6-Hour Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Sixhour charter targets salmon and steelhead on Lake OntarioExpert guidance provided for groups up to twelve passengersMorning and afternoon sessions available with optional BBQ package
Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters hold some of the Great Lakes' finest salmon and trout fishing, and this 6-hour charter puts you right in the heart of the action. Whether you're rolling out of bed for our morning trip or prefer an afternoon launch, you'll spend quality time targeting the lake's legendary Chinook and Coho salmon, plus hard-fighting Steelhead and Atlantic salmon when they're running strong. With room for up to 6 anglers, this isn't some crowded cattle boat experience – it's your chance to fish with a crew that knows these waters inside and out.
Your captain has been working Lake Ontario's productive zones for years, reading the temperature breaks and tracking baitfish movements that bring the big salmon up from the depths. We'll set lines at first light or catch the afternoon bite when the fish get active again. The boat's rigged with quality downriggers and planer boards, so everyone gets their shot at hooking up. Morning trips often start calm with that glassy water look, while afternoon sessions can bring a bit more breeze – both have their advantages when you're hunting salmon. You'll cover serious water during these 6 hours, hitting the spots that have been producing and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Pack layers since it can get cool out there, especially early in the season, and bring sunglasses because the glare off Ontario can be brutal on bright days.
Lake Ontario salmon fishing is all about trolling with precision. We run a spread of downriggers to get spoons and flasher-fly combos down to where the fish are holding – sometimes that's 40 feet, other times we're fishing 120 feet down in the thermocline. Planer boards let us cover more water and get lines away from the boat's wake, which makes a huge difference when these fish get finicky. The captain handles all the technical stuff – setting depths, adjusting speeds, and reading the fish finder – while you focus on fighting fish. When a rod doubles over and that drag starts screaming, you'll know you're connected to something special. These salmon don't give up easy, and a big Chinook will test your arms and your patience. The boat carries all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle you need, plus a landing net big enough to handle whatever comes up from the deep.
Chinook salmon are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These Pacific transplants have thrived in Lake Ontario's environment, growing fat on alewives and smelt. A typical King salmon runs 15-25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30-pounder that'll give you the fight of your life. They're strongest in late spring through early fall, with July and August being prime time. Coho salmon are smaller but pound-for-pound some of the best fighters in freshwater – they jump, they run, and they never quit. Expect fish in the 8-15 pound range that'll put on an acrobatic show. Steelhead trout are the lake's year-round residents, silver bullets that hit hard and fight dirty. These chrome-sided beauties average 6-12 pounds but feel twice that size when they're peeling line off your reel. Atlantic salmon are the wild card – when conditions are right and they're in the area, you might connect with one of these rare fighters that the lake is still trying to establish.
This 6-hour Lake Ontario charter gives you the time and expertise to experience some of the Great Lakes' best salmon and trout action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some impressive fish to your logbook or a group wanting to share the excitement of battling these powerful fish, this trip delivers the goods. The boat's equipped, the captain knows where to find fish, and all you need to bring is your fishing license and the desire to hook up with some serious Lake Ontario salmon. Morning or afternoon – both sessions produce fish, so pick what works for your schedule and get ready for some memorable fishing. These spots fill up during peak season, especially weekends, so don't wait too long to secure your date on the water.
This beautifully restored 1989 Luhrs 42-footer is your ticket to prime Lake Ontario fishing grounds. Twin 350HP Crusader engines get you out to the salmon and trout runs fast, cruising smoothly at 21 knots through Ontario's waters. The spacious layout handles up to 6 anglers comfortably with plenty of deck space for fighting those hard-running Chinook and Coho salmon. Modern fish finder and GPS help locate the best fishing spots, while radar keeps you safe when lake fog rolls in. Air conditioning provides relief between bites, and the full galley with refrigerator keeps your catch fresh. The flybridge gives your captain perfect visibility for trolling patterns and spotting bird activity that signals feeding fish below. Complete with onboard toilet, sleeping quarters for longer trips, and multimedia system for downtime between fishing action.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are season-dependent targets here on Lake Ontario, typically running 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silver bodies and small heads. These fish are special - unlike Pacific salmon, they can spawn multiple times and live 4-6 years. They're incredibly acrobatic fighters that'll test your gear with powerful runs and jumps. You'll find them in deeper water during warmer months, often following baitfish schools. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're most active. What makes atlantics so sought after is their premium table quality - that orange-pink meat is restaurant-grade. Pro tip: when the water's cold, slow down your presentation and use larger lures in darker colors. These fish have excellent vision, so keep your movements smooth and quiet on deck.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - these bruisers regularly hit 20-30 pounds and fight with serious power. They've got that blue-green back, silver sides, and black spotted everything including inside their mouths. Being light-sensitive, they hang deep most of the day, so we're usually fishing 60-150 feet down with downriggers. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move up to feed. What guests love is the raw strength - these fish make long, powerful runs that'll test your arms. Plus, that rich orange-red meat is as good as it gets. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. Pro tip: don't fight them too hard early on. Let them run and tire themselves out, then work them up slowly. Trying to muscle a fresh king will just result in straightened hooks or broken line.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are fantastic fighters that put on quite a show. These acrobatic fish average 8-12 pounds and can jump straight up 6 feet when hooked. They've got that classic silver body with dark blue-green backs and black-spotted tails. Cohos prefer calmer waters near structure - think drop-offs, temperature breaks, and areas with cover. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're actively feeding in the upper water column. What guests love most is their aggressive nature and spectacular aerial displays once hooked. The bright orange meat makes for excellent eating too. Here's a local trick: when cohos are finicky, try switching to smaller spoons in bright colors like chartreuse or pink. They can't resist that flash, especially on overcast days when they move shallower.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ultimate challenge fish - same species as rainbow trout but built for battle after years in open water. These silver rockets typically run 24 inches but can hit 45 inches and fight like fish twice their size. They roam the deeper, colder sections of the lake, using structure like drop-offs and thermal layers. Fall through spring gives you the best shot when they're most active. What makes steelhead special is their raw power and endurance - they'll make long runs and never give up. The firm, pink meat is top-notch eating. They're also smart, which keeps things interesting. Local tip: steelhead are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the most action. Use subtle presentations in natural colors, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle - they can be surprisingly line-shy in clear water.
Mississauga, ON