5.0(2 Reviews)Private Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Charter
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 7hour charter targeting salmon and trout speciesExpert guidance with all tackle and instruction includedCaptain Kurt Driscoll leads trips for up to 4 guests
There's something special about having Lake Ontario all to yourself for seven solid hours. Captain Kurt Driscoll and his crew at Stalker Charters know exactly where the salmon and trout are staging, and they're ready to put you on fish from the moment you step aboard. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – with just four anglers max, you'll get the personal attention and prime fishing spots that make the difference between a good day and one you'll talk about for years.
Your seven-hour adventure starts early when the fish are most active and feeding aggressively. Captain Kurt has been working these waters long enough to read the lake like a book – he knows where the thermoclines set up, which structures hold fish, and how to adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day. You'll cover serious ground, hitting multiple productive zones from the nearshore drop-offs where browns cruise to the deeper water where kings and lakers patrol. The extended time on the water means no rushing – if the bite slows in one area, you'll move to the next hot spot. All your tackle, bait, and downrigger gear comes included, so you can focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, the crew provides hands-on coaching to help you master the techniques that work best on Ontario.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and Captain Kurt runs a tight operation with top-notch equipment. You'll be working with downriggers to get your presentations down to where the fish are holding – sometimes that's 20 feet, other times you're fishing 80 feet deep following the temperature breaks. The boat carries an arsenal of proven lures: spoons, flasher-fly combos, and stick baits in colors that have produced consistently over the years. Copper line setups and lead core are part of the program too, giving you multiple depth zones covered simultaneously. The crew handles all the technical stuff – setting depths, managing the spread, and watching the fish finder – while teaching you the finer points of detecting bites and fighting fish properly. You'll learn to read the rod tips, feel the subtle changes when a salmon takes your lure, and understand why certain colors and speeds work better on different days.
"We had 6 people and we all caught fish! Had 10 fish on in a short time out there and landed 8. Out of the 8, 6 were monsters! Would highly recommend to anyone looking to have fun and catch fish. The captian was younger 26 years old but to see a kid this young out doing the "old timers" was shocking and impressive. My hat goes off to the captain Criag. So glad we found this charter will be going again this summer." - Denver
"We had the best time on the water for a half day evening trip! The captain was wonderful and the sunset was absolutely breathtaking! We caught some biggins & definitely looking forward to doing again 💛" - Cynde
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These Pacific transplants have adapted beautifully to the Great Lakes, growing fat on alewives and smelt. Kings average 15-25 pounds but fish over 30 aren't uncommon, especially during the late summer staging period. They're aggressive fighters that will test your drag and your patience – expect screaming runs and powerful headshakes that'll have your arms burning. Peak season runs from late June through September when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. What makes chinooks so exciting is their unpredictability – one minute you're trolling peacefully, the next your rod is doubled over and line is screaming off the reel.
Brown trout are the lake's most cunning predators, known for their wariness and spectacular fights. These European natives have become perfectly adapted to Ontario's waters, growing thick and strong on the abundant baitfish. Browns typically range from 5-15 pounds, but the lake produces fish well into the twenties for anglers who know where to look. They're most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making them prime targets during early morning hours. What sets browns apart is their intelligence – they've seen every lure in the book and require finesse presentations. When you hook one, expect aerial displays and bulldogging runs that showcase why they're considered the smartest fish in the lake.
Rainbow trout bring pure athleticism to every fight, earning their reputation as the lake's best acrobats. These chrome-bright fighters average 8-15 pounds and are known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs. Rainbows are most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone, but Ontario's cold, deep water means they're catchable year-round if you know the right depths. They school up around baitfish concentrations and can provide fast action when you find them. The rush of watching a steelhead clear the water multiple times while trying to throw your lure is pure adrenaline – they fight like fish twice their size and never give up until they're in the net.
Lake trout are the native giants of Ontario's depths, perfectly built for life in cold, deep water. These prehistoric-looking char can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes – fish over 20 pounds are caught regularly, with some monsters pushing 30-plus. Lakers are structure-oriented, holding near underwater humps, drop-offs, and rocky areas where they ambush prey. They're most active during spring and fall when they move into shallower water, but summer fishing can be productive if you're willing to fish deep. What makes lake trout special is their fight – they're bulldogs that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage, making long, powerful runs that test your equipment and stamina.
Your Lake Ontario fishing adventure awaits aboard this beautifully restored 36' Chris-Craft express cruiser. Originally built in 1985 and completely refreshed in 2023, this classic vessel blends timeless design with today's fishing technology. Twin 325HP Crusader engines power you to the best salmon and trout spots at speeds up to 37 knots, getting you on the fish faster and extending your fishing time. The boat's fish finder pinpoints where the big Chinook salmon and brown trout are holding, while GPS navigation and radar ensure safe passage in any Lake Ontario conditions. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the lines and land trophy fish. The onboard facilities include a head for comfort during those long 7-hour charters when the fish are biting. Captain Kurt and crew know these waters inside and out, putting you on productive fishing grounds where Lake Ontario's famous salmon and trout feed.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the craftiest fish in Lake Ontario - they grow big, fight smart, and test your skills like no other trout. These golden-brown beauties with black spots average 3-10 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 15-20 pounds. They prefer structure like drop-offs, rocky areas, and temperature breaks, usually hanging in 40-80 feet of water. Fall is absolutely prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning, though spring can be excellent too. What makes browns special is their intelligence - they'll follow lures, inspect them, and turn away if something looks off. The fight is more bulldogging than jumping, with powerful runs that'll surprise you. The meat is fantastic eating. Pro tip from years of chasing them: browns often follow your lure right to the boat before striking, so never give up on a fish until your gear is out of the water.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-25 pounds but regularly hitting 30+ pounds during good years. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs stay deep most of the time, often 60-100 feet down following the thermocline where the cold water holds plenty of baitfish. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with July and August being absolutely stellar. What draws people back is the raw power - a big king will strip line like nothing else and fight hard for 10-15 minutes. The orange-pink meat is outstanding on the table too. Since kings are light-sensitive, they stay deep during bright days. My go-to trick is running our downriggers with flashers and spoons right at the thermocline break - that's where the magic happens and where these giants are actively feeding.
Salvelinus NamaycushLakers are the deep-water giants of Lake Ontario, regularly reaching 15-40 pounds with their grey-green bodies covered in cream-colored spots. These cold-water specialists live in the deepest parts of the lake, often 80-150 feet down where oxygen levels stay high. Early season right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow, but summer finds them in the deep basins following their preferred 45-50°F water. Lakers are special because they're Ontario's only native deep-water game fish and they fight with surprising power for their size - long, steady runs that'll test your drag. The white meat is excellent eating, especially smoked. Since they stay deep, we use heavy jigs and spoons, working them right off bottom. Here's my tip: when you feel that subtle tick on your line, don't set the hook hard. Lakers have soft mouths, so just lift the rod firmly and keep steady pressure.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are some of the most beautiful fighters you'll find in Lake Ontario, typically running 2-8 pounds with that signature pink stripe along their silver sides. These fish love cooler water temps between 55-64°F, so we find them at varying depths depending on the season. Spring and fall are prime times when they move closer to shore, but summer pushes them deeper where it's cooler. What makes rainbows special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times once hooked. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when we're trolling for them, I always tell guests to keep their rod tip low when a rainbow jumps. Let the fish have some slack for a split second, or that headshake will throw your lure every time.
5.0 out of 5.0We had 6 people and we all caught fish! Had 10 fish on in a short time out there and landed 8. Out of the 8, 6 were monsters! Woul...
We had the best time on the water for a half day evening trip! The captain was wonderful and the sunset was absolutely breathtakin...
Lake Ontario