Chinook and Coho Salmon Offshore Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Chinook and Coho salmon in Lake Ontario's deep watersProfessional trolling methods with Captain Scott Tarnoski guiding tripsAll tackle provided, suitable for beginners through experienced anglers
Captain Scott Tarnoski knows exactly where to find the big kings and silvers on Lake Ontario. This offshore fishing charter puts you right in the heart of salmon country, trolling the deep waters where these powerful fish spend their time. With room for up to four anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without getting tangled up. The captain provides all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle that can handle whatever decides to grab your lure. Just bring your New York fishing license and get ready for some serious salmon action.
You'll launch from the New York shoreline and head out to where the thermocline sets up in those deep Lake Ontario waters. Captain Scott runs a tight ship and knows how to read the electronics to find where the salmon are holding. The boat cuts through the waves as you set up your spread, watching the downriggers work their magic at various depths. Don't worry if you've never fished for salmon before – the captain walks you through everything from setting the drag to playing a fish properly. When that rod tip starts dancing and the line screams off the reel, you'll know you're connected to something special. The lake can get rough, but that's part of what makes offshore fishing so rewarding when you're battling both the fish and the elements.
This isn't your typical casting and cranking – salmon trolling is all about covering water and presenting lures at the right depth and speed. Captain Scott runs a professional setup with downriggers that get your spoons and plugs down into the strike zone, sometimes 40 to 80 feet deep where the big fish cruise. The boat maintains a steady trolling speed, usually between 2.5 and 3.5 mph, while you watch the rod tips for any sign of action. Dodgers and flashers create the flash and vibration that triggers strikes, while popular lures like Michigan Stingers, NK spoons, and Mag Lips do the heavy lifting. The captain handles all the technical stuff – setting up the spread, adjusting depths based on what the fish finder shows, and making sure your lines don't turn into a bird's nest when a fish hits. All you need to focus on is being ready when that rod doubles over.
Lake Ontario's Chinook salmon are the stars of the show here, and for good reason. These kings can push 20 to 30 pounds and fight like they've got something to prove. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action happening in July and August when they're feeding heavily in the deeper, cooler waters. What makes chinooks so special is their raw power – they'll make long runs, jump clear out of the water, and test every knot in your setup. The bigger fish often hold in 60 to 120 feet of water, following the baitfish and staying in their preferred temperature range. Coho salmon, the silvers, might be smaller but they make up for it with acrobatics that'll leave your arms burning. These fish average 8 to 12 pounds and are absolutely crazy when hooked, jumping repeatedly and making fast direction changes that keep you on your toes. They tend to stay a bit shallower than the kings and are more aggressive, often hitting lures with authority that nearly pulls the rod out of your hands.
Lake Ontario's salmon fishing is world-class, and Captain Scott Tarnoski has the local knowledge to put you on fish consistently. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your salmon techniques or a newcomer wanting to experience what offshore fishing is all about, this charter delivers the goods. The boat holds four anglers comfortably, making it perfect for a family outing or a group of friends ready to chase some serious fish. Remember to grab that New York fishing license before you show up – you'll need it to keep any fish you catch. The salmon are out there waiting, and with professional equipment and expert guidance, you're set up for success on one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 15-20 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs prefer the deep, cold waters offshore where we'll be trolling. They're not called Kings for nothing - the fight is legendary and the orange-pink meat is top shelf. Spring through fall offers solid action, but early morning and evening produce the best bites since they're light-sensitive and stay deep during bright conditions. My go-to trick is running your downriggers at different depths until you mark fish - once you find that thermocline where they're holding, stay on it. The hard part isn't hooking them, it's keeping them on during those powerful runs.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilvers are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and love to jump - I've seen them clear 6 feet trying to throw the hook. They cruise the same deep waters as Kings but tend to be more aggressive, making them perfect for anglers wanting steady action. Their bright silver sides and excellent table fare make them a favorite. Spring and early summer fishing can be outstanding when they're actively feeding. Unlike their bigger King cousins, Cohos will chase lures more readily, so don't be afraid to vary your trolling speed. My local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but give them room to jump - trying to muscle them just leads to bent hooks and lost fish.
Lake Ontario