Morning Lake Ontario Fishing Charter in Oswego
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 6hour morning charter targets salmon and trout speciesAllinclusive trip provides equipment, bait, and expert captain guidanceAccommodates up to four guests of all fishing skill levels
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario at first light, with miles of open water stretching to the horizon and some of the best salmon and trout fishing in the Great Lakes right beneath your boat. That's exactly what you'll get with Captain SunMoon's morning charter out of Oswego. This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience – we're talking about a private 6-hour trip for up to four anglers, with all the gear, tackle, and local knowledge you need to make it a day worth remembering. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some trophy fish to your collection or someone who's never held a fishing rod, Captain SunMoon knows how to put you on fish and keep the action going all morning long.
Your morning starts early – and trust me, you'll want to be out there when the fish are most active. Lake Ontario is famous for its crystal-clear waters and healthy populations of salmon and trout, and Oswego sits right in the heart of some of the most productive fishing grounds on the lake. Captain SunMoon has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find the fish based on water temperature, weather conditions, and seasonal patterns. The boat is fully rigged with downriggers, planer boards, and all the electronics you need to locate schools of fish and get your lures down to the right depth. You'll be targeting multiple species throughout the trip, so expect to switch up tactics and techniques as conditions change. The beauty of a private charter is that Captain SunMoon can adjust the plan based on what's biting and what you want to focus on.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling – covering water and presenting lures at the depths where salmon and trout are feeding. Captain SunMoon runs a full spread of rods, typically six to eight lines in the water at once, using downriggers to get spoons and plugs down to where the fish are holding. You'll be working with quality rods and reels that can handle the strong runs these fish are known for, and all the tackle is included – from proven spoons like NK28s and Stingers to plugs that mimic the alewives and smelt these fish feed on. The key to success out here is reading the fish finder, watching water temperature, and adjusting your spread based on what the sonar is showing. Captain SunMoon handles all the technical stuff – setting lines, adjusting depths, and reading the electronics – while you focus on fighting fish and enjoying the experience. When a rod goes off, you'll know it immediately, and these fish don't give up easy.
The salmon and trout fishing in Lake Ontario is legendary, and each species offers its own unique challenge and reward. Chinook salmon are the kings of the lake – these powerful fish can exceed 30 pounds and will test your endurance with long, strong runs that can peel line off your reel in seconds. They're most active in the early morning hours and tend to hold in deeper water, making them perfect targets for a dawn charter. Brown trout are the craftiest fish in the lake, known for their selective feeding and ability to break off at the worst possible moment, but when you land a big brown, you've earned it. Coho salmon are pure energy – they jump, they run, and they put on a show that makes for great photos and better stories. Rainbow trout and steelhead are acrobatic fighters that love to leap clear of the water, and their chrome-bright sides flashing in the morning sun is something you won't forget. Captain SunMoon knows the seasonal patterns and preferred depths for each species, so you'll have shots at multiple types of fish throughout the morning.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30 or more. These fish are most active in spring and fall, feeding heavily on alewives in depths ranging from 60 to 150 feet. When you hook a king salmon, be ready for a battle – they'll make multiple powerful runs and have the stamina to keep fighting for 15 minutes or more. Brown trout are the thinking angler's fish, cautious and selective but capable of reaching impressive sizes in Lake Ontario's rich waters. The lake holds browns over 15 pounds, and these fish are most cooperative in low-light conditions, making them perfect targets for morning charters. They're notorious for their last-second headshakes that can throw hooks, so keeping steady pressure is key. Coho salmon average 8-12 pounds and are pure excitement on the line – they jump repeatedly and make screaming runs that will have you whooping with joy. Rainbow trout and steelhead offer some of the most spectacular fights you'll find in freshwater, with their tendency to leap clear of the water multiple times during a fight. These fish are chrome-bright and incredibly strong for their size, typically ranging from 5-12 pounds in Lake Ontario.
Lake Ontario fishing doesn't get much better than what Captain SunMoon offers with this morning charter. You're getting a private boat, expert guidance, top-quality gear, and access to some of the most productive salmon and trout waters in the Great Lakes. The all-inclusive nature of this trip means you just show up ready to fish – no need to worry about tackle, bait, or figuring out the electronics. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to experience world-class fishing without the crowds. Morning trips consistently produce the best action, as these fish are most active in the cooler temperatures and lower light conditions. Captain SunMoon's local knowledge and years of experience on Lake Ontario give you the best possible chance of success, whether you're looking to land your first salmon or add a trophy trout to your collection. Don't wait – prime dates fill up fast, especially
Meet the SunMoon, your gateway to Lake Ontario's premier salmon and trout fishing grounds. This 28-foot fishing machine packs serious power with twin 360hp engines that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at speeds up to 26 knots. Built for serious anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a productive day on the water – advanced fish finder to locate those schools, GPS navigation to hit your favorite marks, and radar for those foggy mornings when the fish are biting. The onboard kitchen keeps snacks handy, while the refrigerator ensures your catch stays fresh. When nature calls, there's a private head, plus a multimedia system for tunes between strikes. With room for four anglers, the SunMoon gives you plenty of space to work the lines while chasing Lake Ontario's legendary Chinook salmon, browns, and steelhead.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smartest fish in Lake Ontario - they didn't get their reputation for being wary by accident. They average 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, with golden-brown backs and black spots scattered across their sides. These fish love structure, deep pools, and areas with good cover. Fall through early spring offers the best chances, especially during low-light periods when they feed more aggressively. Browns are prized for their wariness and strong fight - landing one feels earned. The meat is excellent with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They prefer water temps between 54-65°F and can live up to 20 years. My secret for browns is fishing near drop-offs and rocky areas where they ambush prey. Use more natural presentations - these fish have seen every lure and will spook from anything that looks off.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, running 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, though 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deep, cool water during the day. Early morning and evening provide the best bite when they move up in the water column. What makes kings special is their size and power - they're bulldogs that make long, strong runs. The reddish-pink meat is prized for its rich flavor. These fish are built for deep water, so we typically troll weighted lures or downrig to reach them. Kings have black spots on their head, back, and all fins, plus distinctive black gums. During summer, I run plugs and spoons down 40-80 feet where the thermocline holds cooler water - that's where the big kings cruise looking for baitfish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon, as we call them, typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds in our waters. They're known for their bright silver sides and acrobatic nature - these fish can jump up to 6 feet when hooked. Cohos prefer cooler areas of the lake and often hold near structure or current breaks. Late spring through summer provides consistent action before they start their spawning runs. Guests love targeting them because they're aggressive fighters that put on a real show. The orange-red meat is top-notch eating with rich flavor. These fish are anadromous, meaning they migrate between fresh and salt water, though in the Great Lakes they move between deep water and tributaries. My go-to technique is running bright spoons or plugs in the top 30 feet of water - cohos often feed up high and aren't shy about hitting flashy presentations.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds in Lake Ontario, with that signature pink stripe making them easy to spot. They prefer clean, cool water around 55-64°F and cruise various depths depending on the season. Spring through early summer offers the best action when they're actively feeding near the surface. What makes them special is their acrobatic fight - they'll jump and run hard when hooked. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, slightly nutty flavor that's perfect grilled or pan-fried. These fish are actually great water quality indicators since they can only survive in clean environments. Pro tip: during our morning trips, I like to work areas where tributaries meet the main lake - rainbows often patrol these zones looking for food washing out from the streams.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that behave like salmon - same species, different lifestyle. They average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches, with a more streamlined, silvery appearance from their time in deep water. These fish are nomads, roaming Lake Ontario's depths and moving into tributaries to spawn. Fall through spring is prime time, especially during their spawning runs. What sets them apart is their legendary fighting ability - pound for pound, nothing fights harder. They're excellent table fare too. Unlike their rainbow cousins, steelhead can spawn multiple times and live up to 11 years. The key difference is steelhead spend most of their adult life in deep, open water before returning to rivers. When targeting them, I focus on tributary mouths and drop-offs where they stage before their runs.
Oswego, NY