Get ready for an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Bruce, fishing for some of Lake Ontario's most prized catches. This 6-hour trip is tailor-made for families looking to bond over the excitement of reeling in big fish. Whether you're seasoned anglers or first-timers, you'll have a blast targeting King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, and Steelhead. With an early morning start and top-notch gear provided, you're in for a day of non-stop action that'll have the kids talking about it for weeks!
Your day starts bright and early, with departure times ranging from 5:00 to 5:45 a.m. depending on the season. Don't worry about the early wake-up call – it's worth it to hit the water when the fish are most active. Captain Bruce knows these waters like the back of his hand and will get you to the hot spots in no time. The boat comfortably fits up to six guests, so bring the whole family or invite some friends along. You'll be trolling for fish, which means dragging lines behind the boat as you cruise the lake. It's a laid-back style of fishing that's perfect for chatting, enjoying the scenery, and waiting for that heart-pounding moment when a fish strikes.
No need to worry about tackle or equipment – Captain Bruce has you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and lures designed to entice Lake Ontario's biggest and best. You'll be using downriggers to get your bait down to where the fish are hanging out. These clever devices let you fish at specific depths, increasing your chances of hooking into a monster. The captain will show you how to work the gear and read the fish finder, so you'll be picking up new skills while you're out there. Don't forget to bring a camera – you'll want proof when you tell your friends about the huge salmon you caught!
Lake Ontario is home to some seriously impressive fish, and on this trip, you've got a shot at landing several different species. Let's break down what you might catch:
King Salmon: Also known as Chinook, these are the heavyweights of the Great Lakes. They can grow up to 30 pounds or more, and they put up a fight that'll test your arms and your drag. King Salmon are most active in late summer and early fall when they start their spawning run. When one of these bad boys hits your line, hold on tight!
Coho Salmon: Slightly smaller than their King cousins but no less exciting, Coho are known for their acrobatic jumps and speedy runs. They average around 5-10 pounds and are a blast to catch on light tackle. Coho tend to school up, so when you find one, you might just hit the jackpot and catch several in quick succession.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout are some of the biggest you'll find anywhere. These smart, wary fish can grow to over 20 pounds and are prized for their fighting ability and tasty flesh. They're often found closer to shore, especially in the cooler months, and catching one is a real badge of honor for any angler.
Steelhead Trout: These are actually rainbow trout that have adapted to life in the Great Lakes. Steelhead are famous for their powerful runs and aerial displays when hooked. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, and catching one of these silver bullets is an experience you won't forget.
There's something special about fishing Lake Ontario that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the thrill of battling a 20-pound salmon, or the peaceful moments watching the sun rise over the water. For families, it's a chance to unplug from the daily grind and create lasting memories together. Captain Bruce's patience and expertise make this trip accessible to anglers of all skill levels. Kids will love the excitement of reeling in their first big fish, while parents can sit back and enjoy quality time with the family. Plus, with the variety of species available, there's always a chance for a personal best or a new fish to add to your life list.
If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing adventure that combines action, education, and the beauty of Lake Ontario, this trip checks all the boxes. Captain Bruce's years of experience and local knowledge ensure you'll have the best possible shot at landing some impressive fish. Remember, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the salmon! Early morning departures mean you're on the water when the bite is hottest. With room for up to six guests, it's the perfect opportunity for a family outing or a fun day with friends. Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so be sure to check the Trips and Rates page for all the details. Don't let this chance slip away – book your Lake Ontario salmon fishing charter today and get ready for a day of reeling in memories that'll last a lifetime!
Brown trout are a real treat to catch in Lake Ontario. These guys usually run 8-24 inches, but can get up to 39 inches if you're lucky. Look for them in cool, clear waters near cover. They love hanging out by submerged logs or undercut banks. Fall and early winter are prime times to target browns as they get aggressive before spawning. Anglers love 'em for their fight and tasty flesh. To up your chances, try night fishing in the fall when they feed heavily. A local trick: use crawfish imitations or small spinners near piers. Browns can be picky, so experiment with different presentations. Whether you're fly fishing in streams or trolling the lake, landing a brown trout is always a blast. They're smart fish, so outsmarting one feels like a real accomplishment.
Coho salmon, also called silvers, are a blast to catch on Lake Ontario. They typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but can get bigger. These acrobatic fish put up a heck of a fight, often leaping clear out of the water. Look for them in calm areas near debris or in large rivers connected to the lake. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love coho for their tasty orange-red meat and the challenge they present. To boost your chances, try swinging bright-colored spinners in fast water or twitching jigs in holding spots. A local tip: use float fishing with roe in both traveling and holding water. Whether you're fly fishing or spin casting, hooking into a coho is always exciting. Their hard runs and aerial displays make for an unforgettable experience on the water.
Steelhead are the sea-run cousins of rainbow trout, and they're a prized catch on Lake Ontario. These silver bullets average about 24 inches but can stretch to 45 inches and hit 55 pounds. Look for them near cover like wood, boulders, or vegetation. They spend most of their life in the lake, running up rivers to spawn. Fall through spring is prime time, with the action really heating up from mid-fall to early spring. Anglers love steelhead for their acrobatic fights and the challenge they present. To improve your odds, try drifting or swinging flies in river mouths. A local trick: use thinly tied flies like the Golden Demon or Skykomish Sunrise for wet swings. Whether you're fly fishing or gear fishing, hooking into a steelhead is always a thrill. Their powerful runs and aerial leaps make for an epic battle you won't soon forget.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: New Mercury complete
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350