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Elite Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing
- Published Date: September 15, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $475 - $850 price range
- Updated Date: October 11, 2025
Summary
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Big Catches on Ontario
Strong Lake Ontario King Salmon showing off its size on deck!
Bright Lake Ontario Steelhead catch shining in the sun!
Evening Lake Ontario King Salmon catch — powerful and unforgettable!
Proud Lake Ontario Steelhead catch — strong fight and great reward!
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Proud catch on Lake Ontario — big King Salmon day!
Double catch success on Lake Ontario — two hefty King Salmon in one trip!
Impressive Lake Ontario King Salmon — a catch to remember!
Strong Lake Ontario King Salmon showing off its size on deck!
Bright Lake Ontario Steelhead catch shining in the sun!
Evening Lake Ontario King Salmon catch — powerful and unforgettable!
Proud Lake Ontario Steelhead catch — strong fight and great reward!
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Proud catch on Lake Ontario — big King Salmon day!
Double catch success on Lake Ontario — two hefty King Salmon in one trip!
Impressive Lake Ontario King Salmon — a catch to remember!
Strong Lake Ontario King Salmon showing off its size on deck!
Bright Lake Ontario Steelhead catch shining in the sun!
Evening Lake Ontario King Salmon catch — powerful and unforgettable!
Proud Lake Ontario Steelhead catch — strong fight and great reward!
Pro-Level Salmon & Trout Fishing on Lake Ontario
Ready to test your skills against some of the most prized game fish in the Great Lakes? Captain Matt's half-day charter on Lake Ontario is tailor-made for serious anglers looking to make the most of their time on the water. This isn't your average tourist trip - it's a focused, fast-paced adventure designed to put you on fish and challenge your technique. With room for up to four guests, you'll have plenty of elbow room as you target multiple species of salmon and trout in the rich waters where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara River.
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment you step aboard Captain Matt's well-equipped vessel, you'll know you're in for a top-notch fishing experience. This 4-hour trip is all about maximizing your time and getting lines in the water. We'll cruise out to proven hotspots where salmon and trout are known to congregate, using a combination of trolling and precision fishing techniques. Captain Matt provides premium rods, reels, and tackle, so you can focus on honing your skills and battling fish. The stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario's shoreline adds to the experience, but make no mistake - this trip is for anglers who are here to fish hard and smart.
Techniques & Gear Rundown
On this charter, we'll primarily use trolling techniques to cover water and locate active fish. Expect to see downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards in action - all tools of the trade for Great Lakes fishing. We'll be using a variety of lures including spoons, cut bait, and flies, adjusting our presentation based on water conditions and fish behavior. Captain Matt's years of experience mean he knows just how to dial in the right combo to get fish striking. You'll have the chance to learn pro-level techniques for playing and landing powerful salmon and trout on medium to heavy tackle. It's a great opportunity to pick up new skills or refine your existing ones.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Atlantic Salmon: Known for their acrobatic fights and delicious taste, Atlantics in Lake Ontario typically range from 5-20 pounds. These fish are prized for their powerful runs and aerial displays when hooked. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, as they move into shallower waters. Anglers love the challenge of enticing these sometimes-finicky biters.
Chinook Salmon: Also called King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes. Lake Ontario Chinooks can top 30 pounds, providing an arm-wrenching battle when hooked. They're most active in late summer and early fall as they prepare for their spawning run. Landing a trophy Chinook is often the highlight of an angler's season.
Coho Salmon: Smaller than Chinooks but no less exciting, Cohos are known for their aggressive strikes and tasty flesh. Typically weighing 5-10 pounds in Lake Ontario, these fish often travel in schools, meaning multiple hookups are possible. Spring and early summer are great times to target Cohos as they feed heavily near the surface.
Steelhead Trout: These hard-fighting rainbow trout spend much of their life in the lake before running up rivers to spawn. Known for their acrobatic leaps and long runs, hooking into a steelhead is always an adrenaline rush. They can be caught year-round in Lake Ontario, with fall and spring being particularly productive.
Lake Trout: Native to the Great Lakes, lake trout are often found in deeper, cooler waters. They can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. While they may not jump like salmon, their powerful fights and delicious meat make them a favorite target. Early spring and late fall are prime times for trophy lake trout.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
716 SportFishing has built a reputation for putting clients on fish consistently. Captain Matt's local knowledge and dedication to staying on top of fish movements mean you're not just hoping for luck - you're fishing with strategy. The half-day format is perfect for those who want to maximize their time, whether you're squeezing in a trip around other activities or just prefer a more intense, focused outing. The variety of species available means every trip has the potential for different challenges and surprises. Plus, the scenery where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara River provides a stunning backdrop for your fishing adventure.
Top Catches This Season
While every season brings its own highlights, this year has seen some impressive catches coming aboard 716 SportFishing charters. Anglers have been consistently hooking into chunky Chinooks in the 20-25 pound range, with a few monsters pushing 30 pounds. The Coho action has been red-hot, with multiple limits being caught on half-day trips. Lake trout have been showing up in good numbers too, providing some variety and the chance at a real trophy fish. Whether you're after quantity or quality, the fishing has been delivering on both fronts.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're an experienced angler looking to step up your game or just want to fish with one of Lake Ontario's top guides, this half-day charter with 716 SportFishing is hard to beat. Remember, with only 4 spots available per trip, these charters can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Captain Matt's knowledge, combined with top-notch equipment and a focus on putting you on fish, makes this an excellent value for serious anglers. Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the biggest, hardest-fighting fish in the Great Lakes. Book your spot now and get ready for a fishing trip that'll have you planning your next visit before you even get back to the dock.
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are prized catches in Lake Ontario, typically running 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These powerful fish spend years at sea before returning to freshwater to spawn, making them a unique challenge. Look for them in deeper, cooler parts of the lake, especially near tributary mouths. Fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run. Anglers love battling these acrobatic fighters - they're known for spectacular leaps and long runs. Their rich, flavorful meat is also highly sought after. When targeting Atlantics, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait rigs. Keep your drag set light and be ready for those sudden bursts of speed when they hit. It's all about finesse and patience with these wary fish.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, often topping 20-30 pounds. They're typically found in deeper, cooler water, especially near structure or drop-offs. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they stage for spawning runs. Anglers love targeting kings for their sheer power and size - expect long, bulldogging fights when you hook one. Their rich, flavorful meat is also highly prized. To catch chinooks, try trolling with flashers and flies or large spoons. Downriggers are often key to reaching the right depth. Early mornings or overcast days can be most productive. When a king hits, hold on tight and be ready for a battle. Nothing beats the thrill of bringing a monster chinook to the boat after a grueling fight.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are feisty fighters averaging 8-12 pounds in Lake Ontario. Look for them in the top 30 feet of water, often near shoreline structures or river mouths. They're most active in late summer and fall as they prepare to spawn. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - expect wild jumps and powerful runs when you hook one. Their bright orange meat makes for excellent eating too. To target cohos, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait rigs. Vary your speed and depth until you find the zone where they're feeding. Early mornings and overcast days are often best. Keep your drag set light to handle those initial surges when they strike. Landing a nice coho is always a thrill for anglers visiting the lake.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Ontario, often weighing 15-40 pounds. They prefer cold, deep water, so look for them near bottom structure in the main lake basin. Spring and fall are great times to target lakers as they move shallower. These fish are known for their stamina - expect long, powerful fights when you hook into a big one. Their firm, pink flesh is excellent for smoking or grilling. To catch lake trout, try jigging with large spoons or paddletails near bottom. Trolling with downriggers is also effective. Use heavy gear as you'll be fishing deep. A good tip is to watch your electronics closely - lakers often suspend just off the bottom. When you find them, work the area thoroughly. Landing a trophy lake trout is always a memorable experience on Lake Ontario.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, spending part of their lives in Lake Ontario before returning to tributaries to spawn. They average 24 inches but can reach over 30 inches and 15 pounds. Look for them near shore in spring and fall, and in deeper water during summer. Steelhead are prized for their acrobatic fights - expect powerful runs and spectacular leaps when you hook one. They're most active in cooler water, so focus on spring and fall or fish deep in summer. To target steelhead, try drifting eggs or swinging flies in tributaries, or trolling spoons in the lake. Use light line and be ready for sudden, blistering runs. A stealthy approach is key, as these fish can be easily spooked. Landing a chrome-bright steelhead is always a memorable experience for anglers.
About the Viking Offshore sport fishing
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: 454 Crusaders
Maximum Cruising Speed: 27
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 220
