Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Half or full day salmon and trout fishing on Lake OntarioCaptain Bob provides all equipment, tackle, and natural bait includedFlexible scheduling with snacks and beverages available onboard
Captain Bob's Lake Ontario fishing charters put you right where the action happens. This isn't your typical touristy boat ride – we're talking serious fishing for some of the Great Lakes' most prized catches. Whether you're dead set on landing a chrome-bright Chinook or hoping to tangle with a feisty Coho, this trip delivers the goods. You'll get flexible scheduling that works around your plans, top-shelf gear that's tournament-ready, and a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Pack your snacks, bring your camera, and get ready for some real Lake Ontario fishing.
Lake Ontario's fishing scene is something else entirely. Captain Bob runs a tight ship with just two anglers max, so you're not fighting for deck space or waiting your turn at the hot spots. The boat's equipped with everything you need – quality rods and reels that can handle the big boys, proven lures that trigger strikes, and fresh cut bait that drives salmon crazy. You'll launch when the conditions are right, not when some rigid schedule says so. That flexibility makes all the difference when you're chasing fish that move with weather patterns and water temperatures. The captain provides drinks onboard, but feel free to bring your favorites. This is your fishing day, and we want you comfortable while you're working the lines.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling – covering water efficiently to find where the fish are holding. Captain Bob runs proven patterns using downriggers and planer boards to spread your presentation across different depths and distances from the boat. The tackle box is stocked with spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos in colors that produce consistently on these waters. Copper line setups get your lures down to where the big lake trout cruise, while shallow running gear picks off salmon feeding near the surface. Cut bait rigs come into play when the bite gets tough – nothing beats fresh alewife or smelt for triggering reaction strikes from finicky fish. The captain reads the electronics constantly, adjusting depths and speeds based on what the fish finder shows. You'll learn to watch for bait clouds, temperature breaks, and structure that holds fish.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing. These silvery rockets average 8-12 pounds but can push well over 20 when conditions align. Spring and fall offer peak action as Atlantics stage near river mouths and cruise the shoreline breaks. Their acrobatic fights include long runs and spectacular jumps that'll test your drag settings and reflexes. What makes them special is their pure wildness – these fish fight like their lives depend on it, which technically they do.
Coho Salmon bring non-stop action from late spring through early fall. Weighing 5-8 pounds on average, they make up for size with attitude. Cohos are absolute speed demons that'll rip line off your reel before you know what hit. They love structure and temperature breaks, making them perfect targets for trolling presentations. The bright silver sides and dark backs make them gorgeous fish, and they're cooperative enough to keep novice anglers engaged while still challenging experienced fishermen.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweights of the lake, with mature fish pushing 15-25 pounds and occasional monsters exceeding 30. These powerful fish prefer deeper, cooler water and require heavy tackle to land consistently. King salmon fishing peaks in late summer and early fall when they move shallow to stage for their spawning runs. Landing a big Chinook is a team effort between angler and captain – these fish have the strength to snap leaders and straighten hooks if you're not prepared.
Brown Trout are the lake's most challenging species, known for their wariness and fighting ability. They average 3-8 pounds but occasionally reach trophy proportions over 15 pounds. Browns are most active during low-light periods and overcast conditions, making them perfect targets for early morning or late evening trips. Their golden flanks covered in black and red spots make them the most beautiful fish in the lake, and their selective feeding habits make every hookup feel earned.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists that call Lake Ontario's coldest depths home. These native char can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds caught regularly in the lake's deeper basins. Lakers are most active in spring and fall when they move to shallower water, but summer fishing can be excellent for anglers willing to work the thermocline. Their pale green coloration and white-edged fins are distinctive, and they're excellent table fare when properly handled.
Lake Ontario fishing doesn't wait for anyone, and the best days book up fast with Captain Bob's personalized service. You're getting access to decades of local knowledge, professional-grade equipment, and fishing spots that consistently produce results. The flexible scheduling means you can plan around weather windows and your personal schedule – crucial advantages when you're serious about catching fish. Whether you choose half-day or full-day options, you'll maximize your time on productive water with a captain who lives and breathes these fisheries. Don't let another season pass watching other boats come back loaded while you're stuck on shore. Book your Lake Ontario salmon and trout adventure today and experience what real Great Lakes fishing is all about.
Captain Bob's 2025 22-foot Hewescraft is your ticket to productive salmon and trout fishing on Lake Ontario. This 6-passenger motorboat runs on dual Yamaha outboards (115hp and 9.9hp) plus a 3KW electric trolling motor with autopilot for precise boat positioning when the fish are biting. The boat's loaded with serious fishing electronics including GPS, Garmin all-weather radar, and fish finders to locate those trophy salmon hiding in the depths. Safety gear includes VHF/UHF marine radio, automatic bilge pumps, and life jackets for all aboard. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and beverages cold during your half or full day on the water. Captain Bob provides all the tackle, rods, reels, and bait you'll need – just bring yourself and maybe some snacks. Whether you're targeting steelhead near shore or heading out to deeper waters for king salmon, this well-equipped boat handles Lake Ontario's conditions with confidence.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the silver ghosts of Lake Ontario, running 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds when we connect with them. These fish have that classic streamlined build with a forked tail, turning bronze when they're ready to spawn. What makes them special is they're the only salmon that can spawn multiple times, unlike their Pacific cousins. They prefer cooler water and we typically find them in deeper areas during warmer months. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps drop. Guests love their strong runs and aerial displays once hooked. The meat is top-shelf - that orange-pink flesh is worth the effort. My tip: focus on dawn and dusk when they're most active, and don't be afraid to fish deeper structure when the sun's high.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of Lake Ontario, and that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches, but our lake holds some real trophies pushing 30-plus. They're cautious feeders that prefer cooler water around 54-65°F, so they move with the thermocline throughout the season. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawn, and spring offers great shallow water action. What keeps guests coming back is the challenge - browns are educated fish that make you work for every bite. The mild, sweet meat is excellent table fare too. My go-to trick: when the bite slows down, switch to smaller, more natural presentations. These fish have seen it all, so finesse often beats flash with browns.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These bruisers average 12-39 inches but can easily hit 20-30 pounds in our waters. They're light-sensitive fish, so they hang deep during bright days, making them perfect for our downrigger setups. The blue-green backs and silver sides with black spots make them easy to identify, plus they've got that distinctive black mouth. What guests love most is the raw power - kings are bulldogs that test your drag and stamina. The reddish-pink meat is restaurant quality. Early morning and evening are prime time, but we catch them all day in deeper water. Pro tip: since they're sensitive to light, don't be afraid to fish 60-100 feet down during midday - that's where the big ones hide.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure dynamite on Lake Ontario. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and pack 8-12 pounds of muscle, though our Great Lakes strain can push past 30. They've got that classic blue-green back with silver sides and distinctive black spots on the tail. What makes cohos special is their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up, making for some wild fights. We find them cruising mid-depths during summer, moving shallower in spring and fall. The orange-red meat is fantastic eating. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they're actively feeding. Here's a local trick: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes - cohos love that erratic action that mimics wounded baitfish.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of Lake Ontario and the biggest member of the char family. These grey-green fish with cream colored spots regularly hit 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds - true heavyweight battles in deep water. They love the cold, oxygenated depths, so we're usually fishing 80-150 feet down with downriggers during summer. Spring right after ice-out is magic when they move shallow, but summer means going deep where it's cold. What guests enjoy is the steady, powerful fight and the fact that you're targeting a true native species. The meat is excellent when handled right. Here's my trick: jig aggressively for a few seconds, then let it sit motionless - lakers often hit on the pause when the bait looks wounded. Patience pays off with these deep-water heavyweights.
Lake Ontario