runs that'll test your drag and your patience. They're notorious for jumping, diving deep, and using every trick in the book to throw the hook.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in Lake Ontario, and catching one feels like solving a puzzle. These fish are extremely structure-oriented and often feed in specific temperature zones, making them challenging but rewarding targets. Lake Ontario browns commonly run 8-15 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 20-plus. They're most active during spring and fall, but summer fishing can be excellent if you know how to work the thermoclines. Browns have this reputation for being moody - some days they want fast-moving spoons, other days they'll only touch a slow-trolled cut bait. When you hook one, they fight with a different kind of intensity than salmon, using their broad sides and strength to make powerful runs.
Coho Salmon bring pure excitement to Lake Ontario fishing with their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular aerial displays. These silver rockets typically range from 8-15 pounds and are known for their hard strikes and acrobatic fights. Cohos are often the most cooperative fish in the lake, willing to hit a variety of lures and providing consistent action when they're around. They school up in good numbers during summer months, so when you find them, you can often catch multiple fish in the same area. What anglers love about cohos is their predictability - they feed heavily in the morning and evening hours and are often found in the top 40 feet of water.
Rainbow Trout are the speed demons of Lake Ontario, known for their lightning-fast runs and spectacular jumps. These fish typically range from 6-12 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Rainbows are most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their preferred range, but they can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their seasonal movements. They're often found in schools, so catching one usually means there are more in the area. Rainbows have this habit of making incredibly long, fast runs when hooked, often stripping 100 yards of line in seconds before launching themselves clear out of the water.
Lake Trout are the deepwater specialists of Lake Ontario, living in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round. These fish grow large - commonly 10-20 pounds with some reaching 30-plus - and provide a different kind of fishing experience. Lakers are typically caught in water 80-150 feet deep, requiring specialized techniques and equipment. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into slightly
Our well-equipped motorboat cuts through Lake Ontario's waters with ease, taking you directly to the prime fishing grounds where salmon and trout are biting. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps us on the most productive spots around Mexico Bay. With comfortable seating for up to four anglers and a private toilet for convenience during those long eight-hour days on the water, you'll have everything needed for serious fishing. The boat handles Lake Ontario's conditions smoothly, letting you focus on landing that trophy Brown Trout or fighting a powerful Chinook Salmon. Whether you're trolling the deeper waters or working structure closer to shore, this fishing platform gives you access to some of the lake's best action while keeping your group comfortable throughout the day.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish we target, running 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. These golden-brown beauties with black spots are notorious for being selective feeders and strong fighters. In Lake Ontario, they suspend in 40-100 feet of water, often relating to structure or temperature breaks. Fall produces exceptional fishing as they feed aggressively before spawning, though spring and summer can be productive too. Browns are prized for their wariness and fighting ability - they'll make powerful runs and are much harder to fool than other trout. The meat is excellent with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. What makes them special is their intelligence; they're the fish that humble experienced anglers. Here's the key: browns often feed at dawn and dusk, so time your presentations accordingly and use more subtle, natural-looking baits.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, averaging 12-39 inches and 15-30 pounds. These powerful fish stay deep most of the time, often 60-100+ feet down since they avoid bright light. Early morning and evening produce the best bites when they move up to feed. What sets kings apart is their size and raw power - they'll make long, bulldogging runs that test your drag and stamina. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. You'll recognize them by their black-spotted backs, silver sides, and distinctive black mouth and gums. Spring through fall offers consistent action as they patrol deep water chasing alewives and other baitfish. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't rush the fight - these fish have the strength to break off if you apply too much pressure too quickly. Let them run and work them up slowly.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds in our waters. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their aerial displays - they can jump up to 6 feet vertically when hooked. You'll find them cruising mid-depths, usually 30-60 feet down, following baitfish schools. Late spring through early fall produces the best fishing as they're actively feeding and building strength. Guests love cohos because they fight hard, jump often, and have that bright orange-red meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders with silver sides and dark backs that turn reddish during spawning runs. Here's a local trick: when you hook one and it starts jumping, keep steady pressure but don't horse it - let the fish tire itself out with those spectacular leaps.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water heavyweights of Ontario, commonly reaching 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These grey-green giants with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 80-200+ feet down during summer. Spring right after ice-out and fall offer the best chances when they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their size and the challenge of finding them in deep water. They're not flashy fighters but they're bulldogs that use their weight and the depths to their advantage. The firm, flaky meat is excellent eating. What sets them apart is their longevity - these fish can live decades and grow huge. Key tip: jig vertically with heavy spoons or soft plastics near bottom. Lakers often hit on the drop, so watch your line closely and be ready to set the hook on any unusual movement.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Ontario. These colorful fish with their signature pink stripe are scrappy fighters that'll jump and make solid runs when hooked. You'll find them in cooler water, usually suspended 40-80 feet down during summer months. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll leap clear out of the water and give you a real show. The meat is excellent eating with that classic trout flavor. A local tip: when trolling for them, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbows often hit when you change up the presentation, especially on those subtle speed changes that make your lure dart forward then fall back.
Lake Ontario