Ready for some serious salmon action on Lake Ontario? Our 4-hour charter out of Olcott, NY is perfect for anglers looking to tangle with hard-fighting King Salmon. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you'll love the mix of excitement and scenery this trip offers. With an experienced captain at the helm, you'll hit the hotspots where these bruisers lurk, giving you the best shot at landing a monster. At $500 per trip (ideal for two anglers at $250 each), it's a great way to spend an afternoon or mid-day on the water. Let's dive into what makes this Lake Ontario salmon charter a must-do for any fishing enthusiast.
Picture this: You're cruising out of Olcott Harbor, the anticipation building as your captain points the bow towards Lake Ontario's salmon grounds. The lake stretches out before you, calm and inviting. As you leave the shoreline behind, your guide starts setting up the gear – downriggers, planer boards, and a spread of lures that'll make any salmon's mouth water. The next four hours are all about the thrill of the chase. You'll be targeting King Salmon, also known as Chinooks, that can tip the scales at up to 20 pounds. These aren't your average fish – they're powerful, acrobatic, and known for putting up one heck of a fight. Your captain knows exactly where these fish like to hang out, whether they're cruising the thermocline or hugging underwater structure. With afternoon and mid-day departures available, you can choose the time that works best for you. Just remember, spaces fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your spot!
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of tried-and-true salmon trolling techniques. Your captain will set up a spread of lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards. This lets us cover more water and target fish at various levels in the water column. We typically use a combination of spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs – all proven salmon-slayers on Lake Ontario. The boat's equipped with top-notch gear, including sturdy rods and reels that can handle the strength of a big King. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; your captain will walk you through everything, from how to watch for bites to the best way to fight and land these powerful fish. And when that reel starts screaming? Hold on tight – you're in for some serious fun!
"This was our first time fishing on Lake Erie, and Captain Shawn went above and beyond. He exceeded all expectations with his expertise, professionalism, and ability to make the trip both productive and enjoyable. Looking forward to booking again!" - CHRISTINA
King Salmon (Chinook): These are the stars of the show on Lake Ontario. Kings are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs that'll have you hanging on for dear life. They average 15-25 pounds, but monsters pushing 30+ pounds aren't unheard of. Late summer through fall is prime time for Kings, as they start their spawning runs. What makes them so exciting? It's all about the fight. When a big King hits, it's like hooking a freight train – they'll peel line off your reel faster than you can believe. And just when you think you've got them beat, they'll surge again. Landing a King Salmon is an accomplishment any angler can be proud of.
Steelhead Trout: While we're primarily targeting Kings, don't be surprised if we tangle with some high-flying Steelhead. These acrobatic cousins of salmon are a blast to catch, known for their spectacular leaps and blistering runs. Lake Ontario's Steelhead typically range from 5-12 pounds, with some topping 15. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring, but can be caught year-round in the lake. What sets Steelhead apart is their incredible stamina – they'll jump, run, and fight all the way to the net, making for an unforgettable battle on light tackle.
Look, if you're itching for some world-class salmon fishing without breaking the bank or spending days on end, this 4-hour Lake Ontario charter is your ticket. You've got the chance to battle trophy-sized Kings, enjoy some stunning scenery, and learn from a captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand. At $500 for the boat (perfect for splitting between a couple of buddies), it's a solid deal for the quality of fishing you're getting. Remember, the best times fill up quick, especially when the salmon are running hot. So don't sit on the fence – grab your spot now and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. Trust me, once you feel that first King Salmon hit, you'll be hooked for life. See you on the water!
May 16, 2025
King salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, often topping 20-30 pounds. These bruisers have a blue-green back, silver sides, and black spots all over. They're usually found in the cooler, deeper parts of the lake, especially near underwater structure. Summer's the hot time for kings, with peak action in August and September as they start their spawning run. Anglers go nuts for Chinooks because of their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. To hook into one, we often troll with flashers and flies or big spoons. Here's a tip: Kings are light-sensitive, so fishing early morning or on overcast days can really up your odds. When you hook one, hang on tight – these powerhouses will test both your gear and your arm strength!
Steelhead are the ocean-going cousins of rainbow trout, typically running 24-30 inches and packing a serious punch. These silver missiles spend most of their life at sea before returning to Lake Ontario's tributaries to spawn. We usually find them in deeper, cooler water or hanging around structure. Fall and spring are prime times, as they move closer to shore. Anglers love steelhead for their acrobatic fights and tasty, pink flesh. To boost your chances, try drifting egg sacs or swinging flies in current seams. A local trick? When the water's clear, downsize your line and use more natural colors. Steelhead can be picky, but once hooked, they'll give you a run for your money. Just be ready for some spectacular jumps and long runs – these fish know how to put on a show.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha 4.2L
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
This was our first time fishing on Lake Erie, and Captain Shawn went above and beyond. He exceeded all expectations with his expertise, professionalism, and ability to make the trip both productive and enjoyable. Looking forward to booking again!