5.0(1 Reviews)Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter - Oswego, NY
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
8hour private charter targets salmon and trout speciesExpert captain provides all equipment and guided instructionAccommodates up to 4 guests from April through September
If you're looking to get on some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes has to offer, you've found your spot. Captain Ken runs these 8-hour private charters out of Oswego, NY, and let me tell you - Lake Ontario doesn't mess around when it comes to trophy fish. We're talking Chinook salmon that'll test your drag system, steelhead that fight like they're twice their size, and lake trout that pull like freight trains. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're just getting your feet wet, this charter is set up to put you on fish and show you why Oswego is considered one of the top salmon ports on the entire lake.
Your day starts early at the Oswego Marina, where Captain Ken will have the boat rigged and ready to roll. We're talking about a full 8 hours of fishing time, which gives us plenty of opportunity to chase different species and adjust tactics based on what the fish are telling us. The boat comes fully loaded with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need - no need to bring your own gear unless you've got a lucky setup you can't fish without. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, from the shallow nearshore zones where the browns cruise to the deeper offshore structure where the big kings hang out. Your group of up to 4 anglers gets the boat to yourselves, so there's no fighting for rod time or dealing with strangers. The season runs from late April through September, covering everything from the early spring bite when the fish are hungry after a long winter to the fall run when the salmon are staging for their spawning runs.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and Captain Ken has this game dialed in. We'll be running multiple lines at different depths using downriggers, dipsey divers, and leadcore setups to cover the entire water column. The fish here are constantly moving, chasing baitfish like alewives and emerald shiners, so we're always adjusting our spread based on what the fish finder is showing us. You'll learn how to read the electronics, understand water temperature breaks, and recognize the subtle signs that tell you when fish are in the area. The tackle setup varies depending on what we're targeting - lighter spinning gear for the browns and smaller trout, heavy baitcasting setups for the big Chinooks that can push 30 pounds or more. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place in the rotation, and part of the fun is figuring out what pattern the fish want on any given day. Don't worry if you've never trolled before - the captain will walk you through everything from setting the drag to fighting the fish properly.
"Captain ken worked hard all day to help us catch fish, All of his fishing gear is quality and boat is very nice, I would recommend using him" - Gordon
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) are absolute rockets when they hit your line. These chrome-bright fighters average 8-12 pounds but don't let the size fool you - they'll make runs that'll have your reel screaming and jump clear out of the water multiple times during the fight. Spring and early summer are prime time for steelhead, when they're feeding heavily in the upper water column. What makes them special is their incredible stamina and acrobatic fighting style. You'll find yourself holding on for dear life as they make long, blistering runs parallel to the boat.
Coho Salmon bring their own brand of excitement to the table. These silver bullets typically run 6-10 pounds and are known for their aerial displays - they'll jump, twist, and tail-walk across the surface like they're putting on a show. Cohos are aggressive feeders and often provide the most consistent action during the summer months. They school up tight, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. The fight is fast and furious, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These powerhouses can exceed 30 pounds and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll ever experience. They're deep-water fish most of the summer, holding in 80-150 feet of water where the temperature is just right. When a king hits, you know it immediately - the rod doubles over and line starts peeling off the reel. The fight is a marathon, not a sprint, with powerful runs and dogged resistance all the way to the net. Late summer and early fall are peak times for the biggest specimens.
Brown Trout are the lake's most finicky residents, but also some of the most rewarding to catch. These golden-sided beauties are primarily nearshore fish, cruising the shallows and structure areas where they ambush prey. Browns can grow huge in Lake Ontario - fish over 20 pounds are caught every season. They're most active in low-light conditions, making early morning and evening the prime times. What makes browns special is their wariness - they've seen every lure in the book, so catching one feels like you've really accomplished something.
Lake Ontario fishing doesn't get much better than what Captain Ken offers out of Oswego. You're getting a full day on proven waters with quality gear and a captain who knows how to find fish. The private charter setup means you're not sharing the experience with strangers, and the 8-hour timeframe gives you the best shot at getting into multiple species. Whether you're after your first salmon or looking to add to an already impressive list of Great Lakes catches, this trip delivers. The season books up fast, especially during peak salmon times in late summer, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. Give SunMoon Adventures a call and get your name on
Get ready to chase salmon and trout across Lake Ontario's productive waters aboard the SunMoon, a well-equipped 28-footer built for serious fishing action. Twin 360hp engines push this charter boat to 26 knots, getting you to the fish fast and covering plenty of water during your 8-hour trip. The spacious deck handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, while the onboard fish finder helps locate schools of Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and those hard-fighting Chinook and Coho salmon that make Oswego famous. GPS and radar keep you on the productive spots even when Lake Ontario gets moody, and the VHF radio maintains contact with other successful boats. Between hookups, grab a cold drink from the refrigerator or take a break in the enclosed cabin with its multimedia system and full galley. The onboard head means no rushed trips back to dock, so you can stay focused on landing your limit of trophy fish.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart ones - they average 12-20 inches but can push 24+ inches and several pounds. They're notorious for being finicky and preferring low-light conditions, often feeding heavily at dawn, dusk, and night. Look for them around structure like rocky points, weed lines, and drop-offs in 20-60 feet of water. Fall through early summer gives you the best shots, especially during cooler, overcast conditions. What makes browns special is their wariness - they're a thinking angler's fish that rewards patience and finesse. The golden-brown coloring with black spots is beautiful, and they're excellent table fare. Pro tip: browns often follow lures for long distances before striking, so when trolling, make wide S-turns occasionally - the direction change often triggers reluctant followers to hit.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants out there, averaging 15-25 pounds with some pushing 30+ pounds in good years. They're light-sensitive, so they stick to deeper water during the day - often 80-150 feet down near bottom. These bruisers prefer cold water and will follow the thermocline as it changes seasonally. Peak action runs from late spring through early fall, with early morning and evening being prime time. What draws anglers is the sheer size and that reddish-pink meat that's unbeatable on the grill. They're strong but tend to fight deep rather than jumping. Local tip: kings love structure changes, so focus your trolling around drop-offs and points where the bottom transitions from shallow to deep water - that's where they ambush baitfish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon average 12-30 inches and pack serious punch at 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fighters are famous for their aerial shows - they'll jump up to 6 feet when hooked. Look for them in open water, usually suspended 40-80 feet down during summer, following baitfish schools. Late spring through early fall offers prime fishing, with dawn and dusk being hot times. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and that bright orange meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They hunt in schools, so where you catch one, there's likely more. My go-to trick: when you mark fish on the sounder, drop your downrigger balls 10 feet deeper than the marks - cohos often hang just below the main school.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout typically run 12-24 inches and 2-8 pounds in Lake Ontario, with that signature pink stripe and spotted pattern. They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and run when hooked. You'll find them in cooler water, often suspended mid-depth or near structure during summer months. Spring through early fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their willingness to hit lures and their clean, mild taste on the table. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so look for thermal breaks and upwellings. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes - rainbows often strike right after a speed change when the lure's action shifts.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are rainbow trout that spend time in open water, growing large and silver - often 24+ inches and hitting 10-15 pounds. These are serious fighters with long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. They roam deep water in summer, around 60-120 feet down, following temperature breaks and baitfish. Best fishing runs from late spring through fall, with overcast days often producing better action. What sets them apart is their stamina - they'll fight harder and longer than most trout. The meat is firm and flaky, excellent eating. Here's a local trick: when trolling for steelhead, use longer leaders (8-10 feet) than you would for other species. They're line-shy and that extra distance from your downrigger makes a big difference.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain ken worked hard all day to help us catch fish, All of his fishing gear is quality and boat is very nice, I would recommend...
Gordon Johnson , Thank you! You folks were awesome. Looking forward to our next trip.
Oswego, NY