Advanced Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
8hour private charter targeting salmon and trout on Lake OntarioAdvanced angler trip includes all equipment and expert captain guidanceLate April through September season accommodates groups up to four
Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters hold some of the most coveted salmon and trout fishing in the Great Lakes region, and this 8-hour advanced charter with Captain SunMoon puts you right in the heart of the action. Based out of Oswego, NY, this private trip is designed for experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and reel but want that local edge to consistently put fish in the boat. From late April through September, these waters come alive with migrating salmon and resident trout that'll test your skills and reward your patience.
This isn't your typical weekend warrior trip – we're talking serious fishing for serious anglers. Captain SunMoon runs a fully equipped boat designed for Lake Ontario's conditions, complete with downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to locate fish in 100+ feet of water. Your private group of up to 4 anglers gets personalized attention, meaning we can adjust tactics on the fly based on what's working and what the fish are telling us. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but experienced anglers often appreciate bringing their favorite setups too. We'll be covering miles of water, working thermoclines, and reading sonar to stay on active fish throughout the day.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling – we're not just dragging lures behind the boat and hoping for the best. We'll be running multiple lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to spread our presentation across the water column. Spoons, flasher-fly combos, and plugs are the go-to baits, with colors and speeds adjusted based on water clarity and fish activity. The captain reads water temperature, current breaks, and bait schools to position the boat where salmon and trout are actively feeding. Expect to work with 8-12 foot rods paired with level-wind reels loaded with copper or lead core line for precise depth control. When fish hit, it's all about fighting technique – these lake-run salmon and steelhead have room to run and they'll use every inch of it.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, with mature fish regularly pushing 20-30 pounds and occasional giants topping 35. These powerhouse salmon arrive in good numbers by May and stay active through summer, feeding aggressively on alewives and smelt in 80-150 feet of water. When a big king hits your downrigger, expect screaming runs and multiple jumps – they're notorious for throwing hooks, so keeping steady pressure while letting your drag work is crucial. Peak action typically happens during early morning and evening hours when baitfish move up in the water column.
Coho Salmon bring incredible aerial displays and consistent action throughout the season. These silver rockets average 8-15 pounds but make up for their smaller size with acrobatic fights that'll have you scrambling to keep up. Cohos often feed closer to the surface than Chinooks, making them perfect targets for planer board presentations. They're especially active during overcast conditions and can provide fast-paced action when you locate a school.
Steelhead Trout are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in the lake, with their chrome-bright sides and incredible stamina. These lake-run rainbows average 6-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making blistering runs and using their broad tails to leverage against your drag. Spring and fall see the best steelhead action as they stage near river mouths, but resident fish provide opportunities all season long in deeper water.
Brown Trout offer a different challenge with their wariness and tendency to feed in low-light conditions. These bronze-colored beauties average 8-18 pounds and are known for their cunning – they'll follow lures for hundreds of yards before deciding to strike. Browns often hold deeper than other species during bright conditions, making them perfect targets for deep downrigger presentations along bottom structure.
Rainbow Trout round out the mix with consistent action and beautiful coloration. Lake Ontario's resident rainbows typically run 4-10 pounds and feed actively throughout the water column. They're often the most cooperative species when conditions get tough, providing steady action when salmon become finicky. Their pink-striped sides and energetic fights make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both beauty and sporting quality.
Lake Ontario's world-class salmon and trout fishing doesn't happen by accident – it takes local knowledge, proper equipment, and the patience to work productive water until you connect with active fish. This advanced charter delivers all three, putting experienced anglers in position to capitalize on some of the best freshwater fishing in North America. With the season running from late April through September, there's plenty of opportunities to experience different phases of the fishery, from spring staging areas to summer deep-water action. Don't let another season pass wondering what you're missing – book your Lake Ontario charter with SunMoon Adventures and see why serious anglers keep coming back to Oswego's productive waters year after year.
Meet the SunMoon, your 28-foot fishing machine built for serious Lake Ontario adventures. This motorboat packs twin 360hp engines that'll get you to the hottest salmon and trout spots at up to 26 knots. With room for 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need: GPS to mark productive waters, fish finder to locate schools, radar for those foggy mornings, and VHF radio for safety. The onboard kitchen and fridge keep your catch fresh and snacks handy during those long fishing days. There's even a toilet so you never have to cut a hot bite short. Whether you're targeting Chinook in the deep water or working the nearshore for Steelhead, this fully-equipped charter boat puts you right where the fish are biting on Lake Ontario.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish we chase, averaging 3-8 pounds with some real trophies pushing double digits. They have golden-brown sides with black spots and can be incredibly wary. These fish love structure - dropoffs, rocky areas, and temperature breaks where they ambush prey. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before spawning, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Browns fight differently than other trout - more bulldogging and head-shaking than jumping. The meat is excellent, and many consider them the best-tasting trout species. What makes them challenging is their caution - they'll follow lures forever before committing. Key tip: when browns are being finicky, slow way down and use natural colors. Sometimes dropping your trolling speed to barely moving triggers bites when nothing else works.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the biggest prize we target, averaging 15-25 pounds with some reaching 30-plus. They have silver sides, dark backs, and black gums that help identify them. These fish stay deep most of the time since they're light-sensitive, so we're usually fishing 60+ feet down. Peak season runs mid-spring through summer when they're feeding heavily on alewives and other baitfish. The fight is pure power - no jumps like cohos, just bulldogging runs that'll test your equipment. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for grilling or smoking. What guests love is the size and strength - it's like hooking into a submarine. My go-to tip: when marking fish on the finder, drop your presentation right through the school. Kings often suspend just below the main bait pods.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon average 8-12 pounds but can push into the teens here on Lake Ontario. Also called silvers, they're known for their aerial displays - these fish can jump 6 feet straight up when hooked. Peak season runs late spring through summer when they're actively feeding in the lake's cooler depths. Cohos have bright orange-red meat that's outstanding on the table, and their aggressive nature makes them a favorite among charter guests. They typically cruise mid-depth in the water column, following baitfish schools. The fight is what gets people hooked - they're pure athletes that'll test your drag and your patience. Local trick: when you see birds working over bait, get your lines down to 40-60 feet in that area. Cohos are usually right underneath feeding hard.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 2-8 pounds in Lake Ontario, with that signature pink stripe making them easy to spot. They prefer cooler water temps around 55-64°F, so we find them at varying depths depending on the season. Spring through early summer they're often shallower, but as water warms they head deeper. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - these fish will jump and run like crazy once hooked. The meat is excellent eating too, with that distinctive pink flesh. They're actually the same species as steelhead, just with different life cycles. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speeds between 2-3 mph. Rainbows can be finicky about presentation speed, and that small adjustment often triggers strikes when nothing else is working.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that live like salmon - spending time in the big water before heading to rivers. These fish average 6-10 pounds but can reach well into the teens. They're incredibly strong fighters with a streamlined, silvery body that's built for speed. Unlike their rainbow cousins, steelhead develop that chrome appearance from feeding in deeper, open water. Best fishing happens spring through fall when they're actively feeding before their spawning runs. The fight is legendary - long, powerful runs that'll strip line off your reel. They prefer structure like drop-offs and temperature breaks. Here's what works: focus on areas where tributaries meet the lake. Steelhead stage near these spots before their runs, and they're usually aggressive and ready to bite.
Oswego, NY