Learn Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Lake Ontario
$600 - $600 price range

Summary

Looking to dip your toes into Lake Ontario salmon fishing? This 6-hour private trip with Captain Dan is perfect for beginners. You'll be out on a 28' Baja, using easy-to-handle trolling gear to target Chinook and Coho salmon. Don't worry if you're new to this - the Captain provides clear instructions and hands-on help to get you comfortable with the equipment and techniques. All the fishing gear is included, and they'll even clean and bag your catch afterward. It's a relaxed day on the water where you can learn the ropes without any pressure. Remember to bring your NY fishing license, some snacks, and drinks. The trip is ideal for 1-2 people, so it's a great way to get personalized attention as you learn. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check the Trips & Rates page for details before booking.

Salmon Catches of the Day

9 pink, chinook, and coho salmon caught during fishing trip in NY

Loaded Chinook day on Lake Ontario!

Great start on Lake Ontario with Relentless!

Three Chinook Salmon caught while fishing in NY

Loaded cooler of Lake Ontario Chinook!

Chinook Salmon caught while fishing in Olcott

Happy Chinook catch on Lake Ontario!

Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing for Beginners

Ready to wet a line and try your hand at catching some of Lake Ontario's famous salmon? This beginner-friendly trip with Relentless Charters is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking) in the world of Great Lakes salmon fishing. Whether you're a complete novice or just looking to brush up on your trolling skills, Captain Dan's got you covered with all the gear, know-how, and patience you need for a successful day on the water.

Trip Overview

Hop aboard Captain Dan's 28' Baja for a laid-back 6-hour intro to salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. This private charter is tailor-made for 1-2 newbie anglers who want to learn the ropes without feeling overwhelmed. You'll be trolling for hard-fighting Chinook (King) and Coho salmon using beginner-friendly setups. Don't worry if you don't know a downrigger from a dipsey diver - Cap'n Dan's got your back with clear explanations and hands-on help every step of the way. By the end of the day, you'll be reeling in salmon like a pro (well, maybe not quite, but you'll definitely have the basics down).

Trolling 101

If you've never been trolling before, it's a fishing method where you slowly drag lures or bait behind a moving boat. On this trip, we'll be using downriggers and dipsey divers to get our lures down to where the salmon are hanging out. Downriggers use a heavy weight to take your line deep, while dipsey divers are special discs that plane sideways when pulled through the water, taking your line down and out to the side of the boat. It might sound complicated, but don't sweat it - Captain Dan will walk you through everything and make sure you're comfortable with the gear before we start fishing. You'll learn how to set lines, watch for bites, and the proper technique for fighting and landing these hard-pulling fish.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts bright and early as we head out onto Lake Ontario's vast waters. As we motor to Captain Dan's favorite fishing spots, you'll get a crash course in salmon behavior, lake conditions, and the finer points of trolling. Once we're in prime fish territory, we'll set our lines and play the waiting game. But don't worry, it's usually not a long wait before a rod starts bouncing with a fish on! When that happens, it's all hands on deck as you learn how to fight and land these powerful fish. Between catches, you'll soak in the beautiful lake views, maybe spot some wildlife, and pick up tons of fishing tips and local knowledge from the captain. At the end of your 6-hour adventure, Captain Dan will clean and bag your catch, so you can head home with some fresh salmon fillets and bragging rights.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook (King) Salmon: The crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, Chinooks are the biggest and baddest salmon in the lake. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, and even an average-sized King will give you the fight of your life. They're most active in late summer and early fall as they prepare to run up the tributaries to spawn. Chinooks are prized for their rich, flavorful meat - perfect for grilling or smoking.

Coho Salmon: While not as large as their Chinook cousins, Coho salmon make up for it with their acrobatic fights. These silver missiles are known for their spectacular leaps and runs that'll have your drag screaming. Cohos typically range from 5-10 pounds and are at their peak in spring and early summer. Their meat is slightly milder than Chinook, but still makes for excellent table fare.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These lake-run rainbows are like supercharged versions of their river-dwelling relatives. Steelhead in Lake Ontario can reach sizes of 10-15 pounds and fight like crazy. They're most active in the cooler months, from late fall through spring. Steelhead are prized for their hard fights and delicious, pink flesh.

Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout are trophy-sized fish that can push 20 pounds or more. They're most active in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Browns are known for their powerful runs and tendency to dive deep when hooked. Their meat is light and flaky, with a mild flavor that's perfect for those who don't like "fishy" fish.

Lake Trout: These deep-water denizens are the native salmonid of the Great Lakes. While they don't jump like other trout species, they make up for it with dogged, powerful fights. Lake trout can live for decades and grow to massive sizes - 20-pounders aren't uncommon. They're most active in the spring and fall and are prized for their rich, oily meat that's perfect for smoking.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Lake Ontario is a world-class fishery that draws anglers from all over the globe. The combination of hard-fighting fish, stunning scenery, and the sheer size of the lake makes for an unforgettable fishing experience. But what really sets this trip apart is Captain Dan's commitment to teaching. Whether you're hoping to learn enough to fish on your own someday or just want to have a fun day catching fish without the pressure, this trip delivers. Many first-timers find themselves hooked (pun intended) and come back year after year to chase that next big catch.

What to Bring

While Captain Dan provides all the fishing gear you'll need, there are a few things you should bring to make your day on the water more comfortable: - Valid New York fishing license (available online or at local tackle shops) - Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are best) - Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses - Snacks and drinks (no glass containers, please) - Camera to capture your big catches - Motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to try your hand at some world-class salmon fishing without the steep learning curve, this is the trip for you. Captain Dan's patient instruction and top-notch gear make it easy for beginners to get in on the action. And with only 1-2 guests per trip, you're guaranteed plenty of personal attention and time on the rods. Remember, the best days fill up fast, especially during peak salmon season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Relentless Charters a call today and get ready to make some fishy memories on the big waters of Lake Ontario!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are crafty predators that put up an impressive fight. In Lake Ontario, they average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. Browns prefer cooler water, so we find them deeper in summer and closer to shore in spring and fall. They're often near structure like drop-offs or sunken logs. Spring and fall are prime seasons when browns feed aggressively near the surface. Anglers love targeting browns for their selective nature and hard-fighting spirit. They're also excellent eating fish. Browns can be finicky, so presentation is key. Here's a tip: try trolling with smaller lures than you'd use for salmon, and vary your speed to trigger strikes. Landing a big brown is always a thrill, no matter how experienced you are.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the prize catch of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with 15-25 pounders being common. Kings typically hold in deeper, cooler water during summer, moving shallower as fall approaches. We target them by trolling with downriggers, often 50-100 feet down. The biggest kings show up in August and September, staging for their spawning run. Anglers love kings for their sheer power - hooking one feels like snagging a submarine! They're also delicious on the grill. While kings can be challenging, even beginners can land them with the right gear and guidance. Here's a local secret: try using large, glow-in-the-dark spoons early in the morning for best results.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch on Lake Ontario. These acrobatic fighters typically run 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show when hooked. You'll find them suspending over deeper water in summer, then moving closer to shore in fall as they prepare to spawn. Cohos love to chase flashy lures, so trolling with downriggers is our go-to method. The best action usually happens in late summer and early fall when the fish are most aggressive. Anglers love targeting cohos for their hard fights and excellent table fare. If you're new to salmon fishing, cohos are a great species to start with. Pro tip: try using smaller lures than you'd use for kings, as cohos can be finicky eaters.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true monsters of Lake Ontario, with 15-25 pounders being common and 40+ pound fish possible. These deep-water specialists prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, so we usually find them suspended over the lake's deepest basins. Summer means fishing deep - often 100+ feet down. Spring and fall can see lakers move shallower as water temps change. Jigging is a popular technique, using heavy lures to reach the depths. Lakers are prized for their size and tasty flesh, though the fight can be less spectacular than other trout. They're a great species for anglers who enjoy the challenge of deep-water fishing. Local tip: try using large, glow-in-the-dark tube jigs tipped with a strip of sucker meat for best results.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers, known for their stunning colors and acrobatic fights. These beauties typically range from 12-24 inches and 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often hanging out near current seams or undercut banks. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps are just right. Rainbows are opportunistic feeders, so matching the hatch with flies or tossing small spinners can be deadly. What makes 'bows special is their ability to adapt - you might hook into a scrappy 12-incher or battle a trophy 10-pounder. For a local tip: try drifting a bead-head nymph under an indicator through deeper runs. The fight and taste make rainbows well worth the effort.

About the Relentless Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Chevy

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 302

Welcome aboard our 28' Baja, the perfect vessel for your Lake Ontario salmon fishing adventure. This spacious boat comfortably accommodates up to 2 guests, making it ideal for a private, personalized experience. Equipped with beginner-friendly trolling gear including downriggers and dipsey divers, you'll have everything needed to target those prized Chinook and Coho salmon. The boat's stable design ensures a smooth ride even on choppy waters, allowing you to focus on honing your fishing skills. With ample deck space, you'll have plenty of room to move around as you reel in your catch. The clean, well-maintained interior offers basic amenities to keep you comfortable during your 6-hour trip. Captain Dan's expert knowledge of the lake and local fish behavior will guide you to the best spots, maximizing your chances of success. Whether you're casting lines or simply enjoying the scenic views of Lake Ontario, this boat provides the perfect platform for an enjoyable day on the water.

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