Full Day Salmon & Trout Fishing - Lake Ontario
Captain Gevry knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why this Great Lake is a salmon and trout angler's dream. This top-rated full-day charter takes you out for 8 hours on some of the most productive waters in North America. Whether you've never held a fishing rod or you're looking to try your luck with the big salmon runs, this trip is designed to get you hooked on Great Lakes fishing. We keep groups small at just 4 anglers, so you'll get plenty of hands-on instruction and personal attention. The calm waters make for a comfortable day on the lake, and the scenery doesn't hurt either. You'll be targeting three of Ontario's most prized species while learning techniques that'll serve you well for years to come.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Gevry at the marina. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, we'll head out to the proven spots where salmon and trout are actively feeding. The beauty of Lake Ontario is its deep, cold structure that holds fish year-round, and Gevry has spent years mapping out the best locations. You'll spend the morning learning proper line management and rod handling, while the captain sets you up for success with quality downriggers and proven lures. The relaxed pace means there's time to ask questions, grab some photos, and really understand what's happening below the surface. By midday, you'll be feeling confident with your technique, and the afternoon often brings the biggest action as fish move into shallower feeding zones. Don't worry about bringing lunch - most anglers get so focused on fishing they forget to eat anyway.
Trolling Tactics & Top Gear
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Gevry runs a well-equipped boat that'll give you every advantage. We use downriggers to get your lures down to where the fish are hanging, typically 40-80 feet deep depending on the season and conditions. You'll learn how to work with planer boards that spread lines out from the boat, covering more water and triggering strikes from curious salmon. The tackle box is loaded with proven spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that these fish can't resist. Gevry will show you how to read the fish finder, recognize baitfish schools, and understand why certain lures work better at different depths. The rods are medium-heavy action setups perfect for handling the strong runs these Great Lakes fish are famous for. Line counter reels let you track exactly how much line is out, which becomes crucial when you need to repeat a successful setup after landing a fish.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can push 20-30 pounds and will test every bit of your skill and stamina. They're most active in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily, making long, blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. What makes Chinook special is their aggressive nature - they'll hit hard and fight harder, often jumping and tail-walking across the surface. The best part? Lake Ontario's population is thriving, so your chances of hooking into a trophy are better than ever. Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but pound-for-pound they're some of the scrappiest fighters in the lake. Running 8-15 pounds on average, Coho are acrobatic fighters that love to jump and make fast direction changes. They school up in the thermocline during summer months, and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. Their silver sides and aggressive strikes make them a customer favorite, especially for anglers who want steady action throughout the day. Brown Trout are the wild card in Lake Ontario's mixed bag, and they're absolutely beautiful fish. These golden-sided beauties average 10-18 pounds and are known for their wariness and intelligence. They often feed closer to structure and can be the toughest to fool, but that makes landing one even more rewarding. Browns are active year-round, though they really turn on during the cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed.
Time to Book Your Spot
This world-class fishery is right at our doorstep, and Captain Gevry's expertise gives you the best shot at experiencing what Lake Ontario fishing is all about. With only 4 spots available per trip, this popular charter fills up fast, especially during peak salmon season. You'll walk away with new skills, great memories, and hopefully a cooler full of fresh fish. The techniques you learn will work on any of the Great Lakes, and many guests end up booking return trips to target different species throughout the season. Whether you're looking to get your kids excited about fishing or you want to try something completely different from your usual angling routine, this beginner-friendly approach takes all the guesswork out of Great Lakes fishing. Ready to see what all the fuss is about?