Full Day Lake Ontario Charter with Captain Troy
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday Lake Ontario charter targets salmon and trout speciesCaptain Troy guides groups to local offshore fishing hotspotsCharter includes all equipment, bait for four anglers maximum
When you're ready to experience some of the best freshwater fishing North America has to offer, Lake Ontario delivers in spades. Captain Troy and his crew know these waters like the back of their hands, and they're ready to show you why this Great Lake has earned its reputation among serious anglers. This isn't your typical shoreline casting – we're talking about a full-day adventure that takes you to both offshore and nearshore spots where the locals have been pulling in trophy fish for decades. With room for four anglers, all the gear you need, and a captain who knows exactly where the fish are biting, this charter sets you up for the kind of day you'll be talking about for years.
Your day starts early with Captain Troy and his experienced crew, who've been working these waters long enough to read them like a book. The beauty of Lake Ontario fishing is its variety – depending on what time of season you book, you could be targeting anything from hard-fighting steelhead to massive chinook salmon. The captain adjusts the game plan based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent fish activity, which means you're always fishing where the action is hottest. You'll cover serious ground during this full-day charter, moving between productive offshore structures and nearshore drop-offs that hold different species throughout the year. The crew handles all the technical stuff – reading sonar, adjusting depths, and swapping out tackle – so you can focus on what you came for: landing fish. Just remember to grab your New York fishing license before you show up, and pack enough food and drinks to keep your energy up because these fish will test your stamina.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Troy's operation runs it like a well-oiled machine. The boat comes rigged with downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to locate fish and get your baits down to where they're feeding. Depending on conditions and target species, you might be running spoons, plugs, or cut bait at depths ranging from just under the surface to over 100 feet down. The crew knows how to read the fish finder and temperature breaks, adjusting your presentation as you move through different zones. Spring and fall often mean working closer to shore where trout and salmon are more active in shallower water, while summer fishing typically requires heading out to deeper, cooler areas where the big lake trout hang out. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so even if you're new to Great Lakes fishing, you'll be working with proven setups that consistently produce fish. The crew will coach you through fighting techniques specific to these powerful freshwater fish, which can make runs that'll test both your equipment and your skills.
Lake Ontario's steelhead trout are absolute warriors that'll give you a fight you won't forget. These chrome-bright fish typically run 8-15 pounds, though the lake regularly produces specimens pushing 20 pounds or more. Spring and fall are prime time for steelhead, when they're most aggressive and closest to shore. What makes them so exciting is their aerial acrobatics – these fish jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario. These bruisers commonly weigh 20-30 pounds, with 40-pounders caught every season by anglers who know where to find them. Late summer through early fall is peak king season, when mature fish are at their heaviest and most aggressive. The fight from a big chinook is pure power – deep, sustained runs that can last several minutes and test every knot in your setup. Brown trout in Lake Ontario grow fat and strong, often reaching double-digit weights and displaying the kind of wariness that makes them a true challenge for serious anglers. They're most active during cooler months and low-light conditions, making early morning and evening prime time for targeting these beautiful fish. Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, often caught in 60-120 feet of water where they cruise for baitfish along underwater structures. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 15-25 pound fish being common catches for those willing to work the deeper zones where they feel most comfortable.
Captain Troy's Lake Ontario charter fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons. This is the kind of fishing experience that creates lifelong memories – whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add Great Lakes species to your list or someone who wants to experience world-class freshwater fishing for the first time. The combination of expert local knowledge, top-quality equipment, and some of the most productive fishing waters in North America makes this charter a customer favorite among serious fishing enthusiasts. Keep in mind that deposits from canceled trips can be applied to future bookings, but they're forfeited otherwise, so plan accordingly. With all gear, bait, and expertise included for up to four anglers, this represents serious value for a full day of guided fishing on one of the most renowned freshwater fisheries in the world. Don't wait until peak season to secure your dates – the best fishing days fill up months in advance, and Captain Troy's reputation for putting clients on fish means his schedule stays busy year-round.
Captain Troy's 30-foot Penn Yan is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Lake Ontario. This reliable workhorse from 2000 packs twin 265HP Pleasure Craft engines that'll get you to those secret salmon and trout spots the locals guard closely. Whether we're running offshore for the big lake trout or working nearshore structure for steelhead, this boat handles Lake Ontario's changing conditions like a champ. The fish finder will help us locate schools while the GPS keeps us on productive waters. When fog rolls in off the lake, the radar keeps us safe and fishing. Below deck, you'll find a kitchen to prep snacks, refrigerator for cold drinks, and a head for convenience during those long fishing days. With room for four anglers, there's plenty of space to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. The cockpit layout gives everyone access to the action when fish start hitting. All your tackle, bait, and gear is included - just bring your NY license, some food, and drinks for the day. Captain Troy and crew know where the salmon are running and will put you on fish from spring through fall.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones in the trout family, averaging 8-24 inches but with some real slabs pushing 30-plus. They prefer cooler water around structure - think drop-offs, rocky areas, and weed lines in 20-60 feet. Fall is absolutely prime time when they feed heavily before winter, but spring can be fantastic too. What makes them special is their wariness and fight - they're tough to fool but worth every effort. The meat is excellent with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Browns are nocturnal feeders, so low light conditions are your friend. They love hiding near bottom structure during the day. Here's what works: troll spoons and stick baits along the contours at dawn or dusk. Keep your speed steady around 2-3 mph, and when you mark structure, work it thoroughly. Patience pays off with these fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-25 pounds but capable of hitting 30-plus. These bruisers love deep, cold water - we're talking 80-150 feet down, especially around structure and temperature breaks. Early morning and evening are peak times since they avoid bright light. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with late spring being particularly hot. What draws people back is that initial run when a big king takes off - it's pure adrenaline. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. They're light-sensitive, so they hug the bottom during bright days. My go-to trick is running bright spoons and flasher rigs deep on the downriggers. When you hook one, don't horse it - let your drag do the work and enjoy the ride. These fish have earned their "king" title.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants, commonly running 24-36 inches and 15-25 pounds in Ontario's waters. These cold-water specialists live in the deepest parts of the lake, often 100-200 feet down around rocky structure and drop-offs. They need that cold, oxygen-rich water to thrive. Spring right after ice-out is magic when they're shallow, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What people love is the steady, powerful fight - no jumping, just pure strength trying to get back to the depths. The meat is rich and flaky, great for smoking. Since they're the largest char species, landing one is always memorable. Here's my trick: use jigging spoons in bright colors and work them aggressively near bottom. Lakers can't resist that erratic action, and the bite feels like snagging bottom until it starts moving. Fish them slow and deep.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are essentially rainbow trout that decided to get serious about life. These silvery fighters typically run 24-30 inches and hit like freight trains. They spend most of their time in deeper, cooler water around 40-80 feet, especially near drop-offs and thermoclines. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is that bone-jarring strike and the way they fight - jumping, running, and testing every bit of your drag system. Plus, they're excellent table fare with that firm, pink meat. Here's a local trick: when you're marking fish on the sonar in 60-80 feet, drop your spoon right through the school and give it sharp, aggressive jigs. Steelhead can't resist that wounded baitfish action, and you'll know immediately when one grabs it.
Lake Ontario