Elite Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

Lake Ontario
$475 - $850 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Captain Matt's 4-hour Lake Ontario fishing charter is designed for skilled anglers who want to make the most of their time on the water. You'll be targeting some of the lake's prized catches - Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, as well as Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. With room for up to 4 guests, this trip is perfect for those looking to fine-tune their techniques and take on a real challenge. Captain Matt provides top-notch gear, so you can focus on the fight and the reward. As you cruise the productive waters of Lake Ontario and Lake Niagara, you'll be surrounded by scenic views that add to the experience. This charter is all about efficiency and results - ideal for anglers who know their stuff and want to maximize their chances of landing some impressive fish. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're ready to commit to this focused fishing adventure.

Elite Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing

Big Lake Ontario Catches

Scenic view of Olcott, a fishing location

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Chinook Salmon caught while fishing in NY

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Proud catch on Lake Ontario — big King Salmon day!

Two chinook salmon caught while fishing in Olcott

Double catch success on Lake Ontario — two hefty King Salmon in one trip!

Lake Ontario's Hidden Salmon & Trout Hotspots

Get ready to hit the sweet spots on Lake Ontario with Captain Matt of 716 SportFishing. This laser-focused 4-hour charter is tailor-made for skilled anglers who want to make every minute count. You and up to 3 fishing buddies will be zeroing in on the big boys - we're talking Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, plus Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. It's the perfect trip for sharpening your game, covering prime fishing grounds, and tangling with some serious fighters. Cap'n Matt's got you covered with top-notch gear, so you can focus on the thrill of the catch against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario and Lake Niagara.

What to Expect on the Water

This ain't no leisurely cruise - we're here to fish, and fish hard. Captain Matt knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on the action. You'll be using cutting-edge techniques and the latest gear to target specific species. Expect a fast-paced trip where you'll learn new tricks, fine-tune your skills, and hopefully land some real beauties. The scenery's a bonus, but trust me, you'll be too focused on your line to notice much else. Just remember, this trip is for those who already know their way around a rod and reel - beginners might want to start with something a bit more laid-back.

Trolling Tactics & Tech

On this trip, we're mainly trolling - that means dragging lines behind the boat as we cruise productive areas. Captain Matt's rig is decked out with downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to get your bait or lures right where the fish are hanging out. You'll be using a mix of spoons, plugs, and meat rigs, depending on what's hot that day. The captain's always got his eye on the fish finder, looking for bait balls and temperature breaks where the big ones like to feed. It's a real team effort out here - everyone's got a job, whether it's watching lines, netting fish, or being ready to grab a rod when it goes off. And when that reel starts screaming? Well, that's when the real fun begins.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Salmon: These silver torpedoes are the acrobats of the lake. Known for their spectacular aerial displays, Atlantics will test your drag and your nerves. They average 5-10 pounds but can push 20+. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer can be hot too. Anglers love 'em for their fight and their tasty, orange flesh.

Chinook Salmon: AKA King Salmon, these are the bruisers of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can top 30 pounds and will make you work for every inch of line. They're most active in late summer and early fall as they prepare to run the tributaries. Landing a big king is a bucket-list item for many anglers - the kind of fish you'll be talking about for years.

Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than their Chinook cousins, Cohos make up for size with speed and aggression. These silver bullets are known for blistering runs and tend to school up, so where there's one, there's often more. Spring and early summer are prime Coho time. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some mighty fine eating.

Steelhead Trout: These chrome-bright rockets are essentially Rainbow Trout that live in the lake and run the rivers. They're famous for their acrobatics and stamina - a 10-pounder will give you a fight you won't soon forget. Steelhead can be caught year-round, but they're especially active in spring and fall. Pound for pound, many anglers consider them the hardest fighting fish in the lake.

Lake Trout: The native heavyweights of Lake Ontario, Lakers are the ones you'll find down deep. They're not as flashy as their cousins, but what they lack in acrobatics they make up for in pure, bulldogging power. These fish can live for decades and grow to monster proportions. Early spring and late fall are prime times for trophy Lake Trout. If you hook into a big one, settle in - it could be a while before you see color.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real - Lake Ontario is a world-class fishery, and this trip lets you experience the best of it. You're not just fishing; you're tapping into Captain Matt's years of local knowledge. He knows where the fish are holding, what they're biting on, and how to present it just right. Plus, with only 4 guests max, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of time on the rods. It's a chance to push your skills, learn new techniques, and maybe even set a personal best. And let's not forget - there's always the chance of hooking into that fish of a lifetime. That's the kind of thrill that keeps anglers coming back season after season.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're an experienced angler looking for a high-octane fishing adventure on Lake Ontario, this is your ticket. Captain Matt's 4-hour charter with 716 SportFishing is the real deal. You'll be targeting trophy salmon and trout with top-notch gear in some of the most productive waters around. It's fast-paced, it's challenging, and it's exactly what serious anglers are after. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't drag your feet. Get your crew together (remember, up to 4 guests), pick your date, and lock it in. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable - but trust me, this is one trip you won't want to miss. Time to make some fish stories that'll actually be true!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are the prized fighters of Lake Ontario. These silver-sided beauties typically run 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. They prefer cooler, deeper waters and often hang out near underwater structures. Fall is prime time as they move closer to shore to spawn. Anglers love the acrobatic leaps and powerful runs these fish put up - it's a true test of skill. Their rich, flavorful meat is another big draw. To up your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait at varying depths. When you hook one, be ready for an intense battle. These fish can make lightning-fast direction changes, so keep your line tight and rod tip up. Patience is key - let the salmon tire itself out before attempting to net it.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the giants of Lake Ontario. They typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but 30-pounders aren't unheard of. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted tails prefer cold, deep water, especially near the bottom where it's darker. Early morning or evening fishing is best. Spring and fall offer prime action as they move closer to shore. Anglers target kings for their epic fights and delicious orange-pink meat. To hook one, try downrigging or trolling with weighted lures - these fish often hug the bottom. My go-to trick is using bright-colored flies on sunny days and darker patterns when it's cloudy. Plugs, spoons, and herring also work well. Be ready for a serious battle - chinooks are known for their power and endurance.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch in Lake Ontario. They average 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in large rivers connected to the lake. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they migrate. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap up to 6 feet out of the water! Their bright orange meat is prized for its flavor too. These fish respond well to flashy lures, so try swinging spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in calmer spots. My local tip: use bright patterns like chartreuse or pink, especially on overcast days. Float fishing with roe can also be deadly effective. Be ready for explosive strikes and keep your drag set right - these fighters will put your gear to the test.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Ontario, often weighing 15-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 70+. They're slow-growing but long-lived, preferring the coldest, most oxygen-rich parts of the lake. You'll find them suspended in deep basins, sometimes at surprising depths. Spring and fall are ideal, when they move shallower. Anglers prize lakers for their size, fight, and tasty flesh. Jigging is the way to go - try Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that mimic baitfish. My local tip: on overcast days, work the water column methodically. These fish often school at specific depths. Once you find the right zone, you can hit pay dirt. Be patient and persistent - when you hook a big laker, you're in for a memorable, arm-tiring battle.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead in Lake Ontario are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, typically 24 inches long but can reach 45 inches and 55 pounds. They're more streamlined and silvery than their freshwater cousins. Look for them near cover like wood, boulders, or vegetation. Fall through spring is prime time as they return to tributaries to spawn. Anglers love steelhead for their incredible fights - they're strong, acrobatic, and never give up easily. Drifting, plunking, or fly fishing all work well. If you're fly fishing, I recommend a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod for the best control. Try swinging flies like the Golden Demon or Brad's Brat in sizes 6-8. For spin fishing, don't overlook the classic trick of drifting a single egg or a small cluster - it's simple but deadly effective when done right.

About the Viking Offshore sport fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: 454 Crusaders

Maximum Cruising Speed: 27

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 220

Ready for some serious Lake Ontario fishing action? Captain Matt's 4-hour charter is tailored for anglers who know their stuff and want to make every minute count. You'll be chasing after prized catches like Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, as well as Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. With room for up to 4 guests, this trip is ideal for those looking to refine their techniques, hit the most productive spots, and test their skills against some truly powerful fish. Captain Matt provides top-notch gear, so you can focus on the fight and the reward. As you cast your lines, you'll be treated to the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario and Lake Niagara. It's the perfect blend of challenge, scenery, and the chance to land some impressive catches. Whether you're aiming to improve your game or just enjoy a day of high-quality fishing, this charter delivers. Get ready to reel in some memories on the beautiful waters of Lake Ontario.

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