Morning Fishing Charter For Salmon And Trout
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow and Lake TroutSpacious charter accommodates groups with indoor and outdoor fishing areasAll equipment provided with crew assistance for every skill level
Picture this: the sun's just breaking over Lake Ontario, the water's calm, and you're about to drop lines for some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish. Our morning charter with Salmon Express puts you right in the heart of world-class salmon and trout fishing, where Chinook salmon can tip the scales at 30+ pounds and rainbow trout fight like they've got something to prove. This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's a full-service experience designed for anglers who want to fish hard and fish smart. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of big-water fishing or organizing a group outing that'll have everyone talking for months, this charter delivers the kind of fishing that keeps people coming back season after season.
The Salmon Express is built for serious fishing, with enough room for up to 6 anglers to spread out and work the water properly. The boat's layout gives everyone a fair shot at the action – no one's stuck in a corner watching others have all the fun. The flybridge offers a great vantage point for spotting birds and bait, while the cockpit provides plenty of elbow room for fighting fish. When the weather turns, there's comfortable indoor space so you can keep fishing without getting soaked. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, reading conditions and adjusting tactics throughout the morning to keep you on fish. They'll handle the technical stuff – setting riggers, adjusting depths, switching lures – while you focus on what matters: hooking up and bringing fish to the net. The charter runs as a true full-service operation, meaning all tackle is provided and the crew works as your fishing partners, not just boat drivers.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and presenting lures at the right depth where fish are feeding. The crew runs a sophisticated trolling setup with downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to spread baits across different zones of the water column. Spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and body baits all have their place depending on conditions and what the fish are telling you. The key is staying mobile and adapting – maybe the salmon are holding deep over 200 feet of water in the morning thermal layer, or perhaps the trout are chasing bait balls closer to the surface. The crew monitors water temperature, marks fish on electronics, and watches for diving birds that signal feeding activity. When you hook up, they'll clear other lines quickly so you can fight your fish without tangles. The boat carries quality rods and reels suited for everything from scrappy coho to bulldogging lake trout, plus a good selection of proven lures that produce consistently in these waters.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These Pacific transplants have adapted beautifully to the Great Lakes, growing fat on alewives and smelt. Mature kings commonly reach 20-25 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 30+ pounds. They're most active during the cooler morning hours and tend to hold in deeper water during summer months, often 80-150 feet down. When a king hits, you know it – the rod loads up heavy and the fish makes long, powerful runs that test your drag and your patience. What makes them special is their combination of size and fight; they're not just big, they're smart and stubborn.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the boat. These silver bullets are built for speed and acrobatics, often launching themselves completely out of the water when hooked. They typically run 8-15 pounds and prefer slightly shallower water than their chinook cousins. Coho are aggressive feeders and will often hit lures with authority, making them a favorite for anglers who like action over their coffee. They school up more than kings, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area.
Rainbow trout in Lake Ontario are something special – these aren't your typical stream rainbows. Lake-run steelhead grow fat and strong in the big water, often reaching 8-12 pounds with some specimens pushing 15+. They're incredibly athletic fish, known for long runs and aerial displays that rival any coho. Rainbows can be found at various depths depending on season and water temperature, making them a consistent target throughout the fishing season. Their chrome-bright sides and pink stripe make them one of the most beautiful fish swimming in the lake.
Brown trout are the thinking angler's fish – they're notoriously cautious and often require more finesse to fool. But when you hook into a good brown, especially one of those deep-bodied lake residents in the 10-15 pound range, you're in for a memorable fight. Browns often feed more actively during low-light periods, making them perfect targets for morning charters. They have a tendency to stay deep and fight with bulldogging power rather than flashy jumps.
Lake trout round out the slam and offer their own unique appeal. These native char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – 15-20 pound lakers aren't uncommon, and true giants over 25 pounds still swim these depths. They're bottom-oriented fish, usually found in the deepest, coldest water available. Lakers fight with steady, determined pressure rather than flashy runs, but their size and stamina make them a worthy opponent. Plus, they're excellent eating when properly prepared.
Morning charters consistently outproduce afternoon trips on Lake Ontario, and there's solid science behind it. Fish are more active in cooler water temperatures, there's less boat traffic to spook them, and the crew can position you over the most productive water while conditions are prime. This charter combines proven tactics, quality equipment, and intimate knowledge of local waters into a fishing experience that delivers results. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to big-water fishing, plan a memorable group outing, or simply want to test
Our 42-foot Luhrs tournament fishing machine is built for serious Lake Ontario salmon and trout action. This spacious charter boat gives your crew of up to 6 plenty of room to spread out whether you're battling Chinook salmon from the cockpit or watching the action from the flybridge. When the fish aren't biting, relax inside with TV entertainment, grab cold drinks from the fridge, or use the full kitchen and clean washroom. The boat's loaded with professional fishing gear including GPS, radar for those foggy mornings, VHF radio, and fish finders to locate schools of salmon and trout in the deep waters. Perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to big lake fishing or groups of friends chasing that trophy catch. All fishing equipment provided.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish we target - they average 3-10 pounds but grow much larger in Ontario's deep waters. You'll find them near structure like rocky points and drop-offs, often in 40-100 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning, but spring can be excellent too. Browns are known for their wariness and strong fights once hooked. The golden-brown color with black spots makes them distinctive, and they're fantastic eating with firm, flavorful meat. These fish prefer cooler water temps around 55-65°F. Here's something most anglers miss: browns often feed at night, so early morning and late evening trips near shore structure can be very productive when others are targeting open water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-25 pounds with some pushing 30+. These are the fish that bend rods and test equipment. They stick to deeper water, usually 80-150 feet down, and prefer low-light conditions - dawn and dusk fishing produces best results. Summer and early fall are peak season when they're feeding heavily on alewives. What makes them special is the sheer power - long, steady runs that can strip line fast. The reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. Since kings are light-sensitive and stay deep, we use downriggers with flashers and spoons. Local tip: when you hook one, don't horse it - let the fish run and tire itself out, especially early in the fight.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers," average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ in Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters. They're acrobatic fighters - expect multiple jumps and hard runs that'll test your drag. We target them in 60-120 feet of water around thermoclines where baitfish concentrate. Late spring through early fall produces the best action, especially during overcast conditions. Guests love the fight and the bright orange meat that makes fantastic table fare. Their dark blue-green backs with silver sides and spotted tails make them beautiful fish to land. Here's a local trick: when coho are finicky, try running your spoons just above the temperature break rather than right in it. They often suspend a bit higher than you'd think.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of the deep, averaging 15-25 pounds with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly in Lake Ontario's coldest depths. These are true cold-water fish that stay deep most of the year - we're talking 100-200+ feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out and late fall are best when they move shallower. Lakers are powerful fighters with long, steady runs rather than jumps. The grey-green color with cream spots and massive size make them impressive catches. The light, flaky meat is excellent when prepared right. Since they live so deep, jigging is often most effective - heavy spoons and jigs that get down fast. Pro tip: lakers often follow structure like underwater humps and drop-offs, so watch your electronics closely.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 2-8 pounds in Lake Ontario, with that signature pink stripe making them easy to spot in the net. You'll find them in the cooler waters, usually 40-80 feet down during summer months. They love structure like drop-offs and temperature breaks. Spring and fall are prime time when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. These fish are scrappy fighters - they'll jump and make solid runs that get everyone excited. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, clean taste. Pro tip: when trolling spoons or plugs, vary your speed every few minutes. Rainbows often hit right after a speed change when the lure darts or falls differently in the water column.
St. Catharines, ON