Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario fishing charters have a lot of secrets to keep. Even though it’s the smallest of the big lakes, its waters run deep. ‘The Lake of Shining Wonders’ is an ecological wonder.

All of the waters from the Great Lakes and rivers flow through Lake Ontario. Its tributary, in turn, passes them further into the Atlantic Ocean, where they find their resting place. And if you come to think of it, there was a reason to name a whole province after the lake. Whether it’s a tribute to one of the best freshwater fisheries in the world or for some other reason, it doesn’t even matter.

Salmon fishing in Lake Ontario is something we have all heard of. There are many species present, but Chinook Salmon are the absolute kings. Their numbers in the lake can easily outshine those of Coho, Atlantic, and Pink Salmon. But even though Lake Ontario is famous for its so-called ‘Salmon fever’, its generous waters boast the largest variety of freshwater fish in the world. There is just about everything to your liking.

From east to west, the waters of Lake Ontario spoil you with choices. There is more than enough here to make you want to spend every single day fishing. The lake’s species, styles, and seasons are incredible! But let’s talk about them one at a time.

Salmon are the gamest fish on the lake but Trout fishing also keeps up. Steelhead, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout are top targets for anglers who are game enough to tackle them. They are world-renowned for their brilliant leaps when they are hooked.

Lake Ontario Walleye fishing is another thing that keeps fishermen busy around the clock. Yes, Lake Erie is not the only place in the world that holds the excellent sport and table fare! Lake Ontario’s tremendous Walleye have been a highlight for thousands of anglers for quite some time.

And finally, Lake Ontario fishing charters can put you on Bass, America’s most popular game fish. There are Largemouth, Smallmouth, Spotted, Striped Bass, and some other species to your liking.

Lake Ontario wakes up from its slumber in spring. The local anglers are all on the alert, ready to cast for Steelhead, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, and Pacific Salmon within just 1 mile of the shore. Their technique of choice is trolling a variety of spoons using downriggers. One of the hottest tips around is to cast cleos and pixies (types of spoons) for greater results. They are trolled below and above the marked target. Easy!

Warmer waters along the shore are your place to be if you are after Brown Trout. Brownies move offshore as the lake begins to warm. Then, as the thermocline develops, they are usually found around it. Depending on the month, you will be switching from trolling with downriggers to flat-lining.

Summer fishing in Lake Ontario is once again about trolling spoons near schools of baitfish. The only difference is that you will need to head further offshore into deeper water. At times you may find your Salmon over 500 feet down. They love cooler water!

In the autumn months, Salmon and Trout move inshore to spawn. They gather all together at river mouths to chill just a little bit before moving upstream. And anglers don’t waste their time! You can find a large variety of boats trolling with spoons and plugs within sight of the shore.

Fall doesn’t mean the end of the season though. If anything, fishing can only amp up in the tributaries, rivers, and streams. But it’s another story.

Some say that fishing for Salmon and Trout on Lake Ontario can be somewhat intimidating. You don’t know how to start and where to go. And that’s exactly why you need a local guide to put you on fish.

Say you have a group of four fishing buddies. The lake’s captains will charge you around $400 for a five-hour trip, give or take $25. Even if you don’t end up with a nice mixed bag, you will most likely still be able to come back to shore with your limits.

For eight amazing hours on the lake, you will pay more or less $600. Any trip option can be fast and furious. But since in summer you will have to travel longer to get to the fishing grounds, it’s wise to book a full day.

The fish palette on Lake Ontario varies throughout the season. 10 to 20-pound class Chinook won’t show up until very late spring. Before that, it’s great to concentrate on Brown Trout and Steelhead. Late summer months are awesome for those anglers who want some fat catches. But it doesn’t even matter when you come and for how long - nothing beats a day of fishing Lake Ontario.

You will need to purchase a valid fishing license.