Lake Ontario Fishing Charters | SunMoon Adventures

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

Oswego, NY
$600 - $800 price range
Updated Date: September 28, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious Lake Ontario fishing? Join Captain SunMoon for an 8-hour private charter out of Oswego, NY. We'll be going after the big ones - Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and various Salmon species. Whether you're just starting out or you've been fishing for years, this trip is perfect. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. The boat's fully equipped too, so you can focus on landing those trophy fish. We run trips from late April through September, giving you plenty of chances to get out on the water. It's just you and your group (up to 4 people), so you'll get plenty of attention and tips from the captain. Lake Ontario's a special place for fishing, and we know all the best spots. Come see why anglers love it here - you might just catch the biggest fish of your life!

Lake Ontario Fishing Charters | SunMoon Adventures

Big Lake, Bigger Fish

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!

Lake Ontario's Hidden Treasures: Salmon & Trout

Ready to chase some of the biggest fish swimming in the Great Lakes? SunMoon Adventures has you covered with our 8-hour charter on Lake Ontario. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we'll put you on the fish and show you why Oswego is a top spot for landing trophy salmon and trout. Our fully-equipped boat and expert guidance mean all you need to bring is your excitement and maybe a lucky hat. Let's get out there and make some fishing memories!

What to Expect on the Water

From the moment you step aboard our well-maintained vessel, you'll feel the anticipation building. Captain SunMoon knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got all the latest gear to make sure you're fishing with the best. We'll cruise out to the hotspots, set up our lines, and get ready for action. Whether it's the acrobatic leaps of a steelhead or the powerful runs of a king salmon, you'll be in for a real treat. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through everything from baiting hooks to landing your catch.

Trolling Tactics 101

On Lake Ontario, trolling is the name of the game. We'll be using downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards to get our lures right where the fish are hanging out. You'll learn how to read the fish finder, set the perfect depth, and choose the right lure for the conditions. We mix it up with spoons, flashers, and cut bait to see what's working best that day. It's a bit like playing chess with the fish, and when you feel that rod bend over, you'll know you've made the right move!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain ken worked hard all day to help us catch fish, All of his fishing gear is quality and boat is very nice, I would recommend using him" - Gordon

Species You'll Want to Hook

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These chrome-bright beauties are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. Known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs, hooking into a steelhead is like tying into a rocket. They average 5-10 pounds but can push 20+ in the right conditions. Spring and fall are prime times, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look.

Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Cohos are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the lake. These silver missiles typically range from 3-8 pounds and are known for their delicious orange flesh. They start showing up in good numbers by early summer and provide fast action throughout the season.

Chinook (King) Salmon: The heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario, Chinooks are what trophy dreams are made of. These bruisers can tip the scales at 30 pounds or more, and when they decide to run, hold on tight! Late summer into fall is prime time for kings, as they start their spawning run. Landing one of these monsters is an experience you won't soon forget.

Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are a special breed. These golden-flanked fighters are known for their cunning and strength. They prefer cooler water, so spring and fall are your best bets. Browns in the 5-15 pound range are common, with some real giants lurking in the depths. They're often found closer to shore, making them a great target when the weather keeps us from heading out deep.

Lake Trout: The true natives of Lake Ontario, lakers are the marathon runners of the salmonid world. They fight deep and hard, often taking you on a tour of the lake bottom before coming to net. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. They're available year-round but really shine in the cooler months when other species are less active.

Time to Book Your Spot

There you have it, folks - a day on Lake Ontario with SunMoon Adventures is more than just a fishing trip, it's a chance to connect with nature, learn new skills, and maybe even land the catch of a lifetime. Our season runs from late April through September, so there's plenty of time to get out and wet a line. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, chase that wall-hanger, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, we've got you covered. Don't let another season slip by - give us a call and let's start planning your Lake Ontario adventure. The big ones are waiting, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the feeling of that first big hit of the day. See you on the water!

Customer Review

Capt Ken Catches Big

Captain ken worked hard all day to help us catch fish, All of his fishing gear is quality and boat is very nice, I would recommend using him

Gordon Johnson

September 22, 2023

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Lake Ontario's brown trout are a favorite target, typically running 5-15 pounds with some topping 20. They're known for being selective and putting up stubborn fights. Browns prefer cooler water, so target them near shore in spring and fall, or in deeper water during summer. These fish often hang around structure like drop-offs or submerged trees. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially for bigger browns. Trolling with stickbaits or spoons is effective, but browns also respond well to live bait like alewives or shiners. When hooked, expect powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. Light line and long, patient battles are part of the fun. Here's a local tip: after a storm, focus on areas where creeks enter the lake. Browns often gather there to feed on baitfish washed out by high water. The challenging nature of catching browns, combined with their excellent flavor, makes them a prized catch for many anglers.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook, or king salmon, are the largest salmon in Lake Ontario, often weighing 15-30 pounds. These bruisers are known for their powerful fights and rich, flavorful meat. Look for them in deeper, cooler water during summer, moving shallower as fall approaches. Trolling with downriggers is the most popular method, using large spoons, cut bait, or plug-cut herring. Kings often hit baits aggressively, so be ready for your rod to double over without warning. Early morning and evening are prime times, especially in areas with bait schools or underwater structure. When a king takes off on a run, don't try to stop it - just hang on and enjoy the ride. These fish can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. A local trick: try scenting your lures with anise oil. It can make a real difference on days when kings are finicky.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, typically weigh 8-12 pounds in Lake Ontario. They're known for their acrobatic fights and tasty orange-red meat. Look for cohos 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. Trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait behind attractors is a go-to method. When they're active, cohos hit lures aggressively - be ready for sudden, hard strikes. These fish school up, so when you find one, there's usually more nearby. Try varying your trolling speed; a quick surge can often trigger bites from following fish. For shore anglers, casting hardware like Cleo spoons or Flatfish can be effective when cohos are cruising the shoreline. Fresh eggs under a bobber work well in river mouths too.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a popular target on Lake Ontario, typically ranging from 2-8 pounds but capable of reaching over 20. You'll find them in cooler, well-oxygenated waters, often near drop-offs or structure. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they feed heavily. Rainbows put up an impressive fight, known for acrobatic leaps and long runs. Their pink flesh makes excellent table fare too. These fish respond well to both natural baits and artificial lures. When trolling, try using flashers or dodgers ahead of your offering to attract attention. Vary your speed and depth until you find what's working. For shore anglers, drifting eggs or small jigs under a float can be deadly effective, especially in tributary mouths. Keep your gear light - 6-8 lb test is usually plenty - to get more bites and enjoy the fight.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead in Lake Ontario are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, averaging 5-10 pounds but capable of topping 20. They're prized for their hard-fighting nature and table quality. Look for them near shore in spring and fall as they prepare to run tributaries. In summer, they often hold in cooler, deeper water. Steelhead hit a variety of lures and baits - spoons, plugs, and flies all work well. Trolling with downriggers is effective for covering water and finding active fish. When you hook one, be ready for spectacular jumps and long runs. Light tackle adds to the excitement, but 10-12 lb test isn't overkill for these powerful fish. A local tip: on sunny days, try using lures with UV finishes or glow paint. The extra flash can make a big difference in clear water. Don't forget to check regulations - some areas have special seasons or catch limits for steelhead.

About the SunMoon

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: GM

Maximum Cruising Speed: 26

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 360

Picture yourself cruising the waters of Lake Ontario aboard our well-equipped fishing vessel. As we set out from Oswego, NY, you'll feel the excitement build for a full day of angling action. Our spacious boat comfortably accommodates up to four guests, giving you plenty of room to cast your lines and reel in the big ones. Whether you're new to fishing or a seasoned pro, Captain SunMoon's expert guidance will help you target the lake's prized catches. From powerful salmon to fighting trout, you'll have the chance to land some impressive fish. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a camera to capture your trophy moments. With 8 hours on the water, you'll have ample time to try different spots and techniques. As the day unfolds, you might find yourself battling a hefty Chinook salmon or finessing a wily steelhead. It's just you, your group, and the vast expanse of Lake Ontario – the perfect setting for making lasting fishing memories.

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