Afternoon Salmon & Trout Fishing | Lake Ontario

Published Date: September 28, 2025
Fishing

Oswego, NY
$600 - $800 price range

Summary

Looking to reel in some big fish on Lake Ontario? Captain SunMoon's afternoon charter out of Oswego, NY is the way to go. Over six hours, you'll target prized catches like Brown Trout, Chinook and Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Steelhead. With room for up to four anglers, it's perfect for a small group or family outing. The best part? Everything's taken care of - rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all provided. Captain SunMoon knows these waters inside and out, so you're in good hands whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. The boat's set up for both comfort and serious fishing, letting you focus on landing that trophy catch. Lake Ontario's got some of the best salmon and trout fishing around, and this trip puts you right in the middle of the action. Just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready for an afternoon on the water you won't soon forget.

Afternoon Salmon & Trout Fishing | Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario's Finest

Two fishermen reeling in their catch in Mexico

Oswego’s waters are calling for Salmon Fishing

7 rainbow trout caught while fishing in NY

Hooked on Lake Ontario fishing!

Big catches, bigger memories!

Coho salmon caught on fishing trip in NY

Trophy fish and epic views!

Reel in the Big One: Lake Ontario Afternoon Fishing

Get ready to chase some serious fish on Lake Ontario with SunMoon Adventures. This 6-hour afternoon charter puts you right in the sweet spot for landing monster salmon and trophy trout. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain SunMoon's got the know-how to put you on the fish. With all the gear provided and room for up to four of your crew, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon on the water without any hassle. Let's dive into what makes this Oswego, NY fishing trip a must-do for anyone looking to tangle with some world-class freshwater giants.

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard Captain SunMoon's fully-rigged fishing machine, you're in for a treat. This isn't your average lake outing – we're talking about targeting some of the most prized game fish in the Great Lakes. You'll be trolling the deep waters of Lake Ontario, using top-notch gear to entice those big browns and chinooks. The captain's got years of experience reading the water and finding where the fish are hiding. Expect to learn some local tricks of the trade as you watch your rod tips for that telltale bend. And don't worry about bringing anything but your game face – all the rods, reels, and bait are provided. Just show up ready to fish, and leave the rest to the pros.

Trolling Techniques & Tactics

On this trip, we're not just casting and hoping – we're using proven trolling techniques to cover more water and increase your chances of hooking up. You'll see downriggers in action, getting your lures down to where the big boys are cruising. The captain might mix it up with some dipsy divers or lead core lines, depending on where the fish are holding. Keep an eye on the fish finder as we track schools and mark individual targets. When that reel starts screaming, it's all hands on deck! You'll take turns on the rod, fighting these powerful lake monsters. And here's a pro tip: when that salmon decides to run, don't horse it – let it tire itself out, and you'll have a better shot at getting it in the net.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Lake Ontario is home to some real bruisers, and on this trip, you've got a shot at several prized species. Let's break 'em down:

Chinook Salmon: These are the kings of the lake, and for good reason. Chinooks can top 30 pounds, and when they hit, you'll know it. They're famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps. Late summer and early fall is prime time for these beasts, as they start their spawning run. Landing a big king is the highlight of many anglers' seasons.

Coho Salmon: While not as big as their Chinook cousins, Cohos are known for their fight. These silver bullets are fast and furious, often providing non-stop action when you find a school. They average 5-10 pounds but can push 15. Cohos are great eating, too – perfect for the grill or smoker.

Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are no joke. These fish can grow to monster proportions in the lake's rich waters. They're crafty and hard-fighting, often found closer to shore. Spring and fall are peak seasons for browns, but you can tangle with them year-round. A 20-pound brown is a trophy anywhere, and Lake Ontario produces them regularly.

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): When hooked, these fish will make your drag sing. Steelhead are renowned for their aerial displays and long, powerful runs. They're a blast on light tackle and are active throughout the year. In the cooler months, you might find them staging near river mouths, getting ready for their spawning run.

Lake Trout: These deep-water denizens are the native heavyweights of Lake Ontario. They're not as flashy as salmon or steelhead, but they put up a dogged fight. Lakers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes. Jigging for them in deep water is a unique challenge that many anglers love.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks who fish with SunMoon Adventures don't just come for the fish – they come back for the experience. Captain SunMoon's got a knack for making everyone feel at home on the water, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. The afternoon timing is perfect for those who want to sleep in a bit or explore Oswego in the morning. And let's be real – there's something special about being out on Lake Ontario as the sun starts to dip, painting the sky and water in golden hues. It's not just fishing; it's a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and connect with nature, your fishing buddies, and some seriously impressive fish.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to get out on Lake Ontario and tangle with some trophy-sized salmon and trout, don't sleep on this charter. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, cross some species off your bucket list, or just enjoy a fantastic day on the water, this afternoon trip with SunMoon Adventures has got you covered. Remember, everything you need is included – just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and a camera to capture your catches. So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew (up to four total) and lock in your date. The big ones are out there, and they're not going to catch themselves. Book now, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action on Lake Ontario!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are the cunning predators of Lake Ontario. These fish typically range from 5-10 pounds, with some topping 20. Look for them near shoreline structures, drop-offs, and cooler pockets of water. Spring and fall offer great brown trout action. Anglers prize browns for their wariness and hard-fighting nature once hooked. Their golden-brown coloration and red spots make for beautiful catches. When targeting browns, try trolling with stickbaits or spoons near shoreline breaks. Here's a local secret: early morning or late evening fishing can be incredibly productive. Browns often feed more actively in low light conditions. Their buttery, orange flesh is a favorite among fish connoisseurs.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or "king" salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with the average catch around 15-20 pounds. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters, often near underwater structures or drop-offs. Late summer and early fall offer prime fishing as they prepare for their spawning runs. Anglers love the challenge of battling these powerful fish - expect long, determined runs that'll test your gear and skills. When targeting kings, try downriggers with flashers and flies or large spoons. Here's a local tip: watch for baitfish schools on your fish finder. Where there's bait, the kings aren't far behind. Their rich, red flesh makes for some of the best eating from the lake.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or "silvers," are a blast to catch on Lake Ontario. These fish usually weigh 8-12 pounds and put up a scrappy fight. Look for them in the cooler, oxygen-rich waters of the lake, often near tributary mouths or underwater structures. Fall is the peak season as they prepare to run upstream. Anglers love coho for their aggressive strikes and tasty, bright orange meat. When trolling for coho, try using flashy spoons or cut-bait rigs. A local secret: early morning trolling with J-plugs can be deadly effective. Keep your lures in the top 30 feet of the water column, as coho tend to feed higher up than some other salmon species.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers on Lake Ontario. These beauties typically range from 2-8 pounds, with some lunkers hitting 15+. You'll find them in cooler waters, often near drop-offs or structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as they move closer to shore. Rainbows put up an acrobatic fight, known for their jumps and runs. Their pink-orange flesh makes for great eating too. When targeting rainbows, try trolling with spoons or crankbaits in the top 30 feet of water. For a local tip: on calm days, look for subtle surface disturbances - that could be a school of rainbows feeding just below. Cast a small spinner right into the action and hold on tight!

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Ontario. These sea-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can top 20. You'll find them cruising the lake's cooler zones, often near tributary mouths. Fall through spring offers the best action as they prepare for their spawning runs. Steelhead are prized for their hard-fighting nature - expect powerful runs and spectacular jumps. When targeting these silver bullets, try slow-trolling with spoons or stick baits. For a pro tip: use light line and let them run when hooked. Steelhead have soft mouths, so patience is key to landing these acrobatic fighters. Their firm, pink flesh makes for excellent table fare too.

About the SunMoon

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: GM

Maximum Cruising Speed: 26

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 360

Get ready for an awesome afternoon of fishing on Lake Ontario with SunMoon Adventures LLC! We'll take you out for 6 hours of prime fishing time, targeting some of the lake's most sought-after catches like Brown Trout, Chinook and Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Steelhead. This private charter is perfect for up to four people, whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out. Captain SunMoon knows all the best spots and will be there to guide you throughout the trip. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait you'll need. Our boat is set up for both comfort and serious fishing, so you can focus on reeling in the big ones without any hassle. It's a great way to spend an afternoon on the water and maybe land that trophy fish you've been dreaming about. Book your spot now and let's make some waves on Lake Ontario!

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