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Acclaimed Lake Ontario Fishing | Full-Day Charters
New YorkWhat you will be catching:
Brown Trout
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Steelhead Trout
- This 8-hour Lake Ontario charter out of Pulaski gives you the full morning bite experience when salmon and trout are feeding hard. Captain Justin Irving knows these waters inside and out, running proven trolling patterns to put you on Chinook salmon, Coho, and brown trout. Starting at 5:30 AM means you're fishing prime time while most boats are still at the dock. The boat handles up to 4 anglers comfortably, and all the tackle and gear is provided. Just bring your license, some snacks, and get ready for steady action on one of the Great Lakes' hottest fisheries. Lake Ontario's deep, cold waters produce some serious fish.
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
8-Hour Lake Ontario Morning Fishing Charter
Nothing beats the crack-of-dawn excitement on Lake Ontario when the salmon and trout are feeding hard. Captain Justin Irving's 8-hour morning charter starts at 5:30 AM sharp, putting you right in the middle of that legendary morning bite when these fish are most aggressive. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's your shot at tangling with some of the Great Lakes' most prized gamefish in their prime feeding window. With four spots available, you'll have plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows, plus Captain Justin's decades of local knowledge guiding every move.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet at the marina while it's still dark, but trust me—those early hours are pure gold on Lake Ontario. Captain Justin has been working these waters for years and knows exactly where the Chinook salmon stage during different conditions. The boat is rigged with top-shelf downriggers and all the tackle you need, so just bring your fishing license, some snacks, and drinks for the day. We'll head out to the productive zones where the thermocline sets up, often 2-4 miles offshore depending on water temperatures and bait movements. The morning usually starts slow and quiet, but once the sun hits the water and those salmon start feeding, things get wild fast. You'll spend the day covering water, adjusting depths, and working the areas where Captain Justin consistently finds fish.
Trolling Techniques & Gear
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and Captain Justin has it dialed in. We run a spread of downriggers at different depths, typically between 40-120 feet down, depending on where the fish are holding. The boat carries professional-grade rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle—spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combos that these salmon and trout can't resist. Water temperature is everything out here, so we're constantly checking the fish finder and temperature probe to stay on the thermocline where baitfish concentrate. You'll learn how to read the electronics, feel the difference between a fish strike and bottom contact, and work a fish properly when it's screaming line off the reel. The trolling speeds stay consistent around 2.5-3.5 mph, but Captain Justin adjusts based on what the fish want that particular day.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These monsters commonly hit 15-25 pounds, with some bruisers pushing 30-plus. They're most active during cooler months and early morning hours, which is why this 5:30 AM start time is perfect. When a king salmon hits your line, you'll know it immediately—they make blistering runs that can peel 100 yards of line in seconds. What makes them special is their raw power and the way they fight all the way to the boat.
Coho salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but they're absolute acrobats. These silver bullets average 8-15 pounds and are famous for their aerial displays once hooked. They hit hard, jump repeatedly, and never give up until they're in the net. Cohos tend to feed higher in the water column than kings, often just 20-60 feet down, making them prime targets during the morning bite.
Steelhead trout are Lake Ontario legends for their fighting ability. These chrome-bright fish average 6-12 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're incredibly athletic, making long runs and jumping clear out of the water. Steelhead are year-round residents but really shine during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily before and after their spawning runs.
Brown trout are the crafty veterans of Lake Ontario, often the hardest to fool but incredibly rewarding to catch. These golden-brown beauties average 8-18 pounds and are known for their wariness and powerful fights. They tend to feed deeper during bright conditions, making them perfect targets for downrigger fishing. Browns have incredible stamina and will test your drag system with steady, determined runs.
Lake trout are the deep-water natives that call Lake Ontario home year-round. These spotted giants can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds not uncommon. They typically hold in the deepest, coldest water, making them a treat when they show up on the lines. Lakers have a unique fighting style—more of a bulldogging, head-shaking battle than the speed runs of salmon.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Justin's 8-hour morning charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is red-hot. This trip gives you the best shot at multiple species while avoiding the afternoon crowds and choppy water. With professional gear, expert guidance, and eight full hours on the water, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock. The 5:30 AM departure might seem early, but when you're landing fish after fish during that morning bite, you'll understand why serious anglers swear by these dawn patrols. Book your spot now and get ready for a day of world-class Lake Ontario fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to shore.
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Browns are the craftiest fish in Lake Ontario - they didn't earn their reputation as "old brownies" for nothing. These golden-sided beauties average 3-8 pounds but can surprise you with fish pushing 15+. They're structure-oriented, hanging around drop-offs, reefs, and temperature breaks during the day. Browns become more active at dawn and dusk, making our early morning trips ideal. What guests love is the challenge - they're wary and fight smart, using every trick to throw the hook. The firm, mild-flavored meat is outstanding table fare too. Unlike salmon, browns can live for years in the lake, getting bigger and more educated. Pro tip: when targeting browns, downsize your tackle and use more natural presentations. They'll often follow a lure for a long time before deciding to bite, so patience pays off.
Chinook Salmon
The king of Lake Ontario, chinooks are the trophy fish every angler dreams about. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can exceed 30+ pounds in our waters. They're deep-water fish, often holding 60-100+ feet down where it's cold and dark. Chinooks have distinctive black gums and spots on their tail - that's how you know you've got a king. Early morning and late evening are prime times since they avoid bright light. What makes them special is the sheer power - they'll peel line off your reel in long, determined runs. The reddish meat is rich and flavorful, perfect for the grill. Here's the key: when we're trolling deep with downriggers, watch for that subtle tick-tick bite rather than a hard strike. Chinooks often just grab the bait and swim with it, so stay alert to your rod tips.
Coho Salmon
Known as "silver salmon," cohos are pure dynamite when hooked. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push 15+ in Lake Ontario's rich waters. You'll find them cruising mid-depths during our morning trips, especially when the thermocline sets up in summer. Cohos love structure like drop-offs and temperature breaks where baitfish concentrate. They're most active during dawn and dusk, which is why our 5:30 AM start time is perfect. What makes guests love targeting cohos is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times during a fight. The orange-pink meat tastes fantastic too. Pro tip: when trolling spoons, keep your speed around 2.5-3 mph and watch for that distinctive head-shaking bite that tells you it's a coho on the line.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists of our fishery, typically found 80-150+ feet down in Lake Ontario's coldest water. These char can grow huge - 15-25 pounders are common, with fish over 30 pounds caught regularly. They prefer suspended over deep basins and underwater structure where cisco and alewives school. Lakers are most active during low-light conditions and cooler months, making spring and fall prime time. What anglers appreciate is their steady, powerful fight - no jumping, just pure bulldogging strength that tests your equipment. The light-colored meat has a unique, rich flavor that's different from other trout. Since they're slow-growing fish that can live 40+ years, we practice selective harvest. Key tip: when jigging in deep water, use a heavy spoon and work it aggressively. Lakers often hit on the drop, so keep tension on the line even when dropping down.
Steelhead Trout
These lake-run rainbows are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter on Lake Ontario. Steelhead typically run 24-30 inches and 6-10 pounds, with their chrome-bright sides and distinctive pink stripe. They prefer cooler water temps and often suspend in the mid-depths, following baitfish schools along temperature breaks and structure. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're staging near river mouths, but summer mornings can be productive too. What sets steelhead apart is their endurance - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag system. The meat is excellent eating, similar to their freshwater rainbow cousins but firmer from their lake diet. My go-to tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them. Let them run and tire themselves out, or they'll throw the hook with their acrobatic jumps.
About the Penn Yan 265 Pro Hunter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 260
