5.0(3 Reviews)Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter Adventure
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Five-hour private charter targets salmon and brown troutAll tackle, bait, and instruction provided for beginnersAfternoon timing maximizes feeding activity and catch rates
Picture this: you're out on the deep blue waters of Lake Ontario, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale tug that means a big salmon just grabbed your bait. That's exactly what you'll get with Stalker Charters' beginner-friendly fishing experience. Captain Kurt Driscoll and his crew have been working these waters for years, and they know exactly where the fish are hiding. Whether you've never held a fishing rod or you're looking to try your luck on Ontario's legendary salmon runs, this 5-hour private charter is designed to put fish in the boat and smiles on faces. With room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting to experience world-class Great Lakes fishing without the crowds.
Your afternoon adventure kicks off from the dock with a boat that's rigged and ready for serious fishing. The timing isn't random – late afternoon sessions often coincide with prime feeding windows when salmon and trout are actively hunting in the thermocline. You'll head out to proven fishing grounds where the crew sets up a spread of downriggers and planer boards, covering different depths and distances from the boat. The beauty of fishing with Stalker Charters is that everything's handled for you. Tackle boxes stocked with the right lures, rods matched to the species you're targeting, and a crew that knows how to read the fish finder like a roadmap to success. Don't worry if you've never worked a downrigger or tied a proper knot – that's what the hands-on instruction is for. You'll learn the basics while actually doing it, which beats any fishing seminar you could sit through on shore.
Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing is all about trolling, and Stalker Charters has the setup dialed in perfectly. The boat runs multiple downriggers that get your lures down to where the fish are staging, usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet deep depending on water temperature and time of year. You'll be pulling spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations that have proven track records on these waters. The crew rotates lures based on what's producing, so if the chartreuse spoons aren't getting hits, they'll switch to a different color or pattern until they crack the code. Planer boards spread your lines out wide, covering more water and giving you multiple chances at fish that might spook from the boat's wake. When a fish hits, the rod tip loads up and starts bouncing – that's your cue to grab the rod and start the fight. The crew handles the net and coaching, so you can focus on enjoying the battle without worrying about losing the fish at the boat.
"Captain Craig is a very experienced fisherman who won't let you go home empty handed! He runs his boat like a boss and knows what the fish want. We thought we had scheduled our trip during a rough water cycle but he didn't stop working the fish until we landed some big ones! He is so friendly and easy to get along with, I can't recommend him enough! Thank you captain Craig, and we wish you the best on the summer derby. You literally made our trip buddy! See you again soon" - Justin
"Our foursome had a great time fishing. Captain Craig was very knowledgable fishing the Ontario waters and answered our many questions. He is a very personable individual and we had great conversations. We were fortunate to catch 6 king salmon and 2 rainbow trout on our 5 hour trip. We would definitely recommend fishing with Captain Craig. Again, thank you for a great day on the water." - Fran
"Lots of experience in Erie but a lot of firsts getting 3 generations on a new lake. Captain Craig of Stalker was great. He got us on the Kings and was great with the kids. Great boat and equipment. Highly recommend!" - Eric
Chinook salmon are the true kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These powerhouse fish can push 20-30 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Chinooks stage in different areas throughout the season, but they're particularly active during the late summer and fall months when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. What makes them so exciting to catch isn't just their size – it's their attitude. When a big king grabs your lure, it often makes multiple runs, stripping line and testing your drag system. They'll sound deep, then come up and jump, trying every trick to throw the hook. The afternoon timing of this charter often coincides with peak Chinook feeding activity, especially when baitfish are active in the upper water column.
Brown trout bring a different kind of excitement to Lake Ontario fishing. These fish are notorious for being selective and moody, which makes landing one feel like solving a puzzle. Browns typically run smaller than Chinooks – usually in the 8-15 pound range – but they make up for it with pure athleticism. They're known for their spectacular jumps and erratic fighting style that keeps you guessing until they're in the net. Lake Ontario browns feed heavily on alewives and smelt, and they can be found anywhere from shallow water near structure to deep offshore humps. What's particularly cool about browns is their coloration – they develop beautiful golden flanks with distinct spots that make them one of the most photogenic fish in the Great Lakes.
Rainbow trout are the acrobats of the Lake Ontario fishery, and they put on a show that'll have you reaching for your phone to record the action. These silver bullets average 6-12 pounds but fight with the heart of much larger fish. When a rainbow takes your lure, get ready for a series of jumps that can reach several feet out of the water. They're particularly active during cooler water periods and can often be found in the upper part of the water column during overcast conditions or low-light periods. Rainbows school up
Get ready to target Lake Ontario's prized salmon and trout aboard this beautifully restored 36' Chris-Craft express cruiser. This classic 1985 vessel received a complete 2023 restoration, blending timeless design with modern fishing technology. Twin 325HP Crusader engines deliver smooth cruising at 37 knots, getting you to the productive fishing zones quickly and efficiently. Captain Kurt and crew know exactly where the Chinook salmon and brown trout are biting, using the onboard fish finder to locate schools and structure. The GPS navigation and radar systems ensure safe passage in any Lake Ontario conditions, while the spacious layout comfortably accommodates up to 4 anglers with room to work multiple lines. Perfect for beginners learning downrigger techniques or experienced anglers wanting local expertise, this charter boat comes equipped with all tackle and bait needed for success. The afternoon timing takes advantage of prime feeding periods when salmon move shallow and become more active. With convenient onboard facilities and plenty of deck space for fighting fish, you'll have everything needed for a productive day targeting Lake Ontario's legendary salmon runs.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones - cautious, selective, and absolutely beautiful with their golden-brown sides covered in black spots. In Lake Ontario, they average 3-8 pounds but can surprise you with fish over 15. These trout love structure and cover, often hanging around drop-offs, weed lines, and rocky areas in 40-80 feet of water. Our late afternoon timing works perfect since they're most active during low-light periods. What guests love about browns is their fighting spirit - they'll make long runs and jump when you least expect it. The table fare is excellent too, with firm, flaky meat. Here's something I've learned over the years: browns often follow your lure for a while before striking, so varying your trolling speed can trigger that bite.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe kings of Lake Ontario, Chinooks are what serious anglers dream about. These silver-sided bruisers with blue-green backs typically run 15-25 pounds here, but we've seen them push 30+. They're light-sensitive fish that stay deep during our afternoon trips, usually 60-120 feet down over the thermocline. Spring through fall offers solid action, but late summer into September is prime time when they're feeding heavy before their spawning run. What makes them special? Pure power - they'll strip line and test your drag like nothing else in these waters. The meat is top-shelf too, with that rich orange-pink color. Pro tip: when we hook up, let the fish run on that first surge. Fighting them too hard early will pull the hooks.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are pure fun - scrappy fighters that'll jump and run the moment they feel the hook. These silver beauties with their signature pink stripe typically range 2-6 pounds in Lake Ontario, perfect size for steady action on lighter tackle. They roam the mid-water column, usually 30-70 feet down, following baitfish schools. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but our afternoon trips during summer can be productive when they move up to feed. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic show - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. The meat is mild and tasty, great for folks new to eating trout. Local tip: when a rainbow jumps, bow your rod toward the fish to keep tension without breaking your line. It takes practice but saves a lot of lost fish.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Craig is a very experienced fisherman who won’t let you go home empty handed! He runs his boat like a boss and knows what ...
Our foursome had a great time fishing. Captain Craig was very knowledgable fishing the Ontario waters and answered our many questi...
Lots of experience in Erie but a lot of firsts getting 3 generations on a new lake. Captain Craig of Stalker was great. He got us ...
Lake Ontario