Ready to reel in some of the biggest fish swimming in the Great Lakes? Captain Scott Miller's got you covered with this beginner-friendly charter that'll have you chasing monster salmon and trout on Lake Ontario. Whether you're a total newbie or you've wet a line a time or two, this full-day trip is the perfect intro to one of North America's top freshwater fisheries. We're talking about hooking into hard-fighting Chinooks, acrobatic steelhead, and chunky brown trout - all while learning the ropes from a pro who knows these waters like the back of his hand.
Climb aboard Kali-Mae Fishing Charters' comfortable vessel for an 8-hour adventure on Lake Ontario's vast waters. Captain Scott's all about hands-on learning, so get ready to be part of the action. He'll walk you through everything from setting lines to fighting fish, making sure you're comfortable every step of the way. The boat's decked out with top-notch gear and electronics to put you on the fish, but the real magic happens when that rod doubles over and you're into your first Lake Ontario bruiser. And the best part? At the end of the day, Captain Scott will clean your catch so you can head home with fresh fillets and bragging rights.
On Lake Ontario, trolling is the name of the game for targeting big salmon and trout. You'll be using a mix of downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to cover different depths and spread your presentation across a wide area. Captain Scott will show you how to set up each rig and explain why we're using certain lures or bait. Keep an eye on those rod tips - when one starts bouncing, it's fish on! You'll learn how to properly fight and land these powerhouse fish, from the initial hookset to netting your prize. It's a team effort out here, so everyone gets a chance to play different roles throughout the day.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as Kings, these are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can top 30 pounds and put up a fight that'll leave your arms burning. They're most active in late summer and early fall when they start their spawning run. Hooking into one of these chrome missiles is an experience you won't forget - they'll peel line off your reel like nobody's business.
Steelhead Trout: If you're after an acrobatic battle, steelhead are your target. These high-flying rainbows are known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. They're available year-round but really shine in the cooler months. Steelhead in the 5-15 pound range are common, and they'll test both your gear and your skills.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are some of the biggest you'll find anywhere. These cunning predators often lurk in shallower water, especially in spring and fall. They're not as common as other species, but landing a trophy brown is a true accomplishment. Expect hard hits and powerful runs from these golden-flanked beauties.
Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of the Great Lakes, lake trout are the deepwater specialists. They prefer cooler water, so we often target them in spring and fall or by fishing deep during summer. Lakers fight with dogged determination, using their size and the lake's depth to their advantage. Hooking a 20+ pounder isn't out of the question!
Lake Ontario isn't just another fishing spot - it's a world-class fishery right in our backyard. The combination of size, species variety, and the sheer number of fish makes it a must-visit destination for anglers of all levels. But what really sets this trip apart is Captain Scott's teaching approach. You're not just along for the ride; you're getting a crash course in Great Lakes fishing techniques that you can use for years to come. Plus, there's something special about that first time you feel the weight of a big salmon on your line or see a chrome steelhead leap clear of the water. It's the kind of experience that turns casual fishermen into lifelong anglers.
If you've been thinking about giving Lake Ontario fishing a shot, this is your chance to do it right. Captain Scott's beginner-friendly charter is the perfect way to get your feet wet (figuratively speaking, of course) in one of North America's premier fisheries. You'll learn from a pro, use top-quality gear, and have a real shot at landing some seriously impressive fish. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, want to surprise the angler in your life with an unforgettable day on the water, or just want to see what all the Lake Ontario fishing hype is about, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Captain Scott a call, and get ready to make some waves (and maybe set some personal bests) on Lake Ontario!
Brown trout in Lake Ontario typically run 5-10 pounds, with some topping 20. Look for them near shore in spring and fall, often relating to rocky structure or tributary mouths. They're aggressive predators, chasing down baitfish and hitting lures with gusto. Anglers love browns for their hard fights and willingness to chase down fast-moving lures. The flesh is mild and flaky, great for pan-frying. Early spring and late fall offer the best shore fishing as browns move shallow. One local trick is to troll small stickbaits like Rapalas parallel to shore at dawn and dusk. The erratic action drives browns wild, especially in low light when they're actively feeding.
Chinook, or king salmon, are the largest salmon in Lake Ontario. Adults average 15-25 pounds but can top 30. They prefer cool, deep water and follow baitfish schools. Target them by downrigger trolling 30-100 feet deep, especially near drop-offs. Peak season is mid-summer through fall as they prepare to run upstream to spawn. Chinook are prized for their hard-fighting ability - expect screaming runs and acrobatic leaps when you hook one. The firm, orange flesh is packed with flavor, making them excellent for grilling or smoking. To boost your odds, try using cut bait like herring strips behind a flasher. The scent trail really gets their attention, even in deep water.
Lake trout are the true deepwater specialists of Lake Ontario, often found suspended over the deepest basins. Adults average 10-20 pounds but can reach 40+. They prefer cold, highly oxygenated water, so look deep - 60 to 150 feet down is common. Summer is prime time as they chase schools of alewives and smelt. Lakers are known for their powerful, dogged fights as you winch them up from the depths. The rich, oily meat is fantastic smoked. To target lakers, try jigging heavy spoons tipped with cut bait near bottom structure. The flash and scent is a killer combo for these opportunistic feeders. Patience is key - work an area thoroughly before moving on.
Steelhead are the sea-run version of rainbow trout, typically 24-30 inches long and weighing 8-12 pounds. These hard-fighting fish spend most of their life in the lake before returning to rivers to spawn. Look for them near shore in spring and fall, or suspended over deep water in summer. They'll hit flashy spoons, plugs, or flies that imitate baitfish. Steelhead put up an amazing fight - they'll make long runs and often jump clear out of the water. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's great for grilling or smoking. One local tip: on cloudy days, try fishing closer to the surface with silver spoons. The flashing attracts steelhead from a distance in low light conditions.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Pcm 351
Maximum Cruising Speed: 21
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 240