Evening Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Evening salmon fishing trips on Lake Ontario watersFully equipped Lund boat accommodates three guests maximumFive to six hour guided fishing experience provided
Picture this: the sun's starting to dip lower in the sky, the crowds have thinned out, and Lake Ontario's big fish are getting ready to feed. That's when you'll be out there with Captain and crew from Smackdown Sportfishing, working the prime spots where salmon and trout patrol the waters off Toronto's shoreline. This isn't your typical dock fishing – we're talking about a serious 5-6 hour adventure aboard a fully rigged Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum that's built for Ontario's Great Lakes fishing. You'll launch from Bluffers Park Marina with everything you need already on board, so all you've got to worry about is bringing your appetite for some world-class fishing action.
When you step aboard that Lund at Bluffers Park, you're getting on a boat that was designed specifically for this kind of fishing. The Tyee Magnum series has earned its reputation among Great Lakes anglers, and this particular setup comes loaded with all the electronics, downriggers, and tackle you'll need to put fish in the cooler. The evening bite on Lake Ontario is legendary among local anglers – as the water temperature starts to cool and the light changes, those salmon and trout become more active and aggressive. Your captain knows exactly where to position the boat based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent fish activity. The marina location gives you quick access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario, including the famous Scarborough Bluffs area where the underwater structure holds baitfish and attracts hungry predators.
This is downrigger trolling at its finest – the most effective method for consistently catching salmon and trout in Lake Ontario's deeper waters. The boat's equipped with quality downriggers that'll get your lures down to the precise depths where fish are holding, whether that's 40 feet or 140 feet depending on the season and conditions. You'll be running a spread of proven Great Lakes lures like spoons, flasher-fly combinations, and plugs that have been putting fish in the boat for decades. The captain will adjust trolling speeds, depths, and lure selection based on what the fish are telling them through the electronics. Don't worry if you've never worked downriggers before – the crew will handle all the technical stuff while teaching you the basics. When a rod goes off, you'll be the one fighting the fish while they clear the other lines and get ready with the net.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, and these aren't your typical landlocked fish. These are the real deal – sea-run genetics that have adapted to the Great Lakes system and grow to impressive sizes. Summer evenings are prime time for Atlantics, as they cruise the mid-depths looking for alewives and smelt. When you hook one, expect long runs and acrobatic jumps that'll test your drag system. These fish average 8-12 pounds but can push well into the teens, making them a customer favorite among anglers who appreciate both the fight and the table fare.
Rainbow Trout, or "bows" as the locals call them, are absolute rockets when hooked in open water. Lake Ontario's rainbows are typically in the 5-8 pound range but fight like fish twice their size. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, making evening trips perfect timing. These chrome-bright fish love structure and temperature breaks, so your captain will often find them along the thermocline where warmer surface water meets the cooler depths. Their acrobatic displays and strong runs make them a top-rated target for sport fishing enthusiasts.
Coho Salmon bring non-stop action to the boat with their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular aerial displays. These silver bullets typically range from 3-7 pounds and are known for their willingness to bite during prime evening hours. Cohos school up more than other species, so when you find them, you can often catch several in quick succession. They're particularly active in the upper water column during summer months, making them perfect targets for evening fishing when they move shallow to chase baitfish.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. These are the fish that serious Great Lakes anglers dream about, and evening trips often produce the best opportunities at trophy kings. They prefer deeper, cooler water during summer but will move up to feed as light levels drop. When you hook a big king, expect a battle that can last 15-20 minutes of steady pressure and strategic boat handling from your captain.
Lake Trout represent the native predator of these waters and offer consistent action throughout the summer months. These deep-water specialists typically range from 5-15 pounds and provide steady, powerful fights without the flashy jumps of salmon. Lakers are often found in the deepest parts of your fishing area and respond well to the slow, methodical trolling techniques that evening trips allow. Many consider them the best eating fish in the lake, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Evening fishing on Lake Ontario offers some of the most productive and enjoyable angling experiences you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes region. The combination of prime feeding times, comfortable temperatures, and spectacular scenery makes these trips a best bet for both serious anglers and families looking to get into some quality fishing. With space for just three guests, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of rod time without feeling crowded. The fully equipped Lund and experienced crew take all the guesswork out of Great Lakes fishing – just bring your cooler, some snacks, and get ready for some of the best salmon and trout action Lake Ontario has to offer. These evening slots fill up quickly during the peak June through September season, so don't wait to secure your dates for this world-class fishing adventure.
Hit the productive waters of Lake Ontario aboard our reliable 2006 Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum aluminum skiff. This 20-footer handles Lake Ontario's conditions with confidence, powered by a solid 225HP Mercury that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and keep you moving between productive spots. The boat's equipped with everything serious salmon anglers need - fish finder to mark schools, GPS for navigating back to those honey holes, and a wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish get finicky. Three anglers fish comfortably with plenty of room to work lines and land fish. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, and there's an onboard toilet for longer sessions. Built tough for the Great Lakes, this Lund cuts through chop and handles weather changes that roll across Ontario's waters. Just bring your cooler, snacks, and appetite for salmon action.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are beautiful silver fish that run 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds on average. They're closely related to brown trout and have that classic streamlined salmon build with a forked tail. These fish are anadromous, meaning they move between fresh and saltwater - though in Lake Ontario they've adapted to our deep, cold waters year-round. You'll find them suspended in mid-water columns, usually 40-80 feet down during summer months. They prefer water temps around 55-60°F, so they follow the thermocline. What makes atlantics special is their fight - they're acrobatic jumpers and strong runners once hooked. The meat is top-notch too, with that rich orange-pink color. Best fishing happens during low-light periods like dawn and dusk when they move up to feed. My tip: use downriggers with spoons or flasher-fly combos, and don't be afraid to vary your speed - sometimes a sudden direction change triggers strikes.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinooks are the kings of Lake Ontario - literally. These monsters average 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20-30 pound fish that'll test your gear. They're silver with blue-green backs and black spots covering the head, back, and all fins. You can tell them apart by their black mouths and gums. Kings are deep-water fish, typically holding 60-150 feet down where it's cold and dark. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening are best, though they'll bite midday in deeper water. The fight is legendary - long, powerful runs with surprising stamina. The reddish-pink meat is premium table fare. June through September is our prime season when they're actively feeding before spawning runs. These fish follow structure and temperature breaks religiously. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't rush them - kings will make multiple deep runs, so let your drag do the work and be patient. Downriggers with large spoons or plugs work best in 80-120 feet of water.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called "silvers," are pure dynamite when hooked. They average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with some Lake Ontario fish pushing bigger. These are the most acrobatic salmon we target - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and put on a real show. Cohos have that classic silver body with dark blue-green backs and black spots on the tail. You'll find them suspended in 30-80 feet of water, often following bait schools. They love cooler water around 50-60°F and are most active during low-light conditions. The bright orange meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. These fish are known for their speed and sudden direction changes, so keep your drag smooth. My go-to tip: use bright lures like chartreuse or pink spoons, and don't be surprised if they hit right at the boat - cohos will follow lures up from deep water and strike at the last second.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the giants of the deep - these grey-green char with cream spots can live decades and grow massive. We're talking 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds regularly. They're the only native deepwater game fish in the Great Lakes, living in the coldest, deepest parts of Ontario. You'll find them 80-200 feet down in summer, suspended over deep basins where the water stays around 45-50°F. They're slow-growing and long-lived, making big ones real trophies. The fight is different from salmon - more like wrestling a submarine with powerful head shakes and deep runs. The meat is excellent, especially from cold, clean water like ours. Spring right after ice-out and fall are best when they move shallower, but summer deep-water fishing produces the biggest fish. Overcast days are ideal since they avoid bright light. My secret: use jigging spoons or large swimbaits and fish them slow - lakers don't chase fast-moving baits. Drop your lure to bottom, then work it 10-20 feet up. When you feel that subtle tap, set the hook hard.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows in Lake Ontario typically run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds, though we see some real bruisers pushing double digits. They're gorgeous fish with that signature pink stripe and spotted pattern. These trout love clean, oxygenated water and you'll find them anywhere from 20-60 feet deep depending on season and water temp. They prefer temps around 55-64°F, so they'll move up and down the water column following their comfort zone. Rainbows are fantastic fighters - they jump, run, and never give up easy. The pink flesh makes excellent eating too. Spring and fall are prime times when they're more active and closer to the surface. Summer evenings can be productive when they move up to feed. They're opportunistic feeders, hitting everything from small spoons to flies. Pro tip: watch your fish finder for bait schools - rainbows are usually nearby. When trolling, vary your speed and depth until you find the pattern they want.
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