Family-Friendly Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Lake Ontario
$650 - $750 price range
Updated Date: November 2, 2025

Summary

Ready for a family fishing adventure on Lake Ontario? Captain Bruce's 6-hour charter is perfect for groups up to six looking to land some big catches. You'll set out early, usually between 5:00 and 5:45 am, to hit the water when the fish are most active. The trip targets a mix of King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Steelhead, giving everyone a shot at reeling in different species. Don't worry if you're new to fishing – Captain Bruce provides all the gear and patient guidance to help parents and kids alike get in on the action. It's a great way to spend quality time together while experiencing the thrill of Lake Ontario fishing. Just remember, this is a rain-or-shine trip, so come prepared for a day on the water. With a limit of four guests, you'll have plenty of space and attention from the captain to make the most of your outing. Whether you're after your first catch or looking to introduce the kids to the joy of fishing, this half-day trip offers something for everyone in the family.

Family-Friendly Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing Trip

Family Catches on Ontario

Anglers fishing for Pink Salmon in Oswego

Big water, big bites on Lake Ontario.

Sunrise lines and calm Lake Ontario vibes.

Nothing beats a day on the Great Lake.

Rods bent, memories made.

Family Fun: Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Adventure

Ready for a day on the water your whole crew will love? Captain Bruce's 6-hour Lake Ontario charter is the perfect way to introduce your family to the thrill of salmon and trout fishing. With early morning departures timed for peak action and hands-on guidance for anglers of all ages, this trip delivers smiles and tight lines for up to six guests. Get ready to make some splashy memories as you target hard-fighting King Salmon, acrobatic Coho, beautiful Brown Trout, and high-flying Steelhead!

What to Expect on the Water

As the sun peeks over the horizon, you'll hop aboard Captain Bruce's well-equipped fishing vessel, eager for the day ahead. The skipper's years of experience mean you're in for a productive day, with multiple lines in the water to maximize your chances. Kids and adults alike will get the hang of watching for bites and reeling in their catch, all while taking in the beauty of Lake Ontario. The 6-hour trip flies by as you move between hotspots, switching up techniques to outsmart the fish. Don't be surprised if there's some friendly competition to see who lands the biggest catch of the day!

Trolling Tips & Tackle Talk

On this trip, you'll be using a mix of trolling techniques to entice the fish. Captain Bruce will set up downriggers, planer boards, and maybe even some dipsy divers to get your lures down where the big ones are lurking. He'll explain how each method works, so even fishing newbies will feel like pros by the end of the day. The boat is stocked with top-notch rods, reels, and a variety of lures that are proven winners on Lake Ontario. From flashy spoons to wiggling plugs, you'll be armed with exactly what the fish can't resist. And when that reel starts screaming? That's when the real fun begins!

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Salmon: These bruisers are the heavyweight champs of Lake Ontario. Also known as Chinook, they can tip the scales at over 30 pounds! Kings are known for their powerful runs and dogged fights. They're most active in the cooler months, with fall being prime time as they prepare to run up the tributaries. Landing a King is a bucket-list achievement for many anglers.

Coho Salmon: While not as large as their King cousins, Cohos make up for it with their acrobatics. These silver bullets are known to leap clear out of the water when hooked. They average 5-10 pounds and are a blast on lighter tackle. Cohos tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many!

Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are a real treat. These smart, strong fish put up a great fight and can reach impressive sizes in the lake's cool, deep waters. They're often found closer to shore, making them a great target when the weather keeps you from heading out deep. Spring and fall are prime brown trout seasons.

Steelhead Trout: If you're looking for a high-flying, tail-walking showstopper, steelhead are your fish. These lake-run rainbow trout are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They can be caught year-round in Lake Ontario, with peak seasons in spring and fall. Steelhead in the 5-15 pound range are common, with some topping 20 pounds!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing Lake Ontario that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the rush of battling a big King Salmon, or the pride of watching your kid reel in their first fish. Perhaps it's the peaceful moments between bites, when you're just soaking in the vastness of the lake and enjoying time with family. Captain Bruce's wealth of local knowledge means every trip is a learning experience, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler. And let's be honest - the chance to catch multiple species in one outing is hard to beat!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure that delivers both excitement and quality time together, this Lake Ontario charter is calling your name. With Captain Bruce's expert guidance, top-notch gear, and a lake full of fish just waiting to be caught, you're in for a day you won't soon forget. Remember, the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the salmon! Early morning departures mean you're on the water when the fish are most active, so don't hit that snooze button. Spots on these popular trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So gather your crew, pack some snacks, and get ready for a reel good time on Lake Ontario. Book your charter today and start counting down to your big fish story!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout are a popular catch on Lake Ontario, typically ranging from 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. They prefer cool, clear waters and hang out near cover like submerged logs or rocky areas. Fall and early winter are prime seasons, as they feed aggressively before spawning. Anglers love browns for their fighting spirit and tasty meat. You'll often find them in deeper pools or near vegetation. For the best luck, try trolling with small spinners or bait under a float. If you're fly fishing, a 9-foot 5-weight rod works great. My local tip? Use crawfish imitations - browns can't resist 'em. Remember, these fish are smart and can be a challenge, but that's what makes landing one so satisfying.

Coho Salmon

Coho, or silver salmon, are a favorite on Lake Ontario. They're usually 12-30 inches long, weighing 8-12 pounds. These acrobatic fish love to jump, making for an exciting fight. Look for them in calm areas under debris or in large rivers connected to the lake. Fall is the best time to target coho, as they're gearing up to spawn. Anglers prize them for their bright orange meat and sporty nature. In faster waters, try swinging spinners. For a more finesse approach, twitching jigs works well in holding water. My go-to trick? Use bright lures like chartreuse or pink - coho can't seem to resist these flashy colors. Remember, these fish are migratory, so their patterns change throughout the season. Keep an eye out for birds or bait balls to find where they're feeding.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are the sea-run version of rainbow trout, and they're a prized catch on Lake Ontario. They average about 24 inches but can reach up to 45 inches and 55 pounds. You'll find them in the lake's tributaries, especially during their spawning runs in fall and spring. Steelhead are known for their powerful fights and acrobatic leaps, making them a favorite among sport anglers. They prefer cooler water, so focus on deeper areas during summer months. For the best action, try drifting or back-trolling in river mouths. Fly fishing can be challenging but rewarding - a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod is perfect for swinging flies. My local tip? Use egg patterns in spring when steelhead are feeding on salmon eggs. These fish are smart and wary, so light line and stealthy presentations are key to success.

About the Eagle Charters Sport Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: New Mercury complete

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 350

Captain Bruce's fishing charter on Lake Ontario is a perfect way for families to spend quality time together on the water. Over the course of 6 hours, you'll have the chance to catch King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Steelhead. The early morning departure times (between 5:00-5:45 am depending on the season) ensure you're out during prime fishing hours. With patient guidance and top-notch equipment provided, both parents and kids can easily get in on the action, regardless of experience level. Up to six guests can join, making it ideal for larger families or bringing along friends. It's a great opportunity to create lasting memories while trying your luck at landing some impressive fish. Just remember, deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips and Rates page for full details before booking your family's Lake Ontario fishing adventure.

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