Half Day Family Salmon & Trout Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 6hour salmon and trout fishing adventure for familiesAll fishing gear and expert guidance included with captainTarget Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout in productive lake waters
Picture this: it's 5:00 AM on Lake Ontario, the sun's just starting to peek over the horizon, and your family's about to spend six hours targeting some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the Great Lakes. For $700, J & J Sportfishing Charters takes up to four of you out on a private charter that's built around families who want to share the magic of big-water fishing. Whether you've got kids who've never held a rod or teenagers who think they know everything about fishing, this trip levels the playing field and gets everyone involved in the action.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. You're getting a dedicated captain who knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and he's genuinely excited to see your kids land their first salmon. The boat launches early because that's when the fish are most active, and trust me, those extra hours of sleep you're missing are worth it when you're watching a ten-year-old battle a twenty-pound Chinook. The captain provides all the gear, which means you don't need to worry about buying expensive tackle or figuring out what lures work best. He's got everything dialed in, from the downriggers to the rod selection, so you can focus on what matters – having fun and making memories. The waters we fish are some of the most productive on the lake, and the captain knows exactly where to set up based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent fish activity.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and there's an art to it that most people never see. We're running multiple lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to cover as much water as possible. The captain sets up each rod with specific lures – maybe some spoons in silver and blue, or flasher-and-fly combos that drive salmon crazy. Kids love watching the downrigger balls disappear into the deep water, and when a fish hits, those downriggers pop up and the real excitement begins. The rods are set up so even smaller hands can manage them, but don't worry – when a big fish is on, the captain's right there to help coach everyone through the fight. We're typically fishing in 60 to 120 feet of water, following temperature breaks and baitfish schools that show up on the fish finder. The trolling speed is usually between 2 and 3 mph, which gives the lures the right action to trigger strikes from aggressive predators.
Pink Salmon show up in odd-numbered years and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle. These fish average 3 to 5 pounds but they fight way above their weight class, making them perfect for kids and beginners. They're most active in late summer and early fall, and when they're in, you can expect fast action with multiple hookups. What makes Pinks special is their aggressive nature – they'll hit just about any lure you throw at them, and they jump like crazy when hooked. Families love them because everyone gets plenty of action, and even a smaller Pink Salmon gives kids the confidence to tackle bigger fish.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and landing one is a rite of passage for any angler. These monsters can push 30 pounds or more, and they fight with a combination of power and endurance that tests your skills and your tackle. Spring and fall are prime time for Chinooks, when they're feeding heavily and building up energy for their spawning runs. What makes them so exciting is the way they hit – sometimes it's a subtle tap, other times they slam the bait so hard the rod nearly jumps out of the holder. When you hook a big King, everyone on the boat stops what they're doing to watch the battle unfold. They make long runs, dive deep, and just when you think you've got them beat, they find another gear.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in the lake, and catching one feels like you've outsmarted a worthy opponent. They're beautiful fish with golden sides and distinctive spots, and they can grow huge in Lake Ontario's fertile waters. Browns are most active in spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler, and they tend to feed closer to shore than salmon. What makes them special is their wariness – they'll follow lures for long distances before deciding to strike, and they have a habit of hitting right at boat-side when you're reeling in. When hooked, Browns are known for their head-shaking runs and their ability to throw hooks at the worst possible moment.
Lake Trout are the native predators of the deep, cold waters of Lake Ontario. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 10 to 15-pound Lakers being common catches. They're available year-round but are most active in spring and fall when they move into shallower water to feed. What anglers love about Lake Trout is their consistent availability and their excellent eating quality. They fight differently than salmon – more of a bulldogging, deep-water battle rather than flashy jumps and runs. Lakers have a prehistoric look with their dark green coloring and white-edged fins, and landing a big one always feels like you've connected with the ancient character of the Great Lakes.
Here's the bottom line: this trip delivers exactly what it promises. You're getting six hours of top-rated fishing with a captain who knows how to work with families, all the gear you need, and access to some of the best salmon and trout waters in the Great Lakes. The $700 price tag covers up to four people, which makes it a solid value when you break it down per person. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before you book. But honestly, once you experience the thrill of watching your family work together to land big fish on Lake Ontario, you'll understand why this charter stays busy throughout the season. The memories you
Get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Ontario's productive waters aboard this classic 27-foot Penn Yan sportfisher! Twin 235HP Ford engines push her smoothly through the waves at 20 knots, getting your family to the fish fast. The boat comfortably seats 4 anglers with plenty of room to move around when the lines start screaming. GPS navigation keeps you on the productive spots while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. Perfect setup for trolling those deeper waters where the big Chinook salmon and brown trout hang out. The onboard facilities make longer fishing sessions comfortable for everyone, especially important when you've got kids who need breaks between battles with Lake Ontario's hard-fighting fish. This classic sportboat design handles the lake's conditions beautifully, letting you focus on working the tackle and coaching the family through their first salmon fight. Whether you're teaching the kids how to work the downriggers or just enjoying some quality fishing time together, this boat delivers the stable platform you need for a successful day targeting Lake Ontario's famous trout and salmon.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are crafty fighters that average 8-15 pounds in Lake Ontario, with golden-brown sides covered in black spots. They're less predictable than salmon, which keeps things interesting for families. These fish patrol 30-80 feet of water near structure and drop-offs, especially around rocky areas and creek mouths. Fall fishing can be outstanding when they feed aggressively before winter. Browns have a reputation for being spooky but hit hard when they commit. The firm, mild-flavored meat is excellent table fare. They'll test your skills with sudden direction changes and head-shaking runs. Local secret: browns often follow your lure for a long time before striking, so don't speed up when you mark fish on sonar.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These silver bulldogs with black-spotted tails stay deep in 60-120 feet of water during summer, hugging the thermocline where baitfish stack up. They're light-sensitive, so dawn and dusk produce the best action. Families love the anticipation - when a king hits your downrigger, everyone knows it. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. These fish fight hard with long runs and headshaking jumps that'll test your drag. My go-to trick: run your lures just above the thermocline in early morning. Kings often suspend there waiting to ambush alewives coming up to feed.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, averaging 15-25 pounds with some reaching 40+. These gray-green natives live in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - often 80-200 feet down in summer. They're perfect for families wanting steady action since lakers are less finicky than other species. Spring and fall offer the best fishing when they move shallower. Their firm, flaky white meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Lakers fight differently - more like a submarine than an acrobat, with steady, powerful runs. They're curious fish that often follow lures before striking. Best local trick: vertical jig right on bottom with glow spoons - these fish love anything that mimics dying baitfish in the depths.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, averaging around 4-5 pounds with their signature humped back during spawning runs. These silver fighters love Lake Ontario's cold waters and are perfect for families since they're aggressive biters and don't require heavy tackle. You'll find them in 40-80 feet of water during summer months, often suspended near thermoclines. They hit bright pink jigs and spoons hard, making them great for kids to catch. The meat has that classic pink color from their crustacean diet and tastes excellent grilled or smoked. Pro tip: when jigging, keep your lure moving fast - pinks love the chase and will strike aggressively at anything that looks like fleeing prey.
Lake Ontario