Lake Ontario Salmon And Trout Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, and multiple trout speciesFish aboard spacious 40-foot Tiara with full amenitiesSeason runs April through October on Lake Ontario waters
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario's deep blue waters, lines down in 200+ feet of water, when your downrigger starts screaming. That's the sound every angler dreams of hearing, and it happens regularly on our Lake Ontario salmon and trout charters from Port Dalhousie. From April through October, these waters are absolutely loaded with Chinook salmon, coho salmon, steelhead, brown trout, and lake trout. Our 40-foot Tiara 3600 Open gives you the perfect platform to tackle these hard-fighting fish in comfort, with space for up to 10 anglers and all the top-shelf gear you need to make it happen.
We launch right from Port Dalhousie marina, which puts us within striking distance of some of Lake Ontario's most productive salmon and trout grounds. The Tiara is set up specifically for Great Lakes trolling - we're talking multiple downriggers, planer boards, temperature probes, and fish finders that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The boat's wide beam means plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up with other anglers, and the full washroom is a game-changer on those longer trips. Early morning departures are the norm here, because that's when the action really heats up. We'll be running and gunning to different depths and structures throughout the day, following the baitfish and temperature breaks where the big salmon and trout like to hang out.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and we've got it dialed in. We run a spread of downriggers at different depths, typically anywhere from 40 to 200 feet down, depending on where the fish are holding and what the temperature profile looks like. Spoons are the go-to lure here - think flashy chrome and gold for kings, bright oranges and pinks for coho. We'll also run cut bait behind dodgers when the fish are being picky. The planer boards let us cover more water and keep lines away from the boat's wake. Speed is critical - usually trolling between 2.5 and 3.5 mph, but we're constantly adjusting based on what the fish are telling us. When you hook up, you'll know it immediately. These fish don't mess around, and a 20-pound king will test every bit of your tackle and stamina.
The Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These monsters can push 30+ pounds and will absolutely smoke your drag when they make their runs. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in August and September as they start their spawning runs. They're incredibly strong fighters that love to jump and make long, powerful runs that'll have your arms burning. Coho salmon are smaller but pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the lake. They're acrobatic fighters that spend more time in the air than in the water once hooked. Steelhead trout are available year-round but really shine in the cooler months. These are lake-run rainbow trout that fight like they're twice their size, with explosive runs and aerial displays that'll leave you breathless.
Brown trout are the craftiest of the bunch - they're incredibly wary and often the hardest to fool, but when you do connect, they're savage fighters that use their broad tails to generate serious power. Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, usually found in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. They're not as flashy as the other species, but they're incredibly strong and will test your endurance with their bulldogging fight style. The variety is what makes Lake Ontario special - you never know if the next fish on is going to be a jumping coho or a tank of a king salmon.
Lake Ontario is hands down one of the most consistent salmon and trout fisheries in North America. The stocking programs here are world-class, and the natural reproduction is getting better every year. What really sets this fishery apart is the sheer size of the fish - these aren't your typical lake trout. The salmon are ocean-sized, and the steelhead fight like they've been hitting the gym all winter. The season runs from April through October, which gives you plenty of opportunities to get out there and experience different fishing scenarios. Spring fishing focuses on the near-shore areas as fish come in to feed on the massive alewife populations. Summer pushes you into deeper water where the cooler temperatures keep the fish comfortable. Fall brings the spawning runs, when the biggest fish of the year show up close to shore and feed aggressively before heading to the rivers.
If you're serious about salmon and trout fishing, Lake Ontario needs to be on your bucket list. The combination of massive fish, consistent action, and comfortable fishing conditions makes this one of the top destinations in the Great Lakes region. Our Tiara gives you the platform you need to fish these waters effectively, and the experience to put you on fish day after day. Whether you're looking to land your first salmon or add a trophy to your collection, these waters deliver. The fishing is good from ice-out in April all the way through October, with different species peaking at different times throughout the season. Book your trip now and get ready to experience some of the best salmon and trout fishing anywhere in the world. These fish are waiting, and they're not going to catch themselves.
The Navagaotor is your ticket to serious Lake Ontario fishing action. This 40-foot Tiara Sport Fishing vessel packs everything you need for a productive day chasing salmon and trout in the deep waters off Port Dalhousie. With her 14-foot beam, she's got the stability to handle whatever Lake Ontario throws at you while giving everyone plenty of room to work their lines. The boat comes loaded with the essentials - GPS and radar keep you on the fish and safe in changing conditions, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. The fish finder helps locate those schools lurking in the depths. When you need a break from the action, grab a cold drink from the fridge or icebox, and there's even a full kitchen and head onboard for longer trips. Whether you're targeting spring Chinooks, summer Cohos, or fall Steelhead, this fishing platform delivers the comfort and capability to make the most of your time on the water. The boat's setup is perfect for working downriggers and handling the gear needed for Lake Ontario's world-class fishery.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - these silver beauties average 28-30 inches and pack 8-12 pounds of pure muscle. They're closely related to brown trout but spend time in both fresh and saltwater. What makes them special is they can spawn multiple times, unlike their Pacific cousins. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters during summer months, often suspended mid-column. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallower. The fight is legendary - they'll jump and run like nothing else. Their orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating too. Pro tip: use darker lures on overcast days and lighter colors when it's bright. These fish have excellent eyesight, so keep your presentations clean.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, running 12-39 inches and 15-30 pounds of hard-fighting fish. They've got that blue-green back with black spots covering everything - head, fins, even inside their mouths. These bruisers prefer deeper water since they're light-sensitive, usually staying near bottom during bright days. Early morning and evening are your best bets. What makes them special is the fight - they're strong, stubborn, and will test every knot. The reddish-pink meat is restaurant-quality. Kings follow the thermocline and baitfish, so we use downriggers to get lures down 60-150 feet. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure - they'll find every weak spot in your setup.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure acrobats that'll jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. They typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver body and black-spotted tail. These fighters prefer the upper water column during cooler months - spring through early summer and again in fall. They're aggressive feeders, making them great targets for trolling spoons and plugs. The bright orange meat is outstanding on the table. Cohos like structure and temperature breaks, so we often find them near drop-offs and thermal layers. Here's a local trick: when they're being finicky, try switching to smaller, more natural-colored lures and slow your trolling speed down.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water natives that call the cold depths home year-round. These grey-green giants with cream markings can reach 40+ pounds and live decades in Lake Ontario's deep basins. They prefer water under 50°F and high oxygen levels, so expect to fish 80-200+ feet most of the summer. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are when you'll find them shallower. The fight is steady and strong - not flashy jumps, but serious pulling power. They're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. Lakers are structure-oriented, loving humps, drop-offs, and underwater points. Pro tip: jig slowly and give them time - they inspect baits carefully before committing. Heavy jigs with soft plastics work best in our deep water.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are rainbow trout that developed a taste for the big lake life - same species, different lifestyle. These chrome rockets average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches and 55 pounds in the Great Lakes. They're built like bullets with that distinctive silvery color and black spotting. Spring and fall are prime time when they move into shallower water, though you can find them year-round if you know where to look. The fight is what keeps people coming back - long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag. They prefer cooler water and lots of oxygen, often hanging near current seams and drop-offs. Local tip: steelhead have incredible eyesight, so use fluorocarbon leaders and keep noise to a minimum when they're shallow.
Port Dalhousie, 80 Lighthouse Rd, St. Catharines ON L2N 7P5, Canada