8-Hour Fishing Trip - Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday salmon and trout fishing on Lake OntarioAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by crewSmall group experience with maximum three guests
Picture yourself on the open waters of Lake Ontario at dawn, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale tug that means a big salmon or trout has taken your bait. This full-day fishing adventure with Ridge Runner SportFishing is exactly what serious anglers and weekend warriors alike have been searching for. We're talking eight solid hours on one of the Great Lakes' most productive fisheries, where Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, brown trout, and lake trout patrol the depths year-round. Our top-rated charter handles groups of up to three anglers, so you can bring your fishing buddies or make it a family outing. We provide all the rods, reels, tackle, and know-how you need – just show up ready to fish and we'll handle the rest.
Your day starts early when we meet at the marina, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. Lake Ontario's massive size means we've got plenty of room to work, and our captain knows exactly where the fish are holding based on water temperature, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. The boat is equipped with all the modern fish-finding electronics, downriggers, and quality tackle you'd expect from a world-class charter operation. We'll be targeting the thermocline and structure where these cold-water species like to hang out, often in 60 to 200 feet of water depending on the season. The beauty of an eight-hour trip is that we're not rushed – if the fish are biting in one spot, we can stay put and fill the cooler. If they're being stubborn, we have time to move around and find where they're feeding. Don't forget to grab your fishing license before we head out, and pack some snacks and drinks since we'll be working up an appetite out there. A 20% tip for the mate is standard practice when they're working hard to keep your lines fishing and nets ready.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and we've got the setup dialed in perfectly. We run multiple downrigger rods at different depths, usually with spoons, plugs, or cut bait depending on what the fish are hitting. The downriggers let us get our lures down to where the trout and salmon are cruising, sometimes 40, 60, even 100 feet down where the water stays cold. We'll also run some dipsy divers and lead core lines to cover more water and different depths at the same time. The key is speed control – these fish can be picky about how fast that lure is moving past them. Our boat is rigged with quality Penn and Shimano reels spooled with fresh line, and we use everything from flasher-fly combinations to big diving plugs that mimic the alewives and smelt these predators feed on. When a fish hits, you'll know it – that downrigger will pop and suddenly you're connected to 10, 15, maybe 20 pounds of angry salmon or trout. The mate will clear the other lines while you fight your fish, and before you know it, we're netting another beauty for the cooler.
Atlantic salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, and when you hook into one of these silver rockets, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country to fish here. These fish average 8 to 15 pounds but can push 20-plus, and they're known for their aerial acrobatics and long, powerful runs. They're most active during the cooler months, especially spring and fall, when they're feeding heavily on baitfish in the upper water column. What makes atlantics so special is their fight – they'll jump, run, and do everything they can to throw that hook.
Coho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are another customer favorite that put up an amazing fight pound-for-pound. These fish typically run 5 to 12 pounds and are absolute dynamite when they hit your lure. Cohos are known for their spectacular jumps and never-give-up attitude. They're most abundant during late summer and early fall, and they have this habit of hitting your lure and immediately going airborne. You'll often see them clear the water multiple times during the fight, shaking their heads and trying to spit that hook.
Brown trout are the opportunists of Lake Ontario, and the big ones – we're talking 8 to 20 pounds – are some of the smartest fish swimming. These golden-sided beauties are notorious for their wariness, but when you connect with a good brown, you're in for a battle. They prefer deeper, cooler water during summer months but will move shallow to feed, especially early and late in the day. Browns are year-round residents, so we target them consistently, and landing a trophy brown is something every angler remembers.
Lake trout are the deep-water giants that can really test your arm strength. These native char can exceed 20 pounds and are built like submarines – long, powerful, and stubborn. Lakers prefer the coldest, deepest water, so we often target them with heavy tackle in 80 to 150 feet of water. They're not jumpers like the salmon, but they'll bulldogg you all the way to the boat with steady, relentless pressure. Lake trout are available year-round, and the biggest ones seem to bite when you least expect it.
An eight-hour charter on Lake Ontario gives you the best shot at experiencing everything this renowned fishery has to offer. You're not just buying a fishing trip – you're investing in a day filled with anticipation, action, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fillets to take home. The combination of multiple target species, proven techniques, and our intimate three-angler capacity means everyone gets plenty of rod time and personalized attention. Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is trending upward thanks to improved stocking programs and habitat
This 30' Trojan is built for serious Lake Ontario fishing adventures. She's equipped with a fish finder to track down those salmon and trout hiding in the depths, plus GPS navigation to keep you on course to the hottest fishing spots. When visibility drops on the big water, the onboard radar keeps you safe while you chase the bite. The boat comfortably handles up to 3 anglers with plenty of room to fight fish and move around the deck. There's even a head onboard for those long 8-hour days on the water. All your tackle and gear is provided - just bring your snacks, drinks, and don't forget that fishing license. The captain knows where the fish are holding, and with this well-equipped boat, you'll have everything needed to land some trophy Lakers and Cohos.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are sleek, powerful fish that average 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds in Lake Ontario. These silver beauties with their forked tails are known for their legendary jumping ability and fierce fights once hooked. Unlike Pacific salmon, atlantics can spawn multiple times, making them incredibly resilient. They prefer cooler water temperatures and will move to different depths throughout the day, often found near thermoclines in 40-80 feet of water during summer months. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're more active and feeding aggressively. What makes them special is their incredible strength - they'll make long runs and leap clear out of the water. The meat is prized for its rich, orange color and amazing taste. One tip I always share: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them run and tire themselves out.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are crafty, hard-fighting fish that really test your skills. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 8-24 inches but can grow much larger in Lake Ontario's rich waters. They're smart fish that prefer cooler water around 54-65°F, often hiding near structure like rocky drop-offs, weed beds, or around piers during the day. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, especially at dawn and dusk. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're not easy to fool, which makes landing one really satisfying. They fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes, plus they taste fantastic with firm, sweet meat. Spring and fall are your best bets, though summer nights can be productive. One tip that works well here: browns often hold in slightly deeper water than other trout during bright conditions, so don't be afraid to fish 30-50 feet down on sunny days.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are absolutely fantastic fighters that'll give you a show with their acrobatic jumps - they can leap 6 feet straight up! These fish typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with their distinctive silver sides and dark blue-green backs. In Lake Ontario, we find them in 20-60 feet of water, often suspended mid-column following baitfish schools. They're most active during spring and fall runs, but summer trolling can be productive too. What guests love about cohos is their aggressive nature and willingness to hit lures hard, plus they make outstanding table fare with bright orange meat. They prefer structure like drop-offs and temperature breaks where forage fish gather. Here's a local trick: when trolling for cohos, use bright colors like chartreuse or pink on overcast days, but switch to more natural patterns when it's sunny.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of our trout family, commonly hitting 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds in Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters. These grey-green giants with cream-colored spots live in the deepest parts of the lake, often 60-150 feet down during summer months. They're slow-growing fish that can live decades, making each one special. Spring right after ice-out and fall are prime times when they move shallower and feed more actively. What guests love is the steady, powerful fight - no crazy jumps, just pure muscle pulling drag. The meat is excellent with a rich, oily texture perfect for smoking. During summer, we target them deep where water stays cold and oxygen-rich. They prefer structure like humps, drop-offs, and basin areas. Pro tip: use a heavy jig with a paddle-tail swimbait and work it slowly near bottom - lakers don't chase fast-moving baits, so patience pays off.
Buffalo