5.0(19 Reviews)Half Day Salmon & Trout Trolling on Lake Ontario
5.0(19 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
Halfday Lake Ontario trolling for salmon and troutAll fishing gear provided for up to four guestsProfessional charter with Over The Rail Sportfishing guides
Looking for a solid Lake Ontario fishing charter that actually puts fish in the boat? Captain Justin at Over The Rail Sportfishing has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the salmon and trout are hanging out. This 4-hour Lake Ontario trolling trip gives you the perfect taste of what this Great Lake has to offer without committing to a full day on the water. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're just getting your feet wet with Great Lakes fishing, Justin's got the local knowledge and gear to make it happen. Pack your snacks and drinks, grab your fishing license, and get ready to see why Lake Ontario is considered some of the best salmon and trout fishing in North America.
This isn't your typical pond fishing trip. Lake Ontario is a serious body of water, and the fish here fight like they mean it. Captain Justin runs a clean, well-maintained boat that can handle up to 4 anglers comfortably. The beauty of a 4-hour charter is you get all the action without the full-day commitment – perfect for families with kids, first-timers, or anyone who wants to test the waters before booking a longer trip. You'll be trolling the productive waters where the thermocline holds baitfish, and that's where the big predators come to feed. Justin provides all the fishing gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing rods, reels, or tackle. Just show up ready to fish, and he'll handle the rest. The trip covers prime fishing zones where water temperature and depth create the perfect conditions for salmon and trout to stack up and feed aggressively.
Lake Ontario trolling is all about precision and local knowledge. Captain Justin runs a spread of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to cover different depths and present lures where the fish are feeding. He's constantly adjusting speeds, depths, and lure selections based on what the fish are telling him that day. You'll learn about temperature breaks, how baitfish movements affect where to set your lines, and why certain lures work better at specific depths. The gear is all top-quality stuff – no cheap equipment that'll let you down when a big king salmon makes its run. Justin rigs everything for the conditions, whether that means running spoons deep for lake trout or pulling flasher-fly combinations in the upper water column for coho. He's also great at explaining the why behind what he's doing, so you'll actually learn something about Great Lakes fishing techniques that you can use on future trips.
"Was a very good trip always like fishing with justin. Was a crappy day and we still pulled it off.will ne back in the fall." - victor
"I don't think there's words to say how great of a trip we had. Once we started gearing up to fish, we were on fish. Cap. Justin was very knowledgeable with the area, how and where we needed our lures, and most importantly how to not lose a fish. We will definitely be coming back for future trips. This was our first trip on Lake Ontario and I feel the best we could ever have." - Brian
"My 8year old Grandson and I had a wonderful and successful fishing trip with Captain Justin. Captain Justin explained everything in detail for my Grandson. He talked to him about the species of fish, how to rig the lines, different speeds and water temperatures to catch different species of fish. We limited out on Lake Trout and had 2 salmon in the boat in just under 4 hours. My Grandson's arms got tire of reeling in fish, so we cut our trip a little short. My Grandson was so excited that we came home and have booked another trip with Captain Justin for later this season. His deck hand Cooper(dog) is great with kids. My Grandson and I highly recommend Captain Justin and Over the Rail Sportfishing. Thank you again Captain Justin." - Mark
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can push 30 pounds or more and fight like freight trains. They're most active in the early morning and evening hours, preferring cooler water temperatures between 50-60 degrees. When a big king hits your line, you'll know it immediately – they make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag system and your patience. The best part about chinook is they're excellent table fare, with rich, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the largest fish typically showing up in deeper water during the summer months.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular jumps and aggressive strikes. They typically run smaller than chinook, averaging 5-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure fight. Coho tend to feed higher in the water column and are often found near thermoclines where baitfish concentrate. They're incredibly good eating, with firm, pink flesh that's milder than chinook. These fish are most active during dawn and dusk hours and respond well to bright, flashy presentations that mimic their preferred prey.
Steelhead Trout are arguably the hardest fighting fish in Lake Ontario. These chrome-bright fish are built for speed and endurance, making long runs that'll have your reel screaming. They prefer cooler water and are often found in 40-100 feet of water, following schools of alewives and smelt. Steelhead average 6-15 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. Their acrobatic displays and never-give-up attitude make them a favorite among serious anglers. The meat is excellent – similar to salmon but with a slightly more delicate flavor that's perfect for a variety of cooking methods.
Brown Trout are the opportunistic predators of Lake Ontario
Get ready to hit Lake Ontario's prime fishing waters aboard this well-equipped Penn Yan 265 Pro Hunter! This motorboat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing salmon and trout. The 260hp Mercruiser gets you to the hot spots quickly, then we switch to the quieter 20hp Honda kicker for precise trolling without spooking the fish. The fish finder helps locate schools while the GPS keeps us on productive waters. Onboard radar handles any weather changes, and the VHF radio ensures safe communication. Between catches, relax with the multimedia system or use the onboard facilities. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers comfortably and is wheelchair accessible. All tackle and equipment are provided - just bring your license, snacks, and drinks for a productive day on the water!
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart kids of the trout family - they didn't get their reputation for being wary by accident. These golden-brown beauties with their distinctive black spots average 8-24 inches, but Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters grow them bigger. We typically find them relating to structure and drop-offs, anywhere from 30-100 feet deep depending on season and water temps. They prefer that 54-65 degree range and love hanging around rocky areas and temperature breaks. Fall is absolutely prime time when they feed aggressively, especially at night, but spring and early summer produce well too. What makes browns special is the challenge - they're fighters with brains, and landing a big one feels earned. The meat is excellent, mild and firm. These fish can live 12-20 years, so the big ones have seen plenty of lures. Here's a tip that's served me well: browns often follow baits before committing, so vary your trolling speeds and don't be afraid to slow way down sometimes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These monsters regularly hit 15-30 pounds, with some pushing even bigger numbers. They've got that classic salmon look - silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots everywhere, including inside their mouths. Since they're sensitive to light, kings spend most of their time in deeper water, usually 80-150 feet down near thermal layers and structure. Early morning and evening tend to be your best bets, though we catch them all day when conditions are right. What makes targeting kings so appealing is obvious - they're the biggest fish swimming out there, and they fight with that weight behind them. The meat quality is top-notch too, with rich orange-pink flesh. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're actively feeding. One thing I always tell clients: when trolling for kings, use heavier tackle than you think you need, and don't set the drag too tight - let them take some line on that first run.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll find in Lake Ontario. These beauties typically run 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked - they can jump up to 6 feet out of the water. You'll spot them by their dark blue-green backs, bright silver sides, and distinctive black spots on their backs and tails. We usually find them suspended in mid-depth waters, anywhere from 40-80 feet down. Spring through early fall gives us the best action, especially during overcast conditions when they move up to feed. What makes coho special is that combination of aerial acrobatics and solid fight - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is excellent too, with that bright orange-red color. Pro tip: when you feel one jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip slightly to give them slack - keeps them from throwing the hook on those wild leaps.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water specialists of our fishery - true coldwater fish that call the deepest parts of Ontario home. These char family members run 15-40 pounds regularly, with their grey-green bodies and cream-colored markings. You'll find them suspended over deep basins, typically 100-200+ feet down where the water stays cold and oxygen-rich year-round. They're slow growers that can live decades, so the big ones are truly special. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move up slightly, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What draws people to lakers is the size potential and that deep-water challenge - plus they're fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh. These fish prefer low light and overcast days, and they'll often cruise in schools. Jigging works great when you mark them, but trolling covers more water. My go-to advice: when laker fishing, patience is key - they don't rush decisions, so give your presentations time to work and don't rush the hookset.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to get serious - they're built like silver bullets and fight twice as hard. These lake-run fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and really pack on the weight living in Ontario's deep, cold waters. You'll find them anywhere from 60 to 200 feet down, usually relating to temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Their streamlined bodies and brassy-silver coloring make them stand out from their rainbow cousins. Fall through spring is prime time, especially when water temps are in that 45-55 degree range. What guests love most is the raw power - steelhead make blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming. They're also fantastic table fare. Unlike other trout, these fish can spawn multiple times, so they're built tough. Here's something I've learned over the years: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out, then work them back slowly.
5.0 out of 5.0Was a very good trip always like fishing with justin. Was a crappy day and we still pulled it off.will ne back in the fall.
I don’t think there’s words to say how great of a trip we had. Once we started gearing up to fish, we were on fish. Cap. Justin wa...
another fantastic trip with justin you outdid yourself from last year thanks again, Mike, brian and Tommy see you next year!
Justin worked HARD to ensure a successful trip. he's fully engaged and does everything he can to find fish and coolers.
My 8year old Grandson and I had a wonderful and successful fishing trip with Captain Justin. Captain Justin explained everything ...
Great day, Justin is a great guide, works hard to put us on fish and is a pleasure to fish with
An exceptional day with Captain Justin. Caught our limit in three hours, with a high percentage of boated to total bites.
Captain Justin at Over the Rail was absolutely outstanding! We were a party of 5 adults and Justin worked tirelessly for 8 hours ...
we had a great time, he is very professional. I definitely would recommend Justin to everyone.
Let me just say that the waves were choppy and both My Husband and I got motion sickness(bummer, we forgot to take meds for it!) B...
Thank you, Jessica! Looking forward to having you guys again on board!
Thank you, Debbie!
Great captain to fish with! Highly recommended if you’re looking for a great outing, not just with the fishing but also the relaxa...
Thank you for the kind words, Preston!
We couldn't have asked for a better day! Or a better captain! Can't wait to go again next year
Awesome! Thank you, Brian!
#1 captain in my book. Highly recommended!
Justin is THE BEST Captain! He is informative, honest and very knowledgeable on fishing and the lake. He also is concerned about ...
Excellent July trip. Capt Justin has superior knowledge of the fishery, works hard to find the fish, and delivers with professiona...
The fish werent biteing much but Captain Justin threw everything at it and we managed to get some meat in the locker. I would hig...
I met Justin he was a tremendous sincere person but the day of the trip unfortunately he had boat troubles.We were only there for ...
Captain Justin took us to the fish! We enjoyed fresh salmon that night for dinner and taking some home. Justin was happy to share ...
New York