Ready for some world-class fishing on one of the Great Lakes? Hop aboard with Over The Rail Sportfishing for a 4 to 8-hour adventure on Lake Ontario. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip promises a day packed with action, stunning views, and the chance to land some seriously impressive fish. From monster salmon to trophy trout, Lake Ontario's waters are teeming with possibilities. So grab your hat and let's hit the water!
As soon as you step onto the boat, you'll feel the excitement in the air. Captain Justin knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish. We'll be trolling - that's dragging lines behind the boat - which is the best way to cover ground and find where the big ones are hiding. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm (oh, and don't forget your fishing license!). As we cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for Lake Ontario's famous landmarks and maybe even spot some local wildlife. And when those reels start screaming? That's when the real fun begins!
If you're new to trolling, don't sweat it - Captain Justin's got you covered. We'll be using a variety of lures and depths to target different species. Downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers are all part of our arsenal to get our offerings right where the fish are feeding. You'll learn how water temperature and depth affect where the fish hang out, and how to read the fish finder to spot those underwater honey holes. As we adjust our spread throughout the day, you'll pick up tips and tricks that'll make you a better angler, whether you're out on Lake Ontario or your local pond back home.
"I don't think there's words to say how great of a trip we had. Once we started gearing up to fish, we were on fish. Cap. Justin was very knowledgeable with the area, how and where we needed our lures, and most importantly how to not lose a fish. We will definitely be coming back for future trips. This was our first trip on Lake Ontario and I feel the best we could ever have." - Brian
"My 8year old Grandson and I had a wonderful and successful fishing trip with Captain Justin. Captain Justin explained everything in detail for my Grandson. He talked to him about the species of fish, how to rig the lines, different speeds and water temperatures to catch different species of fish. We limited out on Lake Trout and had 2 salmon in the boat in just under 4 hours. My Grandson's arms got tire of reeling in fish, so we cut our trip a little short. My Grandson was so excited that we came home and have booked another trip with Captain Justin for later this season. His deck hand Cooper(dog) is great with kids. My Grandson and I highly recommend Captain Justin and Over the Rail Sportfishing. Thank you again Captain Justin. Mark & Victor" - Mark
"Justin is THE BEST Captain! He is informative, honest and very knowledgeable on fishing and the lake. He also is concerned about making sure we have fun and goes above and beyond to get you fish to bring back. 5 stars all the way around for excellence! See you again next year Captain Justin!! Love from the "storm gang"" - Debbie
Lake Ontario is home to some of the most sought-after freshwater game fish in North America. Let's break down what you might find on the end of your line:
Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. Typically weighing 3-8 pounds, Cohos are most active in the spring and fall. They're aggressive feeders, often hitting lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing.
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can top 30 pounds, and when they decide to run, hold on tight! Late summer and early fall are prime time for these bruisers, as they start their spawning runs up the tributaries.
Steelhead Trout: Rainbow trout on steroids, steelhead are prized for their hard fights and spectacular leaps. These chrome-bright beauties average 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. They're available year-round, but spring and fall see increased activity as they move in and out of the tributaries.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout fishery is world-renowned. These fish are cunning and can grow to impressive sizes, with 10-pounders not uncommon. Spring and fall are the best times to target browns, as they cruise the shorelines looking for baitfish.
Lake Trout: The native heavyweight of the Great Lakes, lake trout are built for the cold, deep waters of Lake Ontario. They can live for decades and grow to monstrous sizes - 20-pound fish are not unheard of. While they can be caught year-round, spring and fall offer the best opportunities as they move into shallower waters.
Every season on Lake Ontario brings its own excitement, but this year has been something special. We've been seeing some absolute giants coming over the rails. Chinook salmon in the 25-30 pound range have been making regular appearances, putting even experienced anglers to the test. The lake trout bite has been on fire, with several fish topping the 20-pound mark already this spring. And let's not forget about those steelhead - we had a customer land a chrome rocket last week that pushed 15 pounds and nearly spooled us twice before we got it in the net!
But it's not just about size - the numbers have been impressive too. We've had days where it's been non-stop action from the moment lines hit the water until it's time to head back in. Whether you're after a cooler full of tasty coho fillets or that trophy chinook for the wall, Lake Ontario is delivering the goods this season.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching to get out on Lake Ontario and tangle with some world-class fish, now's the time to lock in your date. Over The Rail Sportfishing's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're planning a solo trip, a day out with buddies, or want to introduce the kids to the thrill of big-water fishing, Captain Justin's got you covered.
Remember, all the gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready for action (and don't forget that fishing license!). Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up - trust me, you're gonna need it when you're battling fish all day.
So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, the boat's ready, and Lake Ontario is calling. Book your trip with Over The Rail Sportfishing today and get ready for a day on the water you'll be talking about for years to come. Whether you're after your personal best, a limit of delicious eating fish, or just a great day out with good company, this is your chance. Don't let those big ones get away - reserve your spot now and let's go fishing!
June 1, 2025
I don’t think there’s words to say how great of a trip we had. Once we started gearing up to fish, we were on fish. Cap. Justin was very knowledgeable with the area, how and where we needed our lures, and most importantly how to not lose a fish. We will definitely be coming back for future trips. This was our first trip on Lake Ontario and I feel the best we could ever have.
July 24, 2024
My 8year old Grandson and I had a wonderful and successful fishing trip with Captain Justin. Captain Justin explained everything in detail for my Grandson. He talked to him about the species of fish, how to rig the lines, different speeds and water temperatures to catch different species of fish. We limited out on Lake Trout and had 2 salmon in the boat in just under 4 hours. My Grandson's arms got tire of reeling in fish, so we cut our trip a little short. My Grandson was so excited that we came home and have booked another trip with Captain Justin for later this season. His deck hand Cooper(dog) is great with kids. My Grandson and I highly recommend Captain Justin and Over the Rail Sportfishing. Thank you again Captain Justin. Mark & Victor
June 28, 2025
Great day, Justin is a great guide, works hard to put us on fish and is a pleasure to fish with
July 15, 2025
Let me just say that the waves were choppy and both My Husband and I got motion sickness(bummer, we forgot to take meds for it!) But of course that wasn’t Captain Justin’s fault. He was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions. We felt comfortable and right at home! We will definitely be coming back for more and we refuse to be out there with anyone else! Thank you Captain Justin👍
July 19, 2022
Great captain to fish with! Highly recommended if you’re looking for a great outing, not just with the fishing but also the relaxation and great conversations!
June 25, 2023
We couldn't have asked for a better day! Or a better captain! Can't wait to go again next year
September 11, 2022
#1 captain in my book. Highly recommended!
July 24, 2023
Justin is THE BEST Captain! He is informative, honest and very knowledgeable on fishing and the lake. He also is concerned about making sure we have fun and goes above and beyond to get you fish to bring back. 5 stars all the way around for excellence! See you again next year Captain Justin!! Love from the "storm gang"
August 17, 2023
Excellent July trip. Capt Justin has superior knowledge of the fishery, works hard to find the fish, and delivers with professionalism and a sense of humor. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2024
The fish werent biteing much but Captain Justin threw everything at it and we managed to get some meat in the locker. I would highly reccomend using his service very polite easy to work with and explains how and why rods are rigged certain ways. I cant say enough good things HIGHLY RECCOMEND.
August 15, 2024
I met Justin he was a tremendous sincere person but the day of the trip unfortunately he had boat troubles.We were only there for the day because of work work schedules unfortunately.He tried his best to accommodate us so set us up with Shane owns My way boat and salmon river guide service.Shane was by worst the rudest guide I have ever met and I have been around the world. I look forward to fishing with Justin in the future.
September 19, 2024
Captain Justin took us to the fish! We enjoyed fresh salmon that night for dinner and taking some home. Justin was happy to share his knowledge on salmon fishing and the charter industry, made for a nice day!
September 21, 2024
Lake Ontario's brown trout are wily customers, typically running 5-10 pounds but capable of pushing 20. These golden-brown beauties prefer cooler water, so target them near shore in spring and fall, or in deeper water during summer. Browns are structure-oriented, so focus on rocky points, submerged logs, and weed edges. Anglers love browns for their intelligent fights and delicious, pink flesh. Early morning and late evening are prime feeding times. To fool these selective feeders, try slow-trolling with stickbaits or spoons that mimic local baitfish. Here's a tip: when a brown hits, don't set the hook immediately. Let it run for a few seconds to ensure it has the lure fully in its mouth before you start the fight.
King salmon live up to their name, often tipping the scales at 20-30 pounds in Lake Ontario. These bruisers cruise the lake's deeper waters, typically 50-100 feet down, and love to hang around underwater structures and thermoclines. Late summer and early fall are prime times as they bulk up for spawning. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. To land one of these giants, try slow-trolling with downriggers, using cut bait or large flashy spoons. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for subtle surface disturbances – kings will sometimes "fin" at the surface, giving away their location. When you hook up, hang on tight and be ready for a battle royale!
Coho salmon are a feisty catch, typically weighing 8-12 pounds and stretching 2-3 feet long. You'll find them in Lake Ontario's cooler, deeper waters, especially near structure like sunken logs or drop-offs. These silver bullets are most active in fall as they prepare to spawn, making September and October prime fishing months. Anglers love cohos for their acrobatic fights and tasty, orange-red meat. To boost your chances, try trolling with flashy spoons or plugs early in the morning when they're feeding near the surface. A local trick: use lighter line and smaller lures than you might for chinooks – cohos can be leader-shy and prefer a more finesse presentation.
Lake trout are the true giants of Lake Ontario, with 15-20 pounders common and 30+ pound fish possible. These deep-water specialists prefer cold, well-oxygenated water, so look for them near the thermocline or suspended over deep basins. Spring and fall are great times to target lakers as they move into shallower water. Anglers prize them for their hard-pulling fights and rich, oily flesh that's perfect for smoking. To entice a bite, try jigging with large soft plastics or trolling with downriggers using silver spoons or cut bait. Local secret: during summer, target lakers at first light when they often feed higher in the water column. When you hook up, be patient – these powerful fish can make long, dogged runs, so let them tire themselves out before attempting to land them.
Steelhead are the adrenaline junkies of the trout world, known for their epic fights and spectacular jumps. These sea-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can top 20 in Lake Ontario. Look for them near river mouths and along shoreline drop-offs, especially in spring and fall during their spawning runs. Steelhead love cold, oxygenated water, so focus on depths of 30-60 feet in summer. Their chrome sides and pink stripe make for great photos, and their firm, pink flesh is excellent on the grill. To entice a strike, try drifting roe bags or swinging bright-colored flies. Pro tip: when a steelhead hits, let it run for a few seconds before setting the hook – these guys have soft mouths and tend to spit hooks if you react too quickly.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 260
Was a very good trip always like fishing with justin. Was a crappy day and we still pulled it off.will ne back in the fall.