Half Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Steelhead speciesPrivate guided trip accommodates families and all skill levelsSixhour afternoon charter includes topquality gear and instruction
Picture this: you're out on the deep blue waters of Lake Ontario with Captain Thomas Riley, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale screaming drag that means a big salmon just grabbed your lure. This isn't your typical pond fishing – we're talking about world-class Great Lakes angling where 20-pound Chinook salmon and hard-fighting steelhead are just another day at the office. Based out of Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY, this 6-hour afternoon adventure puts you right in the heart of some of the best freshwater fishing on the continent.
Captain Riley runs a no-pressure operation aboard the Shenanigans, perfect for families and first-timers who want to experience big lake fishing without the intimidation factor. You'll spend 4 hours trolling the productive waters where Lake Ontario's tributaries dump nutrients and attract baitfish – and where baitfish go, the big predators follow. The boat handles up to 10 people, but your base group of 4 gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the captain. Don't worry if you've never held a downrigger rod before – Riley's got decades of experience teaching folks the ropes, from setting the drag properly to fighting fish without burning out your arms. The atmosphere stays relaxed and fun, whether you're a hardcore angler looking to add Lake Ontario fish to your bucket list or a parent hoping to get the kids hooked on fishing.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and finding the right depth where fish are holding. Captain Riley runs a fleet of downriggers loaded with spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and plugs that have proven deadly on these waters. You'll learn how downriggers work – basically underwater planing devices that get your lures down to where the fish are cruising, often 40 to 100 feet below the surface. The boat's fish finder constantly searches for baitfish schools and temperature breaks where salmon and trout like to hang out. All the gear is top-shelf stuff – no need to bring your own tackle unless you've got a lucky lure you can't fish without. The captain provides everything from rods and reels to nets and coolers. Just remember to grab your New York state fishing license before you show up – it's required for everyone 16 and older, and you can usually snag one online or at local bait shops.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewels of Lake Ontario, and for good reason – these Pacific transplants have adapted beautifully to Great Lakes life and grow absolutely massive on the abundant alewife population. We're talking fish that regularly hit 15 to 25 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. Peak season runs from late spring through fall, but afternoon trips often produce great action since Chinooks feed actively as water temperatures moderate. When one hits your lure, you'll know it immediately – the rod doubles over, the drag screams, and you're in for a fight that can last 10 to 20 minutes. They're powerful fish that make long runs and aerial displays that'll get your heart pumping.
Steelhead trout bring a completely different personality to the table – they're the acrobats of Lake Ontario. These rainbow trout on steroids average 5 to 12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, jumping repeatedly and making blistering runs that test your drag system. Spring and fall offer the hottest steelhead action, especially when they're staging near tributary mouths preparing for spawning runs. What makes them special isn't just the fight – steelhead are arguably the best eating fish in the lake, with firm, pink flesh that's perfect on the grill or smoker.
Brown trout are the old-timers here, and they've earned a reputation as the craftiest fish in the lake. They're often the biggest trout you'll encounter, with specimens over 15 pounds not uncommon in Lake Ontario's fertile waters. Browns are notorious for subtle takes – instead of the violent strike of a Chinook, they often just load up the rod with steady, heavy pressure. They're most active during low-light periods, making afternoon trips productive as the sun starts to angle lower. Once hooked, browns are bulldogs that use their size and strength to try wearing you down with deep, powerful runs.
Lake trout represent the native royalty of these waters – they were here long before salmon were introduced and have adapted to every nook and cranny of Lake Ontario's underwater structure. They're typically found in deeper water, especially during summer months when they follow temperature gradients down to their comfort zone. Lakers are steady, consistent fighters that rarely jump but make determined runs toward bottom structure where they try to wrap your line around rocks or debris. They're also excellent table fare with a unique, rich flavor that's distinctly different from their trout cousins.
This half-day Lake Ontario charter delivers everything serious anglers and curious families want from a Great Lakes fishing experience – professional guidance, quality equipment, productive waters, and the chance to tangle with some genuinely impressive fish. Captain Riley's approach takes the guesswork and pressure out of big lake fishing while still giving you authentic angling action that'll create lasting memories. Whether you're looking to check salmon fishing off your bucket list, introduce kids to serious fishing, or just spend a great afternoon on one of America's most productive fisheries, this trip delivers the goods. Lake Ontario's salmon and trout don't take days off, and neither should you – grab your spot and get ready to experience why Great Lakes fishing has such a devoted following among anglers who know quality fishing when they see it.
The Shenanigans is a reliable 1987 Trojan 10-meter that's been perfectly set up for trolling Lake Ontario's productive waters. This solid fishing platform comes loaded with everything you need to target salmon and trout - GPS to mark those hot spots, radar for when the lake gets moody, VHF radio to stay connected, and fish finder technology to locate schools below. The boat handles Lake Ontario's conditions well and gives you plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling Chinook salmon and steelhead. With onboard facilities including a head, you can focus on fishing all afternoon without worrying about comfort. Captain Thomas has this rig dialed in for success, with all the trolling gear and downriggers ready to get your lines in the strike zone where the big lake trout and brown trout cruise.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones - they get educated fast and can be tricky to fool. These golden-brown fish with dark spots average 8-24 inches but the big lake browns can surprise you. They like structure and cooler water, often hanging near drop-offs and rocky areas during the day. Fall is magic time when they feed aggressively before spawn, especially at night. What keeps anglers coming back is the challenge and the excellent eating. They're cautious fish that reward skill and patience. Spring after ice-out and fall are your best bets, though summer evenings can be productive. Local trick: browns often follow the thermocline, so don't be afraid to change depths until you find them. They'll test your skills.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 15-30 pounds with some monsters pushing even bigger. These silver-sided bruisers stay deep most of the time, hugging the thermocline where the water's cold and oxygen-rich. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening hours produce the best action. What draws people back is the raw power - a big king will strip line and test every knot you tied. The orange-pink meat is top shelf eating too. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawn. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't be afraid to go deep. We often fish 60-100 feet down with downriggers. When one hits, hang on and let the fish run.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water kings of Ontario, living in the coldest, most oxygenated water they can find. These grey-green fish with cream markings grow big and slow, often reaching 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds. They spend most of their time suspended in deep basins, sometimes 100+ feet down during summer. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow, but they bite year-round if you find them. The fight is steady and strong rather than flashy, and they're excellent eating. Overcast days and low-light conditions get them moving. Here's the key: jigging is your best bet in deep water. Drop a heavy spoon or jig down to them and work it slow. Patience wins with lakers.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the big water, making them stronger and more silvery than their freshwater cousins. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches when conditions are right. In Lake Ontario, they cruise open water hunting baitfish, staying in the cooler depths during summer heat. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallower and feed more aggressively. What makes steelhead special is their fight - they'll jump, run, and test your drag like nothing else. The meat is firm and tasty too. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. They have soft mouths, and patience pays off more than brute force.
Lake Ontario