Professional Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour charter targeting salmon and trout speciesAll gear and professional guidance included for beginnersAccess to prime Lake Ontario fishing locations guaranteed
Picture this: you're casting lines into the deep, cold waters of Lake Ontario at dawn, with the Toronto skyline fading behind you as we head to where the big fish are biting. This eight-hour charter with Rod Benders Sport Fishing puts you right in the heart of some of North America's best salmon and trout fishing. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're just getting your feet wet, our crew knows exactly where to find the Chinook salmon, steelhead, and lake trout that make this lake legendary. We'll handle the gear, the navigation, and the fish-finding – you just focus on setting the hook and enjoying the fight.
Your day starts early when we meet at the marina, usually around sunrise when the fish are most active. Our boat is rigged with downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to locate schools of salmon and trout in Lake Ontario's vast expanse. The lake can be calm as glass or rolling with swells, but either way, you're in for a productive day. We'll cruise out to depths ranging from 40 to 200 feet, depending on where the fish are holding and what the temperature breaks are showing us. The crew keeps things relaxed but focused – we're here to put fish in the boat, and with a maximum of four anglers, everyone gets plenty of rod time. Safety gear is standard, and if you're new to big-water fishing, we'll walk you through everything from reading the fish finder to proper net technique.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and we've got it down to a science. We run a spread of downriggers loaded with spoons, flasher-and-fly combinations, and diving plugs that mimic the baitfish these predators are hunting. Depending on conditions, we might be fishing anywhere from 15 feet down to 150 feet or more – that's where the downriggers earn their keep. Our rods are heavy-action models designed to handle the weight of the gear and the power of a 20-pound king salmon making its first run. If the fish are shallow, we'll switch to leadcore or copper lines behind planer boards to cover more water. The electronics tell us where the thermocline is, where the bait is stacked up, and where those big fish are cruising. Don't worry if this sounds complicated – we handle all the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can push 30 pounds or more, and when one grabs your spoon in deep water, you'll know it immediately. They're most active from late spring through fall, with peak action usually hitting in July and August when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. The fight is what legends are made of – long, screaming runs followed by bulldogging battles that test your arms and your drag system.
Coho salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but they make up for it with pure athleticism. These silver rockets love to jump, and a hooked coho will often spend more time in the air than in the water. They typically run 8 to 15 pounds and are incredibly aggressive feeders. Cohos are perfect for anglers who want steady action – they're often the most cooperative fish in the lake and provide that non-stop excitement that keeps you coming back.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario, often lurking in 100-plus feet of water near the thermocline. These native fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 20-pounders aren't uncommon. They fight differently than salmon, with a steady, powerful pull that seems to go on forever. Lake trout fishing is productive year-round, making them a reliable target when salmon fishing slows down.
Brown trout are the smart ones – they're notoriously finicky but absolutely gorgeous fish with distinctive spotted flanks and a reputation for being line-shy. When you hook a big brown, often called a "football" for its chunky build, you're in for a technical fight. They don't jump much, but they use their weight and the current to their advantage. Browns are most active in spring and fall, and catching one is always considered a prize.
Rainbow trout, better known as steelhead in these waters, are pure energy on the end of your line. These fish are built for speed and endurance, and they'll use every inch of their athletic ability to shake your hook. Steelhead in Lake Ontario can exceed 15 pounds, and their chrome-bright sides make them one of the most beautiful fish you'll ever land. They're active throughout the season but really turn on during spring and fall migrations.
Lake Ontario delivers world-class salmon and trout fishing just minutes from shore, and this eight-hour charter gives you the best shot at experiencing it all. With professional guides, top-notch equipment, and access to prime fishing locations, you're setting yourself up for a day that'll have you talking for years. The lake's got fish year-round, but the peak season books up fast, especially on weekends. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to big-water fishing or you want to test your skills against some of the Great Lakes' toughest fighters, this charter delivers the goods. Rod Benders Sport Fishing has built their reputation on putting clients on fish, and with only four spots per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of opportunities to bend your rod. Don't wait – reserve your spot and get ready to see why Lake Ontario is considered one of North America's premier salmon and trout fisheries.
Hit the waters of Lake Ontario aboard our pristine 33-foot Tiara Cruiser, fully restored in 2023 for serious salmon and trout fishing. This luxury motorboat seats up to 4 anglers comfortably while twin 350HP engines power you to the hottest fishing spots at a smooth 30 knots. Whether you're chasing Chinook salmon in deep water or working the shoreline for steelhead, you'll fish in complete comfort with onboard air conditioning, a full kitchen, and even a bed for those who need a break between bites. The boat's equipped with professional-grade fish finders and GPS to locate schools, plus radar for those early morning trips when visibility gets tricky. Eight hours gives you plenty of time to target multiple species while our experienced crew handles the technical stuff - you just focus on landing fish. All tackle and safety gear included, perfect for rookies learning the ropes or seasoned anglers wanting to explore new waters without the hassle.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in the lake - they've earned their reputation as wary fighters that test your skills. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 3-10 pounds and 14-26 inches. They love structure like drop-offs, rocky shelves, and temperature breaks, often holding 40-100 feet down during daylight hours. Fall brings the most aggressive feeding as they prepare for spawning. Anglers appreciate their strong, steady fights and excellent table quality - the flesh is firm with a slightly nutty flavor. Browns become more active in low-light conditions, so we focus on dawn and dusk. Key tip: browns often follow lures before striking, so maintain steady speed and don't change direction too quickly.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-25 pounds but reaching 30+ pounds regularly. These bruisers have silver sides with black-spotted backs and prefer deep, cold water - we typically fish 60-150 feet down. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the best bites. What draws anglers back is the raw power - kings make long, deep runs that'll burn line off your reel. The rich, firm meat is restaurant-quality whether grilled, baked, or smoked. Since they hug bottom structure, downriggers with heavy weights are essential. My go-to trick: use a longer leader (8-10 feet) between your weight and lure - gives the bait more natural action in the current.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as we call them, are pure energy when hooked - expect jumps up to 6 feet and blistering runs. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and stretch 18-28 inches, with bright silver sides and dark backs. Cohos cruise the mid-water column, usually 20-80 feet down depending on thermocline and baitfish location. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. Guests love them because they fight harder than their size suggests and the orange-red meat tastes fantastic grilled or smoked. Here's what works: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes - cohos often strike during speed changes when the lure action shifts.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of our fishery, with fish over 20 pounds common and some pushing 40+ pounds. These grey-green char with cream-colored spots live in the coldest, deepest parts of Lake Ontario - we're talking 80-200+ feet down most of the year. Spring right after ice-out and late fall offer the best shallow-water opportunities. What makes lakers special is their size and the challenge of fishing deep water effectively. The light, flaky meat is excellent eating, especially smaller fish under 10 pounds. They prefer low-light conditions and overcast days. Essential technique: use heavy jigs or deep-diving spoons and work them vertically - lakers often strike on the drop, so stay alert for subtle weight changes.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout, also called steelhead when they migrate to open water, are some of the most consistent fighters you'll hook in Lake Ontario. They typically run 2-8 pounds and 12-24 inches, with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. These fish love cooler water around 55-65°F, so we find them in deeper zones during summer and closer to surface in spring and fall. What makes them special is their acrobatic jumps and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat has a mild, clean taste that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when we're trolling spoons or plugs, watch for subtle taps rather than hard strikes - rainbows often mouth the bait first before committing.
Lake Ontario