Extended Half Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Six-hour charter targeting trophy salmon and trout on Lake OntarioCaptain Bob guides small groups using varied trolling techniquesIntimate two-person capacity ensures personalized fishing experience
Six hours on Lake Ontario with Captain Bob gives you the sweet spot – enough time to really dial in on the fish without burning your whole weekend. This extended half-day charter targets the big five: rainbow trout, coho salmon, chinook salmon, brown trout, and lake trout. We're talking about world-class fishing in one of the Great Lakes' most productive waters, where 20-pound kings and chrome-bright steelhead make regular appearances. The boat holds just two anglers, so you're getting personalized attention and prime rod time. Payment's cash or PayPal only when we meet at the dock – keeps things simple.
Captain Bob knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving around to find active fish. We'll start early when the bite's hottest, usually around dawn when the salmon are pushing baitfish against the thermocline. The six-hour window lets us cover serious ground – from the nearshore structure where browns hang out to the deeper basins where lake trout cruise. Expect to see downtown skylines fade into the distance as we chase temperature breaks and bird activity. The lake changes personality throughout the day, and Bob reads it like a fishing report. Some mornings start glassy calm, perfect for spotting jumping cohos, while others have that light chop that breaks up your silhouette and keeps the fish less spooky. Bring layers because it's always cooler on the water, and don't forget sunglasses – the glare off Lake Ontario will have you squinting without them.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Most of the time, we're trolling with downriggers, running spoons and plugs at precise depths where the fish are holding. Bob's got the electronics to mark schools and track the thermocline, so we're not just dragging baits randomly. When the lake trout are cooperative, we'll drop lines deep with heavy jigs or flutter spoons – sometimes in 100-plus feet of water. The gear's all top-rated stuff: sturdy rods that can handle a screaming chinook, reels with smooth drags, and terminal tackle that won't let you down when a fish of a lifetime hits. Bob provides everything, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite rod, bring it along. The boat's rigged for comfort with rod holders, a fish box, and all the safety gear. We use planer boards when the fish are scattered, letting us cover more water and keep lines away from boat noise. GPS and fish finders help us return to productive spots, and Bob marks waypoints when we find concentrations of bait or active fish.
Rainbow trout in Lake Ontario are absolute rockets – these steelhead average 8-12 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures hit their sweet spot, typically found in 40-80 feet of water chasing alewives. What makes them special here is their chrome-bright coloration and acrobatic fights. When a fresh steelhead hits your spoon, expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. Coho salmon, or silver salmon, run smaller but pound-for-pound might be the scrappiest fish in the lake. These 6-10 pounders love the upper water column and are suckers for bright spoons and flashy presentations. They're most cooperative from late summer through fall, often feeding aggressively before spawning runs. Chinook salmon are the true kings here, with mature fish pushing 20-30 pounds and occasional monsters exceeding 35. These bruisers prefer deeper, cooler water and have the power to take out hundreds of yards of line on their initial run. Brown trout are the lake's most finicky residents but also among the most rewarding to catch. These golden-sided beauties average 10-15 pounds and are notorious for following lures without committing. They're most active during low-light periods and prefer areas with structure or current breaks. Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, living in the lake's coldest depths year-round. These prehistoric-looking fish can live decades and reach impressive sizes, with 15-20 pounders being common and larger specimens always possible.
This six-hour charter hits the perfect balance between serious fishing time and manageable commitment. Captain Bob's been putting anglers on fish for years, and his local knowledge of Lake Ontario's seasonal patterns gives you a real edge. The two-person capacity means you're not fighting for rod time or dealing with crowded rails – it's your trip, your pace. Whether you're targeting a specific species or just want to see what Lake Ontario serves up, this extended half-day format delivers. The combination of multiple techniques, prime fishing hours, and Bob's expertise makes this a customer favorite among both locals and visiting anglers. Book early, especially during peak salmon runs in late summer and fall when the fishing is red-hot. Remember to bring cash or have PayPal ready for streamlined payment at the dock, and get ready for some of the best freshwater fishing the Great Lakes have to offer.
Captain Bob's 2025 22-foot Hewescraft is built for serious salmon and trout fishing on Lake Ontario's big water. This solid fishing platform handles 6 anglers comfortably with dual Yamaha motors - a reliable 115hp main engine plus a 9.9hp kicker for precise trolling speeds when working the thermocline. The 3KW electric autopilot trolling motor keeps you locked on productive structure while you focus on your lines. The boat's loaded with everything you need for a successful day chasing kings, cohos, and lake trout. Garmin radar cuts through morning fog and weather, while the GPS keeps you on the fish. The VHF radio ensures safe communication, and dual bilge pumps handle Lake Ontario's occasionally rough conditions. Fish finder technology helps locate baitfish and mark bottom structure where the big ones hold. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. Safety gear including life jackets comes standard, plus navigation lights for early morning departures when the fishing's hot. This Hewescraft's designed to get you to the productive waters where Lake Ontario's trophy salmon and trout cruise, whether you're trolling spoons in the deep or working the nearshore breaks.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Lake Ontario - golden-brown with black spots and that distinctive orange adipose fin. They typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, but the big ones can hit 15+ pounds and live over a decade. These fish are incredibly wary and prefer structure like rocky drop-offs, points, and deeper water during daylight. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning. What makes browns special is their wariness - they'll inspect your presentation and often require finesse. The firm, flaky meat is outstanding table fare. They fight smart, using current and structure to their advantage. Spring and fall produce the best action when water temps hit that 55-65 degree sweet spot. My local secret: fish them at night or in low light near shore structure. Big browns hunt shallow after dark, and a well-placed lure can connect with a true trophy.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - these bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30+ pounds. They're built like submarines with that blue-green back, silver sides, and black spots covering the head and fins. What sets them apart is their deep-water preference, typically holding 80-150 feet down where it stays cold. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the best results. Kings are methodical fighters - they won't jump like cohos, but they'll make long, powerful runs that can empty your reel. The reddish-pink meat is restaurant quality. Guests love the challenge and the trophy potential. Spring through early summer offers prime fishing. My go-to tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure. When a big king decides to sound, let it run but keep that drag singing - forcing the fight usually ends with a lost fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds, though Lake Ontario produces some real beauties pushing 20+ pounds. These fish are pure acrobats - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and make blistering runs that test your drag. We target them in 60-120 feet of water, often suspended mid-column chasing baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. Cohos have that bright silver body with dark spots on the back and tail. The orange-red meat is top-notch eating. What guests love most is their fighting spirit - they never give up easy. Here's a local trick: when you see birds working baitfish, get your lines in that zone fast. Cohos follow the food, and when they're feeding aggressively, you can load the boat.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, averaging 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. These char have gray-green bodies with cream-colored markings and live in the lake's coldest, deepest zones - often 100-200 feet down in summer. They're slow-growing fish that can live decades, making each one special. Spring right after ice-out and fall turnover offer the best shots when they move shallower. Lakers are steady, powerful fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. The firm, oily meat is excellent smoked or grilled. What guests enjoy is the deep-water challenge and trophy potential - these are true predators. Overcast days produce better fishing since they avoid bright light. My key tip: use heavy jigs and work them slowly near bottom. Lakers are opportunistic and will hit a wounded baitfish presentation, but patience is critical in deep water.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds, with that distinctive pink stripe and silver body that catches light beautifully. They're strong fighters that'll jump and make runs, keeping your line tight. In Lake Ontario, we find them in cooler water depths, usually 40-80 feet during summer months. They prefer clean, well-oxygenated areas and move up shallow in spring and fall. Best fishing happens in overcast conditions or early morning when they're actively feeding. What makes rainbows special is their unpredictable nature - they can hit hard one minute and be finicky the next. The meat is excellent eating with that pink flesh. My local tip: when trolling spoons, vary your speed every few minutes. These fish get curious about erratic movement and often strike right after a speed change.
Lake Ontario