Rise and shine, anglers! Get ready for a top-notch morning of fishing on the legendary waters of Lake Ontario. This 6-hour trip out of Pulaski, NY is your ticket to hooking into some of the best salmon and trout action around. We'll be hitting the water at the crack of dawn when the fish are most active and hungry. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Justin Irving's got you covered with all the gear and know-how you need to land the big one.
We'll meet up at the dock at 5:30 AM sharp - coffee in hand, of course. As we motor out onto Lake Ontario, you'll see why they call this the golden hour for fishing. The lake's usually calm this early, perfect for spotting fish activity. We'll be trolling primarily, covering plenty of water to find where the fish are biting. The captain's got a keen eye for reading the water and the latest fish-finding tech, so you're in good hands. This trip's perfect if you want to squeeze in some serious fishing and still have time for other activities later in the day.
On this charter, we'll mainly be using trolling techniques to target salmon and trout. If you're new to trolling, don't sweat it - it's a great method for beginners and pros alike. We'll set up multiple lines with a variety of lures and baits, then slowly cruise the lake's productive areas. When a fish hits, it's all hands on deck! You'll learn how to work the downriggers, manage the rods, and play your fish like a pro. The captain's always got an eye on the sonar, looking for bait balls and temperature breaks where the big ones like to hang out.
Lake Ontario's got a killer lineup of game fish, and on this trip, we're gunning for the heavy hitters. Here's what you might find on the end of your line:
Chinook Salmon: These bruisers, also known as King Salmon, are the crown jewels of Lake Ontario. They can tip the scales at over 30 pounds and put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. Spring and summer are prime time for Kings, with the action really heating up as we head into fall. When a Chinook hits, hold on tight - these guys are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic leaps.
Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than their Chinook cousins but no less exciting, Cohos are known for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. They typically run in the 5-10 pound range and are most active in the spring and early summer. Cohos often travel in schools, so when you hook one, chances are good there are more nearby.
Steelhead Trout: These high-flying acrobats are a blast to catch. Steelhead in Lake Ontario can reach up to 20 pounds, and they're famous for their long, spectacular runs and aerial displays. We target them year-round, but the fishing really heats up in the spring and fall when they start moving towards the tributaries.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are some of the biggest you'll find anywhere. These clever fish are often caught closer to shore and put up a great fight on lighter tackle. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for trophy browns, with some topping 20 pounds. They're not as common as salmon, but landing a big brown is always a highlight of any trip.
Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers are the marathon runners of the lake. Lakers can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. We'll often target them with downriggers in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake. They're available year-round but are especially active in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are just right.
Once we're out on the lake, we'll get the lines in the water quick. The captain will have a game plan based on recent hotspots and conditions, but we're always ready to change it up if the fish aren't cooperating. You'll learn how to watch the rod tips for that telltale bounce that means a fish is on. When we hook up, it's your time to shine - the crew will guide you through playing the fish, but the real work is up to you. There's nothing quite like the rush of reeling in a big Lake Ontario salmon or trout.
Between catches, soak in the scenery. Lake Ontario's shoreline is gorgeous, especially in the early morning light. Keep an eye out for other wildlife too - we often spot eagles, ospreys, and even the occasional deer on the shore. And don't forget to snap some photos of your catch - bragging rights are included in the price of the trip!
Folks who fish Lake Ontario tend to get hooked themselves. There's something special about the combination of world-class fishing, stunning scenery, and the chance to learn from experienced captains. Many of our guests start with a 6-hour trip like this one and end up coming back for multi-day adventures. The variety of species and the potential for trophy-sized fish keep things exciting trip after trip. Plus, there's always something new to learn about techniques, seasonal patterns, and the latest hot lures.
If you're itching to get out on Lake Ontario and tangle with some serious fish, this 6-hour morning charter is the perfect way to do it. You'll be fishing during prime time, with all the gear you need and an expert captain to put you on the fish. Whether you're dreaming of battling a monster Chinook, looking to fill the freezer with some delicious trout, or just want to experience the thrill of Great Lakes fishing, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online, and get ready for a morning of world-class fishing on beautiful Lake Ontario. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be glad you set that early alarm!
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a mix of brains and brawn. These clever fish average 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll find them hugging structure like sunken logs or rocky points, often in shallower water than other trout species. Browns are known for their wariness, making them a fun challenge for experienced anglers. Spring and fall are prime seasons, with many trophy fish caught as water temperatures cool. Their fighting style is more methodical than acrobatic, using power and cunning to test your skills. Browns are also great eating, with a rich, nutty flavor. Try trolling with stickbaits or spoons near shore, especially early or late in the day. Here's a tip: when casting from shore, a slow, steady retrieve often works better than a fast one. Browns like to inspect their prey, so give them a good look at your lure.
Chinook, or King salmon, are the heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with 15-20 pounders common. They're deep-water fish, so downriggers are your best bet for reaching them in summer. Come fall, they move closer to shore and up tributaries to spawn. That's when the real action starts. Kings are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights - be ready for a workout! Their rich, flavorful meat is prized for smoking or grilling. Early morning and evening are prime times to target them. Trolling with large spoons, cut bait, or plugs is effective. Here's a local secret: try using glow-in-the-dark lures during low light conditions. It can make a big difference. Whether you're after a trophy for the wall or just want to test your skills against a true powerhouse, Chinook salmon deliver an unforgettable fishing experience.
Coho salmon are a prized catch on Lake Ontario, usually ranging from 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fighters put on quite a show when hooked. You'll find them in cooler, deeper waters during summer, often near structure or drop-offs. Fall is prime time as they move closer to shore to spawn. Cohos have a reputation for being finicky, but once they bite, hang on tight! Their orange-red meat is delicious for the dinner table too. For the best shot at landing one, try trolling with flashy spoons or cut bait at varying depths. My go-to trick is adding a bit of scent to your lures - seems to trigger more strikes when the bite is slow. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with a hard-fighting fish, cohos deliver an exciting experience for anglers of all levels.
Lake trout are the true natives of Lake Ontario, and they grow big here. Twenty-pounders aren't uncommon, with some topping 30 pounds. These deep-water specialists prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, so you'll often find them near the thermocline or suspended over deep basins. Lakers are slow-growing but long-lived, making trophy-sized fish a real prize. They're not known for acrobatics, but their power and stamina make for a memorable fight. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they move into shallower water. Their rich, oily flesh is excellent smoked or baked. Jigging is a popular technique - try tube jigs or blade baits near the bottom. For trolling, use downriggers to reach their deep haunts. Here's a local secret: glow-in-the-dark lures can be deadly, especially on overcast days or in low light conditions. Lakers might not be the flashiest fish in the lake, but they're a worthy challenge for any angler.
Steelhead are like the marathon runners of the trout world. These lake-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can push 20+ in Lake Ontario. They're known for blistering runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. You'll find them in deeper, cooler water during summer, but they move into tributaries for fall and spring spawning runs. That's when shore fishing really heats up. Steelhead put up an amazing fight on light tackle, making them a favorite for many anglers. Their pink flesh is great for smoking or grilling too. Early morning or overcast days are often best for targeting them. If you're fishing from the boat, try slow-trolling with smaller spoons or stickbaits. From shore, drift egg sacs or small jigs under a float. One local tip: don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are soft, so a steady pressure works better than a big yank.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 260