Full Day Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day guided salmon fishing on Lake Ontario watersFully equipped Lund boat accommodates three guests maximumEight to nine hours targeting spring salmon runs
Lake Ontario in April and May is absolute prime time for some of the best salmon and trout fishing you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes. When the water temps start climbing and these fish get active after winter, there's nothing quite like being out there with a rod in your hands. I'm talking about a full 8-9 hour guided trip that puts you right in the heart of the action, departing from Port Dalhousie with everything you need except your snacks and that big cooler for your catch.
You'll be fishing aboard our fully equipped Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum - this isn't some weekend warrior's boat, it's a serious fishing machine built for Lake Ontario's conditions. We keep our groups small at just 3 anglers max, which means more personal attention, better chances at fish, and no crowded deck when that big king salmon decides to make a run. The spring season brings some of the most consistent fishing of the year as salmon and trout move into shallower waters to feed. You're looking at water temps in the 40s and 50s, which gets these cold-water species fired up and feeding aggressively. The bite typically starts early and can stay hot throughout the day, especially when we find those temperature breaks and bait schools that hold fish.
We run a combination of downriggers, dipsy divers, and lead core setups to cover the entire water column where these fish are feeding. In April and May, we're typically working depths from 20 feet down to 80 feet, depending on where the thermocline sets up and where we're marking bait. The Lund is rigged with top-quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you need - we're talking about setups that can handle everything from a scrappy 3-pound rainbow to a 25-pound king that wants to tear line off your reel. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all play a role in our spring arsenal, and part of the fun is switching up presentations until we dial in what's working that day. The boat's electronics help us stay on fish and find those productive areas where salmon and trout are staging.
Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, and spring offers some of your best shots at these acrobatic fighters. These fish average 8-15 pounds but can push into the 20s, and they're known for their incredible jumps and long runs. Atlantics have been making a real comeback in recent years, and when you hook one, you'll understand why anglers get so excited about them. They're typically found in 40-70 feet of water during April and May, relating to temperature breaks and following bait schools.
Rainbow Trout, or steelhead as many call them, are another spring favorite that'll give you a fight you won't forget. These chrome-bright fish range from 5-12 pounds on average, with some pushing bigger, and they're famous for their aerial displays and stubborn fights. Rainbows often move shallower in spring, sometimes found in just 20-30 feet of water, especially early morning and late evening. They're suckers for bright spoons and plugs, and when the bite is on, you can have multiple fish hooked up at once.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, averaging 5-10 pounds, but pound-for-pound they're some of the strongest fighters in the lake. These silver bullets are known for their speed and acrobatics, often jumping multiple times during a fight. Spring cohos are typically found in the top 50 feet of water, and they're aggressive feeders that'll hit a variety of presentations. They're also some of the best eating fish in the lake when kept fresh on ice.
Chinook Salmon, the kings of Lake Ontario, are what dreams are made of for serious salmon anglers. These bruisers can range from 10 pounds up to 30-plus, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger. Spring kings are typically deeper than other species, often found in 60-100 feet of water, and they're known for their powerful runs and bulldogging fights. When a big king hits your downrigger rod, there's no mistaking it - the rod loads up and the fish starts peeling drag like it's going out of style.
Lake Trout round out our target species list and provide consistent action throughout our spring season. These deep-water natives typically range from 5-15 pounds, with larger fish always possible. Lakers are structure-oriented fish that relate to drop-offs, humps, and thermal layers. They're excellent table fare and provide steady action when other species might be finicky. In spring, we often find them in 40-80 feet of water as they move up from their winter depths.
April and May represent some of the most productive and enjoyable fishing Lake Ontario has to offer. The weather's getting nicer, the fish are active and feeding heavily, and you've got multiple species to target all in the same trip. This isn't just about catching fish - it's about experiencing one of the Great Lakes' premier fisheries with a guide who knows these waters inside and out. With our small group size and full-day format, you're getting the personalized attention and time on the water that produces results. All you need to bring is your enthusiasm, some snacks for the day, and that big cooler to haul home your catch. The rest is handled - quality gear, proven techniques, and the local knowledge that puts you on fish. Don't let another spring season pass you by - these are the trips that create lifelong fishing memories.
Our 2006 Lund 1950 Tyee Magnum is built for serious salmon fishing on Lake Ontario's big waters. This 20-foot aluminum workhorse handles everything the lake throws at it, powered by a reliable 225HP Mercury that'll get you to the hot spots fast - we're talking 50 knots when conditions are right. The boat seats three anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. GPS keeps us on the productive structure, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. When stealth mode is needed for spooky fish, the wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over holding areas. Got to answer nature's call? No problem - there's an onboard toilet so you don't miss prime fishing time. The multimedia system keeps spirits up during slower periods, though with Lake Ontario's spring salmon runs, downtime is rare. This setup is designed for all-day comfort and fish-finding efficiency.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silver bodies and forked tails. These fish are unique because they can spawn multiple times unlike their Pacific cousins, making each catch special. In our spring trips, we find them in cooler depths around 40-80 feet, often near drop-offs and structure. April and May are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot of 45-55°F. What makes atlantics so popular is their incredible fighting ability - they'll leap clear out of the water and make long runs that'll test your drag. The meat is outstanding too, with that rich orange flesh that's perfect for the grill. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run. Fighting them too hard early on usually means a lost fish.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario - these kings can reach 20-30 pounds and stretch over 30 inches. They're the fish that'll make your drag scream and your arms ache. In spring, chinooks hold deep at 60-120 feet since they're sensitive to light, preferring the darker depths near bottom structure. April and May fishing is outstanding when water temps are in the 40s. What makes kings special is their raw power - no fancy jumps, just bulldogging runs that'll test your tackle. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking. These fish have black mouths and gums, plus spots on their tails that help with ID. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move up to feed. My best advice: use heavy tackle and don't try to muscle them. Let the fish tire itself out in the deep water, then work it up slowly. Keep steady pressure and be patient.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, are pure dynamite on the end of a line. These fish typically run 12-20 inches in our spring fishery, weighing 5-10 pounds with their bright silver sides and dark backs. What sets cohos apart is their jumping ability - they can leap 6 feet straight up, putting on a show that'll have you hollering. In April and May, we find them cruising at 30-60 feet, often around temperature breaks and structure. The meat is fantastic - bright orange flesh that's perfect for smoking or grilling. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will hit spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. Their acrobatic nature makes every fight memorable. During our trips, I like to target them in the early morning when they're most active. Here's a tip: when a coho jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep tension without breaking them off.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water bruisers of Ontario, running 24-36 inches and 15-25 pounds with their grey-green bodies and cream-colored spots. These char prefer the coldest, deepest water - we're talking 80-150 feet down where it stays around 40°F year-round. In spring, they'll come up shallower right after ice-out, but by May they're heading back to the depths. Lakers are sluggers, not sprinters - they'll fight deep and steady, trying to get back to bottom structure. The meat is rich and oily, great for smoking. What makes them interesting is they're slow-growing and can live 20+ years, so you're often catching an old warrior. We typically jig for them with heavy spoons and swimbaits, working the deep drop-offs and humps. Pro tip: once you hook a laker, keep it moving upward steadily. If you let them get back to the bottom, they'll wrap you around rocks and structure.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in Lake Ontario run 12-24 inches and average 2-6 pounds, with that classic pink stripe and spotted pattern that makes them easy to identify. These fish love the cooler water we get in April and May, usually holding at 20-50 feet near structure and drop-offs. What guests really appreciate about rainbows is their scrappy fight - they'll jump, dive, and shake their heads like crazy trying to throw the hook. The meat is excellent too, mild and flaky with that light pink color. In spring, they're often feeding near the surface early morning and late evening when the water's calmer. During our trips, we find them around temperature breaks where the warmer surface water meets the cooler depths. Pro tip: when you feel that first head shake, keep your rod tip up and let them tire themselves out rather than trying to horse them in.
Ontario