Chinook and Coho Salmon Offshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Chinook and Coho salmon in Lake Ontario deep watersProfessional trolling methods with Captain Scott Tarnoski guidanceAll equipment provided, suitable for any skill level
Lake Ontario's New York shoreline offers some of the most productive salmon fishing on the Great Lakes, and Captain Scott Tarnoski knows exactly where to find them. Kings Ransom Sportfishing runs a top-rated charter operation that puts you right in the heart of the action, targeting big Chinook and feisty Coho salmon in the lake's deep offshore waters. This isn't your typical near-shore fishing trip – we're talking about heading out to where the thermocline sets up and the salmon cruise in schools, feeding heavily on baitfish.
You'll meet Captain Scott at the launch, where he'll get you set up with everything you need for a successful day chasing salmon. The boat heads out into Lake Ontario's offshore waters, where depths drop significantly and the salmon feel most comfortable. These fish are actively feeding in the cooler, oxygen-rich water that sits below the warmer surface layer. The fishing happens in a relaxed but focused environment – no rushed casting or crowded fishing spots. With a maximum of four anglers on board, everyone gets plenty of room to fish and personal attention from the captain. Scott's been running these waters for years and knows the seasonal patterns, bait movements, and structure that hold fish. Whether you're a seasoned salmon angler or picking up a rod for the first time, he'll adjust the approach to match your experience level. The trip runs long enough to give you multiple opportunities at different spots, and the captain isn't afraid to move around until he finds active fish.
Professional trolling is the name of the game out here, and Kings Ransom comes equipped with all the high-quality gear you'll need. We're talking about downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers – the serious equipment that gets your lures down to where salmon are feeding. The boat runs multiple lines at different depths, covering the water column from surface to bottom. Captain Scott provides top-shelf rods and reels that can handle the powerful runs these salmon are famous for. Terminal tackle includes proven spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations in colors that have consistently produced fish in these waters. The trolling setup allows the boat to cover substantial water while keeping lures in the strike zone. Speed control is critical – too fast and you'll pull the lures away from fish, too slow and they won't trigger strikes. The captain constantly monitors fish finder readings, water temperature, and other factors that influence where salmon position themselves. You'll learn about thermocline fishing, how to read sonar marks, and why certain lure presentations work better at specific depths. Don't forget to bring your valid New York fishing license – it's required for all anglers and you'll need it before stepping on the boat.
Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario and the primary target for serious salmon anglers. These fish commonly reach 15-25 pounds, with trophy specimens pushing 30 pounds or more. Chinooks are most active during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily on alewives and other baitfish. Their fighting ability is legendary – expect powerful initial runs, deep dives, and multiple jumps that will test both your drag system and your arms. What makes Chinooks so exciting is their unpredictability once hooked. They might sound straight down into deep water, or they could peel line off the surface in a series of spectacular jumps. The best fishing typically happens in 60-120 feet of water, where these fish cruise the thermocline looking for schools of baitfish.
Coho salmon, nicknamed Silver salmon for their bright chrome sides, bring a different kind of excitement to the boat. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-15 pounds and are absolute dynamos when hooked. Cohos are famous for their aerial displays – they'll launch themselves completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, shaking their heads violently to throw the hook. They're often found in slightly shallower water than Chinooks and tend to be more aggressive toward flashy presentations. Spring through early summer offers prime Coho action, when these fish are actively feeding and building energy for their spawning runs. Their silver flanks and aggressive nature make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers who love to see fish jump. Cohos also tend to school up more than Chinooks, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area.
Lake Ontario's salmon fishing represents world-class angling right in New York's backyard, and Kings Ransom Sportfishing offers the local expertise to make it happen. Captain Scott's knowledge of seasonal patterns, productive areas, and effective techniques gives you the best shot at connecting with these powerful fish. The professional trolling setup and quality gear eliminate the guesswork – you can focus on fighting fish instead of wondering if your equipment is up to the task. With space limited to four anglers, each trip maintains the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Whether you're looking to land your first salmon or add to an already impressive collection, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps anglers coming back season after season. The combination of Lake Ontario's healthy salmon populations and experienced guidance creates consistently productive outings that showcase why this fishery has earned its reputation among Great Lakes salmon anglers.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, typically running 12-20 pounds with some bruisers pushing 30+. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted backs prefer deeper, cooler water offshore where we'll be trolling. They stay down in the water column during bright conditions, so we use downriggers to get our presentations to them. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with late spring and early summer being prime time. What makes kings special is their powerful runs and that deep orange meat that's second to none on the dinner table. Pro tip: when you feel that first thump, don't set the hook hard - let the fish load up on the rod first, then lean into them. Their mouths are softer than you'd think for such a tough fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are the acrobats of the lake. These scrappy 8-12 pounders will jump clean out of the water and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat fired up. They're typically found in the same offshore waters as the kings but often suspend higher in the water column, especially during overcast conditions. Peak season runs from late spring through summer when the baitfish are active. What sets coho apart is their aggressive nature and aerial displays - they'll leap 6 feet straight up and cartwheel across the surface. The bright orange meat is outstanding eating too. Here's a local trick: when a coho goes airborne, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. It prevents them from throwing the hook on those wild jumps.
Lake Ontario