Full Day Lake Ontario Salmon Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday salmon fishing trips on Lake Ontario watersFully equipped Lund boat with professional guide includedSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Lake Ontario is one of the Great Lakes' most productive salmon fisheries, and our full-day trips out of Bluffers Park Marina put you right in the heart of the action. From June through September, these waters come alive with Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, coho, chinook, and massive lake trout that'll test your drag system. Captain and crew handle everything from tackle to technique – you just bring your appetite for some serious salmon action and maybe some snacks for the 8-9 hour haul.
We launch from Bluffers Park Marina in our fully equipped Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum, a purpose-built fishing machine that handles Lake Ontario's moods like a champ. This isn't some rushed half-day deal – we're talking a proper full-day salmon hunt where we've got time to work multiple spots and really dial in what the fish want. The boat's rigged with downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to find fish in this massive lake. Most days we're running multiple lines at different depths, covering water until we find active fish. The beauty of Lake Ontario is its size – there's always somewhere productive to fish, whether the salmon are shallow and aggressive or deep and finicky.
Lake Ontario salmon fishing is all about trolling, and we've got the setup dialed in. We run downriggers to get spoons and plugs down to where the fish are holding, usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet depending on water temperature and time of season. Planer boards let us spread lines wide and cover more water – crucial when you're hunting scattered fish in a lake this size. The boat's loaded with proven producers like Stinger spoons, NK plugs, and flasher-fly combos that Lake Ontario salmon can't resist. We're constantly adjusting speed, depth, and lure selection based on what the fish meter is showing us and how the fish are responding. Summer fishing often means following the thermocline where cold water meets warm, and our electronics help us stay on productive water all day long.
Atlantic salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and these fish fight like nothing else in freshwater. They'll run hard, jump repeatedly, and test every knot on your rig. Most Atlantics we catch range from 8 to 15 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 20-plus. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and love deeper water during summer months. What makes them special is their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and blistering runs that'll have your reel screaming.
Rainbow trout, or "steelhead" as many anglers call them, are absolute rockets when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 5 to 12 pounds and are known for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude. They're often found in the same areas as salmon but tend to be more aggressive feeders. Rainbows are particularly active during dawn and dusk periods, making them perfect targets during our full-day format.
Coho salmon are the perfect middle ground – aggressive biters that put up a fantastic fight without the sheer power of their chinook cousins. Most cohos range from 4 to 8 pounds and are notorious for absolutely crushing lures. They're often the most cooperative species on tough fishing days, making them a favorite among anglers who want consistent action. Their silver sides and acrobatic jumps make them a joy to catch on lighter tackle.
Chinook salmon are the true heavyweights of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds and occasional giants pushing 30-plus. These are the fish that break drags and test your endurance. Chinooks prefer deeper, cooler water and are most active during early morning and evening hours. When you hook into a big king salmon, expect a battle that can last 15 minutes or more of pure adrenaline.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists that can provide action when salmon fishing gets tough. These native fish can live for decades and grow huge – 10 to 20 pound lakers are common, with true giants exceeding 30 pounds. They're typically found in the deepest, coldest water and provide a different style of fight – more of a powerful, bulldogging battle than the flashy runs of salmon. Lake trout are particularly productive during summer months when they're the most active species in deep water.
This top-rated Lake Ontario salmon experience books up fast during peak season, especially weekends when the fish are most cooperative. Our full-day format gives you the best shot at multiple species and the time to really learn the techniques that make Lake Ontario fishing so productive. The Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum is built for this fishery, the tackle is dialed in, and we know where to find fish when others are still searching. Whether you're after your first Lake Ontario salmon or chasing that personal best chinook, this is the trip that delivers consistent results. Bring your cooler and get ready for some world-class Great Lakes fishing action.
Our 2006 Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum is a proven salmon fighter built for Lake Ontario's waters. This 20-foot aluminum workhorse handles rough conditions while keeping you dry and comfortable during those long battles with kings and cohos. The 225HP Mercury gets you to the productive zones fast, hitting 50 knots when you need to chase the bite or outrun weather. Everything's set up for serious fishing – fish finder to mark baitfish and structure, GPS to hit your favorite spots, and a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches when the salmon get spooky. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining during slower periods, and there's a head onboard for those long days chasing fish. Seats three anglers comfortably with plenty of room to fight fish without tangling lines. The deep cockpit gives you solid footing when netting that trophy salmon, and there's space for all your gear plus that big cooler for your catch. Just bring your snacks and drinks – we've got the rest covered for a full day of Lake Ontario salmon action.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, averaging 8-12 pounds with that classic silver body and small head. These fish are smart and strong - they can survive in both fresh and saltwater, which makes them tough fighters once hooked. You'll find them cruising deeper waters during summer months, usually 40-80 feet down where it's cooler. June through September is prime time when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. What makes atlantics special is their stamina - they'll make long runs and jump multiple times, testing your drag system. The meat is top-shelf with that rich, orange flesh. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. Let them run and tire themselves out, especially on that first powerful surge toward the bottom.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the giants of the Great Lakes, earning their "King salmon" nickname. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds, with 30+ pounders caught regularly. They're deep-water fish, usually holding 60-120 feet down in summer, relating to thermal layers and bait schools. Chinooks are light-sensitive, so they stay deep during bright days. The fight is pure power - long, bulldogging runs that test your equipment. Their reddish-pink meat is premium table fare. July and August are peak months when mature fish are staging. Unlike cohos, chinooks rarely jump - they fight deep and hard. These fish demand respect and proper tackle. Success tip: use heavy spoons and big plugs when targeting kings specifically. They respond to larger baits, and don't be afraid to fish deeper than you think. We often catch our biggest chinooks in 80+ feet of water on bright, calm days.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. These fish average 8-12 pounds and are famous for their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up when hooked. You'll find them in 20-60 feet of water, often higher in the column than chinooks, chasing schools of alewives. Their silver sides and dark backs make them beautiful fish, and the bright orange meat is outstanding eating. Peak season runs July through September when they're aggressively feeding before spawning. Cohos fight differently than other salmon - more jumps, less deep runs. They prefer slightly shallower water and are often the first species we hit in the morning. Local trick: when cohos are jumping and throwing hooks, try barbless hooks and keep your rod tip up during the fight. The constant pressure helps keep them buttoned up better than trying to muscle them.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water specialists of Ontario, living in the coldest, most oxygenated parts of the lake. These fish average 5-15 pounds but can reach massive sizes - 30+ pound lakers aren't uncommon. They spend most of their time suspended in 80-150+ feet of water, making them a jigging game. Lakers prefer low-light conditions and overcast days. Their grey-green coloring with cream spots makes them distinctive, and the meat is excellent when properly handled. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallower. Summer means deep jigging. What makes lakers special is their fight - steady, powerful pulls without the flashy jumps. They're also long-lived fish, so big ones are truly trophy specimens. Key tip: vertical jigging with heavy spoons works best. Drop down, hit bottom, then work 10-20 feet off the deck. Lakers often hit on the drop, so stay ready.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Ontario typically run 2-8 pounds, but we see some real beauties pushing into double digits. These fish love clean, oxygenated water and you'll often find them suspended in the mid-depths, around 30-50 feet during summer. They're active feeders in cooler conditions - early morning and evening are money times. Rainbows are scrappy fighters with surprising strength for their size, making quick runs and aerial displays. The pink flesh makes excellent table fare with a mild, clean taste. Best months are June through early September when water temps are right. They school up with the salmon following bait pods. Pro tip: when targeting rainbows specifically, downsize your spoons and use lighter line. They can be line-shy compared to salmon, so fluorocarbon leaders really help your success rate on clear days.
Ontario