Top-Rated Ice Fishing on Lake Ontario, NY

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

New York
$175 - $800 price range

Summary

Picture this: You're out on a frozen Lake Ontario, warm inside a heated shanty, waiting for that telltale tug on your line. That's what you'll get with Over The Rail Sportfishing's guided ice fishing trips. We'll set you up with everything you need - gear, bait, even your fishing license. You just show up ready for action. We're after some real fighters like Yellow Perch, Lake Trout, and Walleye. Choose between a 6-hour half-day or go all in with an 8-hour full day. We kick off at 6 AM, so bring your thermos of coffee. Ice conditions can be tricky, so we'll chat about the best spots when you book. It's $350 for a half-day or $500 for the full experience. Whether you're a seasoned ice angler or trying it for the first time, we'll make sure you have a great day out on the lake. Just don't forget your warm socks!

Top-Rated Ice Fishing on Lake Ontario, NY

Frozen Lake Action Shots

Huge Rainbow Trout hooked on a perfect afternoon in Pulaski!

Clearing skies promise the best fishing ahead in Pulaski!

Big fish blasted today as Lake Trout and Chinook Salmon couldn't resist our mixed techniques!

Winter Warriors: Ice Fishing on Lake Ontario

Get ready to drill some holes and drop some lines through the ice on Lake Ontario this winter! Over The Rail Sportfishing is offering guided ice fishing trips that'll have you hauling in perch, walleye, and more. Bundle up and join us for a frosty adventure on one of the Great Lakes' best ice fishing spots.

The Scoop on Your Ice Adventure

We're talking full-on winter fishing action here, folks. You'll be heading out onto Lake Ontario's frozen surface for either a 6 or 8-hour trip, kicking off bright and early at 6 AM. Don't sweat the gear - we've got you covered with everything you need, from rods and reels to a toasty heated shanty to keep you comfortable while you wait for that flag to pop. Our expert guides know all the honey holes where the fish are biting, so you can focus on the fun part: reeling 'em in. Whether you're a seasoned ice angler or it's your first time on the hard water, we'll make sure you have a blast and hopefully land some lunkers.

Drilling Down on the Details

Ice fishing isn't your typical cast-and-retrieve game. We'll be cutting holes through the ice with gas-powered augers, then setting up shop in our portable ice shacks. You'll learn to use specialized ice fishing gear like short rods, tip-ups, and flashers to locate and catch fish in the frigid waters below. We'll show you how to jig for active fish and how to set dead sticks for the less aggressive biters. Depending on ice conditions and what's biting, we might move around to different spots throughout the day. Safety is our top priority, so we'll brief you on ice safety and provide ice cleats to keep you steady on your feet. Remember, ice conditions can be unpredictable, so give us a shout before your trip to get the latest scoop on where we'll be fishing.

Why Anglers Brave the Cold

There's something special about ice fishing that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the peaceful silence of a snow-covered lake, broken only by the occasional whoop when someone hooks into a big one. Or the camaraderie of huddling in a shanty, swapping stories and sipping hot coffee while waiting for a bite. Whatever it is, once you've experienced the thrill of pulling a fish through a hole in the ice, you'll be hooked. Plus, winter fish tend to be at their fattest and tastiest, so you might just bring home dinner too!

Fish You'll Be Gunning For

American Yellow Perch: These little fighters are a staple of ice fishing on Lake Ontario. They might not be the biggest fish in the lake, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and taste. Expect to catch a bunch of these 8-12 inch pan-sized beauties. They're aggressive biters and put up a fun fight on light tackle. Plus, they're absolutely delicious when fried up fresh.

Crappie: Also known as calico bass, these speckled panfish are a favorite among ice anglers. They tend to school up in the winter, so when you find them, you can often catch a bunch. Crappies have paper-thin mouths, so finesse is key when setting the hook. Their flaky white meat is prized by many as the best-tasting freshwater fish around.

Lake Trout: Now we're talking about some serious winter warriors. Lake trout love cold water, so ice fishing season is prime time to target these deep-dwelling predators. They can grow to impressive sizes, with 10-20 pounders not uncommon. Fighting a big laker up through a small ice hole is an experience you won't soon forget. They're also one of the only native salmonid species left in the Great Lakes, so it's pretty special to catch one.

Northern Pike: If you're looking for a toothy critter with an attitude, pike are your fish. These ambush predators are active under the ice and will hit lures and live bait with savage strikes. Be careful when unhooking them - those teeth are no joke! Pike can grow to impressive sizes in Lake Ontario, with fish over 40 inches possible. They're not the best eating, but they sure are fun to catch.

Walleye: The holy grail for many Great Lakes ice anglers, walleye are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These elusive fish have excellent eyesight, making them most active during low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Jigging with minnows or flashy spoons is a popular technique. Nothing beats the feeling of setting the hook on a big 'eye through the ice!

Lock In Your Spot on the Ice

Ready to bundle up and experience the unique thrill of ice fishing on Lake Ontario? Over The Rail Sportfishing has you covered with everything you need for an awesome day on the hard water. Whether you choose the 6-hour half-day ($350) or go all in with the 8-hour full day ($500), you're in for a treat. Remember, we can only take two anglers per trip, so spots fill up fast. Don't let this winter pass you by without giving ice fishing a shot - book your trip today and get ready to make some memories (and hopefully catch some dinner) on the frozen surface of Lake Ontario!

Customer Review

Learn more about the species

American Yellow Perch

Walleye are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario ice fishing. These golden-eyed predators average 2-3 pounds but can grow much bigger. They're known for their tasty white fillets and challenging nature. You'll find walleye near the bottom in 15-30 feet of water. They like to hang around points, drop-offs, and rocky areas. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times when they move shallow to hunt. Walleye fishing takes some skill, which is why landing one is so rewarding. Use jigging spoons or minnows on a jig head. Work them slowly - walleye aren't known for chasing down fast-moving baits. Guests love walleye for the combination of sport and table fare. They put up a good fight and are considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish around. My walleye secret? Glow-in-the-dark lures can be deadly, especially in low light. Charge them up with a flashlight between drops for extra attraction.

Crappie

Lake trout are the biggest char out there, usually 15-40 pounds and 2-3 feet long. They like it cold and deep, so we find them suspended in the middle of Lake Ontario's basin. These fish grow slow and mature late, which makes landing a big one pretty special. In winter, they come up shallower to feed. That's when we target them through the ice. Jigging is the way to go - I like using Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that look like injured baitfish. The bite can be subtle, so stay alert. Lakers put up a great fight and taste delicious. Guests love the challenge of bringing one up from the depths. My top tip: On bright days, fish deeper or wait for overcast conditions when they're more active. Patience is key with these cold-water predators, but the reward is worth it.

Lake Trout

Crappie are a blast to catch through the ice on Lake Ontario. These pan-sized fish usually run 8-12 inches but can get bigger. Look for them suspended around underwater structure or in deeper basins. Crappie travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're most active at dawn and dusk, but you can catch them all day if you find the right spot. Light tackle is key for crappie. Use small jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics. Crappie have paper-thin mouths, so a gentle hookset is important. Anglers love crappie for their willingness to bite and excellent taste. They're often called "papermouths" or "slabs" when they get big. The meat is white, flaky, and mild - perfect for a fish fry. Here's a local trick: If you see crappie on your fish finder but they won't bite, try fishing higher in the water column. Sometimes they'll follow baits up but won't commit near the bottom.

Northern Pike

Yellow perch are one of Lake Ontario's tastiest fish. They're on the smaller side, usually 7-10 inches, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers and flavor. You'll find perch in schools near the bottom, often around weed beds or other structure. They're active year-round, but ice fishing is especially productive. Perch are eager biters, making them great for kids or anyone who wants steady action. Use light tackle and small jigs tipped with worms or minnows. When you find one, you've usually found a bunch. These fish are prized for their sweet, flaky meat. Locals call them "poor man's walleye" - I'd argue they taste even better. Plus, there's no limit on them, so you can catch dinner for the whole family. My top perch tip: If you're not getting bites, downsize your bait and jig slowly. Sometimes a tiny offering is all it takes to get them going.

Walleye

Northern pike are the ambush predators of Lake Ontario. These "water wolves" average 2-3 feet but can top 4 feet. Look for them in weedy shallows and near drop-offs where they hunt. Pike are aggressive and not picky eaters. They'll hit just about anything that moves - from small fish to frogs. That makes them fun to target, especially for newer anglers. We catch pike year-round, but ice fishing is prime time. They're active under the ice and put up a great fight. Use strong line and wire leaders - those teeth are no joke. Guests love pike for the exciting strikes and powerful runs. Fair warning though, they're slimy and toothy when landing. I always bring long-nose pliers to unhook them safely. My go-to pike setup is a medium-heavy rod with 20-pound braid. Try working a big spoon or soft plastic slowly near weed edges. The key is making it look like wounded prey.

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