6-Hour Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour Lake Ontario charter targets salmon and trout speciesRidge Runner SportFishing accommodates up to three guests maximumProfessional mates assist anglers of all experience levels
If you're serious about hooking into some of the Great Lakes' most prized game fish, this Lake Ontario charter with Ridge Runner SportFishing is exactly what you've been looking for. Six solid hours on one of North America's premier salmon and trout fisheries, with professional crew who know these waters like the back of their hand. We're talking about a lake that's home to world-class Atlantic and Coho salmon runs, plus monster brown and lake trout that'll test your drag system to the limit. This isn't some crowded party boat situation either – we keep it intimate with just 3 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention from the crew.
Lake Ontario fishing is a different beast compared to smaller inland waters, and that's what makes it so addictive for serious anglers. You'll be working deep, cold water where these fish have room to grow massive and fight like freight trains. The crew knows exactly where to find the thermoclines and structure that hold fish, whether we're targeting salmon staging for their spawning runs or hunting down suspended trout in the water column. Expect to cover some serious water during your six hours – this isn't anchor fishing, we're constantly moving and adjusting based on what the fish finder is showing us and how the bite develops throughout the day. The beauty of Lake Ontario is that it fishes well from spring through fall, with different species peaking at different times, so there's always something worth chasing out there.
We run a serious trolling operation here, using downriggers and planer boards to spread lines at multiple depths and cover maximum water. The crew handles all the technical stuff – setting depths, monitoring speed, and watching the electronics – while you focus on fighting fish when they hit. We're typically pulling spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that have proven themselves on these waters year after year. Don't worry if you've never fished with downriggers before; the mates will walk you through everything and handle the gear adjustments. When a rod starts bouncing, they'll clear the other lines so you can fight your fish without tangles. The 20% tip mentioned isn't just customary – these guys work hard to put you on fish and net your catches, plus they're constantly rigging fresh tackle and fine-tuning the spread based on conditions.
Atlantic salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, and for good reason. These fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their aerial displays and long, screaming runs that'll have your reel singing. They typically run 8 to 15 pounds, but don't let that fool you – pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. Best action usually happens from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily in the open lake before staging near river mouths. What makes them special is their acrobatic fighting style; expect multiple jumps and direction changes that'll keep you on your toes the entire fight.
Coho salmon bring their own brand of excitement to Lake Ontario, with smaller average size but incredible energy and aggression. These silver bullets typically range from 3 to 8 pounds and are famous for going absolutely ballistic when hooked. They'll jump, run, and throw themselves around like fish twice their size. Cohos are also more likely to hit surface presentations, which can make for some explosive topwater action when conditions are right. They're perfect for anglers who want consistent action and rod-bending fights without necessarily needing trophy-sized fish.
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are the stuff of legends among Great Lakes anglers. These fish can live for years in the lake's fertile waters, growing into true monsters that push 10, 15, even 20 pounds or more. Unlike their smaller stream cousins, lake-run browns are thick, powerful fish with incredible stamina. They're also notoriously finicky and tend to be most active during low-light periods, making early morning and evening bites particularly productive. When you hook into a big brown, prepare for a methodical, powerful fight that tests both your tackle and your patience.
Lake trout are the true giants of Lake Ontario's depths, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly and even larger specimens swimming in the lake's coldest, deepest areas. These prehistoric-looking fish prefer the coldest water available and are typically found at significant depths, making them a favorite target for serious trophy hunters. Their fighting style is more about raw power than speed – once hooked, they use their bulk and the deep water to their advantage, making long, determined runs toward the bottom. Landing a trophy lake trout is a bucket-list experience for many anglers, and Lake Ontario consistently produces some of the best opportunities in the Great Lakes system.
Six hours with Ridge Runner SportFishing gives you a real shot at experiencing what makes Lake Ontario one of North America's top-rated salmon and trout destinations. The small group size means you're not fighting for rod time or waiting in line for photo opportunities, and the experienced crew knows how to adapt throughout the day to keep you connected with fish. Whether you're a seasoned Great Lakes angler or someone looking to step up from smaller waters, this charter offers the perfect blend of professional guidance and hands-on fishing action. The lake's diverse fishery means you never know what might grab your line next – could be a chrome-bright Coho, a tackle-testing brown trout, or that trophy Atlantic salmon you've been dreaming about. Book your dates early, especially during peak season, because word gets around fast when the bite is hot and spots fill up quick.
This 30' Trojan motorboat is your floating fishing headquarters on Lake Ontario's productive waters. Built for serious anglers, she's equipped with GPS navigation to hit those honey holes and radar for when the lake gets moody. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of salmon and trout lurking in the depths. With room for 3 guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room while working the lines. The boat features a toilet for those long fishing sessions when the bite is hot and nobody wants to head back to shore. Her sturdy design handles Lake Ontario's changing conditions with ease, keeping you comfortable while you focus on landing that trophy catch. The spacious deck gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, and there's storage for all your tackle and the day's haul.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are sleek, silver fish that average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds here in Lake Ontario. They're built for speed with that forked tail and streamlined body. What makes them special is they're anadromous - moving between fresh and salt water throughout their lives. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can spawn multiple times, which makes them pretty unique. They love cooler water temps and tend to cruise the deeper sections of the lake, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring and fall are your best bets when they're actively feeding. Anglers love targeting them because they put up a serious fight once hooked - lots of runs and jumps. The meat is top-shelf too, with that rich orange color. Here's a tip: focus on areas where the thermocline meets structure. These fish are temperature sensitive, so finding that sweet spot around 50-60 degree water is key to success.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are crafty fish that'll test your skills. They typically run 8-24 inches in Lake Ontario, with that beautiful golden-brown coloring and black spots scattered across their backs and sides. These fish are smart - they like cover around structure, drop-offs, and areas with good current. You'll often find them in 20-80 feet of water, especially near rocky areas and weed lines. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though they bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're harder to fool than other trout, which makes landing one more rewarding. The meat is mild and firm, perfect for the table. They prefer cooler water temps between 54-65 degrees. My go-to advice: fish them low and slow in the water column. Browns often hug the bottom, so get your lures down deep and work them methodically around structure.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are absolute rockets when hooked. These fish average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but can get much bigger in the Great Lakes. They've got that classic silver body with a dark blue-green back and black spots on the tail. What makes cohos special is their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up, which makes for some wild fights. You'll find them suspended in mid-water, usually following baitfish schools around structure and temperature breaks. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes fantastic. Cohos are aggressive feeders, so they'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies pretty readily. Here's something I always tell clients: watch your drag when fighting these fish. They make long, powerful runs and those acrobatic jumps can easily snap your line if your drag is too tight.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the char family and Lake Ontario holds some real monsters. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings regularly hit 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. They're cold-water specialists that spend most of their time in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake - often 60-200 feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out is when they move shallow and become more accessible. What draws anglers to lakers is their size potential and the challenge of fishing deep water. They're excellent table fare with firm, flaky white meat. These fish are slow-growing and can live decades, so big ones are truly special catches. Overcast days and low-light conditions are best since they avoid bright sunlight. Here's a key tip: vertical jigging with heavy spoons or paddle-tail swimbaits works best. Drop straight down to the bottom, then work 5-10 feet up. Lakers often hit on the drop, so stay alert.
Buffalo