Lake Ontario is known for a variety of species, but the big three that are highly sought after the most are King salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead. But it doesn’t stop there with a bounty of game fish like walleye and brown trout. Further, giving weight to the notion that a tug on your line from this body of water may be the catch of a lifetime. At a glance, it is the smallest of the Great Lakes with a total surface area of 7,340 square miles with an average depth of 283 feet. If you find yourself up north in New York state, this is one body of water you should test your line out on.
1. 1st Choice Charters – Lewiston, New York
Situated out of Lewiston, New York, Captain Randy offers charters on both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario in addition to the Lower Niagara River. Riding onboard the Missing Link, anglers have the chance to catch small-mouth bass, walleye, King salmon, coho salmon, and lake trout. With Captain Randy claiming, trophy bass and walleye are a specialty. As for packages; half-day fishing trips cost about $300 whereas half-day salmon fishing trips run about $575.
2. Lake Ontario Sportfishing – Kendall, New York
Caption Greg Pasinski has been fishing for a long time. At 13, he first fished on Lake Ontario, and he’s been chasing salmon and trout ever since. Today he runs the Lake Ontario Sportsfishing Charters on a 30-foot Pleasure Unit Too vessel docked in Kendall, New York. When it comes to packages; a half-day trip for a group of four will cost $600 or a full-day package will cost $800. As for capacity, the boat can cater for up to a group of six; however, an extra person fee may be charged. Do you have kids? No problem, this boat welcomes children onboard as well.
3. Reel Crazy Charters – Webster, New York
Image credits: Yassine Khalfalli via Unsplash
With over 40 years of experience, Captain Mark Brozowitz is as experienced as it comes to fishing on this Great Lake. Based out of Webster, New York in Irondequoit Bay, charter guests will have the experience of a lifetime reeling in monster salmon and trout. Regardless of your skill level, all are welcome onboard the Reel Crazy 3600 Tiara Open. With the latest fish finding technology and downriggers, massive salmon or trout are guaranteed. A half-day trip will run you $575, but to maximize fish counts, consider the full-day trip for $675.
4. Fantasy Charters – Fair Haven, New York
Captain Clyde Keck is no stranger to fishing on Lake Ontario, his expertise was documented on TV shows like; Rod and Reel and The Sportsman Show. Come onboard a 30-foot Sportfisherman equipped with all the biggest brands when it comes to freshwater fishing. There are only two packages to pick from; a six-hour trip for $650 or an eight-hour trip for $735. However, when it comes to the capacity of the boat, parties of up to six can be easily catered for an extra fee. Oh yeah, two-day charters are available, but you have to call for rates.
5. Ace Charters – Oswego, New York
Heading into the eastern end of Lake Ontario, Captain Jimmy Samia operates Ace Charters out of Oswego, New York. This charter specializes in King salmon, with a 30-pound monster being a common catch among anglers who grace this vessel. With 40 years of experience, Captain Jimmy is beloved by the young and old for his teaching methods, resulting in years of return guests. Enjoy a day out on the Ace II, a 28.6-foot Baha Cruiser 280 Weekender. Package lengths range from six hours to 10 hours, with prices starting at $500 for a single-person six-hour trip.
6. Lots A Limits Fishing Charter – Henderson Harbor, New York
Image credits: Chris Chan via Unsplash
Starting out fishing on Lake Oneida and countless tributaries before adventuring into the vast waters of Lake Ontario, Captain Timothy Meador has embraced the big fish culture of the Great Lakes for over 20 years. The charter commences on a 29-foot Baha found in Henderson Harbor, found just outside of Watertown, New York. Prices for packages vary with the unique requirements of each group. However, you intend to book, lodging, Lake Ontario charters, and drift fishing charters on the Salmon River are some examples of what’s offered through Lots A Limits Fishing Charters.
In Closing
Steelhead stalks the salmon and their migration and is more common in the west end of Lake Ontario. More so, salmon are found in abundance throughout the lake. Brown trout become more populous on the east side of Lake Ontario. That are sustained by the many migratory tributaries. Although, the smallest of the Great Lakes, what it lacks in surface area, Lake Ontario fires back with a world-renowned salmon and trout fishery. So, the next time you find yourself in upstate New York, consider booking a charter piling on fish counts for some of the tastiest freshwater eaters.
E-Newsletter