5-Hour Fishing Trip - Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fivehour charter targets salmon and trout on Lake OntarioExpert guide provides equipment and fishing knowledge for all skill levelsSmall group capacity of three guests ensures personalized attention
Lake Ontario's waters hold some of the best fishing opportunities you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes region. This 5-hour charter with Ridge Runner SportFishing puts you right in the heart of world-class salmon and trout fishing, where the cold, deep waters create perfect conditions for trophy catches. You'll be fishing alongside an experienced guide who knows exactly where these fish are feeding and what they're biting on. Whether you're new to fishing or you've been working these waters for years, this trip delivers the kind of non-stop action that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early when the fish are most active and the lake is at its calmest. The boat holds up to three guests, so you won't be crowded or fighting for rod space like on those big charter boats. Your guide has spent countless hours learning Lake Ontario's structure, current patterns, and seasonal movements of salmon and trout. They'll put you on fish from the moment lines hit the water until it's time to head back to port. The intimate group size means personalized attention – your guide can adjust techniques based on your skill level and make sure everyone gets their shots at landing fish. Remember that mates work for tips, and 20% is what most anglers consider fair for good service.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and Ridge Runner SportFishing has this technique dialed in perfectly. You'll be running downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover different depths and spread your lines across a wide area. The boat carries quality rods and reels that can handle the strong runs these salmon and trout are famous for. Your guide will explain how to work the rod when a fish hits – Lake Ontario salmon don't give up easy, and you'll need to keep steady pressure while they make their signature jumps and deep runs. The electronics on board include fish finders and GPS units that help locate schools and mark productive spots. Water temperature is key here, and your guide constantly monitors thermal layers where these cold-water species concentrate.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, and these silver rockets will test every bit of your fishing skills. They typically run 15 to 25 pounds, but fish over 30 pounds are caught regularly during peak season. Spring through early summer offers the best Atlantic salmon action as they move into shallower waters to feed. These fish are known for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long, powerful runs that will have your drag screaming. What makes Atlantic salmon so special is their incredible stamina and the way they use Lake Ontario's depth to their advantage during the fight.
Coho Salmon bring a different kind of excitement to your fishing day. These aggressive feeders average 8 to 15 pounds and are famous for their surface-breaking battles. Coho are most active from late spring through early fall, and they're often the most cooperative species when it comes to biting. They school up in good numbers, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Coho salmon are perfect for newer anglers because they fight hard but aren't as likely to break off during the battle. Their silver sides and distinctive black spots make them beautiful fish to photograph before release.
Brown Trout are the thinking angler's fish in Lake Ontario. These clever predators can grow massive – fish over 20 pounds are caught every season. Browns are most active in cooler water periods, making spring and fall prime time for targeting them. They're known for being finicky eaters, which makes landing one even more satisfying. Brown trout have incredible eyesight and can be line-shy, so your guide uses lighter leaders and more natural presentations when targeting them. Their golden-brown coloration with distinctive red and black spots makes them one of the most beautiful fish swimming in these waters.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario, and they grow to impressive sizes in these cold waters. Fish in the 15 to 25-pound range are common, with larger specimens possible throughout the year. Lakers are most active during cooler months when they move into shallower waters, but they can be caught year-round by fishing deep structures. These fish are known for their dogged, bulldogging fights rather than flashy jumps. Lake trout have excellent table fare, and their consistent presence in Lake Ontario makes them a reliable target species when salmon fishing slows down.
Lake Ontario's fishing seasons are relatively short, and the best dates fill up quickly with repeat customers who know what Ridge Runner SportFishing delivers. This 5-hour format gives you serious fishing time without the fatigue that comes with longer trips. The small group size means you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of rod time. Your guide's local knowledge of Lake Ontario's seasonal patterns, combined with top-notch equipment and proven techniques, sets you up for the kind of fishing success that creates lasting memories. Don't wait until peak season to book – the calendar fills fast when word gets out about hot fishing.
This sturdy 30' Trojan boat is built for serious Lake Ontario fishing action. With room for up to 3 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the waters without feeling cramped. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating salmon and trout schools, while GPS navigation keeps you on the most productive spots. When fog rolls in off the lake, the radar system ensures safe passage back to port. The boat handles Lake Ontario's bigger swells with confidence, letting you focus on your lines instead of worrying about the ride. A clean restroom means longer fishing sessions without cutting the trip short. Whether you're trolling the deep channels or working structure near shore, this well-equipped vessel gives you everything needed for a productive day chasing kings and steelhead on one of the Great Lakes' premier fishing grounds.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, running 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds on average. These silver beauties with their forked tails put up legendary fights with crazy leaping ability that'll test your drag. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can spawn multiple times, which helps their numbers stay stronger. They cruise the deeper, cooler waters during summer months, typically 60-120 feet down where temperatures stay comfortable. Spring and fall are your best shots when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special is that incredible fight - they'll jump clear out of the water and make screaming runs. The meat is top-shelf eating too, with that rich orange-pink color. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work during those jumps, or they'll throw the hook every time.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones in Lake Ontario, typically running 8-24 inches but capable of reaching trophy sizes over 30 inches. These golden-brown fish with black spots are incredibly wary and prefer deeper, cooler waters during summer months, often hugging bottom structure 40-100 feet down. Fall brings the best action when they move shallow to feed aggressively, especially at night. What makes browns special is their intelligence - they're the hardest trout to fool, making every hookup feel earned. They fight with bulldogging power rather than flashy jumps, and the meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's fantastic eating. Spring after ice-out and fall are peak seasons. They love structure like drop-offs, weed edges, and rocky areas. Local secret: browns often feed at night, so if you're willing to fish dawn or dusk, use darker lures that create good silhouettes against the sky.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Ontario, averaging 12-30 inches and packing serious attitude in their 8-12 pound frames. These silver rockets with dark blue-green backs love to jump - we're talking 6 feet straight up when hooked. They hang out in the upper water column during summer, usually 20-80 feet deep near structure and temperature breaks. Spring and fall fishing is prime time when they're feeding heavy on alewives and smelt. What gets anglers fired up is their aerial show - coho will jump repeatedly and fight like fish twice their size. The bright orange meat tastes fantastic too. They prefer overcast days and low-light conditions for feeding. Here's a local trick: when trolling for coho, run your spoons and plugs just above the thermocline where baitfish stack up - that's where these silver bullets are waiting to ambush.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep in Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These grey-green fish with cream colored spots live in the coldest, deepest water year-round - we're talking 80-200 feet down in summer. They're the only native deep-water game fish here, and they can live decades, growing slowly into real monsters. Spring right after ice-out is magic when they come up to 40-60 feet, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What draws anglers is the chance at a true trophy - lakers over 20 pounds aren't uncommon. They fight with heavy, stubborn runs that'll test your gear. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Best fishing happens on overcast days when they're more active. Pro tip: use jigging spoons or soft plastics and work them slowly right on bottom - lakers are ambush predators that won't chase fast-moving baits very far.
Buffalo