Full Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day Lake Ontario charter targets salmon and trout speciesEight-hour guided trip accommodates up to four anglers totalExpert trolling techniques maximize catch success rates consistently
There's nothing quite like the rush of feeling a Lake Ontario salmon slam your downrigger at first light. Our full-day fishing charter puts you right in the heart of the action, starting before dawn when the big fish are most active. With J & J Sportfishing Charters, you'll spend eight solid hours targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized species—Chinook salmon, pink salmon, brown trout, and lake trout. We keep our groups small at just four anglers, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized coaching from our experienced crew.
We launch at 5:00 AM sharp, which means you'll be running lines just as the lake starts to wake up. That early start isn't just for show—it puts us on fish when they're feeding aggressively in the cooler morning temps. The boat is rigged with top-quality downriggers, planer boards, and fish finders to locate schools and get your baits in the strike zone. You don't need to bring anything but yourself and maybe some snacks—we've got all the tackle, bait, and gear covered. The $700 trip fee covers your entire group of up to four people, making it one of the best values you'll find for a full-day Lake Ontario charter. Most of our fishing happens in 80 to 200 feet of water, where the thermocline holds baitfish and attracts the big predators we're after.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and finding active fish, which is why we rely heavily on trolling techniques that have proven successful season after season. We'll run multiple lines at different depths using downriggers to target fish suspended in the water column, while planer boards spread our presentation wide to cover maximum area. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs all have their place depending on conditions and what the fish are showing us on the sonar. Our crew knows the local structure, temperature breaks, and seasonal patterns that make the difference between a decent day and an epic one. When we mark fish, we'll work the area thoroughly, adjusting speed, depth, and lure selection until we dial in what they want. The beauty of trolling is that you're always fishing—even when we're moving between spots, those lines are working.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. These Pacific salmon were introduced decades ago and have thrived in the lake's deep, cold waters. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action typically happening in July and August. When a big king grabs your spoon in 150 feet of water, you'll know it immediately—they make blistering runs and aerial displays that test both your tackle and your patience. Chinooks love structure and temperature breaks, often suspending over deep water where they ambush schools of alewives.
Pink salmon show up in odd-numbered years, creating some of the most fast-paced fishing you'll find anywhere on the Great Lakes. These smaller salmon, typically ranging from 2 to 5 pounds, more than make up for their size with attitude and numbers. When the pinks are running thick in late summer, it's not uncommon to boat dozens of fish in a single trip. They're aggressive feeders that will hit small spoons and flies with reckless abandon, making them perfect for anglers who want constant action over trophy hunting.
Brown trout are the lake's most finicky and rewarding species, known for their wariness and spectacular fights. These fish can live over a decade in Lake Ontario's system, with mature browns reaching impressive sizes of 10 to 15 pounds or more. They're most active during low-light periods and often feed closer to shore than salmon, particularly around tributary mouths and rocky structure. Browns have excellent eyesight and can be line-shy, which is why we use fluorocarbon leaders and natural presentations when targeting them specifically.
Lake trout represent the native royalty of these waters, with some fish living 40-plus years and reaching truly massive proportions. These deep-water specialists typically hold in the coldest parts of the lake, often 100 feet down or more during summer months. Lakers fight differently than salmon—instead of blazing runs, they use their broad tails and deep-water home field advantage to wage a bulldogging battle that can last 20 minutes or more. The state record lake trout came from these very waters, and fish over 25 pounds are caught every season by anglers who know where to find them.
Lake Ontario's fishing season peaks during the warmer months when all four target species are active and feeding aggressively. Our full-day trips give you the best shot at connecting with multiple species and experiencing the variety that makes this fishery world-class. The early morning start maximizes your time in prime conditions, while our experienced crew ensures you're fishing effectively from the first cast to the last. At $700 for up to four anglers, you're looking at less than $175 per person for eight hours of guided fishing on one of North America's premier salmon and trout destinations. Don't wait too long to secure your date—the best fishing windows fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fish are most cooperative.
Hit the waters of Lake Ontario aboard this classic 27-foot Penn Yan sportfishing boat, your perfect platform for chasing salmon and trout. With twin 235HP Ford engines pushing you smoothly at 20 knots, you'll reach the prime fishing spots where Chinook salmon and brown trout are waiting. The boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. GPS navigation gets you to the hotspots while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. When nature calls during those long 8-hour days on the lake, there's an onboard toilet so you don't miss a minute of fishing time. This setup is built for serious anglers who want to maximize their chances at landing trophy fish in Lake Ontario's productive waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are some of the smartest fish in Lake Ontario, averaging 3-8 pounds but capable of reaching trophy sizes over 15 pounds. They're ambush predators that love structure - you'll find them near drop-offs, rocky areas, and temperature breaks. These golden-brown beauties with black spots are most active during low-light conditions, especially dawn and dusk. What makes them special is their wariness - they'll test your skills more than any other species we target. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallower to feed aggressively. They'll hit everything from spoons to stick baits, but they're notorious for following lures without committing. Here's the trick: when trolling, vary your speed frequently - browns love that erratic action that triggers their predatory instincts.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 15-30 pounds with some giants pushing even bigger. These chrome-sided beauties with blue-green backs stay deep most of the year, hugging the thermocline where the water's cold and oxygen-rich. They're light-sensitive, so your best shots come during low-light periods or overcast days. What draws anglers back is the raw power - a big king will test your drag and stamina like nothing else out here. The meat is rich, oily, and perfect for the grill or smoker. We target them year-round, but spring and fall offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. My go-to trick: run your downriggers deep with spoons or plugs, and don't be afraid to go 100+ feet down in summer.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, living in the coldest, most oxygenated depths year-round. These char family members average 15-25 pounds but can push 40+ pounds, making them serious trophy fish. You'll find them suspended over deep basins, often 80-150 feet down during summer months. They're built for the cold and rarely venture into water over 60°F. What makes them appealing is their dogged, heavy fight - no flashy jumps, just pure bulldogging power that'll wear you out. The firm, flaky meat is excellent table fare with a mild flavor. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are your best bets when they move shallower. We primarily jig for them with heavy spoons or use downriggers with large baits. Key tip: fish them slow and methodical - lakers won't chase fast-moving baits like salmon will.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific species, averaging around 5 pounds, but they make up for size with their scrappy fight. You'll find them in Lake Ontario's cooler waters during late summer and early fall. These silver fish develop a distinctive hump on their backs during spawning season, which is how they earned their "humpback salmon" nickname. They prefer temperatures around 50°F and feed heavily on plankton and small baitfish. What makes them fun to target is their aggressive nature - they'll hit bright pink jigs and spoons with enthusiasm. The meat has that classic salmon pink color from all the crustaceans they eat, and it's great smoked or grilled. Pro tip: use a pink hoochie or bright jig and work it with short, sharp jerks to mimic injured baitfish.
Lake Ontario