Half Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout on Lake OntarioSixhour guided trip accommodates up to four anglers with gear includedEarly morning departure at 5:00 AM maximizes prime fishing conditions
Looking to get your lines wet on one of the Great Lakes' best fishing destinations? J & J Sportfishing Charters has you covered with this top-rated 6-hour Lake Ontario fishing adventure. We'll hit the water at 5:00 AM when the fish are most active, giving your crew of up to 4 anglers the best shot at landing some serious salmon and trout. At $700 for your private group, you're getting world-class fishing without the crowd – just you, your buddies, and miles of productive water.
Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's going to put you on fish. We're talking Chinook Salmon that'll test your drag, Brown Trout with serious shoulders, and Lake Trout that know how to fight. The beauty of this trip is that it works for everyone – first-timers get plenty of coaching and encouragement, while experienced anglers can focus on technique and landing trophy fish. Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters create perfect conditions for these species to grow fat and strong. You'll spend your morning working productive zones where thermal layers meet, drop-offs hold baitfish, and currents concentrate the action. All your gear is included, so you can leave the tackle box at home and just bring your enthusiasm.
We're running a trolling operation here, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and find active fish on Lake Ontario. Your captain will set up a spread of downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core lines to target different depths and zones. You'll learn how to read the fish finder, understand why we're running certain lures at specific depths, and get a feel for detecting strikes on trolling gear. The boat carries quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of proven Lake Ontario producers – spoons, plugs, and flies that have been putting fish in the boat for years. When a rod goes off, you're in for a real battle. These fish have room to run in the deep water, and they use every inch of it. The captain will coach you through the fight, help you work the fish to the boat, and make sure you get great photos with your catch.
Pink Salmon might be the smaller cousins in the salmon family, but don't let their size fool you – they're scrappy fighters that hit hard and jump often. These silvery speedsters typically run 2-4 pounds and show up in good numbers during late summer. They're perfect for beginners because they're aggressive biters and forgiving fighters, but they'll still put a bend in your rod and a smile on your face. Pinks are fantastic table fare too, with delicate pink flesh that's excellent grilled or smoked.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Kings prefer deeper, colder water and are most active in early morning hours – exactly when we'll be targeting them. They'll test your tackle, your technique, and your endurance. Landing a big Chinook is a bucket-list experience that seasoned anglers travel from across the country to achieve. Their rich, oily meat makes them prized for smoking and grilling.
Brown Trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, known for their wariness and incredible fighting ability. These golden-flanked beauties average 8-15 pounds but can grow much larger in Lake Ontario's fertile waters. Browns are most active in low-light conditions and often feed near the surface, making them exciting targets for both trolling and casting. They're notorious for long, powerful runs and acrobatic jumps that can throw hooks. Their firm, flavorful meat is considered among the best eating in freshwater.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, living in the coldest parts of Lake Ontario year-round. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 10-20 pounders are common, with occasional fish pushing 30 pounds or more. Lakers are methodical fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making long, steady runs toward the bottom. They're most active in spring and fall when they move to shallower water, but can be caught year-round by targeting the right depths and temperatures.
This customer favorite trip fills up quickly, especially during prime salmon and trout season. You're getting a private charter with an experienced captain, all the gear you need, and 6 hours on some of the most productive fishing waters in the Great Lakes region. Whether you're planning a guys' trip, introducing someone to the sport, or just want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some quality time on the water, this Lake Ontario adventure delivers. The 5:00 AM start might seem early, but trust us – that's when the magic happens. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
This 27-foot Penn Yan sportfishing boat is built for serious salmon and trout fishing on Lake Ontario's productive waters. Twin 235HP Ford engines cruise smoothly at 20 knots, getting you to the hot spots fast while burning less fuel. The classic design handles Lake Ontario's swells with confidence, keeping your group of up to 4 anglers comfortable during long trolling runs. GPS navigation pinpoints productive structure while the fish finder shows exactly where salmon and trout are holding. When you hook into a big Chinook or feisty Brown Trout, there's plenty of fighting room on deck. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, so you can stay on the water when the bite gets hot. Perfect for beginners learning the ropes or experienced anglers targeting trophy fish in Ontario's premier salmon waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest fish in Lake Ontario, averaging 8-15 pounds with some real monsters lurking in the depths. They're golden-brown with black spots and incredibly wary - one wrong move and they're gone. These trout love structure like drop-offs and rocky shelves, especially during low-light periods. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter. What makes them special is their fighting spirit - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to shake the hook. The meat is mild and flaky, great eating if you keep a few. They can live 12+ years, so respect the big ones. My go-to trick: when trolling, run your spoons just above the thermocline at dawn. Browns often cruise that temperature break looking for an easy meal.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of Lake Ontario - these bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ in these waters. They're deep dwellers, staying down in the cold thermocline during summer months, which is why we troll with downriggers. What gets anglers hooked is that bone-jarring strike and the bulldogging fight that follows. They're light-sensitive, so early morning starts give you the best shot before they head deeper. The meat is rich and orange, perfect for the grill. These fish live up to 7 years and get smarter with age, making them a real challenge. Here's the local secret: when we're marking fish on the finder but they won't bite, slow your troll speed way down. Sometimes that's all it takes to turn a looker into a taker.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, typically running 15-25 pounds with some true monsters over 40. They're the largest char species and prefer the coldest, deepest parts of the lake - we're talking 80-200 feet down most of the summer. What makes them special is their prehistoric look and that slow, powerful fight that tests your tackle. Spring right after ice-out is magic when they move shallow, but summer means deep jigging or downrigging. The flesh is firm and oily, rich in omega-3s. These fish grow slow and live long, so they're something special to catch. Local trick: when jigging deep, let your spoon flutter down on slack line - that's when most strikes happen on the fall.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, usually running 2-5 pounds with that distinctive hump on their back. They love Lake Ontario's cold waters and feed mainly on plankton and small baitfish. What makes them special is their bright pink flesh from all the crustaceans they eat. These fish have a short 2-year life cycle, so when they're running, the action can be fast. They're perfect for beginners since they're eager biters and don't require heavy tackle. Best times are early morning or evening when they're actively feeding near the surface. Pro tip: use bright pink jigs or hoochies - they can't resist anything that looks like the shrimp they're chasing. The fight is scrappy and they make excellent table fare.
Lake Ontario