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World-Class 12-Hour Lake Ontario Fishing Charter
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $520 - $1,420 price range
Summary
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Big Lake, Bigger Catches
Great lake, even better catches
Big fish, big fun with Mike Klikus, Finhooker Char
Mike Klikus makes every catch a memorable one
Catch of the day with Mike Klikus!
Huge Chinook Salmon caught trolling in Mexico NY!
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Catch of the day, every day
Where the big ones bite
Rods up, stress down
Fishing time with the crew
Great lake, even better catches
Big fish, big fun with Mike Klikus, Finhooker Char
Mike Klikus makes every catch a memorable one
Catch of the day with Mike Klikus!
Huge Chinook Salmon caught trolling in Mexico NY!
null
Catch of the day, every day
Where the big ones bite
Rods up, stress down
Fishing time with the crew
Great lake, even better catches
Big fish, big fun with Mike Klikus, Finhooker Char
Mike Klikus makes every catch a memorable one
Catch of the day with Mike Klikus!
12-Hour Lake Ontario Fishing Marathon
Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime on Lake Ontario's Mexico Bay. This 12-hour private charter is your ticket to landing some of the most sought-after trout and salmon in North America. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, our expert guides at Finhooker Charters will make sure you're in for a day of non-stop action and big catches. We've got all the gear you need - just bring your fishing license and a cooler for your haul. Trust me, you'll want plenty of space for all the fish you'll be taking home!
What to Expect on the Water
Alright, here's the deal: we'll be hitting the water early, so come ready to fish. We're talking a full 12 hours on Lake Ontario, focusing on the fish-rich waters of Mexico Bay. This isn't your average lazy day on the lake - we're on a mission to get you on some serious fish. Our boat is rigged with top-notch equipment, from downriggers to fish finders, to put you right where the action is. You'll be trolling for most of the day, which means we'll cover a lot of water to find those active fish. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; our guides will walk you through everything. And let me tell you, when that rod goes off and you're hooked into a big king salmon, you'll be glad you came!
Trolling Tactics & Gear
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of trolling techniques to target different species throughout the day. We'll start with some shallow water tactics for brown trout and coho salmon, then move out deeper as the day progresses to find those big lake trout and chinooks. We use a variety of lures - spoons, flashers with flies, and cut bait rigs. The key is matching the presentation to what the fish want on any given day. Our downriggers let us hit precise depths where fish are holding, and we'll adjust our spread throughout the day based on what's working. It's a bit of an art and a science, but that's what makes it so fun. You'll learn a ton about reading the water, interpreting your fish finder, and setting up the perfect trolling spread.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lake Ontario is home to some of the best trout and salmon fishing you'll find anywhere. Let's break down what we're after:
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These high-flying acrobats are a blast to catch. They average 5-10 pounds but can get much bigger. Steelhead love to jump when hooked, so be ready for some real excitement. They're most active in the cooler months, but we can find them year-round.
Coho Salmon: Often called "silver salmon," these are some of the tastiest fish in the lake. They typically run 3-8 pounds and are known for their hard-fighting nature. Cohos are usually the first salmon to show up in the spring and are a favorite target for many anglers.
Chinook Salmon (King Salmon): The big dogs of Lake Ontario. Kings can top 30 pounds, and when you hook one, you're in for a serious battle. They're most active in late summer and fall as they prepare to spawn. Landing a big king is often the highlight of any Lake Ontario fishing trip.
Brown Trout: These wily predators are known for their selective feeding habits and hard fights. Lake Ontario browns can get huge, with fish over 20 pounds not unheard of. They tend to stay in shallower, warmer water than other trout species.
Lake Trout: The native giants of Lake Ontario. Lakers can live for decades and grow to massive sizes. They're typically found in deeper, colder water and put up a dogged fight when hooked. The meat is rich and flavorful, especially when smoked.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Listen, I've been guiding on Lake Ontario for years, and I still get pumped every time I head out. There's just something special about this place. Maybe it's the chance at hooking into a 30-pound king salmon that'll test every bit of your fishing skills. Or maybe it's those days when the coho are so thick, you can hardly keep lines in the water. But I think what really keeps people coming back is the whole experience - watching the sun rise over the lake, feeling that first tug on the line, and sharing stories over a cooler full of fresh-caught fish at the end of the day. It's not just fishing; it's making memories that'll last a lifetime.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This 12-hour charter is the real deal for serious anglers or anyone looking to max out their time on Lake Ontario. We're talking sun-up to sun-down action, with the best chance to land a mixed bag of trophy trout and salmon. Our boat can handle up to 4 guests, so grab your fishing buddies and make it happen. Remember, the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Don't miss out on what could be the fishing trip of the year. Give us a call at Finhooker Charters, and let's get you on the water. Trust me, once you experience Lake Ontario fishing, you'll be hooked for life!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are a favorite among anglers for their wariness and fighting spirit. They usually run 8-24 inches, but can grow much larger in the right conditions. You'll find them in cool, clear waters, often hiding near structure like fallen trees or undercut banks. Browns are most active in low light, so early mornings and evenings are prime time. Anglers love targeting browns for their challenging nature and tasty, mild flesh. These fish are known for their selective feeding habits, making them a true test of an angler's skill. When fishing for browns, stealth is key. Try using smaller flies or lures, and make your presentations as natural as possible. A local tip: during fall, browns feed aggressively at night. Try fishing near piers or deep pools with crawfish imitations for best results.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the largest of the Pacific salmon species. They typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but monsters over 30 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them in deep, cold waters – they're sensitive to light and tend to hug the bottom. Kings are known for their powerful fights and delicious reddish-pink meat. The best time to target them is early morning or evening. These fish are a real prize, both for the challenge of landing one and the quality of the meat. When fishing for kings, use weighted baits to get down deep where they're holding. Trolling with plugs, spoons, or herring can be very effective. For fly fishing, don't swing too far – keep that fly swimming in the water column where the kings can find it.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, or silvers, are prized for their acrobatic fights and tasty orange-red meat. They usually run 8-12 pounds, but can hit 30 pounds in the right conditions. You'll find them in calm areas under debris in large rivers connected to the ocean. Cohos spend their early life in freshwater before heading out to sea, then return to spawn. Fall is prime time to catch them as they migrate back to their home rivers. Anglers love targeting cohos for their hard-fighting nature – these fish can jump up to 6 feet vertically! They're also considered one of the best-tasting Pacific salmon. If you're after cohos, try swinging bright-colored spinners in fast water. For holding water, go with twitching jigs. A long-tailed jig gives better movement and often triggers more strikes.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the giants of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds with lengths of 24-36 inches. They thrive in deep, cold, oxygen-rich waters, typically suspended in the middle of the basin. You'll find them in northern lakes across North America, including right here in Lake Ontario. Lakers are slow-growing and long-lived, which makes landing a big one a real accomplishment. They're most active in low light conditions, so overcast days are perfect for targeting them. Anglers love lake trout for their hard-fighting nature and rich, flavorful meat. When fishing for lakers, focus on deep water and use jigging techniques. Try lures that imitate wounded baitfish, like Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastic paddle tails on jig heads. A local tip: right after ice-out in spring, you can often find lakers in shallower water, making them easier to target.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers, known for their beautiful coloration and spirited fight. These fish typically range from 8 to 24 inches long, with some monsters pushing 30 inches. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and lakes, often near gravelly shorelines or in downstream flows. In summer, they head to deeper, cooler waters. For the best shot at landing one, fish during their feeding times at dusk or late evening. Rainbow trout are a blast to catch on light tackle and put up an acrobatic fight, sometimes leaping clear out of the water. They're also delicious eating fish, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when fly fishing, try nymphing techniques. Keep your bait off the bottom and retrieve it slowly – rainbows love to strike as it drifts by.
About the Cool Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
