Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter Adventure
Captain Jay and his crew know Lake Ontario like the back of their hand, and they're ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour charter targets the lake's heavyweight champions – Coho and Chinook salmon, plus hard-fighting Steelhead, Brown, and Lake Trout. Whether you choose the crisp morning departure at 7 AM or the afternoon slot starting at 3 PM, you're looking at prime fishing windows when these species are most active. With space for up to 4 anglers, this private trip gives your group the personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
What to Expect on the Water
Lake Ontario stretches out like an inland sea, and Captain Jay has spent years learning where the fish stack up based on water temperature, baitfish movement, and seasonal patterns. You'll launch from a convenient marina and head to productive waters where salmon and trout patrol the thermocline. The boat comes rigged with quality downriggers, planer boards, and all the tackle you need – from spoons and plugs to flasher-fly combos that drive these fish wild. Don't worry if you're new to Great Lakes fishing; the crew takes pride in teaching guests the nuances of working different depths and reading fish on the sonar. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you arrive, and dress in layers since it can get breezy out there.
Trolling Techniques & Tackle
This isn't your typical cast-and-wait fishing – Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water with a spread of lines at different depths. The crew runs downriggers to get lures down 30 to 100 feet where the big salmon cruise, while planer boards pull lines out to the sides, creating a wide trolling pattern. You'll work with proven Great Lakes setups: dodgers paired with cut bait, wobbling spoons in silver and copper, and diving plugs that mimic injured alewives. Speed control matters here – usually between 2.5 and 3.2 mph – and the captain adjusts based on what the fish are telling him. When that downrigger rod starts bouncing and the reel screams, you'll know why Lake Ontario has such a reputation among serious salmon anglers.
Customer Stories
"My 16yo son and I had a fantastic time with Captain Jay and B the other night. My son fishes often so asked if we could land some big salmon, quality over quantity, and they delivered. They clearly knew the waters and where to go, other captains were calling them to find out where to land fish while we were out there. They were extremely determined to make sure we caught fish, and also educated us on the science behind it. They were great company to chat with, sharing stories of their adventures. I'd highly recommend them!" - Matthew
"Brought my dad and younger brother out on our first charter ever, targeting king. Capn Jay and first mate B made it super easy, and light and the most fun we could have asked for on a sunny Saturday morning. Landed a big king, a small Atlantic, and 3 rainbow trout. All in all a great day with great people and damn good fishin folks! 10/10 WOULD recommend to a friend, and we'll see you boys next year!! 🤘🏼🤘" - Zack
Species You'll Want to Hook
Coho Salmon pack serious punch for their size, typically running 8 to 15 pounds in Lake Ontario. These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. Cohos feed heavily on alewives and stay relatively shallow compared to their King cousins, making them prime targets during both morning and afternoon trips. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action often happening in July and August when water temperatures hit that sweet spot.
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, with mature fish pushing 20 to 30 pounds and occasional monsters breaking the 40-pound mark. These kings prefer deeper, cooler water and fight with raw power rather than flashy jumps. They'll make long, sustained runs that can strip 100 yards of line before you know it. Peak Chinook fishing typically runs from late May through September, with the biggest fish often caught during the pre-spawn period in late summer.
Steelhead Trout bring a different kind of excitement – these chrome-bright fighters combine size with incredible athleticism. Lake Ontario steelhead average 6 to 12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, mixing powerful runs with spectacular aerial displays. They're active throughout the season but really turn on during cooler periods in late spring and early fall. What makes steelhead special is their unpredictability – one minute they're hugging bottom, the next they're cartwheeling 6 feet out of the water.
Brown Trout represent the craftiest species you'll encounter, with lake-run browns displaying beautiful golden flanks and aggressive feeding behavior. These fish range from 3 to 15 pounds and are notorious for their wariness – they've earned their reputation as the fish of a thousand casts. Browns often feed in shallower water during low-light periods, making dawn and dusk prime time. Their diet includes everything from alewives to gobies, and they'll slam a well-presented spoon with surprising violence.
Lake Trout are the lake's native char species, distinguished by their deeply forked tails and olive-green coloration with cream-colored spots. These fish live in the coldest, deepest water and can reach impressive sizes – 15 to 25 pounders aren't uncommon. Lakers fight with steady, powerful runs rather than flashy jumps, and they're incredibly strong in deep water. They're available throughout the season but fishing for them often means working deeper structure and staying patient for quality fish.
5.0(2 Reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Lake Ontario
5
