Ready for some world-class fishing action right in your backyard? Finhooker Charters has you covered with our top-rated Lake Ontario fishing trips. We're talking about hooking into monster lake trout, hard-fighting salmon, and those beautiful rainbow trout that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, our 6-hour charters are the perfect way to experience the best fishing Lake Ontario has to offer.
Picture this: You're out on the open water of Lake Ontario, the sun's just coming up, and there's a chill in the air that tells you the fish are biting. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're itching to put you on the hottest fishing spots. We'll get you set up with top-notch gear, show you the ropes if you're new to this, and before you know it, you'll be reeling in some of the biggest fish of your life. This isn't just a fishing trip; it's a full-on Lake Ontario adventure that'll have you hooked (pun intended) from start to finish.
On our Lake Ontario charters, we're all about trolling - it's the name of the game for landing those trophy fish. We'll be using downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones hide. Don't worry if you're not familiar with this technique; our guides will walk you through it step by step. We've got a whole arsenal of lures that the fish can't resist - spoons, flashers, and cut bait rigs that'll entice even the most stubborn trout or salmon. And let's not forget about our rods and reels - we're talking about heavy-duty stuff that can handle those heart-pounding fights when you hook into a 20+ pound chinook. It's all part of the package, so all you need to bring is your excitement and maybe a lucky hat.
Look, I've been guiding on Lake Ontario for years, and I'll tell you why folks can't get enough of these trips. First off, the sheer size of the fish here is mind-blowing. We're not talking about little panfish; we're after the big boys that'll test your skills and your biceps. Then there's the variety - one minute you're battling a chunky lake trout, the next you're trying to keep up with a lightning-fast coho salmon. And let's not forget the scenery - Lake Ontario is gorgeous, and there's something special about being out there when the lake is like glass and you can see for miles. Plus, our trips are all about having a good time. We'll swap fishing stories, share some laughs, and make memories that'll last way longer than your fish dinner.
Rainbow Trout: These beauties are a favorite among our guests. Known for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors, rainbow trout in Lake Ontario can grow up to 10 pounds or more. They're most active in the spring and fall, but you can catch them year-round. When you hook one, be ready for some spectacular jumps and runs that'll test your drag system.
Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - coho salmon pack a punch. Averaging 5-10 pounds, these silver bullets are known for their hard strikes and blistering runs. They're typically targeted in late summer and early fall during their spawning run. Coho meat is prized for its rich, orange color and delicate flavor, making them a perfect "eater" fish.
Chinook Salmon: The king of Lake Ontario, chinook salmon are the heavyweight champs of our waters. These brutes can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and when they decide to run, hold on tight! Late summer and early fall is prime time for chinooks as they stage for their spawning run. Landing one of these monsters is often the highlight of any angler's trip.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout are a wily bunch. They're known for their selective feeding habits and can be a real challenge to catch, which makes landing one all the sweeter. Spring and fall are the best times to target these fish, which can grow to impressive sizes in the lake's rich waters. Their golden-brown coloration and black spots make them a true trophy catch.
Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers are the native heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Lakers, as we call them, can live for decades and grow to massive sizes - 20-pounders aren't uncommon. We target them year-round, but they're especially active in the cooler months. When you hook into a big lake trout, be prepared for a drawn-out, arm-tiring battle as you coax them up from the depths.
Let me tell you, the fishing has been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster chinooks coming aboard - just last week, one of our guests landed a 32-pounder that had us all whooping and hollering. The lake trout have been biting like crazy too, especially in the deeper water near the shipwrecks. And if you're after those hard-fighting coho, we've found a sweet spot where they've been schooling up. The rainbow trout action has been steady, with some real beauties in the 8-10 pound range making appearances. Brown trout have been a bit trickier, but when we find them, it's game on. Trust me, the fish are out there, and they're hungry - we just need to get you on the boat!
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching to get out on Lake Ontario and tangle with some serious fish, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 6-hour charters are perfect for both seasoned anglers looking for a challenge and families wanting to create some awesome memories together. We've got room for up to 4 people, so grab your fishing buddies or bring the kids for an adventure they'll never forget. Remember, we provide all the gear and know-how - all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera to capture your trophy catch). The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and we're fired up to show you the best fishing Lake Ontario has to offer. Don't miss out on your chance to land the big one - book your Finhooker Charters trip today and let's make some waves!
Brown trout are the clever, cautious members of the trout family. They average 1-5 pounds but can grow much larger, especially in Lake Ontario. You'll find browns in cool, clear waters, often lurking near cover like submerged logs or undercut banks. They're most active in low light conditions – dawn, dusk, and overcast days are prime times. Browns are known for their wariness and hard fights when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and their tasty, pink flesh. Fall is a great time to fish for browns as they become more aggressive before spawning. Try using streamers or crayfish imitations when fly fishing. Here's a local trick: when trolling for browns, run your lures close to shore or near drop-offs where these fish like to ambush prey.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the giants of the salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 50 or more. They're in Lake Ontario year-round, but the fall run is prime time. Kings prefer cooler, deeper waters, so you'll often find them near the thermocline or hugging the bottom. These fish are famous for their powerful runs and stamina – hooking one is like tying into a freight train. Chinooks are prized not just for the fight, but for their rich, flavorful meat. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet for action. When targeting kings, try downrigging or trolling with plugs, spoons, or herring. A tip from the locals: kings are light-sensitive, so weighted baits fished deep often produce the best results, especially on sunny days.
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch. They typically run 8-12 pounds but can push 30 in the right conditions. You'll find them in Lake Ontario from spring through fall, with the best action usually in late summer and early fall as they prepare to spawn. Cohos are known for their acrobatic leaps and hard-fighting spirit – they can jump up to 6 feet out of the water! Look for them in calm areas near debris or in large rivers connected to the lake. These fish are prized for their bright orange meat and excellent flavor. When targeting cohos, try swinging spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding water. Here's a local secret: on bright days, use lures with chartreuse or pink; on cloudy days, go with blue or purple patterns.
Lake trout are the true giants of the char family, often reaching 15-40 pounds in Lake Ontario. These deep-water specialists prefer cold, highly oxygenated waters and are usually found suspended in the lake's basin. Spring and fall are prime seasons when lakers move into shallower waters. Anglers prize them for their size, fight, and tasty fillets. Lake trout are slow-growing and can live for decades, making trophy catches extra special. They feed most actively in low light conditions or on overcast days. Jigging is a go-to method – try Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that imitate baitfish. A local tip: after ice-out in spring, look for lake trout in relatively shallow water where they're feeding more aggressively. This is often your best shot at a trophy fish from shore.
Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers for their acrobatic fights and stunning colors. You'll typically find these beauties in cool, clear waters, often near gravelly shorelines or in downstream flows. They average 2-8 pounds but can get much bigger. In summer, they head to cooler depths, so that's when you'll want to fish deeper. Rainbow trout feed heavily at dusk and late evening, making those prime times to cast your line. They're not just fun to catch – they're delicious too, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. If you're fly fishing, try nymphing techniques. A local tip: when the water's high and fast, focus on eddies and seams where trout shelter from the current. These spots often hold the biggest fish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300