Private Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Tenhour private charter targeting Atlantic Salmon and Brown TroutAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced crewAccommodates up to four guests on Lake Ontario waters
When you're looking for serious fishing action on one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters, this private 10-hour charter on Lake Ontario's Mexico Bay delivers exactly what seasoned anglers expect. Captain and crew at Finhooker Charters know these waters like the back of their hand, and they've built their reputation guiding both weekend warriors and tournament pros to trophy-class Atlantic salmon, browns, and steelhead. With all gear provided and room for up to four anglers, you'll spend your day working the prime structure and thermal breaks where big fish cruise. Just bring your New York fishing license and get ready for some world-class Great Lakes fishing.
Mexico Bay sits at the perfect spot where Lake Ontario's main basin meets shallower nearshore waters, creating the kind of diverse fishing zones that hold fish year-round. Your captain will read conditions on the fly – checking water temps, bait schools, and current breaks to put you on active fish. The 10-hour window gives you real flexibility to move around and work different depths as conditions change throughout the day. Early morning might find you pulling boards in 80 feet targeting suspended salmon, while afternoon could have you working the thermocline in deeper water for lake trout. This isn't a rush job – you've got the time to fish smart and cover water properly. The crew handles all the technical stuff like downrigger adjustments and lure changes, so you can focus on fighting fish and enjoying the day with your group.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and the boat comes rigged with everything you need to fish like a pro. Downriggers get your presentations down to where fish are holding, while planer boards spread lines out to cover more water and avoid spooking wary salmon. The crew runs a mix of spoons, plugs, and meat rigs depending on what's producing – copper-colored spoons often shine for browns, while flasher-fly combos can be deadly on kings when they're feeding aggressively. You'll learn how different lure actions work at various speeds, and why subtle changes in depth or direction can make all the difference. The captain monitors fish finders constantly, looking for bait balls and marking fish, then adjusts the spread accordingly. Rod selection matters too – medium-heavy spinning setups handle the fight while giving you feel, and the crew will coach you through playing fish properly to avoid break-offs on big salmon runs.
Atlantic salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and Mexico Bay consistently produces fish in the 15-25 pound range with occasional bruisers pushing 30-plus. These fish fight like freight trains once hooked, making blistering runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag and your nerves. Spring and fall offer peak action when salmon move shallow to feed on abundant baitfish. Brown trout run smaller on average but pound-for-pound might be the scrappiest fighters in the lake – a 10-pound brown will give you a workout you won't forget. Chinook salmon, the famous "kings," show up in impressive numbers during their peak season, with 20-pounders being fairly common and true giants exceeding 35 pounds always a possibility. Rainbow trout, locally called steelhead, bring their own brand of excitement with spectacular jumps and determined runs that can strip line in seconds. Lake trout round out the mix as deep-water heavyweights that provide steady action when salmon fishing slows down.
Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario represent one of the Great Lakes' biggest success stories, with these silver rockets averaging 18-22 pounds and displaying the kind of fight that made them legendary in their native Atlantic waters. They feed heavily on alewives and smelt, making them prime targets from May through October when baitfish concentrate in the bay. What makes them special is their combination of size, speed, and aerial acrobatics – a hooked Atlantic will often clear the water multiple times during the fight. Brown trout bring a different challenge, being notoriously line-shy and selective feeders that require finesse presentations. These golden-sided beauties typically run 8-15 pounds but fight with surprising intensity, often making long runs toward bottom structure. Peak brown trout action happens during spring thermal turnover and again in fall when they move shallow to spawn. Chinook salmon are the true giants of the lake, with mature fish regularly exceeding 25 pounds and always the possibility of a 40-pound monster. They're most active from July through September when they stage near river mouths, feeding aggressively before their spawning runs. Rainbow trout provide year-round action and spectacular fights characterized by long runs and dramatic leaps – their chrome-bright sides and pink stripe make them among the most beautiful fish in the lake. Lake trout offer steady deep-water action, especially during summer months when other species move to cooler depths, and their primitive strength can surprise anglers used to fighting other salmonids.
This top-rated Lake Ontario charter gives you everything needed for a memorable day on one of the world's premier salmon and trout fisheries. The 10-hour timeframe, expert guidance, and quality equipment create the perfect setup for both experienced anglers and newcomers to Great Lakes fishing. Mexico Bay's diverse structure and reliable fish populations mean solid action throughout the season, while the private charter format lets your group fish at your own pace without crowded conditions. Whether you're after a personal-best salmon, looking to introduce family members to serious fishing, or just want to experience what makes Lake Ontario fishing so renowned among traveling anglers, this charter delivers the goods. Prime dates fill up quickly during peak season, so secure your spot now and get ready to see why seasoned guides consider this some of the best freshwater fishing in North America.
Your fishing platform for Lake Ontario's productive waters is a well-equipped motorboat designed for serious offshore salmon and trout fishing. The boat features GPS navigation to pinpoint the best fishing spots across Mexico Bay, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout in the lake's depths. With comfortable seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without crowding. The enclosed toilet means you can stay on the water longer when the fish are biting. Built for Lake Ontario's conditions, this boat gets you to the deep water drop-offs and structure where trophy salmon and brown trout cruise. The captain knows these waters and will position the boat over the most productive areas, adjusting throughout the day as conditions change. Everything you need is provided – just bring your fishing license and get ready to work the lines in some of the Great Lakes' best salmon and trout fishing waters.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the prize catch here in Mexico Bay, averaging 8-12 pounds with that classic silver body and forked tail. These fish spend most of their time in deeper, cooler waters during summer months, typically 40-80 feet down where the thermocline keeps things comfortable. Spring and fall are your best bets when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is that unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can survive spawning and grow even larger. The fight is something else - they'll jump clear out of the water and make long runs that'll test your drag. Here's a local trick: when trolling, watch your sonar for bait schools and temperature breaks. That's where you'll find them feeding.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Mexico Bay, averaging 8-24 inches with that golden-brown coloring and black spots. They're structure-oriented, loving rocky areas, drop-offs, and anywhere they can ambush prey in 20-60 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively, but spring and early summer can be productive too. What makes them challenging and fun is their wariness - they'll inspect your presentation and often require finesse to hook. The reward is worth it though, as they're excellent table fare and put up a dogged fight once hooked. Night fishing can be deadly effective since they're more active in low light. Local tip: target them around rocky structure during temperature changes, especially when cooler water moves in. They'll be there waiting.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of Mexico Bay, averaging 12-20 pounds but capable of hitting 30-plus on a good day. These silver-sided bruisers with black spots stay deep most of the time, especially in bright conditions, so we're often fishing 60-100 feet down. Early morning and late evening produce the best action when they move up to chase baitfish. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll peel line off your reel like nothing else out here. The meat is top-shelf with that rich, orange flesh that's perfect for grilling. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're actively feeding. Key tip: use heavy enough tackle and don't be afraid to fish deeper than you think - they're light-sensitive and often hold near bottom.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Mexico Bay, averaging 15-40 pounds with their grey-green coloring and cream-colored spots. These char prefer the coldest, deepest water we've got - often 80-150 feet down in summer where oxygen levels stay high. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. Anglers love targeting them because of their size and that steady, powerful fight they put up. The meat is rich and flaky, perfect for smoking or grilling. Since they avoid bright light, overcast days often produce better fishing. Here's the key: jigging is your best bet with heavy spoons or swimbaits, and don't be afraid to fish deeper than feels comfortable. They're down there waiting in the coldest water you can find.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Mexico Bay typically run 8-24 inches and fight way above their weight class. They stick to cooler water temperatures between 55-65 degrees, so you'll find them deeper in summer and closer to the surface during spring and fall. What guests love most is their acrobatic fighting style - these fish will jump, twist, and make powerful runs that keep your line singing. The pink flesh makes for excellent eating too, with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Early morning and evening are prime feeding times when they're most active. Pro tip: during summer heat, focus your efforts near thermoclines where cooler water meets warmer surface temps. That's where they'll be hanging out waiting for baitfish.
Lake Ontario