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 levelsSix-hour afternoon adventure departing from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina
Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters hold some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish, and Captain Thomas Riley knows exactly where to find them. This 6-hour afternoon charter aboard the Shenanigans puts you right in the thick of the action, targeting everything from hard-fighting Chinook salmon to acrobatic steelhead. Departing from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY, you'll have access to prime fishing grounds where these trophy fish cruise the lake's structure and thermal layers. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first big lake experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to cross some bucket-list species off your list, this top-rated charter delivers the goods without the stress.
Captain Riley runs a relaxed operation where learning comes naturally and everyone gets their hands dirty. The Shenanigans comfortably handles up to 4 anglers in the base price, with room for larger groups up to 10 if you want to bring the whole crew. You'll spend 4 hours working the productive waters where Lake Ontario's tributaries meet the main lake, an area that consistently holds fish throughout the season. The afternoon timing is perfect – you'll avoid the early morning rush while still hitting prime feeding windows when salmon and trout are actively hunting. Don't worry about experience levels; Captain Riley adapts his approach whether you've never held a rod or you're looking to fine-tune your Great Lakes techniques. Just remember to grab your NY state fishing license before you show up.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about understanding the water column and finding where fish are staging at different depths. Captain Riley uses top-quality downriggers and planer boards to present your baits at precise depths, often working multiple lines to cover different zones simultaneously. You'll learn to read the fish finder, understand how temperature breaks concentrate baitfish, and see firsthand why certain lures produce when others don't. The boat carries a full spread of proven Lake Ontario producers – everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait rigs that drive salmon crazy. Trolling speeds vary depending on conditions and target species, but expect to cover water efficiently while keeping baits in the strike zone. The hands-on instruction means you'll actually understand what's happening below, not just along for the ride.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, with mature fish pushing 20-30 pounds and providing battles that test both angler and equipment. These Pacific transplants have thrived in the Great Lakes ecosystem, feeding heavily on alewives and building incredible bulk before their spawning runs. Spring through fall offers excellent action, but late summer and early fall produce the biggest, most aggressive fish as they stage near river mouths. When a king hits your downrigger rod, you'll know it instantly – the rod tip bounces violently before loading up with serious weight. Their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps make every hookup memorable, and Captain Riley's coaching helps you land more fish than you'd manage on your own.
Brown trout in Lake Ontario grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds common and true giants lurking in the deeper waters. These European natives are incredibly wary and selective, making them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate the challenge. Browns often feed in low-light conditions, making afternoon trips productive as the sun angle changes. They're notorious for following lures without committing, then striking when you least expect it. Their fight is different from salmon – more bulldogging and head-shaking than aerial displays, but their stamina will surprise you. Lake Ontario's browns are beautifully colored with distinctive spots and often carry substantial weight from feeding on the lake's abundant forage base.
Lake trout represent the true natives of these deep, cold waters, with some fish living decades and reaching trophy proportions. These char prefer the deepest, coldest parts of the lake, often holding in 60-100 feet of water or more. Lakers are structure-oriented, relating to underwater humps, drop-offs, and rocky areas where they ambush prey. While not the fastest fighters, their sheer size and determination make them prized catches. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities when lake trout move into shallower water, but Captain Riley knows the deep-water haunts that hold fish year-round. Their pale flesh and unique flavor make them excellent table fare, and their prehistoric appearance always impresses first-time catchers.
Steelhead are perhaps the most exciting fish you'll encounter on Lake Ontario, combining the fighting spirit of their Pacific ancestors with the growth potential of Great Lakes living. These rainbow trout are pure dynamite on the end of a line, known for spectacular jumps and blistering runs that can empty your reel in seconds. Lake Ontario steelhead average 5-8 pounds but fish over 15 pounds are caught regularly, especially during peak migration periods. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding, often hitting lures with authority that sends shock waves up your rod. Their chrome-bright sides and pink stripe make them beautiful fish, and their never-quit attitude means the fight isn't over until they're in the net. Captain Riley positions the boat to give hooked steelhead room to run, maximizing your chances of landing these aerial artists.
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishery ranks among North America's best, and this charter puts you in position to experience it properly. Captain Riley's local knowledge, quality equipment, and patient instruction create the perfect environment for both learning and catching. The 6-hour afternoon timeframe gives you plenty of time to work different areas and techniques while avoiding the crowded morning rush. Whether you're after your first Great Lakes salmon or looking to add lake trout to your species list, this customer favorite consistently delivers results. The Shenanigans provides a stable, comfortable platform for up to 4 anglers, with options to accommodate larger groups. Don't let another season pass without experiencing world-class fishing right in your backyard – book your Lake Ontario adventure today and see
Step aboard the Shenanigans, a well-seasoned 1987 Trojan that's been perfected for chasing salmon and trout across Lake Ontario's waters. This 10-meter workhorse comes fully rigged with everything serious anglers need - GPS to keep you on the productive zones, radar for those foggy morning runs, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. The VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and harbor updates while you're out there. Captain Thomas has this boat dialed in for trolling, with all the right gear and setups to target Chinook salmon, browns, lake trout, and steelhead. The boat handles Lake Ontario's conditions with confidence and includes basic amenities like an onboard head. With space for your group of 4, you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. This is a no-nonsense fishing platform that gets you to where the fish are holding and keeps you comfortable while you're putting lines in the water.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the crafty veterans of our waters, typically running 8-24 inches but some Lake Ontario fish push well over that. They've got golden-brown sides with black spots and can live up to 20 years, making them smart and wary. During daylight they stick to deeper water or hide near structure, but they come up to feed aggressively at night and during overcast conditions. Fall is prime time when they're feeding hard before winter. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're educated fish that fight smart, not just hard. The meat has a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. My local tip is to fish near piers and drop-offs at dawn or dusk with small spoons or stick baits. These fish have seen every lure, so subtle presentations often work best.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, regularly hitting 15-30 pounds with some pushing even bigger. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs and black-spotted fins are built for power. They stay deep during bright conditions, typically 40-100 feet down where the water stays cool. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they're light-sensitive so early morning and evening bites are prime time. What guests love most is the raw strength - a big king will strip line and test your drag like nothing else. The reddish-pink meat is restaurant quality. My go-to trick is running flashers with cut bait or spoons just above the thermocline. Kings hunt in schools, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. These fish make memories that last a lifetime.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the char family, commonly running 15-40 pounds in Ontario's deep, cold waters. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings love the deep basins where temps stay consistently cold. They're slow growers that can live decades, making every big one special. We target them in 60-150 feet of water, often suspended mid-column. Spring right after ice-out and fall are peak times when they move shallower to feed. What draws anglers is the steady, powerful fight and excellent eating quality. Lakers don't jump like other trout - they just pull hard and deep. Jigging works best here, especially with paddle-tail swimbaits or blade baits that mimic the cisco they feed on. The secret is finding the thermocline where baitfish concentrate, then working your jig just above it.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the ocean-run cousins of rainbow trout, averaging 24 inches but capable of reaching 45 inches. These silvery, streamlined fish spend most of their lives in the Great Lakes before heading to tributaries to spawn. What makes them special is that brassy, chrome-like coloring they develop from lake living, along with distinctive black spotting. They're absolute fighters - pound for pound some of the strongest fish you'll hook. Lake Ontario steelhead are most active during cooler months from fall through spring when water temps drop. We find them suspended in open water or near structure in 20-60 feet. The key trick here is using bright spoons or plugs that mimic the alewives they're feeding on. Their firm, pink meat rivals salmon for table quality. When one hits, you'll know it immediately.
Lake Ontario