Ready to chase some of the biggest fish swimming in the Great Lakes? Our 8-hour advanced angler charter on Lake Ontario is your ticket to hooking into monster salmon and trout. We're talking about the kind of fish that'll make your arms ache and your fishing buddies green with envy. Based out of Oswego, NY, Captain SunMoon knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish from late April through September. This isn't your average boat ride – it's a laser-focused mission to land the catch of a lifetime.
When you step aboard our fully-rigged fishing machine, you're in for a day of serious angling. We're talking about trolling with downriggers, dipsy divers, and copper wire to get our lures down where the big boys swim. The boat's loaded with top-notch electronics to find the fish, and Captain SunMoon's got decades of experience reading the water and conditions. You'll be using heavy-duty gear capable of handling trophy-sized catches, so be ready to put your back into it when a chrome-bright steelhead or a bulldogging king salmon hits. This trip is perfect for anglers who know their way around a rod and want to up their game with some of the best fishing Lake Ontario has to offer.
On Lake Ontario, we're not messing around with ultralight gear. We're armed with stout rods, line-counter reels, and braided line that can handle the abuse these freshwater giants dish out. Depending on the season and target species, we'll be using a mix of spoons, flasher/fly combos, and cut bait rigs. Captain SunMoon's always tweaking the spread, matching the hatch, and dialing in the presentations that trigger strikes. You might find yourself setting lines at crack of dawn, watching for bites as the sun climbs, then switching tactics as the day heats up. It's a constant game of chess with the fish, and that's what makes it so damn addictive.
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): These chrome missiles are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. Steelhead will tailwalk across the surface and make blistering runs that'll have your drag screaming. They average 5-10 pounds but can push past 20. Spring and fall are prime time for these beauties, and they're absolute dynamite on light tackle.
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 bullets typically run 3-8 pounds and school up tight, so when you find them, it's often fast and furious action. They're at their peak in spring and early summer, offering some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever grill.
Chinook (King) Salmon: The undisputed heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. Kings can top 30 pounds, and when they decide to dive, you better hang on tight. Late summer and early fall is prime time as these brutes stage for their spawning run. Landing a trophy Chinook is the goal of many serious anglers, and there's no better rush than seeing one of these giants flash silver beside the boat.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are legendary for their size and fight. These clever fish often cruise the shallows in spring and fall, offering heart-pounding action for anglers. They average 5-15 pounds but can grow much larger. Browns are known for their powerful runs and tendency to throw hooks, making them a true test of an angler's skill.
Lake Trout: The deep-water denizens of Lake Ontario, lake trout are the marathon runners of the salmonid world. They'll test your stamina with long, powerful runs. These fish can live for decades and grow to massive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. We target them primarily in spring and fall when they move into shallower water.
Look, there's fishing, and then there's FISHING. This charter is for folks who are serious about tangling with some of the biggest, baddest freshwater fish out there. You're not just paying for a boat ride – you're tapping into years of local knowledge, state-of-the-art equipment, and the kind of insider info that can make the difference between a good day and an epic one. Plus, with only 4 spots per trip, you're getting the personal attention needed to up your game and maybe even land that fish of a lifetime. It's the kind of experience that'll have you checking the calendar for your next Lake Ontario fix before you even hit the dock.
If you're itching to feel your rod double over with the weight of a trophy salmon or trout, don't wait. The big ones aren't getting any smaller, and the best dates fill up fast. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with delicious fillets or just want the thrill of battling Great Lakes giants, this Lake Ontario charter has your name on it. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your schedule, and let's get out there where the big fish play. Trust me, once you've experienced the rush of a Lake Ontario heavyweight on the line, you'll be hooked for life. Book your advanced angler trip with SunMoon Adventures today – the fish are waiting, and the bite is on!
Brown trout in Lake Ontario typically range from 5-15 pounds, with some monsters pushing 20+. They're usually found in cooler, deeper waters during summer, moving shallower in spring and fall. Browns are known for being cunning and often shy, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. They prefer structure like sunken logs, rocky areas, or drop-offs. Spring and fall offer the best fishing, especially during low light conditions. Trolling with stickbaits or spoons can be effective, as well as casting near shore with minnow imitations. Fly anglers do well with streamers or nymphs. A local secret: try night fishing with glow-in-the-dark lures during summer - big browns often feed more actively after dark. Their rich, orange flesh makes them excellent table fare, adding to their appeal.
Chinook, or King salmon, are the largest salmon in Lake Ontario, often weighing 15-30 pounds. They prefer cooler, deeper waters during summer, moving closer to shore and into rivers come fall. Look for them near underwater structures or drop-offs. Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and are a favorite among anglers for their size and fight. Peak season is typically August through October. Trolling with downriggers using cut bait or large spoons is effective. When they're in the rivers, drift fishing with roe or swinging flies can produce results. A local tip: early morning or late evening fishing often yields the best results, especially on sunny days. These big fish can be leader-shy, so consider using fluorocarbon leaders for better success.
Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, typically run 8-12 pounds and 24-30 inches long in Lake Ontario. You'll find them cruising offshore in cooler, deeper water during summer, moving closer to shore and into tributaries come fall. These acrobatic fighters are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. Cohos are popular for their rich, orange-red meat and the challenge they present to anglers. Peak season is usually September through November when they start their spawning run. To land one, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut herring about 30-60 feet down. A local tip: on calm days, look for jumping fish and cast bright-colored crankbaits nearby. Cohos are aggressive feeders and will often strike out of curiosity or competition.
Rainbow trout are a popular gamefish, typically 12-24 inches long and 2-8 pounds. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and lakes around Oswego. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F and hang out near cover like fallen trees or rocky areas. Spring and fall are prime seasons, as they're most active then. Anglers love rainbows for their acrobatic fights and tasty pink flesh. To catch one, try nymphing with small flies or drifting egg sacs through deeper pools. A local trick is to use bright chartreuse or pink lures on overcast days - rainbows seem to key in on those colors when it's gloomy out. Remember, these fish are sensitive to light, so early mornings or evenings are often your best bet for hooking into a nice one.
Steelhead are essentially sea-run rainbow trout, averaging 5-10 pounds but can reach over 20. They're found in Lake Ontario and its tributaries, with fall and spring runs offering prime fishing. Look for them in faster currents, deep pools, and near structure. Steelhead are prized for their powerful fights and acrobatic leaps. They're most active in cooler water, so early mornings or overcast days are ideal. Fly fishing with egg patterns or swinging streamers can be effective, but don't overlook drift fishing with spawn sacs or beads. A local trick: when water's high and murky, try larger, brighter flies or lures to get their attention. Steelhead can be finicky, so patience and precise presentations often pay off.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: GM
Maximum Cruising Speed: 26
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 360