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KaliMae Fishing Charters Fishing Charter in Kent
Chinook Salmon Fishing in Lake Ontario
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The Chinook Salmon belongs to the order Salmoniformes and family Salmonidae, making it a close relative to other popular gamefish like Rainbow Trout and Coho Salmon. These impressive fish typically measure between 30 and 59 inches in length, with weights ranging from 10 to 50 pounds when fully mature. Lake Ontario provides an ideal habitat for these fish, with their preference for both nearshore and offshore waters depending on season and water temperature. - Chinook Salmon are known for their hard-fighting ability when hooked, making them a prized catch for serious anglers. - They are easily identified by their black mouth and gums, along with distinctive spotting patterns on their back and tail.
Fishing Charter by Captain Scott Miller in December
Meet your Captain Scott Miller
- Kali-Mae Fishing Charters: Lake Ontario Adventures
Summary
Sunday August on Lake Ontario delivered exceptional Chinook salmon action during our 8-Hour Fishing Adventure with Captain Scott Miller. Despite partly cloudy skies and some rain, the water conditions remained solid throughout our day with Kali-Mae Fishing Charters. We employed effective trolling and downrigging techniques that Lake Ontario is known for, along with strategic drift fishing when conditions called for it. The lake's renowned salmon fishery didn't disappoint as we connected with quality Chinook Salmon. Lake Ontario offers some of the best salmon fishing opportunities in New York state, especially when working with proven downrigging methods that consistently produce results. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to test your skills or wanting to learn advanced techniques, this full-day charter provides the perfect opportunity to target trophy-sized Chinook in the productive waters of Lake Ontario.
Fishing Charter with Scott Miller – Rates & Booking
Captain Scott Miller of Kali-Mae Fishing Charters on Sunday August offers expert-guided fishing adventures on Lake Ontario targeting trophy Chinook Salmon and other game fish. This 8-hour advanced fishing trip is specifically designed for experienced anglers looking to refine their techniques and pursue trophy catches. The Full Day Advanced Salmon And Trout Fishing Trip On Lake Ontario includes all necessary gear—rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety equipment—plus fish cleaning service at the end of your successful day. With Captain Scott's extensive local knowledge of Lake Ontario's patterns and productive fishing grounds, you'll experience a challenging and rewarding day on one of North America's premier freshwater fisheries.
Highlights of Full Day Advanced Salmon And Trout Fishing Trip On Lake Ontario
This advanced fishing charter focuses specifically on targeting Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Rainbow Trout (Steelhead). Captain Scott employs specialized trolling and downrigging techniques that consistently produce results on Lake Ontario, adapting strategies based on seasonal patterns and daily conditions. The full 8-hour duration gives experienced anglers ample time to work different depths and cover productive water, maximizing opportunities for multiple hookups.
With Lake Ontario's reputation for producing trophy-sized salmon and trout, this trip is ideal for serious anglers looking to test their skills against hard-fighting freshwater gamefish. Captain Scott's experienced guidance ensures you'll be positioned over prime fishing grounds while using techniques that have proven effective for these species throughout the season. The charter accommodates up to 4 guests, making it perfect for small groups of fishing friends or family members looking for quality time on the water with serious fishing action.
Local Species Insights: Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon in Lake Ontario represent some of the most prized gamefish in the Great Lakes region. These powerful fighters typically cruise offshore structure and transition zones, requiring specialized techniques to target consistently. During summer months, Captain Scott focuses on locating schools of salmon by tracking temperature breaks and baitfish concentrations using downriggers and specialized trolling setups.
Lake Ontario Chinook are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, often testing both tackle and angler skills. The lake's ecosystem supports healthy salmon populations, with fish averaging 15-25 pounds during peak season. Captain Scott's years of experience on these waters means he understands the seasonal patterns and can put clients on fish using proven tactics specific to Lake Ontario's unique fishery. For serious anglers looking to connect with trophy Chinook, this full-day advanced trip provides the perfect opportunity to learn specialized techniques while targeting one of freshwater fishing's most exciting gamefish.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Lake Ontario fishing adventure departs from Kent, NY, aboard Captain Scott's fully-equipped fishing vessel. The boat comfortably accommodates up to 4 guests and includes all the specialized equipment needed for successful salmon fishing—downriggers, quality rods and reels, and a full selection of proven lures and baits. Early morning departures are typical to maximize prime fishing hours, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Dress in layers as Lake Ontario weather can change throughout the day, and bring sun protection, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and non-slip footwear. A valid New York fishing license is required for all participants (available online or at local tackle shops). Captain Scott will handle the fish cleaning at day's end, so bring a cooler with ice to transport your catch home. Food and drinks aren't provided, so pack accordingly for the 8-hour trip. For the most comfortable experience, consider bringing motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness.
Fishing in Lake Ontario: Chinook Salmon
Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), a member of the Salmonidae family in the order Salmoniformes, is widely regarded as the premier gamefish in Lake Ontario. Known as "King Salmon" for good reason, these powerful fish feature distinctive silver sides with blue-green backs and characteristic black spotting on their upper body, fins, and tail. In Kent waters this August, anglers target these prized fighters using specialized techniques developed specifically for Great Lakes salmon.
Chinook Salmon Overview
The largest of all Pacific salmon species, Chinook are prized for both their fighting ability and table fare. Introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1960s, they've established thriving populations that support a world-class fishery. Lake Ontario Chinooks are particularly sought after for their size and strength, often requiring specialized heavy tackle to land successfully.
Chinook Salmon Habitat and Distribution
While native to the North Pacific Ocean and its tributary rivers, Chinook have been successfully introduced to the Great Lakes system where they thrive in the cold, deep waters. In Lake Ontario near Kent, they typically hold in deeper offshore waters during summer months, following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. They move closer to tributary mouths in fall as spawning instincts take over.
Chinook Salmon Size and Weight
Lake Ontario Chinooks typically range from 30 to 59 inches in length. Weight classes vary from 10 pounds for younger fish up to impressive specimens reaching 50 pounds. The average mature Lake Ontario Chinook caught during charter trips weighs between 15-25 pounds, though 30+ pound fish are caught each season.
Chinook Salmon Diet and Behavior
These predators feed primarily on alewives, smelt, and other baitfish that inhabit Lake Ontario. They're active feeders that locate prey using their excellent vision and lateral line sensing. During summer months, they typically feed in deeper, cooler water during daylight hours, sometimes moving shallower during low-light periods or when pursuing bait schools.
Chinook Salmon Spawning Season
Lake Ontario Chinooks begin their spawning runs into tributary rivers in late August through October, with peak movement occurring when water temperatures drop below 60°F. Unlike their Pacific ancestors that die after spawning, some Great Lakes Chinook can survive to spawn multiple times, though most follow their genetic programming and expire after reproduction.
Chinook Salmon Fishing Techniques
Downriggers with spoons and flasher/fly combinations represent the most productive approach for Lake Ontario Chinook. Trolling at 1.8-2.5 mph along temperature breaks (typically 45-55 feet in summer) produces consistent results. Lure colors vary by conditions, with greens, blues, and UV patterns excelling in clear water while oranges and chartreuse perform better in stained conditions. In August, anglers around Kent find Chinooks concentrated near underwater structures and thermoclines where baitfish gather.
Chinook Salmon Is It Good to Eat?
Chinook are considered excellent table fare with firm, orange-red flesh high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Their rich flavor profile makes them versatile for various cooking methods including grilling, smoking, and baking. Lake Ontario Chinook are particularly prized for their clean taste compared to their ocean-run counterparts, though it's advisable to check local consumption advisories as with any Great Lakes fish.
Chinook Salmon Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Chinook Salmon in Lake Ontario?
A: Spoons, flasher/fly combinations, and cut bait rigs produce the best results. Popular spoon colors include green/silver, blue/silver, and variations with UV finishes. Rotate lures until you determine what's working best that day.
Q: Where can I find Chinook Salmon near Kent?
A: During summer months, focus on offshore structure in 80-120 feet of water, particularly near underwater humps and ledges. Target temperature breaks where warmer surface water meets cooler depths, typically around the thermocline.
Q: Is Chinook Salmon good to eat from Lake Ontario?
A: Yes, Lake Ontario Chinook offer excellent eating quality with firm, orange-red flesh that's high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Many anglers prefer the taste of these freshwater salmon over their saltwater counterparts.
Q: When is the best time to catch Chinook Salmon?
A: Prime Chinook season runs from June through September, with the largest fish typically caught in July and August. Early morning and evening hours generally produce better action, though they can be caught throughout the day when properly targeting their preferred depth.
Q: How deep should I fish for Chinook Salmon in summer?
A: During summer months, target depths of 50-100 feet where water temperatures range between 45-55°F. Use downriggers to present lures at precise depths where salmon are holding.
Q: What pound test line is best for Chinook Salmon?
A: Most Lake Ontario charter captains use 20-30 pound test monofilament or braided line with fluorocarbon leaders. This provides enough strength to handle these powerful fish while maintaining adequate lure action.
