Get ready for an epic day chasing monster trout and salmon on the big water of Lake Ontario! This 8-hour trip with Valley of the Shadow Fishing Charters puts you right in the action zone where trophy fish lurk. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, Captain David's got the knowhow and top-notch gear to put you on fish. We're talking Brown Trout, Rainbows, Chinooks, and Cohos - the heavy hitters of the Great Lakes. Pack some grub, grab your shades, and let's hit the lake for a day you won't forget.
We'll push off early, when the lake's calm and the fish are hungry. Captain David's boat is dialed in for serious fishing - downriggers, planer boards, the works. You'll learn the ropes of trolling for big lake trout and salmon, watching those rods for the telltale dip that means it's fish on! The captain's got years of experience reading the water and finding the thermoclines where the lunkers hang out. Lake Ontario's a big place, but we know where the hotspots are. Expect a mix of action and relaxation as we cover water and wait for those rods to go off. When they do, hold on tight - these fish fight hard!
On Lake Ontario, trolling's the name of the game for big trout and salmon. We'll be running a spread of lines at different depths, using downriggers to get our lures way down where the big boys cruise. Planer boards help us cover more water, spreading our offerings out to the sides. The captain's always tweaking - adjusting depths, switching up lures, and fine-tuning our speed to dial in what the fish want. We use a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs, all proven fish-catchers on the big lake. Don't sweat the gear - we've got top-quality rods, reels, and tackle all set up and ready to go. Just be ready to grab a rod when it goes off and start reeling!
Lake Ontario's got a killer lineup of gamefish, and we're targeting the cream of the crop. Let's break 'em down:
Brown Trout: These bruisers are the lake's claim to fame. They grow big here, with 20-pounders not uncommon. Browns love cooler water, so spring and fall are prime time. They're known for explosive strikes and bulldog fights. Catching a big brown is a real feather in any angler's cap.
Rainbow Trout: Also called steelhead, these high-flyers put on a real show when hooked. They're fast, acrobatic, and grow to good size in the lake. Spring sees a lot of action as they stage for their spawning runs up tributaries. Rainbows will test your drag and your nerves with their wild jumps.
Chinook Salmon: The kings of the lake, Chinooks (or king salmon) are the heavyweight champs. These brutes can top 30 pounds and will make you work for every inch of line. Late summer and fall are prime time as they bulk up for the spawn. Hooking into a big king is an experience you won't forget - they're absolute powerhouses.
Coho Salmon: The speedsters of the bunch, Cohos are known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. They're not as big as Chinooks, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Cohos often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring and early summer are great times to target these silver bullets.
Brook Trout: While not as common in the main lake, we sometimes hook into beautiful brook trout. These native char are prized for their colorful spots and delicate flavor. They're a special catch, especially in Lake Ontario where they're less abundant than their cousin species.
Lake Ontario's not just another fishing hole - it's a world-class fishery right in our backyard. The sheer size of the lake means there's always somewhere new to explore and fish to find. The variety keeps things interesting - one minute you're battling a bulldogging brown trout, the next you're hanging on as a king salmon peels off line. And let's be real, the chance at trophy-sized fish is a huge draw. There's nothing quite like the bend in your rod when a 20+ pound trout or salmon decides it's go time. Add in the stunning views of the lake and shoreline, and you've got a recipe for an awesome day on the water. Whether you're a local or traveling from out of state, Lake Ontario fishing is an experience that'll keep you coming back for more.
Alright, let's recap why this trip's a can't-miss: 8 full hours on Lake Ontario's fish-rich waters, targeting some of the biggest trout and salmon you'll find anywhere. You're in the capable hands of Captain David, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. All the gear's provided, so you just need to show up ready for action. Whether you're looking to cross some species off your bucket list, gunning for a new personal best, or just want a great day on the water with friends or family, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't sleep on this. Get your crew together, pick a date, and let's make some fishing memories on Lake Ontario. Book now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action!
Brown trout are a favorite among anglers on Lake Ontario. These fish typically range from 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, though trophy browns over 20 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in cooler water, often hanging around structure like sunken logs or rocky points. Spring and fall are prime seasons when browns move into shallower water. They put up a great fight and have a reputation for being clever - landing a big brown is always satisfying. Look for them near shore in low light conditions, especially on cloudy days. A medium-diving crankbait in natural colors like silver/black or perch is my go-to lure. Work it slowly with a stop-and-go retrieve to trigger strikes. Browns can be finicky, so experiment with different presentations until you find what they want on any given day.
Brown trout are a favorite target in Lake Ontario. These golden-brown beauties average 5-10 pounds, with some topping 20. They prefer cooler water and often hang near structure like sunken logs or rocky points. Spring and fall are prime as browns move shallow. Known for being crafty, landing a big brown is always rewarding. They put up a stubborn fight, using every trick to throw the hook. Look for them near shore in low light, especially on overcast days. Browns are excellent table fare too, with firm pink flesh. My go-to lure is a medium-diving crankbait in natural colors like perch. Work it slow with pauses - that often triggers strikes from wary browns. Don't be afraid to experiment with different presentations until you crack the code. There's something special about fooling a big Lake Ontario brown trout.
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario. These brutes average 15-25 pounds, with 30-pounders not uncommon. They typically hold in deeper, cooler water but move shallower in spring and fall. Downriggers with big spoons or cut-bait rigs are go-to tactics. Chinooks are prized for their powerful fights - hooking one is like grabbing a freight train. They'll test your gear and your arms. Fall brings them close to shore as they stage for spawning runs. Casting glow spoons or large plugs from piers can produce trophy fish then. For eating, many anglers smoke chinook or grill fresh steaks. Here's a local tip: when trolling, occasionally giving your downrigger cable a sharp snap can trigger following fish into striking. There's nothing quite like the thrill of battling a big Lake Ontario king salmon.
Coho salmon are a blast to catch on Lake Ontario. These scrappy fighters usually run 5-10 pounds, with some pushing 15. Look for them in the top 30 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or current lines. Spring and fall offer the best action as cohos move closer to shore. They're aggressive and will hit a variety of lures - flashy spoons and cut-bait rigs are top producers. Cohos are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. The fight of a coho is hard to beat, and they're excellent eating too. For shore anglers, casting glow spoons at dawn can be deadly when cohos are in close. My favorite trick is to use a dodger with a small flies behind it - cohos have a hard time resisting that wounded baitfish look. Get ready for some serious action when you hook into a Lake Ontario coho.
Rainbow trout are an exciting catch in Lake Ontario. Averaging 5-10 pounds, they're known for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs. 'Bows prefer cooler water and often suspend over deeper areas, following baitfish. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move shallower. Trolling with spoons or plugs 15-30 feet down is effective. These fish put up an impressive fight on light tackle. Their pinkish-orange meat is delicious too, whether grilled or smoked. For shore fishing, try casting small spoons or spinners near creek mouths or rocky points early and late in the day. A local trick is to use a chunk of skein spawn under a float - rainbows can't resist it when they're in close to shore. Be ready for some drag-screaming action when you hook into a big Ontario rainbow.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: -
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300