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Expert-Guided Lake Ontario Fishing | SunMoon Adventures
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Oswego, NY
- $600 - $800 price range
- Updated Date: September 28, 2025
Summary
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Lake Ontario's Finest Catches
Lake Ontario's Morning Fishing Bonanza
Ready to reel in some monster salmon and trout? We've got just the ticket. Our morning fishing charter on Lake Ontario is the perfect way to kick off your day in Oswego. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out onto the big lake, set our lines, and wait for the action to start. And trust me, when those rods start bending, you'll be glad you came aboard.
What's the Deal?
Picture this: You're out on Lake Ontario as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, surrounded by your crew (up to 4 folks total). For 6 solid hours, we're focused on one thing - putting you on fish. We're talking brown trout, chinook and coho salmon, rainbow trout, and even the elusive steelhead. Captain SunMoon knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got all the gear you need. Rods, reels, tackle, bait - it's all covered. Just bring yourself, some grub, and get ready to fish.
Trolling for Trophies
On Lake Ontario, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be setting up multiple lines with a mix of lures and bait to cover different depths. Downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers are all part of our arsenal. As we cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for birds working the surface - that's often a dead giveaway for where the fish are feeding. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck. You'll feel that rod bend, hear the reel scream, and then it's game on. Fighting a big king salmon or lake trout is an experience you won't forget.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Ontario's been on fire lately. We've been seeing some monster chinooks in the 20-30 pound range, and the brown trout fishing has been off the charts. Just last week, one of our guests landed a 15-pound brown that put up a fight for nearly 20 minutes. The coho run has been steady, with most fish in the 5-8 pound range - perfect for the grill. And let's not forget about those acrobatic steelhead. When they hit the surface, it's like watching fireworks on the water.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon: The king of the lake, these brutes can top 30 pounds. They're known for their powerful runs and are at their peak from July to September. When you hook into one of these, hold on tight - they'll test every bit of your fishing skills.
Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than their chinook cousins, cohos make up for it with their acrobatics. These silver bullets are known for their spectacular jumps and are a blast to catch. Look for them in the spring and fall, with some of the best action happening in April and May.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are something special. These fish grow big and fight hard. They're most active in the cooler months, with some of the best fishing happening in early spring and late fall. A 10-pounder is a trophy, but 15+ pounders aren't unheard of.
Rainbow Trout: Also known as steelhead once they've been to the lake and back, these fish are prized for their fight and their taste. They're available year-round, but the spring and fall runs in the tributaries are legendary. Expect acrobatic jumps and blistering runs when you hook into one.
Steelhead Trout: The lake-run version of rainbows, steelhead are the athletes of the trout world. They're known for their spectacular leaps and long, powerful runs. Fall through spring is prime time for these silver missiles, with some of the best action happening when the water's cold and most other anglers have packed it in.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. There's something special about being out on Lake Ontario as the sun comes up, watching the mist rise off the water. The camaraderie, the anticipation of the next big hit, the sound of the gulls overhead - it all adds up to an experience you can't get anywhere else. And when you're bringing home a cooler full of fresh salmon or trout? That's just the icing on the cake.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but the best way to understand is to experience it yourself. Our morning charters book up fast, especially during peak season. If you're ready to tangle with some of the biggest, baddest fish Lake Ontario has to offer, give us a shout. We'll get you set up with everything you need for a day on the water you won't forget. Just remember to bring a camera - you're gonna want proof when you're telling your buddies about the monster you landed. See you on the lake!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Ontario, typically running 5-15 pounds with some topping 20. You'll often find them hugging the bottom in 20-40 feet of water, especially near rocky structure or drop-offs. Spring and fall offer the best action, but we catch them year-round. Browns are known for their hard-hitting strikes and dogged fights - they'll test your patience and skill. Their orange-pink flesh has a mild, delicate flavor that's great on the grill. We often target them trolling with stickbaits or spoons, or by casting near shore early and late in the day. A local tip is to use natural-colored lures that imitate baitfish. Browns can be finnicky, so slow down your presentation and be prepared to change tactics. When you hook one, be ready for powerful runs and last-minute dives at the boat. Landing a big Lake Ontario brown is always a satisfying accomplishment.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can top 40. We find them in deeper, cooler water, often 50-100 feet down near structure or current edges. Late summer through fall is prime time as they bulk up for their spawning run. Kings are known for their bulldogging fights - they'll peel line and test your stamina. Their rich, red flesh is highly prized for both eating and smoking. We target them trolling with downriggers, using big spoons or cut bait rigs. A local trick is to use glow lures early morning or on overcast days. These fish can be particular, so mix up your speeds and depths. When you hook a big king, hang on tight - they've been known to break rods and strip reels. The sheer power and size of Chinooks make them a bucket list fish for many anglers.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch on Lake Ontario. They average 5-10 pounds but can push 20. Look for them in the top 30 feet of water, often near temperature breaks or bait schools. Late summer through fall is prime time as they stage for their spawning run. Cohos are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll tail-walk and make blistering runs. Their orange-red flesh is prized for its rich flavor. We often target them by trolling with dodgers and flies or J-plugs. A favorite local technique is to use slide divers with silver/blue spoons. These fish can be finicky, so vary your speed and lure depth until you find the strike zone. When a school is located, it's not uncommon to have multiple rods go off at once. The combination of their fight and table quality makes coho a top target for many of our guests.
Rainbow Trout
Rainbow trout are a favorite among Lake Ontario anglers, typically running 20-30 inches and 3-10 pounds. You'll find them in cooler waters, often near structure or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch them year-round. Rainbows put up an acrobatic fight, known for their leaps and runs. Their pink, flaky meat is excellent eating too. These fish respond well to flashy lures like spoons or spinners. A local trick is to troll with downriggers early morning, targeting depths of 30-50 feet where the water's coolest. Watch your sonar for bait balls - rainbows are often feeding nearby. They hit hard and fast, so keep your drag set light. Whether you're an experienced angler or just starting out, hooking into a Lake Ontario rainbow is always a thrill.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of Lake Ontario - these supercharged rainbow trout typically run 5-15 pounds and put on an incredible show. We find them in cooler waters, often 30-60 feet deep near structure or current breaks. Spring and fall offer the best action as they move closer to shore. Steelhead are prized for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics - they'll test your gear and skills like few other fish. Their firm, pink flesh is excellent for grilling or smoking. We often target them trolling with spoons or stickbaits behind downriggers or dipsy divers. A local secret is to use smaller lures in bright colors like chartreuse or orange. These fish can be choosy, so don't be afraid to switch up your presentation. When you hook up, be ready for anything - steelhead are known to make blistering runs and leap clear out of the water. It's an experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
About the SunMoon
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: GM
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 360
