5.0(19 Reviews)4 Hour Lake Ontario Fishing Charter
5.0(19 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Top RatedMost Reviewed
4-hour trolling charter targeting salmon and trout speciesAll fishing equipment provided with 4-guest maximum capacityHalf-day Lake Ontario adventure with Over The Rail Sportfishing
If you're serious about landing some trophy salmon and trout, Captain Justin and Over The Rail Sportfishing have got you covered on Lake Ontario. This isn't your typical half-day fishing trip – it's a proper charter where you'll get into some of the best fishing these waters have to offer. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to fill the cooler, this 4-hour charter puts you right where the fish are biting. All your tackle and gear are included, so just grab your fishing license, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready to work some serious drag.
Captain Justin knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and it shows from the moment you step aboard. This charter targets the prime fishing zones where salmon and trout cruise the thermoclines, and Justin's constantly adjusting based on water temps, bait movement, and where the fish are marking on the electronics. You'll be trolling with downriggers and divers, working different depths until you find what the fish want that day. The boat's set up proper with all the rods you need, and Justin handles all the rigging – he'll explain what's happening and why, especially if you've got kids along who want to learn. Cooper, the ship's dog, keeps everyone entertained between fish, and trust me, there's usually plenty of action to keep those rods bent.
Lake Ontario trolling is all about covering water and presenting your lures at the right depth where the fish are holding. Justin runs a mix of downriggers, lead core, and copper lines to target different zones in the water column. You'll be pulling spoons, flasher-fly combos, and plugs – whatever's working that particular day. The key is water temperature and finding those thermal breaks where the baitfish stack up. Justin's constantly watching the sonar and adjusting speeds, typically running anywhere from 2.2 to 3.5 mph depending on what species you're targeting. He'll rotate lures and change depths based on what the fish are telling him, and he's not shy about making moves if the bite slows down. The rods are set in holders, but when something hits, you'll know it – and that's when the real fun starts.
"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
"Captain Justin at Over the Rail was absolutely outstanding! We were a party of 5 adults and Justin worked tirelessly for 8 hours straight to make sure we had the best Salmon fishing trip ever. From the first minute to the last, Justin worked at keeping the rigs loaded, changed lures and bait as needed, monitored our location to find the best spots for fish and gave us non stop narrative and information that was both informative and helpful. We ended up landing 2 HUGE King Salmon, a huge Steelhead, and 5 medium King Salmon!!!" - vikki
"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." - Mark
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These bruisers can push 30+ pounds and will test every ounce of drag you've got. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. When a king hits, there's no mistaking it – they'll scream line off the reel and jump like there's no tomorrow. Justin typically targets them in 60-120 feet of water, working the temperature breaks where they ambush baitfish.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the bunch, jumping repeatedly when hooked and putting on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. They average 8-15 pounds and are incredibly aggressive feeders. Cohos tend to stay higher in the water column than kings, making them perfect targets for shallow presentations. They're particularly active in spring and fall, and their silver sides flashing in the sunlight as they jump never gets old.
Steelhead Trout are pure fighting machines that'll make multiple runs and jumps before you get them to the net. These chrome-bright fish are incredibly strong for their size, typically running 8-20 pounds in Lake Ontario. They're known for their stamina and unpredictable fighting style – just when you think you've got them beat, they'll make another blistering run. Peak steelhead action usually happens in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily.
Brown Trout are the smartest fish in the lake and often the hardest to fool, but when you connect with a big brown, you're in for a battle. They can reach impressive sizes in Lake Ontario, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Browns are notorious for their powerful runs close to the bottom and their ability to throw hooks. They're most active during low-light periods and are often caught early morning or late in the day.
Lake Trout are the natives here and can live for decades, growing to impressive sizes. They're typically found in the deepest, coldest water and provide steady, powerful fights rather than the
Hit the waters of Lake Ontario aboard this well-equipped Penn Yan 265 Pro Hunter! This fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing salmon and trout. The 260hp Mercruiser gets you to the hotspots fast, then we'll switch to the quiet 20hp Honda kicker for trolling action. Modern fish finder helps locate those trophy fish hiding in the depths, while GPS keeps us on the productive spots. Stay comfortable with onboard facilities including a restroom, and the boat's wheelchair accessible design welcomes all anglers. Radar and VHF radio ensure safe trips even when lake conditions get sketchy. Entertainment system keeps things lively between bites. Perfect for up to 4 anglers ready to experience some of the Great Lakes' finest fishing action!
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the wary veterans of Lake Ontario - they're smart, spooky, and absolutely beautiful when you land one. These golden-brown fish with black spots average 8-24 inches, but the lake can produce some real trophies pushing 10+ pounds. They love structure like drop-offs, rocky areas, and temperature breaks where they can ambush prey. Unlike other trout, browns are most active at night and during low-light conditions, making early morning and dusk prime time. What anglers love is the challenge - they're tough to fool and fight with surprising strength for their size. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before spawn. Local secret: browns often follow the thermocline, so watch your fish finder for that temperature break and work your lures right along it.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, and for good reason - these monsters regularly hit 20-30 pounds. They've got that distinctive black mouth and gums, plus spots covering their back and tail. Unlike their cousins, kings are light-sensitive and stay deep most of the time, which is why we target them in 60-120 feet of water. Early morning and late evening are your best shots when they move up to feed. What makes them special is the sheer power - when a big king takes your line, you'll know it immediately. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating, and the fight is pure strength rather than acrobatics. We have our best luck from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily on alewives. Here's the key: use heavy tackle and let your drag do the work. These fish will peel line for 200+ yards if you try to muscle them.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll find in Lake Ontario. These beauties typically run 8-12 pounds with that classic dark blue-green back and bright silver sides. What makes them special is their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up when hooked, putting on quite a show. We find them in deeper waters during summer months, usually 40-80 feet down where it's cooler. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. The meat is orange-red and tastes fantastic - one of the best eating fish out there. Here's a local trick: when trolling for cohos, watch for birds working baitfish on the surface. Those silvers are often feeding just below that action, so drop your lines down about 20 feet under the commotion.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, living in the coldest, most oxygenated water we can find. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots are built for the depths, often holding 80-150 feet down in summer. They're slow-growing but long-lived, with fish over 15 pounds being common and some pushing 40+ pounds. What's unique is their preference for cold water year-round - while other species move shallow, lakers stay deep except right after ice-out. Guests enjoy the steady, powerful fight and excellent eating quality. Spring offers the best shallow water opportunities, but summer deep trolling produces the biggest fish. They're not flashy fighters, just pure determination on the end of your line. Here's what works: jig aggressively near bottom in 100+ feet of water. Lakers often hit on the drop, so watch your line closely as the lure falls.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have lived the lake life, and they're absolute bulldogs when hooked. These chrome-bright fish average 24 inches but can push 40+ inches in Lake Ontario's rich waters. They're built for speed with that streamlined body and silvery coloring. You'll find them roaming open water most of the year, but they come shallow in spring and fall when water temps hit that sweet spot around 50-60 degrees. What guests love is the sustained fight - steelhead don't jump as much as salmon, but they make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. The meat is pink and delicious too. Best fishing happens during overcast conditions or early morning when they're actively feeding. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. Let them run and tire themselves out.
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 ...
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