Scenic Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing

Published Date: September 15, 2025
Fishing

Lake Ontario
$475 - $850 price range

Summary

Captain Matt of 716 SportFishing offers a 4-hour Lake Ontario charter that's perfect for anglers who want to mix fishing action with scenic views. You'll target Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, plus Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. The trip is set up for up to 4 guests, making it great for small groups or families. All the gear is provided, so you can just show up ready to fish. While you're waiting for bites, take in the expansive lake views and fresh air. It's a nice balance of active fishing and relaxed sightseeing on the water. Keep in mind that Lake Ontario is huge, so you'll get a real sense of being out on open water. The area where Lake Ontario meets the Niagara River is especially scenic. Captain Matt knows his stuff, so you'll be in good hands whether you're a seasoned angler or trying lake fishing for the first time.

Scenic Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing

Salmon and Trout Catches

Scenic view of Olcott, a fishing location

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Two Chinook salmon being caught while fishing in NY

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Chinook Salmon caught while fishing in NY

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Proud catch on Lake Ontario — big King Salmon day!

Lake Ontario's Salmon & Trout Bonanza

Get ready for a killer day on Lake Ontario with Captain Matt of 716 SportFishing. This 4-hour trip is the perfect mix of hardcore fishing action and jaw-dropping scenery. You and up to 3 buddies will be targeting some of the lake's most prized catches - we're talking Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, plus Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. It's a fish-fest with a view, folks!

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Matt's got you covered with top-notch gear, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones. Between casts, kick back and soak in those wide-open Lake Ontario vistas. This ain't your average fishing trip - it's a chance to score some serious fish while enjoying Mother Nature's show. Just remember, your deposit's non-refundable, so commit when you're ready to make some waves!

Trolling Tactics & Tackle Talk

We'll be employing some tried-and-true Great Lakes trolling techniques to tempt those trophy fish. Captain Matt's boat is rigged with downriggers and planer boards to cover all depths. We'll be using a mix of spoons, cut bait, and flasher-fly combos - whatever's hot that day. Don't sweat the gear; the captain's got a full arsenal of rods, reels, and lures that'll make any fish's mouth water. Just bring your A-game and be ready to reel!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Atlantic Salmon: These acrobatic fighters are a real treat on Lake Ontario. Known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs, Atlantics typically range from 5-15 pounds. They're most active in spring and fall, drawn to cooler water temperatures. Anglers love 'em for their fierce fights and tasty fillets.

Chinook Salmon: Also called Kings, these bruisers are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes salmon world. Chinooks can top 30 pounds and put up a brutal fight. Late summer and early fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning runs. Landing a big King is a bucket-list moment for many anglers.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Cohos are pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting fish in the lake. Averaging 5-10 pounds, these silver bullets are known for their acrobatic jumps and delicious orange flesh. Spring and early summer are hot times to target Cohos on Lake Ontario.

Brown Trout: These wily predators cruise the shoreline drop-offs and are suckers for well-presented bait. Browns in the 5-15 pound range are common, with some monsters pushing 20+. They're most active in cooler months and put up a dogged, powerful fight when hooked.

Lake Trout: The native bruisers of Lake Ontario, Lakers are deep-water specialists that can live for decades. They average 5-20 pounds but trophy fish over 30 aren't unheard of. We'll target them with deep-running lures, often finding them grouped up over underwater structure.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These chrome-bright rockets are prized for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics. Lake Ontario's 'bows average 5-12 pounds and are most active in cooler water. Hooking into a fresh-run steelhead is like touching a live wire - hold on tight!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Lake Ontario isn't just any fishing hole - it's a world-class fishery right in our backyard. The combination of hard-fighting fish, stunning scenery, and Captain Matt's local know-how makes for an unforgettable day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there's nothing quite like the rush of a big Lake Ontario salmon peeling line off your reel. And let's be real - bragging rights and a cooler full of fresh fillets ain't bad either!

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, Lake Ontario's calling, and those fish aren't gonna catch themselves. Captain Matt's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. So if you're itching to tangle with some world-class salmon and trout while taking in those killer lake views, don't sleep on booking your trip. Give 716 SportFishing a shout and lock in your date. Trust me, your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you. Let's make some fish stories!

Learn more about the species

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are the heavyweight champions of the salmon world, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These silver-sided fighters are a real treat to catch in Lake Ontario. Unlike their Pacific cousins, they can spawn multiple times, making them a sustainable target. You'll find them in deeper, cooler parts of the lake, especially near tributary mouths. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love 'em for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs. To improve your odds, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait at varying depths. Just remember, these fish can be finicky eaters, so patience is key. When you do hook one, hang on tight – their fight is worth the wait!

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, the kings of Lake Ontario, are the heavyweights you want to tangle with. These bruisers typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 30-pounder. They prefer cooler, deeper waters, especially near drop-offs or underwater structures. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers prize Chinooks for their hard-fighting spirit and delicious pink meat. To target these giants, try downrigging or trolling with large spoons or plugs. Here's a tip: Chinooks are light-sensitive, so fish early mornings or evenings for best results. When you feel that heavy thump on your line, get ready – you're in for the fight of your life!

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. Typically 12-30 inches long and 8-12 pounds, these fish put on a show when hooked. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in cooler, deeper waters during summer. They're most active in spring and fall as they prepare to run up tributaries. Anglers love cohos for their hard-fighting spirit and tasty orange-red meat. To target them, try swinging bright-colored spinners in faster currents or twitching jigs in holding water. Here's a local tip: on overcast days, use darker lures to mimic their natural prey. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, landing a coho is sure to get your heart racing.

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Ontario, often lurking in the coldest, most oxygen-rich parts of the lake. These big char average 24-36 inches but can top 40 pounds. They're slow-growing and long-lived, making each catch special. You'll find them suspended in deep basins, especially during summer months. Spring and fall are ideal for targeting lakers, as they move to shallower waters. Anglers love their tenacious fight and rich, flavorful meat. To hook one, try jigging with Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics in deep water. A local secret: on overcast days, they'll often feed higher in the water column, so adjust your depth accordingly. Landing a lake trout is a true test of skill – and a tasty reward at the end of the day.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the sea-run cousins of rainbow trout, and they're a prized catch in Lake Ontario. These silver bullets average 24 inches but can reach a whopping 45 inches and 55 pounds. You'll find them in cooler, oxygen-rich waters, often using structure like submerged logs for cover. Fall through spring is prime time, as they move towards tributaries to spawn. Anglers love steelhead for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs – they'll test your skills and your gear. For the best shot at hooking one, try drifting or swinging flies in deeper pools. A local secret: use a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod for better control in varying currents. Whether you're fly fishing or spin casting, landing a steelhead is a thrill you won't soon forget.

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

Jump aboard for a laid-back 4-hour fishing trip on Lake Ontario with Captain Matt of 716 SportFishing. This scenic outing gives you the best of both worlds - the chance to reel in some impressive catches while soaking in the natural beauty of the lake. Up to 4 guests can join in as you try your luck for Atlantic, Chinook, and Coho Salmon, as well as Brown, Lake, and Rainbow Trout. Don't worry about gear - Captain Matt provides quality rods, reels, and tackle so you can focus on the fun. Between bites, kick back and enjoy the expansive waters, fresh air, and picturesque views. It's the perfect blend of active fishing and relaxed sightseeing on Lake Ontario and Lake Niagara. Bring your camera, your sense of adventure, and get ready for a memorable day on the water!

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