5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Salmon & Trout Action on Lake Ontario
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour guided salmon and trout fishing on Lake OntarioCaptain Bob provides all rods, reels, tackle, and expertiseTarget Chinook, Coho, and Lake Trout with trolling techniques
When you've got a few hours to kill and need some serious fish action, Captain Bob's half-day charter on Lake Ontario delivers exactly what you're looking for. This isn't some leisurely cruise around the lake – it's four hours of focused fishing where you'll be working the prime spots for salmon and trout. Lake Ontario's got a reputation for producing some monster fish, and this trip puts you right in the thick of it without eating up your entire day. Perfect for when you want to scratch that fishing itch but still have time for other plans.
You'll meet Captain Bob at the dock with nothing but your fishing license and maybe a cooler for your catch – he's got everything else covered. The boat's rigged and ready with downriggers, planer boards, and all the tackle you'll need to target the big salmonids cruising these waters. This is prime trolling territory, and Bob knows exactly where to find the thermoclines and structure that hold fish. You'll be working depths anywhere from 20 to 120 feet, depending on what the fish finder shows and where the temperature breaks are sitting. The shoreline views are just a bonus when you're focused on watching those rod tips for that telltale bounce that means fish on.
This is all about trolling spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos at the right speeds and depths. Captain Bob runs a tight ship with downriggers on both sides and planer boards to spread the spread wide. You'll be pulling everything from Michigan Stingers to Spin Doctors with peanut flies, depending on what the fish are hitting. The key on Lake Ontario is staying mobile and adjusting depths constantly – these fish move with the bait, and the thermocline can shift throughout the day. Bob's got decades of experience reading the electronics and knows when to make those crucial moves that separate a good day from a great one. The rods are all set up with quality reels and heavy enough tackle to handle whatever decides to grab your offering.
Chinook Salmon are the absolute kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These Pacific salmon can push 30 pounds or more, and when one hits your line, you'll know it immediately. They make blistering runs and jump like tarpon, testing every knot and connection on your setup. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish typically showing up in deeper water during summer months. What makes hooking a King so special here is the sheer power – Lake Ontario's cold, clean water keeps these fish in prime fighting condition, and they'll use every ounce of that strength trying to throw your hooks.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. These silver bullets average 8-12 pounds and are absolute acrobats when hooked. They love the same general areas as Kings but often cruise in slightly shallower water, making them perfect targets for this type of charter. Cohos are also more likely to travel in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Their aggressive nature makes them excellent targets for both seasoned anglers and newcomers looking for consistent action.
Lake Trout are the lake's native predators and offer a completely different fishing experience. These deep-water specialists can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 15-20 pounders aren't uncommon, with some true giants lurking in the depths. Lakers are typically found in the coldest, deepest water, often hugging bottom structure. They don't jump like salmon, but their deep, powerful runs will test your drag system. What's really cool about Lake Trout is that you're targeting a fish that's been in these waters for thousands of years, making each catch feel like a connection to the lake's natural history.
Rainbow Trout in Lake Ontario are incredible fighters that combine the best qualities of both salmon and trout fishing. These steelhead-run rainbows spend most of their time in the lake's open water, feeding on alewives and smelt. They average 5-10 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, with spectacular jumps and long runs. Spring and fall are prime times, but Lake Ontario's resident population means you've got shots at them throughout the season. When a rainbow grabs your spoon in 60 feet of water and immediately goes airborne, you'll understand why these fish have such a devoted following.
Brown Trout are perhaps the most challenging and rewarding target species on this trip. These European imports have adapted perfectly to Lake Ontario's ecosystem and grown into legitimate trophy fish. Browns are notorious for their wariness and intelligence, often following lures for long distances before deciding to strike. When they do commit, it's usually a savage hit followed by dogged, bulldogging runs. The bigger browns tend to be loners and can show up anywhere from shallow water early in the season to deeper structures during summer. Landing a solid Lake Ontario brown trout is considered a badge of honor among local anglers.
Captain Bob's half-day trips are perfect for anyone wanting to experience world-class Great Lakes fishing without the full-day commitment. Whether you're visiting the area and want to sample what Lake Ontario has to offer, or you're a local angler looking to learn new spots and techniques, this charter delivers serious value. The 2-person capacity means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time. Remember to bring cash or arrange PayPal payment for the dock, and don't forget your fishing license. Book early, especially during peak salmon season – word gets around fast when the fish are biting, and these shorter trips fill up quick among anglers who know good fishing when they see it.
Meet your fishing platform for chasing Lake Ontario's salmon and trout – a brand new 2025 22-foot Hewescraft built for serious angling. This motorboat handles the big water with dual Yamaha outboards (115hp main and 9.9hp kicker) plus a 3KW electric trolling motor with autopilot for precise boat control while working your lines. Captain Bob's setup includes everything you need to locate and land fish: Garmin radar for navigation in any weather, GPS to mark hot spots, fish finder to locate schools, and VHF radio for safety. The boat carries up to 6 passengers with all required life jackets, dual bilge pumps, and day/night fishing lights. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh. Perfect for targeting Chinook salmon, Coho, and Lake Trout without burning a full day. All rods, reels, and tackle provided – just bring yourself and get ready to fish Ontario's premier salmon waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the crafty veterans of Lake Ontario, typically running 12-20 inches and 2-6 pounds. These golden-brown fish with dark spots are notorious for being cautious and preferring structure like drop-offs, weed beds, and rocky areas. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter, though early morning and evening produce year-round. What makes them special? They're smart fighters that use cover to their advantage, making every hookup a chess match. The firm, flaky meat has excellent flavor - some say it's the best-tasting trout. We often troll near structure or drift with live bait. Here's something most don't know: browns often feed at night, so low-light conditions are your friend. Use natural colors and be ready for subtle takes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights here - averaging 15-20 pounds but capable of hitting 30-plus. These bruisers have dark backs with black spots and prefer the deepest, coldest water Lake Ontario offers. Early morning and evening are best since they're light-sensitive and stay deep during bright days. What makes them worth targeting? Pure power. A big king will test your tackle and stamina like no other freshwater fish. The rich, salmon-colored meat is outstanding grilled or smoked. We fish them deep with downriggers, usually 40-100 feet down depending on the thermocline. Local trick: use a dodger or flasher ahead of your spoon - the vibration and flash draws them in from a distance. Keep your drag smooth; these fish make long, powerful runs.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are absolute rockets - most run 12-24 inches and 8-12 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. These chrome-sided beauties prefer cooler water and cruise the thermocline chasing baitfish. Late spring through early fall is peak season when they're actively feeding in Lake Ontario's mid-depths. What gets anglers hooked? Cohos are famous for their aerial shows - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times per fight. Plus, that bright orange meat makes for fantastic table fare. We typically troll with bright spoons and plugs, but here's a local secret: when they're finicky, downsize your lure and slow your trolling speed. These fish can be line-shy, so lighter tackle often produces more strikes.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the deep - commonly 24-36 inches and 15-25 pounds in Lake Ontario's cold depths. These grey-green fish with cream markings live in the deepest water, often 60-150 feet down where it stays cold year-round. Spring right after ice-out and fall are peak times when they move shallower. What draws anglers? Size and strength - a big laker is like wrestling a submarine. The firm, oily meat is perfect for smoking. We fish them deep with heavy jigs and downriggers, looking for suspended fish on the sonar. Key tip: work your jig slowly with long lifts and drops. Lakers often follow the lure up before striking, so don't be surprised if you hook one halfway to the surface. Patience pays off with these deep-water bruisers.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese beauties run 12-24 inches and usually weigh 2-8 pounds, with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. Rainbows love clean, cool water around 55-65°F, so you'll find them in Lake Ontario's deeper zones during summer heat. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallower to feed. What makes them special? They're scrappy fighters that jump and run hard once hooked. The meat is excellent eating too - mild and flaky. Here in Ontario, these fish often follow baitfish schools, so we troll with spoons and plugs at varying depths. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let your drag do the work - they'll tire themselves out with those acrobatic jumps.
5.0 out of 5.0Brian Coughlin, Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Lake Ontario