Pro Salmon Trolling on Lake Ontario | Relentless

Lake Ontario's Salmon Fishing Paradise

Ready to tangle with some of the biggest salmon in the Great Lakes? Our 6-hour Lake Ontario charter is tailor-made for seasoned anglers looking to put their skills to the test. We're not messing around here – this trip is all about covering water efficiently and giving you the chance to wrestle with trophy-sized Chinook and Coho salmon. If you know your way around a downrigger and love the thrill of a screaming reel, you're in for a treat.

The Lowdown on Your Lake Trip

Picture this: You and up to three of your fishing buddies aboard a 28' Baja, kitted out with all the pro-level gear you could ask for. We're talking downriggers, dipsey divers, and a spread that'll make any salmon's mouth water. Captain Dan knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll be dialing in the perfect depth and presentation based on what the fish are doing that day. This isn't a "sit back and watch" kind of charter – you'll be in the thick of it, working the gear and staying on your toes. It's hands-on fishing at its finest, perfect for anglers who love to be part of the action from start to finish.

Trolling Tactics on Ontario

We're not messing around with lightweight gear here. Our setup is designed to handle the bruisers that call Lake Ontario home. You'll be working with heavy-duty trolling rods, paired with line-counter reels loaded with braided line. We use a mix of downriggers and dipsey divers to get our lures down where the big boys are hanging out. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be running spoons, flasher-fly combos, or cut bait rigs. Captain Dan's always tweaking the spread, adjusting depths, and changing up colors to dial in what the fish want on any given day. It's a constant game of chess with these lake monsters, and that's what makes it so darn fun.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, there's a reason why Lake Ontario is considered one of the top salmon fisheries in North America. The combination of cold, deep water and a healthy population of baitfish creates the perfect environment for growing absolute tanks of Chinook and Coho salmon. We're talking about fish that can push 30 pounds or more. When one of these brutes slams your lure and starts peeling line, trust me, you'll be hooked for life. And it's not just about the size – the fight these fish put up is something else. They'll dive deep, make blistering runs, and test every knot in your line. It's the kind of fishing that gets your heart racing and leaves you with stories to tell for years to come.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can grow to massive sizes, with 20-pounders being common and 30-pound-plus fish not unheard of. They're most active in the cooler months, with peak fishing typically from July through September. These bruisers are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. When a big Chinook hits, hold on tight – you're in for the fight of your life.

Coho Salmon: While typically smaller than their Chinook cousins, Cohos make up for it with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These silver bullets usually range from 5 to 10 pounds, but can get bigger. They're often found in shallower water than Chinooks, making them a blast to target when they're feeding near the surface. Cohos are known for their delicious, bright orange meat, making them a favorite for the dinner table.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): Lake Ontario's steelhead are a favorite among anglers for their spectacular fighting ability. These chrome-bright beauties can range from 5 to 15 pounds, with larger specimens not uncommon. They're known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Steelhead fishing heats up in the spring and fall when they move closer to shore and into tributary mouths.

Brown Trout: Often overlooked by salmon anglers, Lake Ontario's brown trout are a worthy target in their own right. These fish can grow to impressive sizes, with 10 to 15-pounders being fairly common. Browns are known for their sneaky, powerful fights and their tendency to make sudden, line-stripping runs. They're most active in the cooler months, with spring and fall being prime time.

Lake Trout: The native top predator of Lake Ontario, lake trout are making a strong comeback thanks to stocking efforts. These deep-water dwellers can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. Lakers are known for their dogged, deep-water fights. While they can be caught year-round, spring and fall offer the best chances at trophy-sized fish as they move into shallower water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about your salmon fishing and want to experience some of the best action Lake Ontario has to offer, this is the trip for you. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how to put you on fish. All you need to bring is your A-game and a willingness to work for those trophy catches. Remember, we're limited to 4 anglers max, so spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. Don't miss out on your chance to tangle with some of the biggest salmon in the Great Lakes. Give us a call or hit that 'Book Now' button – your arms will thank you later (even if they're a bit sore from all the reeling).