Lake Ontario Fishing Charters

The average price for a private 4 hour Lake Ontario fishing trip is US $565, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $639 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Which fishing charters in Lake Ontario are good for families?

Fishing charters in Lake Ontario that received great reviews from families are:

What are the top fish species I can catch in Lake Ontario?

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Lake Ontario are:

What are the top fishing techniques in Lake Ontario?

The top 3 fishing techniques in Lake Ontario are:

What are the top types of fishing in Lake Ontario?

The top 3 types of fishing in Lake Ontario are:

Do Lake Ontario fishing charters provide rods, reels and tackle?

Many fishing charters in Lake Ontario provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

Who are the best rated captains in Lake Ontario?

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Lake Ontario are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Lake Ontario?

Who are the top awarded captains in Lake Ontario?

What fishing trips are offered by fishing charters in Lake Ontario?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Lake Ontario are:

4-hour fishing trips – US $443
5-hour fishing trips – US $600
6-hour fishing trips – US $538
7-hour fishing trips – US $725
8-hour fishing trips – US $661

Fishing in Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario fishing charters allow you to explore the American or Canadian side of the smallest of the Great Lakes. What makes Lake Ontario extra special is the fact that the four remaining Great Lakes flow through it before emptying out into the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, the lake harbors diverse wildlife and very big fish.

First and foremost, Lake Ontario is a fantastic Salmon fishery. From spring to early fall, take advantage of the incredible Chinook Salmon run. Alongside these kings, you could also hook into Coho and Atlantic Salmon.

And it’s not just about Salmon fishing, either. The lake is a fantastic Trout fishery and you could go home with delicious Brown Trout or Lake Trout. You can also add Steelhead to that list in the winter. Year-round targets include Walleye and Northern Pike, whereas Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass keep anglers busy in the summer months.

When it comes to choosing a trip, it’s really up to you. If you’re fishing Lake Ontario during the Salmon runs, don’t skip out on a full day trip to really experience the fishery. If you’re just starting out, or introducing the family to fishing, a half day trip can put you on Trout, Pike, and Perch.

If you’re fishing the American side of the lake, Pulaski and Oswego are excellent starting points. They’ll also give you easy access to the Salmon and Oswego Rivers. On the Canadian side, head out on an urban angling adventure in Toronto or head towards the border and fish in Niagara County.

Rules & Regulations

Depending on which side of the border you’re fishing, you’ll need to buy a New York State fishing license or an Ontario fishing license. Lake Ontario and its surrounding tributaries are subject to strict regulations. Heading out with a reputable guide is recommended if you’re new to the area.

Lake Ontario

4.9 / 5

Based on 28559 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Lake Ontario Fishing Seasons

January

Happy New Year everybody! Lake Ontario is quiet, but those willing to brave the cold can ice fish for Trout and Walleye in the tributaries and shallower waters.

February

Lake Ontario isn't quite ready yet, but if the weather conditions allow for it, you can still ice fish for Pike and Walleye in the tributaries. Look out for opportunities to jig for Trout in the smaller creeks and streams, too.

March

Things are starting to heat up on Lake Ontario. Catch the tail-end of Pike fishing season or go after winter Steelhead in the surrounding rivers.

April

April is prime Brown Trout time! These fish are delicious and can reach up to 20+ pounds! Weather depending, you should also be on the lookout for the first of the Coho and Chinook Salmon in the lake's western basin.

May

The lake's western basin should be holding nearshore Coho and Chinook Salmon. Get your hands on them before they move into deeper, offshore waters. The Lake and Brown Trout bite is still hot.

June

The Salmon are still congregating nearshore – but not for long. They'll head into colder offshore waters soon so get your hands on them while you can. Lake and Brown Trout, summer Steelhead, and Walleye also make great targets.

July

As the waters warm up, the Salmon head into deeper and colder waters. Head out on an offshore trip and troll for your limits. Don't have that much time to spare? Hook tasty Brown Trout nearshore.

August

Salmon are staging in the southeast corner, preparing to head to the Salmon River. Head there for your pre-spawn catch. Or if you haven’t had enough of the lake, target Lake Trout instead.

September

All New York’s ports are great for Salmon fishing. The wild fish are heading to the tributaries. Check out the southeast corner of Mexico Bay or make your way into the Salmon and Oswego Rivers.

October

It's all about hooking those spawning Salmon. Typically, peak season occurs now, with Chinooks coming through first and Coho a little bit later. The tributaries are at their busiest so get there early.

November

This is your last chance to hook into spawning Chinook and Coho Salmon. Don't worry though, the Washington Steelhead are still to come for those who aren't ready to wrap up the season yet.

December

December Steelhead keeps anglers in the tributaries busy. You can also count of year-round targets like Walleye to keep you busy. Get yourself an early Christmas present and go fishing!

Lake Ontario Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Lake Ontario

Keep in contact with your captain. April showers can screw up a fishery so be flexible on your date plan a three day stay if you can with your trip in the middle that way you can adjust a day before or a day after if your Captain see fit

5.0 / 5

Stalker Charters – Lake Ontario

Dress warm, bring extra layers. You won't be walking far so having the extra layers to keep warm will only make your day more enjoyable. Waders with felt bottom or spikes to hold yourself in place on the rocks.

5.0 / 5

King David Guide Service

Regardless of the weather or river conditions if you fish hard you’ll be rewarded.

5.0 / 5

Regardless of the weather or river conditions if you fish hard you’ll be rewarded.

River Born Fishing Company Inc.

Weather is really unpredictable this time of year. But good. Layer your clothes to stay confortable.

5.0 / 5

Weather is really unpredictable this time of year. But good. Layer your clothes to stay confortable.

Hammerhead Charters and Tackle

Don't be frugal when it comes to your equipment. Buy high quality waders and boots. Talk to your guide prior to the trip and take any and all advice he offers on preparing for your trip.

5.0 / 5

Don't be frugal when it comes to your equipment. Buy high quality waders and boots. Talk to your guide prior to the trip and take any and all advice he offers on preparing for your trip.

Pulaski Salmon and Steelhead Expeditions

Looks like a very productive fishery. Got bag limit well before charter expired. Loved it.

5.0 / 5

Looks like a very productive fishery. Got bag limit well before charter expired. Loved it.

Cranks Charters Conesus, NY

Get a charter with Captain Chuck on Boston angler charter he’ll get you fish that you always wanted.

5.0 / 5

Get a charter with Captain Chuck on Boston angler charter he’ll get you fish that you always wanted.

Boston Angler Newark, NJ

Lake fishing for salmon still good even though a little late in the season.

5.0 / 5

Lake fishing for salmon still good even though a little late in the season.

Redemption Charters Buffalo, New York

Hit the lake earlier than I did, shoot for July-Aug. River September - October

5.0 / 5

Hit the lake earlier than I did, shoot for July-Aug. River September - October

SunMoon Adventures LLC Beacon, NY

If you're looking to catch salmon at this time of year using bait, don't! They're laying out there in large schools, waiting for the water to get colder so that they can move up the rivers & creeks to spawn. As it was stated to me, they're not feeding. You have to piss them off with shiny objects that will make them attack whatever you're using. It's a totally different style of fishing for me, but it's really cool.

5.0 / 5

Ewing Charters Milton, PA

If Your Fishing for Salmon go earlier in May/ June. I did catch fish in September but I was told May/June the bite I'd hot!

5.0 / 5

If Your Fishing for Salmon go earlier in May/ June. I did catch fish in September but I was told May/June the bite I'd hot!

Stalker Charters – Lake Ontario Rochester, New York

Book your charter with Reel Addiction and book your hotel accommodations in Oswego. Short 20 minute ride to the boat!

5.0 / 5

Book your charter with Reel Addiction and book your hotel accommodations in Oswego. Short 20 minute ride to the boat!

Reel Addicted Charters – Pulaski Marlboro, NY

We had a great time. Great Captain, great boat, great weather, great fishing trip!!!!

5.0 / 5

We had a great time. Great Captain, great boat, great weather, great fishing trip!!!!

Boston Angler Fort Plain, NY

Hire a knowledgeable and safety minded guide as water can get pretty choppy quickly

5.0 / 5

Hire a knowledgeable and safety minded guide as water can get pretty choppy quickly

Over The Rail Sportfishing Pulaski, New York

Go with Captain Darrin and it will be impossible not to have a great experience!

5.0 / 5

Go with Captain Darrin and it will be impossible not to have a great experience!

Flatout Sportfishing Ontario, NY

I recommend fishing for chinook(king) salmon at this time of year at about 70 to 90 feet. Because of their size they are a challenge to land, but worth every minute of the fight. Great eating after they are cleaned and fileted. Bring a camera and take alot of pictures.

5.0 / 5

Stalker Charters – Lake Ontario

Wind can pick up quickly and create tough conditions. Overall great experience.

5.0 / 5

Wind can pick up quickly and create tough conditions. Overall great experience.

Cranks Charters Buffalo, NY

Lake Ontario fishing for King Salmon or Lake Trout is a blast rivaling fishing in the North Atlantic.

5.0 / 5

Lake Ontario fishing for King Salmon or Lake Trout is a blast rivaling fishing in the North Atlantic.

Jammer Sportfishing Rochester, New York

Follow suggestions on net and from Captain. Call Captain before trip, and visit boat site beforehand.

5.0 / 5

Follow suggestions on net and from Captain. Call Captain before trip, and visit boat site beforehand.

Screamin Eagle Sport Fishing Dunkirk, MD

Do some research. Be prepared for warm weather. Bring water and sunscreen. Use Captain Mike!

5.0 / 5

Do some research. Be prepared for warm weather. Bring water and sunscreen. Use Captain Mike!

Upstate Guide Service – St. Lawrence River East Amherst, NY

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Lake Ontario?

Al’s Guide Service
Fishing charter in Altmar

5.0 / 5

(8 reviews)

Capt Alec from Al's guide service knows what he is doing, takes you right to the spots where there are fish , keeps you in the water with rod and reel ect... what a peaceful and relaxing trip, highly recommend.

Randall G.

Flatout Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Sodus Point

5.0 / 5

(11 reviews)

Did a 6 hour family trip with Capt. Darrin and it was a great experience. The boat is big, comfortable, clean and well maintained. We were able to get on the fish pretty fast and caught 10+ large lake trout. My 4.5 year old son helped reel in a few of them and he had a blast on the boat. These guys know the fishery really well and it's obvious they bring a lot of experience to the table. I'll definitely try to make a trip out again in the future!

Dennis L.

Over The Rail Sportfishing
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(46 reviews)

First ever New York fishing trip. Fantastic experience. Limited out on lake trout. My son and his best friend say it was the best ever

Todd D.

Screwy Louie's Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Fair Haven

5.0 / 5

(56 reviews)

Brendan and his son, Charlie took me and my family out this afternoon for the best charter I have ever taken. They were patient with the novices in our group and were 100% dedicated to putting us on fish and having a great time. We pulled in Salmon, Bass and Brown Trout...enough to feed a small army and had a great time doing it. Everyone caught fish, but even if we hadn't, it would have been a good trip talking to these guys. I can't recommend them enough.

James C.

Mississippi John's Guide Service
Fishing charter in Oswego

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

Mississippi is a more than just a guide. He helps you understand what you need to be doing, looking for, and using but most importantly he explains why which makes it a much more valuable experience. I will 100% be returning to Mississippi’s guides service next time I’m up here.

Tyler J.

Al’s Guide Service
Fishing charter in Altmar

5.0 / 5

(8 reviews)

Captian Al was the man. He worked so hard to put us on fish. He was such a great Captian absolutely would do this trip again

Christopher F.

Angler's Edge Outdoors LLC
Fishing charter in Lewiston

5.0 / 5

(20 reviews)

Captain Joe knows where to find the fish. We even caught fish in tough conditions. Highly recommend.

Earl S.

Al’s Guide Service
Fishing charter in Altmar

5.0 / 5

(8 reviews)

Spent a nice day on the river with Al Sr. floating the Salmon River late November. Was a slower day but still got a nice fresh fish in the boat so a good day of fishing for us. Definitely recommend to other anglers interested in fishing the Salmon River.

William G.

Locked With Lorensen
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

Great day on the River. Extremely knowledgeable , put us on fish, and all around great time. Definitely would suggest taking a trip with Ryan.

Peter W.

Dreams Come True – Drift Boat
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(25 reviews)

Capt. Rick's professionalism, knowledge of the river along with top notch equipment resulted in a tug of a lifetime during my first trip down the salmon.

BRIAN C.

King David Guide Service
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(7 reviews)

David knew exactly what we were doing right at first light. No feel out process. We had 4 hookups in the first hour. I picked his brain all day on all aspects of these fish and walked away with plenty of new knowledge and a 28 inch keeper. On top of everything David was an all around awesome guy to hangout with for the day.

Dave W.

Angler's Edge Outdoors LLC
Fishing charter in Lewiston

5.0 / 5

(20 reviews)

Joe is a great guy t aught me how to hook up on trout on the niagra. Trip and experance well woth it. Want to do again.

Mark G.

Al’s Guide Service
Fishing charter in Altmar

4.7 / 5

(8 reviews)

Al’s the guy to get on some fish if your up here for a few days, great guy as well super chillin

Gedalyahu S.

Al’s Guide Service
Fishing charter in Altmar

5.0 / 5

(8 reviews)

The captain had extensive knowledge of the River and put us on some nice steelheads. Very patient with my wife who has never fished before.

Edward D.

Sich's Guide Service – Salmon River
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(12 reviews)

Knowledgeable guide. Helped us understand what we needed to do to catch as many trout as possible. Managed to catch two and hook over half a dozen all together.

Steve C.

Scipione’s Charter Fishing
Fishing charter in Lewiston

5.0 / 5

(1 review)

Can’t recommend Captain David more. He is an awesome fisherman and person… relatable, patient, smart and very friendly. We all had an amazing time.

Michael K.

Locked With Lorensen
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

Ryan is very knowledgeable and helpful with salmon fishing also very laid back and easy going,a pleasure to fish with!!!

Harold D.

Stalker Charters – Lake Ontario
Fishing charter in Burt

5.0 / 5

(111 reviews)

This was our first trip out and it will be remembered for a long time ! The communication before the trip put us at ease. captain Kurt and Tammy worked hard at at making out time enjoyable and a great learning experience. We would recommend his charter to anyone who wants to learn and have fun ! Honestly, it was like fishing with old friends !!

Robin T.

Locked With Lorensen
Fishing charter in Pulaski

5.0 / 5

(37 reviews)

Ryan is an amazing guide, one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of fishing with. Incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive and simply fun to be around. My wife and I had an amazing day on the water, catching a lot of fish was just a bonus. Would highly recommend Ryan and I would easily book with him again in the future!

Dennis L.

Mississippi John's Guide Service
Fishing charter in Oswego

5.0 / 5

(10 reviews)

John is a great guide. An awesome guy had a good time chatting while we were fishing learned a few things the great guide experience I would recommend it for anybody that wants to get out and do something different. He does it on foot and he breaks his butt to give you the best experience. I will definitely be doing this trip again and bring in friends, if you are new or old, are you to the Oswego Pulaski area and want to catch some fish, and learn a few things give John a call