Lake Ontario Fishing Charters with My Way Charters
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Halfday Lake Ontario charters target walleye, salmon, and trout.Expert guides provide equipment instruction for all skill levels.Small groups of four guests ensure personalized fishing experience.
Ready to get your lines wet on one of North America's premier fishing destinations? Lake Ontario is calling, and My Way Charters is your ticket to some serious action. We're talking half-day trips targeting the big five – Walleye, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Lake Trout. Whether you're a weekend warrior with your own tackle box or someone who's never held a fishing rod, our experienced captain will put you on fish and show you the ropes. Just remember to grab your New York fishing license before we shove off – trust me, the DEC doesn't mess around out here.
Picture this: you're rolling out of the harbor as the sun's climbing, coffee in hand, with three other anglers ready to make some memories. Lake Ontario stretches out like an inland sea, and our captain knows exactly where the fish are holding. We keep our groups small at four guests max, so you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to land a fish. The beauty of a half-day charter is you get all the excitement without burning your whole weekend – perfect for testing the waters if you're new to the game or squeezing in some fishing between family commitments. Our boat's equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and nets. The only thing we can't provide is that fishing license, so handle that beforehand. The vibe is laid-back but focused – we're here to catch fish, share some laughs, and maybe learn a thing or two about what makes Lake Ontario such a world-class fishery.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and we've got this dialed in. We're running downriggers with leadcore lines, planer boards, and a spread that covers multiple depths and distances from the boat. Don't worry if that sounds like Greek to you – our guide will walk you through everything. We're typically pulling spoons, plugs, and flies depending on what the fish are wanting that day. The lake's thermocline plays a huge role in where we set our gear, especially during summer months when the fish are holding in that sweet spot where the water temperature drops. Spring and fall fishing is different – we might be running shallow or working structure closer to shore. The key is staying flexible and reading what the electronics are telling us. You'll learn to watch the fish finder, understand why we're adjusting our speed, and get hands-on experience with equipment that many anglers never get to try. It's like getting a masterclass in Great Lakes fishing while actually putting fish in the boat.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario, and for good reason – they fight smart, taste amazing, and you can catch them year-round. These golden beauties typically run 3-8 pounds in the lake, with some real slabs pushing double digits. They're most active during low light conditions, which makes dawn and dusk prime time. Walleye have this unique way of hitting your bait – sometimes it's a subtle tick, other times they'll nearly rip the rod out of your hands. What makes them special here is the lake's massive forage base keeps them fat and healthy. April through June is peak season when they're coming off their spawn and feeding aggressively in shallow water.
Coho Salmon are pure adrenaline on the end of your line. These silver bullets average 8-15 pounds and fight like fish twice their size. They're jumpers, runners, and will test every knot you've tied. Cohos are most reliable from late June through September, when they're fattening up on alewives and smelt in the lake's upper water column. The best part about hooking into a Coho is watching them clear the water multiple times during the fight – it's like having a miniature tarpon on Lake Ontario. They're also fantastic table fare with that distinctive salmon flavor that's not as rich as Chinook.
Steelhead Trout are the lake's most acrobatic fighters, bar none. These chrome-bright beauties can range from 5-15 pounds and will take you into your backing faster than you can blink. What sets Lake Ontario steelhead apart is their incredible condition – the lake's cold, clean water produces fish that are absolute rockets. Fall is prime time when they're staging near tributaries, but we catch them throughout the season. The thrill of a steelhead run is something you don't forget – they'll peel line, jump, run toward the boat, then streak away again. It's chess match fishing at its finest.
Chinook Salmon are the true kings of Lake Ontario, with mature fish reaching 20-30 pounds regularly. These are the fish that break tackle, bend hooks, and create legendary stories. Kings are most active from July through September, and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They don't jump like Cohos, but they're bulldogs that will test your drag and your patience. The key to landing big Chinooks is staying calm and letting the fish tire itself out. They're also the richest eating of all the salmon species, with that deep red meat that's perfect for the smoker or grill.
Lake Trout are the lake's native heavyweight champions, some reaching 30+ pounds and living for decades. These deep-water dwellers are most active in spring and fall when they move into shallower water. Lakers are known for their strong, steady runs rather than flashy jumps, but don't underestimate them – a big lake trout is like fighting a submarine. They're typically found in the lake's deepest, coldest water during summer, making them a challenging but rewarding target. The meat is lighter than salmon but has a unique flavor that many anglers prefer. Catching a trophy lake trout is considered a badge of honor among Great Lakes anglers.
Hit the waters of Lake Ontario aboard this classic 1998 Sea Ray Express cruiser, perfectly rigged for serious fishing adventures. Twin 360HP engines deliver smooth cruising at 36 knots, getting you to the prime fishing spots fast. This motorboat comes fully loaded with everything anglers need - fish finder technology to locate those deep-water targets, GPS navigation for precise positioning, and radar for those early morning runs when visibility gets sketchy. The onboard icebox and refrigerator keep your catch fresh and drinks cold during long fishing sessions. When you need a break between catching salmon, walleye, and steelhead trout, relax with the multimedia system or grab a snack from the galley kitchen. Comfortable sleeping quarters and a head make this boat ideal for extended Lake Ontario fishing trips. With space for up to 4 guests, you'll have plenty of room to work the lines without crowding. Whether you're trolling the deep waters for lake trout or working the shoreline structure for walleye, this well-equipped fishing machine handles Lake Ontario's diverse conditions with ease.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These bruisers commonly hit 15-25 pounds, with monsters pushing 30-plus. They're built like torpedoes with silver sides, dark backs, and black spots scattered across their fins and tails. Chinooks love deep, cold water, so we target them in 60-120 feet, often hugging the thermocline where baitfish concentrate. Spring and fall offer the hottest action when they're feeding heavily. What makes kings special is their raw power - they'll peel drag like no other fish and fight deep, making long, stubborn runs. The reddish meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill. Since they're light-sensitive, early morning and evening produce best results. My go-to tip: use heavy tackle and don't rush the fight. Let them tire themselves out in deep water before bringing them up.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure dynamite on the end of your line. These silver bullets average 8-12 pounds but can push over 20, and they'll jump clear out of the water when hooked. In Lake Ontario, we target them in 40-80 feet of water, often suspended mid-column following bait schools. Spring and fall runs are best, especially when water temps hit that sweet spot around 50-60 degrees. What guests love most is their acrobatic fight - cohos are famous for their aerial displays and never give up easy. Plus, their bright orange meat makes for fantastic eating. They're aggressive feeders, hitting spoons and plugs trolled at various speeds. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work. Too much tension during those jumps and they'll throw the hook every time.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of our fishery, often called "lakers" by regulars. These prehistoric-looking char can reach 20-40 pounds and live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Ontario - we're talking 80-200 feet down. They're grey-green with cream-colored spots and built for cold water living. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are prime times when they move shallower, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What draws people to lake trout fishing is the chance at a true trophy - plus their firm, white meat is fantastic eating. They're not flashy fighters but incredibly strong, making long, powerful runs toward the bottom. The key to success is fishing slow and deep with heavy jigs or spoons. Pro tip: once you mark fish on the sounder, stay put and work that spot vertically. Lakers often school up and won't move far.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the marathon runners of Lake Ontario - they'll test your tackle and your patience with long, powerful runs. These chrome-bright beauties average 6-10 pounds but can stretch into the teens. Unlike their rainbow trout cousins, steelhead spend time in deep, cold water and develop that distinctive silver coloring. Look for them around river mouths and temperature breaks in 30-100 feet of water. Best fishing runs from late fall through early spring when they're staging for spawning runs. What makes steelhead special is their incredible stamina - they fight harder and longer than most fish their size. The meat is excellent too, with that classic pink trout flavor. Here's a local trick: when the water's cold, slow your trolling speed way down. Steelhead get lethargic and won't chase fast-moving lures like they will in warmer conditions.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of Lake Ontario's most sought-after fish, running 12-30 inches and known for their excellent table fare. These golden, sleek predators have distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. You'll find them around rocky drop-offs, weed edges, and structure in 10-40 feet of water. They move shallow at dawn and dusk to feed. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but evening bites are prime time. What makes walleye special is their delicate, flaky white meat - arguably the best eating fish in the lake. They're challenging to locate but rewarding once you do. My tip: when you find one walleye, slow down and work that area thoroughly. They school up, so where there's one, there's usually more waiting nearby.
Wolcott, NY