Full Day Advanced Salmon And Trout Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour advanced charter targets trophy salmon and trout speciesCaptain Scott Miller provides expert guidance on Lake Ontario patternsAll equipment, tackle, bait, and fish cleaning services included
Captain Scott Miller knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and this 8-hour advanced charter is where serious anglers come to put their skills to the test. We're talking about one of the Great Lakes' most productive fisheries here – waters that hold some of the biggest Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Steelhead you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical weekend warrior trip. Scott designed this charter specifically for experienced fishermen who want to push their limits and chase trophy-class fish in deep, challenging waters. With a maximum of 4 anglers aboard the Kali-Mae, you'll get personalized attention and access to prime fishing spots that produce consistently throughout the season.
Your day starts early – we're talking pre-dawn departure to hit the best bite windows when these big predators are most active. Captain Scott runs a top-rated operation that focuses on results, not hand-holding. He expects his guests to know their way around a rod and reel, understand basic trolling principles, and be ready to work when fish are on the line. The Kali-Mae is rigged with professional-grade downriggers, planer boards, and fish finders that'll put you right on top of the action. Scott provides all the tackle, from heavy-duty salmon rods to finicky trout setups, plus a full selection of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos that have proven themselves in these waters. The boat's fish cleaning station means you'll head home with professionally filleted fish ready for the table. Pack your own lunch and drinks – we'll be out there for the full 8 hours, and you'll want to stay fueled for what could be a non-stop day of action.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and Scott's approach reflects decades of experience reading this massive body of water. We'll be running multiple lines at different depths, using downriggers to get baits down to where the thermocline holds the baitfish. Expect to work with copper line setups, lead core, and wire line depending on conditions and target species. The boat carries GPS mapping that shows underwater structure, temperature breaks, and current edges where big fish congregate. Scott adjusts his spread based on real-time sonar readings, water temperature, and seasonal patterns that most weekend anglers never learn. You'll be handling rods rigged with everything from 3-inch spoons for browns to large plugs that draw explosive strikes from mature Chinook. The key here is boat control – Scott maintains precise speeds and turns that keep baits in the strike zone while covering maximum water. This is technical fishing that rewards anglers who understand subtlety and can react quickly when electronics show fish below.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. These Pacific transplants have adapted perfectly to the Great Lakes environment, feeding heavily on alewives and smelt in the deep, cold waters. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often caught during summer when they're feeding aggressively before their spawning run. When a mature Chinook hits your line, you'll know it immediately – they make screaming runs that can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds. The fight combines raw power with surprising finesse, and landing a trophy king is considered the ultimate achievement among Great Lakes salmon anglers.
Brown Trout in Lake Ontario grow fat and strong, developing the broad shoulders and hooked jaws that mark them as true predators. These fish are notoriously finicky, often requiring downsized presentations and precise boat positioning to trigger strikes. Fall months produce some of the best brown trout fishing as they move shallow to stage for spawning, but Captain Scott knows the deep-water haunts where big browns feed year-round. A 10-pound Lake Ontario brown is a fish of a lifetime, with some specimens reaching 15 pounds or more. They're known for their acrobatic fights and tendency to throw hooks, making them both prized and frustrating targets for serious anglers.
Lake Trout are the natives here, perfectly adapted to the deep, cold waters that define Lake Ontario's character. These fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 15 to 20-pound fish not uncommon in the deeper waters. They're structure-oriented, holding near underwater humps, drop-offs, and thermal layers where baitfish concentrate. Lakers fight differently than their salmon and steelhead cousins – they use the deep water to their advantage, making powerful runs toward the bottom that test both angler skill and equipment. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities as lake trout move into shallower water, but Scott knows the summer patterns that keep these fish feeding in 100-plus feet of water.
Steelhead represent pure excitement on the end of a line. These rainbow trout have adapted to lake living but retain all the fighting characteristics that make them legendary among fly fishermen. Lake Ontario steelhead average 6 to 12 pounds but can exceed 15 pounds, and they're known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're often found in the top 40 feet of the water column, following baitfish schools and feeding aggressively during low-light periods. Spring and fall migrations bring them closer to shore, but summer fishing in the deeper waters can produce some of the largest fish. Steelhead are unpredictable fighters – they might jump repeatedly, make long runs, or dive deep, keeping anglers guessing throughout the battle.
This isn't the charter for beginners or casual fishermen – it's designed for anglers who live for the challenge of big fish in big water. Captain Scott's expertise and the Kali-Mae's professional setup give you the best possible shot at landing trophy fish that most anglers only dream about. Lake Ontario's incredible
Your ride for this advanced salmon and trout expedition is the Baha 310, a proven 31-foot cuddy cabin cruiser that's been battling Lake Ontario's waters since 1989. Twin PCM 351 engines pack 480HP to get you out to the deep water where the big Chinook salmon and steelhead cruise, hitting speeds up to 21 knots when you need to chase down schools or beat other boats to hot spots. The spacious cockpit gives four anglers plenty of room to work downriggers and handle fighting fish without getting tangled up. Modern electronics including GPS, radar, and fish finder help locate structure and temperature breaks where trophy trout hang out, especially during low-visibility conditions. The cuddy cabin provides shelter from Lake Ontario's unpredictable weather and houses the onboard toilet for those long days targeting lake trout in deep water. This solid fishing platform handles the lake's notorious swells while giving you the stability needed for precise rod work and landing net-worthy catches.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones - they've earned their reputation as the most finicky trout in the lake. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 2-8 pounds, but Lake Ontario grows some real monsters pushing 15+ pounds. They love structure like rocky drop-offs, weed lines, and deeper water near shore. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at night or low-light conditions. Browns are prized for their wariness and fighting spirit - they'll make long runs and use every trick to shake the hook. The meat is top-notch, mild and flaky when prepared right. They're spooky fish that spook easily, so stealth matters. My go-to trick: fish the deeper edges of structure rather than right on top. Browns often suspend just off the bottom in 40-80 feet, waiting to ambush baitfish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the apex predators here - these bruisers regularly hit 20-30 pounds in Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters. They're built like torpedoes with silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots everywhere including inside their mouths. Chinooks stay deep most of the year, often 60-100+ feet down where it's cold and dark. Spring and fall offer your best shots when they move up to chase baitfish. These fish fight like nothing else - long, powerful runs that'll test your gear and skills. The orange-pink meat is outstanding table fare. What really gets anglers fired up is that first screaming run when you hook one. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure. Chinooks will find every piece of structure to wrap your line around, so fight them away from bottom whenever possible.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water specialists - grey-green giants that call Lake Ontario's coldest, deepest zones home. These char family members commonly reach 15-25 pounds here, with some pushing 40+. During summer, you'll find them 80-150+ feet down where water stays around 50°F. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are best when they move up to 40-60 feet. Lakers are steady, powerful fighters that just keep pulling - not flashy, but they'll wear you out with that relentless pressure. Excellent eating with firm, white meat. What makes them special is their size potential and the challenge of deep-water fishing. They're structure-oriented, holding near underwater humps and drop-offs. Key tip: use heavy jigs and work them slow. Lakers are curious but cautious - let that lure sit on bottom a few seconds between hops.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have lived in the Great Lakes, giving them that distinctive silvery color and extra muscle. These fish average 24 inches but can push 30+ pounds in Lake Ontario's nutrient-rich waters. They're incredibly strong fighters - way stronger than their freshwater cousins. You'll find them suspended in mid-water or hugging the thermocline during summer, moving shallower in spring and fall. Best fishing happens in cooler months when they're more active and closer to surface. What makes steelhead special is that pure power - they'll run hard and jump when hooked. The meat is excellent too, firm and flavorful. Pro tip: when trolling, watch your downrigger closely. Steelhead hit hard and fast, and they'll spool you if your drag isn't set right. These fish demand respect.
Lake Ontario