Weekend Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday weekend charter targeting salmon and trout on Lake OntarioAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced captainPrivate boat accommodates up to four anglers of any skill level
If you're serious about fishing Lake Ontario's legendary salmon and trout runs, this 8-hour weekend charter out of Oswego puts you right where the action happens. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll get you on fish while you kick back and enjoy what might be the best fishing Lake Ontario has to offer. With all gear provided and room for up to 4 anglers, this top-rated charter gives you a full day to target some of the Great Lakes' most sought-after species.
Your day starts early at Oswego Harbor, where you'll meet your captain for a quick safety rundown before heading out. Oswego sits in prime position along Lake Ontario's southern shore, giving you access to deep water structure and the thermal bars where salmon and trout stack up during their seasonal movements. The boat's equipped with downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to locate fish and get your lures running at the right depth. You'll spend the morning working the most productive areas, adjusting tactics based on water temperature, bait movement, and what the fish are telling you. The captain reads the water conditions and adjusts the spread accordingly – some days that means pulling spoons deep for kings, other times it's running stick baits higher in the column for browns and cohos. Pack your own food and drinks since this is a long day, and don't forget sunscreen and an extra jacket because it gets chilly out there even in summer.
This charter runs a serious trolling operation designed to cover water and put multiple lines in the strike zone. You'll be running downriggers to get baits down to 40-80 feet where the big kings cruise, while planer boards spread your presentation wide to cover more territory. The boat carries a full arsenal of proven Lake Ontario producers – silver and gold spoons, flasher-and-fly combinations, and various stick baits that mimic the alewives these fish are gorging on. Water temperature is everything out here, and your captain uses his fish finder and temperature probe to locate the thermocline where baitfish concentrate. When you hook up, you'll be fighting fish on quality rods and reels that can handle the long runs these salmon and trout are famous for. The beauty of this setup is that beginners can learn the ropes while experienced anglers can pick up new techniques for fishing these challenging waters.
Coho salmon are the scrappy fighters that make every angler smile, typically running 8-15 pounds with incredible aerial displays when hooked. These silver bullets move into Oswego waters from late spring through fall, feeding heavily on alewives in 30-60 feet of water. Cohos hit hard and fight dirty, jumping repeatedly and making sizzling runs that test your drag system. They're often the most cooperative species when conditions get tough, making them a customer favorite for consistently exciting action.
Chinook salmon represent the ultimate prize in Lake Ontario fishing, with mature fish commonly exceeding 20 pounds and some true giants pushing 30-plus. These kings are the reason serious salmon anglers make the pilgrimage to Oswego, especially during the late summer and early fall runs when they're at peak condition. Chinooks fight with raw power rather than acrobatics, making long, determined runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. The key is keeping them out of the deep water where they want to sound, and when you finally get one to the boat, you'll understand why they're called the king of the Great Lakes.
Brown trout are the opportunistic predators that can show up any time during your trip, often when you least expect them. These fish average 12-18 pounds in Lake Ontario and are known for their wariness and explosive strikes. Browns patrol a variety of depths depending on season and forage availability, making them one of the more unpredictable species you'll target. When a big brown hits your presentation, the fight combines the jumping ability of a coho with the bulldogging power of a king, creating some of the most memorable battles on the Great Lakes.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists that offer steady action when salmon fishing slows down. These native char prefer cooler water and are often found in 60-100 feet, making them perfect targets for downrigger presentations. Lakers in the 15-25 pound range are common, and while they don't jump like salmon, they fight with a steady, throbbing power that tests your endurance. They're also excellent table fare, making them a practical choice for anglers looking to fill the cooler along with creating fishing memories.
Weekend slots for this world-class Lake Ontario fishing experience fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season from July through September. With only 4 spots available per trip, this charter offers the personal attention and elbow room that makes for a truly great day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned Great Lakes angler or new to salmon and trout fishing, this Oswego-based operation gives you access to some of the best fishing the region has to offer. The combination of experienced guidance, quality equipment, and prime fishing grounds creates the perfect setup for a day you'll be talking about for years. Don't wait to secure your weekend charter – the salmon and trout are calling, and Later On Sportfishing is ready to put you on them.
This 31-foot Baha Cruiser is your ticket to some serious salmon and trout action on Lake Ontario. Built in 1990 and powered by twin 350HP Volvo Penta engines, she'll cruise at 22 knots to get you to the best fishing spots around Oswego quickly and smoothly. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 4 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines without getting tangled up. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water - GPS to navigate Lake Ontario's waters, a fish finder to locate those salmon schools, plus an icebox and refrigerator to keep your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. When nature calls or you need a break, there's a toilet and kitchen onboard. The flybridge gives you elevated views of the water and extra fishing space. With all tackle, rods, and bait provided, just bring your food, drinks, and weather gear for a solid 8-hour weekend fishing adventure targeting Chinook salmon and brown trout.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Lake Ontario and probably the most rewarding to outsmart. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 3-8 pounds, though 10+ pounders cruise these waters. They're incredibly adaptable, moving from shallow near-shore areas in spring to deeper thermoclines during summer heat. Browns are notorious for feeding at dawn, dusk, and even at night. Fall brings some of the best action as they feed heavily before winter. What makes them special is their wariness - they'll follow lures for hundreds of yards before deciding to strike. The fight is bulldogging strong with sudden direction changes. Their mild, sweet meat is excellent eating. Here's a guide secret: browns often hang just outside the salmon schools, picking off injured baitfish. Work the edges of the main fishing zones.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - literally. These massive fish average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ pounds in these waters. They're silver-sided with black spots covering their backs, tails, and fins. Unlike other salmon, kings prefer deeper water, often suspending 80-120 feet down where it stays cold. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are common. Spring through fall offers consistent action, with late summer being peak time. What draws anglers is the raw power - a big king will take line and test your drag like nothing else. The fight can last 20+ minutes with multiple runs. Their rich, pink meat is top-shelf eating. Local trick: use copper line or lead core to get your lures down to where they're holding without spooking them in the clear water.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in Lake Ontario. These beautiful fish typically run 8-12 pounds with bright silver sides and dark blue-green backs. What makes them special is their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them suspended in mid-water columns, usually 40-80 feet down during summer months. Spring and fall are prime times when they move closer to shore following baitfish. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back - cohos are pure energy once they feel the hook. Their orange-red meat makes excellent table fare too. Pro tip: when trolling spoons, vary your speed every few minutes. Cohos often strike right after a speed change as the lure flutters.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, often called "lakers" by locals. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots can reach 20-30 pounds in these cold depths. They live in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake - typically 100+ feet down during summer. Lakers prefer rocky structure and drop-offs where they hunt cisco and alewives. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move shallower. What makes them appealing is their size potential and the technical challenge of fishing deep water. They fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled. Key technique: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or swimbaits works best. Drop your lure to bottom, then work it 10-20 feet up in the water column where they suspend.
Oswego, NY