8-Hour Fishing Trip - Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day salmon and trout fishing on Lake OntarioAll fishing equipment provided for up to three guestsRidge Runner SportFishing guides the eight-hour adventure
Looking for a serious day of fishing on one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters? This full-day charter on Lake Ontario delivers exactly what salmon and trout anglers dream about. You'll spend eight solid hours working the deep, cold waters where these fish thrive, with all the gear and expertise provided by Ridge Runner SportFishing. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, and you'll be targeting some of the most sought-after species in the region. Fair warning though – once you experience Lake Ontario fishing at this level, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Your day starts early, meeting at the marina when the lake is calm and the fish are most active. The boat is rigged with top-shelf downriggers, planer boards, and all the terminal tackle you'll need to get your offerings down to where the big fish cruise. We're talking about fishing depths anywhere from 50 to 200 feet, depending on water temperature and where the baitfish are holding. The captain reads the electronics constantly, adjusting our spread and depth to stay on the fish. You'll learn to watch for temperature breaks on the fish finder – those thermal layers where salmon and trout stack up like they're waiting in line. The boat accommodates up to three anglers comfortably, so everyone gets plenty of rod time without feeling crowded. Pack your own food and drinks for the day, plus sun protection because the reflection off the water can burn you faster than you think. Don't forget to grab your New York fishing license beforehand – the tackle shop at the marina can hook you up if you need one last minute.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and this crew has it dialed in. We're running a mix of spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos on multiple lines at different depths and distances from the boat. The downriggers keep your baits tracking at exact depths while planer boards spread the lines out wide, covering more water and keeping the offerings away from boat noise. You'll see how small changes in boat speed – even half a mile per hour – can make the difference between steady action and a slow day. The rods are set up with quality reels spooled with lead core or copper line for precise depth control. When a fish hits, the rod tip bounces and the drag starts screaming – Lake Ontario salmon and trout don't mess around when they're hooked. The mate will coach you through the fight, helping you work the fish without putting too much pressure on the line. These fish use the deep water to their advantage, making long runs and trying to wrap you around the downrigger cables. The key is staying patient and letting the drag do its job while keeping steady pressure.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and these fish fight like they've got something to prove. They average 15 to 25 pounds but can push over 30, with broad shoulders and the stamina to make multiple runs. Spring through fall offers the best action, though late summer and early fall tend to produce the biggest fish as they bulk up for spawning. What makes Atlantics special is their acrobatic fighting style – they'll jump, shake their heads, and use every trick in the book to throw the hook. The meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill or smoker.
Coho Salmon bring pure excitement to the boat with their aggressive strikes and aerial displays. These silver bullets typically run 8 to 15 pounds and are famous for their jumping ability when hooked. Cohos are most active from late spring through early fall, often feeding closer to the surface than other salmon species. They'll absolutely hammer spoons and plugs, hitting with enough force to nearly pull the rod out of your hands. The fight is fast and furious – they don't have the endurance of Atlantics, but they make up for it with pure energy and those spectacular jumps that get everyone on the boat excited.
Brown Trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Ontario, known for their wariness and hard-earned reputation as trophy fish. These beauties can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon in these waters. Browns are most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making them a prime target during spring and fall fishing. They're notorious for subtle takes – you might not even realize you have one on until it starts pulling drag. The fight is typically deeper and more bulldogged than salmon, with browns using their weight and the current to their advantage. Their golden flanks spotted with red and black make them one of the most beautiful fish you'll pull from these waters.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, living in the coldest depths of Lake Ontario year-round. These fish can grow massive – 20 to 30-pound lakers aren't unusual, and the lake holds fish pushing 40 pounds. They're typically found in 100 to 200 feet of water, following the thermocline where temperatures stay consistently cold. Lakers have a different fighting style than salmon – they're powerful but methodical, using the deep water to their advantage with long, steady runs. The challenge is getting them up from those depths without the pressure change affecting them too much. Their pale, spotted flanks and forked tail make them easy to identify, and they're considered excellent table fare with firm, white meat.
This isn't your average afternoon fishing trip – it's a full commitment to some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes have to offer. Eight hours gives you the time to work different areas, adjust techniques, and really get into the rhythm of Lake Ontario fishing. The captain and mate work hard to put you on fish, and remember that a 20% tip is standard for the mate who's netting your fish, rigging lines, and keeping the boat running smoothly. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler, chase a personal best, or just experience world-class fishing,
This 30-foot Trojan boat is your ticket to serious Lake Ontario fishing action. Built for the big waters, she's equipped with GPS navigation and radar to keep you safe when the lake gets moody. The fish finder will help you track down those trophy salmon and trout hiding in the depths. With room for three anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the lines without bumping elbows. The onboard toilet means no cutting trips short, so you can stay out there chasing fish all day. Her solid construction handles Lake Ontario's swells like a champ, keeping you steady while you battle those hard-fighting salmon. Whether you're trolling the deep waters or working structure, this boat gets you to where the fish are biting and brings you back safely with your cooler full.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are stunning fish that run 28-30 inches and typically weigh 8-12 pounds. They're built like silver bullets with forked tails and relatively small heads. What makes them special is their ability to survive in both fresh and saltwater - they're one of the few salmon that can spawn multiple times instead of dying after their first run. In Lake Ontario, you'll find them cruising the deeper, cooler waters during summer months, usually 40-80 feet down where temperatures stay comfortable. Spring and fall are your best bets when they move shallower and become more aggressive. Anglers love targeting them because they're absolute acrobats when hooked - expect serious jumps and long runs. The meat is top-shelf too, with that classic orange-pink color and rich flavor. Here's a local trick: when trolling, try running your spoons just above the thermocline where baitfish concentrate. That's where the big ones are feeding.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in the lake, and that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches but can push 30+ inches if you're lucky. They prefer the cooler, clearer water and love hanging around structure - rocky areas, drop-offs, and near-shore ledges where they can ambush baitfish. In Lake Ontario, you'll find them anywhere from 20-100 feet deep depending on season and water temperature. Fall and spring are prime time when they feed aggressively, especially at dawn and dusk. What guests love about browns is their wariness - they'll test your skills and make you work for every fish. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat that's perfect on the grill. These fish can live 12-20 years, so the bigger ones have seen every trick in the book. My advice: when trolling, vary your speed and change directions frequently. Browns follow lures longer than other trout, and that erratic action often triggers the strike.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are pure dynamite on the end of your line. These fish average 12-30 inches and pack serious muscle at 8-12 pounds. They've got that classic dark blue-green back with bright silver sides that'll blind you in the sun. What sets cohos apart is their jumping ability - they can leap six feet straight up and put on an aerial show that'll make your day. In Lake Ontario, look for them suspended in 30-60 feet of water, often near temperature breaks where they're hunting alewives and smelt. Early morning and evening bite best, especially during overcast conditions. Spring through fall fishing is solid, but late summer can be hot when they're bulking up. The fight is why people come back - cohos are scrappy and never give up easy. Their orange-red meat is table fare too. Pro tip: when they're finicky, downsize your tackle and slow your troll speed. Sometimes finesse beats flash.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep - the largest char species swimming in these waters. These grey-green bruisers with cream-colored spots regularly hit 15-40 pounds and stretch 24-36 inches, with some monsters pushing much bigger. They're built for the cold, deep water and spend most of their time suspended in 60-150 feet, right in the middle of the lake basin. Summer finds them deep where it's cold and oxygen-rich, but spring after ice-out brings them up shallow for easier targeting. Lakers are slow-growing fish that can live decades, making the big ones true trophies. What draws anglers is their raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging strength that'll test your drag system. The meat is excellent too, especially from the deep, cold water. Jigging is your best bet since they're usually deep. Here's what works: drop a jigging spoon or soft plastic down to where your electronics show fish, then work it with sharp snaps followed by long pauses. They often hit on the drop.
Buffalo