5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Guided Salmon and Trout Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour guided charter targeting Chinook Salmon and Brown TroutExpert trolling techniques in Lake Ontario's most productive watersAccommodates up to four anglers with early morning departure
Picture this: you're cruising across Lake Ontario at 5:00 AM while the water's still calm and the fish are actively feeding. That's exactly what you get with J & J Sportfishing Charters' top-rated half-day fishing adventure. For $700, you and up to three buddies get six solid hours of expert-guided fishing in some of the most productive waters this Great Lake has to offer. Whether you're chasing your first Chinook or you're a seasoned angler looking to add Lake Trout to your trophy collection, this charter delivers the goods every single time.
The early start isn't just for show – it's when Lake Ontario comes alive with feeding fish. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading temperature breaks and locating baitfish schools that attract the big predators. You'll be fishing the prime spots where cold, deep water meets warmer surface currents, creating the perfect hunting grounds for salmon and trout. The boat comes fully rigged with downriggers and quality tackle, so all you need to bring is your fishing license and maybe a thermos of coffee. Don't worry if you're new to this – the crew walks everyone through the basics and helps with everything from setting hooks to netting fish. Veterans will appreciate the local knowledge and access to spots that consistently produce fish when other areas go quiet.
This isn't your typical cast-and-wait fishing trip. Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling with precision, and that means using downriggers to get your lures down to where the fish are hanging out – sometimes 50 to 100 feet deep. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths and speeds, covering water efficiently while presenting spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos that these fish can't resist. Your captain adjusts everything based on what the fish finder is showing and what's been producing lately. The downrigger setup might look complicated at first, but it's surprisingly straightforward once you get the hang of it. When a fish hits, the line releases from the downrigger clip and you're fighting the fish directly – no heavy weight to deal with, just pure fish on the other end.
"We had an absolute blast with these guys. We caught a lot of fish and had a lot of laughs!!!" - Brandon
Pink Salmon show up in huge numbers during their runs, typically peaking in odd-numbered years from late July through September. These scrappy fighters average 3-5 pounds but make up for their size with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. They're perfect for newcomers because they hit hard and fight clean, plus they're excellent table fare when properly handled. What makes pinks special here is how they school up in massive concentrations, creating some of the fastest action you'll find anywhere on the Great Lakes.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. These bruisers are most active from April through September, with peak action usually hitting in late summer when they start staging for their spawning runs. Landing a mature Chinook is like hooking into a submarine – they'll peel line off your reel in long, powerful runs and test every knot you've tied. The chrome-bright fish caught in open water are absolutely beautiful and fight harder than their river-run cousins.
Brown Trout are the lake's most cunning predators, often requiring finesse and patience to fool. These golden-brown beauties are active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures drop. Lake Ontario browns commonly reach 8-15 pounds, with their deep bodies and broad tails making them incredibly strong fighters. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and sudden direction changes that can snap your line if you're not ready. The satisfaction of outsmarting a big brown trout keeps experienced anglers coming back season after season.
Lake Trout are the true natives here, perfectly adapted to Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters. These fish live in depths most anglers never reach, but your captain knows exactly where to find them along underwater structure and thermal layers. Lakers grow slowly but reach impressive sizes – 15 to 25-pound fish are common, with some real giants still swimming these depths. They might not jump like browns or run like Chinooks, but their steady, bulldogging fight and massive size make them a favorite target for trophy hunters.
At $175 per person when you fill the boat, this world-class fishing experience offers serious value compared to what you'd pay on other top-tier fisheries. The combination of expert guidance, prime fishing locations, and multiple target species makes every trip different and exciting. Lake Ontario's fishing has been phenomenal lately, with strong salmon runs and healthy trout populations providing consistent action throughout the season. Don't wait until the peak times are booked solid – secure your dates now and get ready for some of the best freshwater fishing in North America. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, introducing someone new to fishing, or just need to get back on the water, this charter delivers the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
This classic 27-foot Penn Yan sportfishing boat cuts through Lake Ontario's waters at a steady 20 knots, powered by reliable twin 235HP Ford engines. Built for serious fishing, she comfortably handles up to 4 anglers while trolling for salmon and trout. The fish finder helps locate schools in productive water, while GPS navigation keeps you on the best fishing spots. When nature calls, there's an onboard toilet so you don't miss prime fishing time. Her proven hull design handles Lake Ontario's conditions with ease, giving you a stable platform whether you're fighting a trophy Chinook or working multiple lines for browns and lake trout. Perfect size for a focused fishing crew.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - cautious, selective, and absolutely beautiful with their golden-brown sides and black spots. These fish average 8-15 pounds in Lake Ontario and live up to 18 years, getting wiser with age. They prefer cooler water around 55-65°F and often suspend in 30-60 feet during our morning trips. Fall fishing is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter. Anglers love browns because they're challenging - you really earn each fish. The mild, sweet flavor makes them excellent table fare too. They're most active in low light, which is why our 5 AM starts work so well. Here's my secret: when trolling, browns often follow lures before striking, so don't change direction too quickly.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the trophy fish everyone's after - these monsters average 12-20 pounds but can push 30+ in Lake Ontario's deep waters. They're light-sensitive, so we target them in 60-120 feet using downriggers and trolling setups. Early morning and evening produce the best action, especially during spring and fall runs. What makes them special? The fight is legendary - these fish have serious power and stamina. The orange-pink meat is restaurant quality, rich and buttery. Chinooks are smart and finicky, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed between 2.5-3.5 mph and watch your fish finder for temperature breaks - that's where the kings hang out.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the char family and Lake Ontario's native deep-water predator. These grey-green fish with cream markings regularly hit 15-25 pounds and can live over 40 years. They love the deep, cold water - we typically find them suspended in 80-150 feet during summer months. Spring right after ice-out and fall are peak times when they move shallower. What makes them special is the pure power - a big laker will test your drag and your patience. They're slower growing than other trout, making each one valuable. The firm, flaky meat is outstanding eating. My best advice: use heavy jigs and work them vertically near bottom structure. Lakers prefer wounded baitfish presentations, so vary your jigging rhythm.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, usually running 3-5 pounds, but they make up for size with numbers. Also called humpbacks for their distinctive spawning hump, these silver fish love Lake Ontario's cold waters. You'll find them in 40-80 feet of water during our early morning runs. They're perfect for beginners - eager biters that put up a scrappy fight without being overwhelming. The pink flesh is excellent eating with high omega-3 content. Best fishing happens from late summer through fall when water temps drop. My go-to trick is using bright pink jigs or hoochies with a touch of herring oil - mimics the crustaceans they feed on and drives them crazy.
5.0 out of 5.0We had an absolute blast with these guys. We caught a lot of fish and had a lot of laughs!!!
Lake Ontario