Top-Rated Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Lake Ontario
$600 - $600 price range

Summary

Lake Ontario's known for big salmon, and this trip puts you right in the action. You'll spend 6 hours on a well-equipped 28' Baja, trolling for Chinook and Coho with Captain Dan. He's got all the gear you need - downriggers, dipsey divers, the works. Whether you're new to salmon fishing or an old hand, this private charter's perfect for 1-2 anglers who want to focus on the fish without a crowd. The captain adjusts tactics based on what the salmon are doing that season. Bring your NY fishing license, some snacks, and get ready to work those rods. At the end of the day, they'll even clean and bag your catch right at the dock. It's a solid day on the water for anyone looking to tangle with Lake Ontario's hard-fighting salmon.

Top-Rated Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Trip

Big Lake, Big Fish

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: Big Fish, Small Group

Ready to chase some serious salmon on Lake Ontario? This 6-hour private charter is all about putting you on the fish without the crowds. We're talking Chinook and Coho salmon that'll make your arms ache and your fishing buddies jealous. Captain Dan knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's got the 28' Baja dialed in with top-notch trolling gear. Whether you're new to Great Lakes fishing or looking to up your game, this trip is the perfect mix of laid-back and hardcore.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out on a fully-loaded 28' Baja, just you and maybe one buddy, with Captain Dan at the helm. No fighting for rod space or tripping over coolers here. We're running downriggers and dipsey divers - the good stuff that gets lures down where the big boys swim. The Cap's always tweaking the spread based on what the fish are doing that day. Might be hammering 'em shallow in the morning, then chasing bait balls deep in the afternoon. Either way, when that rod goes off, it's all you. Fight that chrome missile, high-five your buddy, and get ready to do it all over again.

Trolling Tactics for Trophy Salmon

Trolling's the name of the game on Lake Ontario, and we've got it down to a science. We're not just dragging lures behind the boat - this is precision fishing. Downriggers let us put baits at exact depths where the fish are holding. Dipsey divers? They're like underwater kites, spreading our presentation out wide. We're matching the hatch with a mix of spoons, flashers and flies, maybe even meat rigs if the bite's tough. Captain Dan's always got his eye on the fish finder, looking for those telltale arches that mean pay dirt. Water temp, clarity, time of day - it all factors in. You'll pick up tricks that'll make you a better angler, guaranteed.

Top Catches This Season

No customer reviews provided for this trip.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: The king of Great Lakes salmon, Chinooks are what dreams are made of. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, and when they hit, you'll know it. They're here from spring through fall, with peak action in late summer as they stage for their spawning run. Chinooks are famous for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Landing one of these chrome missiles is an angler's badge of honor.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Cohos are pound-for-pound fighters that'll test your drag. These silver bullets typically run 5-10 pounds and are known for their wild, unpredictable fights. They're often found in shallower water than Chinooks, making for some exciting surface action. Cohos are at their peak in spring and early summer, offering some of the hottest action of the year.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): Lake Ontario's steelhead are open-water rockets. These fish are essentially rainbow trout on steroids, spending most of their life in the lake before running up tributaries to spawn. Expect acrobatic fights with lots of jumps and sizzling runs. Spring and fall are prime time for steelhead, but you can hook into them year-round if you know where to look.

Brown Trout: The ghosts of Lake Ontario, browns are prized for their size and elusiveness. These fish can grow huge in the lake, with 20-pounders not unheard of. They're most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are your best bets. Browns are known for their powerful, dogged fights - when you hook one, you're in for a battle of wits and muscle.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of Lake Ontario, lakers are built for the deep. These fish can live for decades and grow to monster proportions. They're typically found hugging structure in deeper water, so deep-running lures and downriggers are key. Lakers fight with powerful head shakes and bulldogging runs. They're available year-round but are especially active in spring and fall when they move into shallower water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about putting some Lake Ontario chrome in the boat, this is your ticket. No wasted time, no overcrowded deck - just you, your buddy, and a boatload of hungry salmon. Captain Dan's got the gear, the know-how, and the hot spots dialed in. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want to tangle with some world-class freshwater game fish, we've got you covered. Remember, we're talking private charter here - that means the trip is tailored to you. Want to focus on trophy Chinooks? No problem. Rather mix it up with a multi-species day? We can do that too. Just don't wait too long to book. Prime dates fill up fast, and once that summer King bite turns on, it's go time. Grab your lucky hat, pack some snacks, and let's go stick some fish!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Ontario typically run 5-10 pounds, though trophy fish over 20 aren't uncommon. They prefer cooler water and are often found near shore in spring and fall, moving deeper in summer. Browns are known for being clever and a challenge to catch, which makes them a favorite for many anglers. They put up a great fight and taste excellent when cooked fresh. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the fish are most active in shallower water. Trolling with stickbaits or spoons works well, as does casting towards shore with crankbaits or spinners. Here's a tip: browns often feed aggressively at night, so evening trips can be very productive. Be patient and persistent - fooling a big brown trout is a real accomplishment.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the biggest salmon in Lake Ontario. They average 15-30 pounds but can top 40. These hard-fighting fish are found throughout the lake, often in deeper, cooler water. Spring and fall are peak seasons, with many anglers targeting pre-spawn fish in August and September. Kings are known for their powerful runs and jumps - hook into one and you're in for a real battle. They're also prized for their rich, flavorful meat. We usually troll for them using downriggers, dipsy divers, or lead core line. Flashers with cut bait or big spoons are top producers. Here's a local secret: when kings are actively feeding, watch for diving birds. They'll lead you right to the bait schools the salmon are chasing. Landing a big king is an unforgettable experience for any angler.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, typically run 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30 in the Great Lakes. They're known for their acrobatic fights and tasty orange-red meat. You'll find them in Lake Ontario from spring through fall, often suspended in the water column. They feed aggressively as they prepare to spawn, making late summer and early fall prime time for catching them. Trolling with downriggers is the go-to method here, using flashy spoons or cut bait. Coho hit hard and fast, so be ready when that rod goes off. These fish are a blast to catch and great eating - the perfect combo for a day on the water. Pro tip: vary your trolling speed and lure depth until you find the right combination. Once you get one, there's usually more nearby.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the true giants of Lake Ontario, with fish over 20 pounds common and some topping 40. They're typically found in deep, cold water, often suspended over structures like underwater humps or drop-offs. Lake trout are slow-growing but long-lived, making trophy-sized fish a real prize. Spring and fall are good times to target them in shallower water, while summer finds them in the depths. Jigging or trolling with downriggers are effective tactics. These fish put up a stubborn, powerful fight - landing a big one is a true test of skill and endurance. Their firm, orange flesh is prized for smoking. Pro tip: use your electronics to find bait schools in deep water. Where there's bait, there's usually lake trout nearby. It's a unique experience to battle these prehistoric-looking fish from the depths of Lake Ontario.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a popular game fish, typically 8-24 inches long and 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and lakes, often near gravelly shorelines or in deep pools. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially in summer when they seek cooler depths. Anglers love targeting rainbows for their acrobatic fights and delicious pink flesh. Fall and spring are prime seasons as the water temperatures are ideal. When fly fishing, try nymphing techniques or dry flies for rising fish. For spin fishing, small spinners or jigs work well. A local tip: keep your bait or lure off the bottom and use light line - these fish can be line-shy in clear water. Rainbow trout are a great species for both beginners and experienced anglers looking for an exciting catch.

About the Relentless Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Chevy

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 302

Captain Dan's 28' Baja is a sweet setup for serious salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. This fully-rigged boat comes loaded with top-notch trolling gear, including downriggers and dipsey divers to get your lures right where the big ones are hiding. Over 6 hours, you'll cruise the lake's most productive spots as the captain shares his local knowledge and adjusts tactics based on what's biting. With room for just 1-2 anglers, you'll get plenty of personal attention and hands-on action. No need to bring any gear - it's all provided, from rods to lures. At the end of the day, your catch can be cleaned and bagged dockside. Just remember to grab your NY fishing license, some snacks, and drinks before hopping aboard for a focused day chasing Chinook and Coho on the big lake.

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