Hey there, fishing fans! Captain Matt here from 716 SportFishing, ready to get you hooked up with some of the best action Lake Ontario and Lake Niagara have to offer. Whether you're looking to spend a quick morning on the water or make a full day of it, we've got you covered with trips ranging from 4 to 8 hours. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be glad you came aboard.
Picture this: You're out on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Ontario, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and you've got a hot cup of coffee in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. That's how we start our days here at 716 SportFishing. We'll cruise out to some of my favorite spots where the big ones like to hang out. You'll be using top-notch gear (yeah, I provide all that), so all you need to worry about is reeling in the catch of the day. Oh, and don't forget your fishing license - it's the one thing I can't lend you!
Alright, let's talk strategy. On Lake Ontario, we're all about trolling - it's the name of the game for hooking into those monster salmon and trout. We'll set up a spread of lines behind the boat, using a mix of downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to cover different depths. I'll show you how to read the fish finder and adjust our tactics based on what we're seeing. Some days, the fish want flashy spoons; other times, they can't resist a wobbling plug. Don't worry if you're new to this - I'll walk you through everything, and before you know it, you'll be setting hooks like a pro.
Let's dive into the real stars of the show - the fish! Lake Ontario is home to some of the most sought-after game fish in North America. Here's what you might find on the end of your line:
Atlantic Salmon: These bad boys are the acrobats of the lake. When you hook into an Atlantic, get ready for a show. They'll leap clear out of the water, trying to shake that hook. They average around 8-12 pounds, but I've seen some top 30. Spring and fall are prime time for Atlantics.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, and for good reason. These are the heavyweights of the lake, often pushing 20-30 pounds. They're at their peak in late summer and early fall when they start their spawning run. Fighting a Chinook is like arm-wrestling a bulldozer - pure power.
Coho Salmon: A bit smaller than their Chinook cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in fight. Cohos are speed demons, known for blistering runs that'll have your reel singing. They're most active in spring and early summer, averaging 5-10 pounds.
Steelhead Trout: If Chinooks are the heavyweights, steelhead are the marathon runners. These guys will test your endurance with long, powerful runs. They're active year-round but really shine in the cooler months. Expect fish in the 5-15 pound range, with some monsters pushing 20+.
Lake Trout: The native bruisers of Lake Ontario. Lakers love the deep, cold water and can grow to impressive sizes. They're not as flashy as salmon, but they put up a stubborn fight that'll have your arms burning. We target these guys year-round, with peak action in spring and fall.
Look, I've been running charters on these lakes for years, and I still get excited every time we leave the dock. There's something special about Lake Ontario fishing that keeps folks coming back season after season. Maybe it's the rush of battling a 30-pound King Salmon, or the peaceful quiet of an early morning on the water. Could be the breathtaking sunrises, or the satisfaction of bringing home a cooler full of fresh fillets. Whatever it is, I guarantee you'll feel it too.
So, what do you say? Ready to experience some of the best fishing Lake Ontario has to offer? With 716 SportFishing, you're not just booking a trip - you're signing up for memories that'll last a lifetime. And hey, I know plans can change, which is why we offer free cancellation up to 7 days before your trip. No stress, just fishing.
Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some trophy fish, or a first-timer wanting to see what all the fuss is about, I've got you covered. Bring your family, bring your buddies, or come solo - we can take up to 4 guests, so there's room for everyone.
Don't let another season slip by without getting out on these incredible waters. Give me a shout, and let's get you booked for the fishing adventure of a lifetime. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. See you on the water!
Lake trout are the giants of the char family, often reaching 15-40 pounds. You'll find them deep in cold, oxygen-rich waters, especially in the Great Lakes. These fish are slow-growing but can live for decades. In summer, they'll be in the deepest parts of the lake, but come spring, right after ice-out, you can catch them in shallower water. Lake trout are light-shy, so overcast days are prime time. When jigging for them, try lures that mimic wounded baitfish. A local trick: use a fish finder to locate schools suspended mid-basin, then drop your jig right to their level. Anglers love the challenge of bringing in these big, powerful fish from the depths. The meat's great too – firm and flavorful. Just remember, they're slow to reproduce, so practice catch-and-release when you can.
Steelhead are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, and they're a favorite among anglers for their hard-fighting nature. These fish typically range from 5-15 pounds and are known for their silver color and black spots. You'll find them in our rivers and streams, especially during their spring and fall runs. Steelhead love fast, oxygenated water, so focus on riffles and runs. These fish are famous for their acrobatic leaps and long runs when hooked. They're challenging to catch, which is part of their appeal. Fly fishing is popular, but spin fishing works well too. A local tip: when the water's high and murky, try using brighter, larger lures to get their attention. The best time to target steelhead is from mid-fall through spring. Remember, these fish can spawn multiple times, so handle them carefully if you're releasing.
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. These bruisers can top 30 pounds in our lakes. They're usually down deep, especially on bright days, so weighted baits are the way to go. Early mornings and evenings are your best bet. Kings are known for their hard-fighting spirit – hook one, and you're in for a real battle. They're also fantastic eating, with rich, orange-red meat. When trolling for Chinooks, try using plugs or spoons. A local tip: vary your trolling speed to trigger strikes. These fish are sensitive to light, so on sunny days, go deeper or fish the shaded sides of structure. Fall is prime time as they start their spawning runs. Remember, kings die after spawning, so timing is everything for catching these amazing fish.
Lake Ontario's lake trout are cold-water specialists, thriving in the lake's deep, oxygen-rich waters. These big predators can top 20 pounds and live for decades. You'll usually find them suspended in the deep basin, but they'll move shallower in spring and fall. Lake trout are light-sensitive, so cloudy days or dawn and dusk are prime fishing times. They're slow-growing fish, so practice catch-and-release when you can. Jigging is the go-to method – try lures that mimic wounded baitfish. A local trick: use your fish finder to pinpoint schools, then drop your jig right to their level. The challenge of battling these powerful fish from the depths is a big draw for anglers. Plus, their firm, pink flesh makes excellent eating. Remember, patience is key with lake trout – they're not known for aggressive feeding, but the wait is worth it.
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world. They're smaller than kings, usually 8-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. These fish love to leap when hooked, giving anglers a real show. You'll find them in calmer areas, often near debris or structure. Cohos are known for their bright orange meat and excellent taste. They're most active in fall as they prepare to spawn. When fishing for Cohos, try swinging spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding areas. A favorite local technique is float fishing with roe. These fish can be picky, so don't be afraid to switch up your lures or presentation if you're not getting bites. The combination of their fighting spirit and table quality makes Cohos a favorite target for many anglers.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: 454 Crusaders
Maximum Cruising Speed: 27
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 220