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Top-Rated Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $600 - $1,100 price range
- Updated Date: November 2, 2025
Summary
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Big Lake, Bigger Catches
Double Down on Lake Ontario's Trophy Fish
Ready for a serious fishing adventure? Captain Scott Miller's two-day trip on Lake Ontario is the real deal. We're talking 14 hours of prime fishing time spread across two days, giving you the best shot at landing monster salmon and trout. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this extended trip is designed to put you on the fish and send you home with stories (and fillets) to last a lifetime.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your average day trip - we're going all in. Day one kicks off with a 6-hour afternoon session, perfect for dialing in techniques and getting a feel for the lake. Then, we're back at it early the next morning for a full 8-hour day chasing the big ones. Captain Scott provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to the latest electronics. He'll have you set up with downriggers, dipsy divers, and copper wire - all the tools of the trade for tackling Lake Ontario's deep water fishery. And don't worry about the mess; fish cleaning is included after each outing, so you can focus on the fun part.
Trolling Tactics & Hot Spots
On Lake Ontario, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be covering serious water, running multiple lines at various depths to target different species. Expect to work the thermocline, where bait fish concentrate and the predators follow. Captain Scott knows all the local honey holes - from nearshore structure for brown trout to offshore humps where the king salmon stack up. He'll have you rigging with spoons, flasher-fly combos, and cut bait plugs, adjusting our spread based on what's working. It's a constant game of observation and adaptation, and that's what makes it so darn exciting.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the lake, and for good reason. Chinooks in Lake Ontario can top 30 pounds, offering an arm-wrenching fight that'll test your stamina. They're most active in the early morning and late evening, often found in the cooler, deeper waters during summer. When a king hits, hold on tight - their initial run is legendary.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are a special breed. These fish love to hug structure and can be found closer to shore, especially in spring and fall. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps. A 10-pounder is a trophy, but 15+ pounders aren't unheard of. Browns respond well to slower trolling speeds and flashy lures.
Lake Trout: The deepwater specialists of the bunch, lake trout require some finesse to target effectively. They prefer the coldest parts of the lake and can be found at depths of 100 feet or more during summer. Lakers are known for their stamina - expect a steady, powerful fight all the way to the boat. The satisfaction of bringing up a fish from the depths is hard to beat.
Steelhead (Rainbow Trout): Perhaps the most acrobatic of Lake Ontario's trout species, steelhead are prized for their spectacular fights. These fish can turn on a dime and make blistering runs, often clearing the water in impressive leaps. They tend to stay in the upper part of the water column, making them a great target when fishing with planer boards. Spring and fall are prime time for steelhead, but summer can produce some giants.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Lake Ontario isn't just big - it's a world-class fishery right in our backyard. The two-day format of this trip gives you a real shot at a personal best, or even multiple species in the same outing. It's not uncommon to boat a 20+ pound salmon one day and limit out on trout the next. Plus, with Captain Scott's years of experience, you're not just fishing - you're getting an education on reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and mastering Great Lakes trolling techniques. It's the kind of knowledge that'll up your game no matter where you fish next.
What You'll Need to Bring
Captain Scott's got the fishing gear covered, but there are a few things you'll want to pack. First up, make sure you've got a valid New York State fishing license - you can grab one online before the trip. Dress in layers; Lake Ontario weather can change quickly, and it's always cooler on the water. Don't forget sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat. For grub, pack some sandwiches, snacks, and plenty of drinks to keep you fueled up. A small cooler is perfect for this. Oh, and bring a camera - you're gonna want proof of that wall-hanger you land.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're serious about putting some big fish in the boat, this two-day trip is your ticket. It's the best way to really experience what Lake Ontario has to offer. With morning and afternoon sessions, you're hitting prime feeding times and maximizing your chances at trophy fish. Captain Scott's knowledge, combined with top-notch gear and a full 14 hours on the water, stack the deck in your favor. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch or aiming to create lasting memories with friends and family, this extended charter delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak salmon and trout runs, so don't wait. Get in touch with Kali-Mae Fishing Charters and lock in your dates. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a wily bunch, typically running 5-10 pounds with some real trophies in the mix. These golden-brown beauties hang out in cooler water, often near drop-offs or structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they cruise closer to shore. Browns are known for their selective feeding and challenging fight - hooking one can be tough, but the battle is worth it. Anglers prize them for their cunning and tasty, orange-pink flesh. To improve your chances, try trolling with stickbaits or spoons near dawn or dusk. My favorite local trick is to use a slower presentation and smaller lures when the water's clear. Keep your drag set light - these guys are known for sudden, powerful runs that can snap light line in a heartbeat!
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. These brutes average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. Look for them in deeper, cooler water, often suspended over structure. They're most active in low-light conditions, so early mornings or overcast days are prime time. Chinooks put up a bruising fight with powerful runs that'll test your gear and stamina. Anglers target them for both the thrill and their rich, flavorful meat. Summer through early fall is peak season as they stage for their spawning run. To up your odds, try slow-trolling with downriggers using flashers and flies. My local tip: match your lure color to water clarity - go brighter in stained water, more natural in clear conditions. When you hook into one of these tanks, hang on tight!
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the true deep-water specialists of Ontario, typically weighing 8-20 pounds with some monsters pushing 40. These silver-grey fish with cream spots prefer the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. We usually target them in 50-150 feet of water, especially near underwater humps or drop-offs. Lakers are most active in spring and fall when they move shallower. Anglers love the steady, powerful fight of a big laker and their firm, rich meat. Jigging heavy spoons or trolling with downriggers are go-to techniques. For a local edge, try using glow-in-the-dark lures in deep water - lakers are drawn to that faint light in the darkness. When you hook up, be patient. These fish fight all the way up, often making multiple runs back to the bottom before you can get them in the net.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the sea-run version of rainbow trout, typically 24-30 inches long and packing a serious punch. These chrome-bright fighters spend years in the lake before returning to rivers to spawn. We usually find them in cooler, deeper water, often near structure or current breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move closer to shore. Anglers love steelhead for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs - hooking one is like tying into a rocket. Their firm pink flesh makes great table fare too. For the best shot at landing one, try drifting roe bags or swinging flies through likely holding water. My go-to trick is downsizing leaders and using scent to entice bites when the bite's tough. Just be ready for an all-out battle when that rod doubles over!
About the Kali-Mae Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Pcm 351
Maximum Cruising Speed: 21
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 240
