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Extended Lake Ontario Big Gamefish Charter
Extended Lake Ontario Big Gamefish Charter
Five salmon hanging on display rack at Bayside Marina in Mexico NY after successful fishing trip
Large Chinook salmon catch displayed on fishing boat in Mexico NY waters
Large fish caught while fishing on boat in Mexico NY waters
Striped bass caught while fishing in Mexico NY
Chinook salmon caught in fishing net on boat deck in Mexico NY
White boat with blue accents docked at wooden pier on lake in Mexico NY
Large Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Mexico NY waters from boat
Chinook salmon catch displayed on fishing boat in Mexico NY
Lake trout caught while fishing on boat in Mexico NY waters
Large Chinook salmon caught while fishing in Mexico NY waters
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Extended Lake Ontario Big Gamefish Charter

locationLake Ontario, NY

What you will be catching:

  • Atlantic SalmonAtlantic Salmon
  • Chinook SalmonChinook Salmon
  • Coho SalmonCoho Salmon
  • Lake TroutLake Trout
  • Steelhead TroutSteelhead Trout
  • Extended trips target salmon and trout in deep offshore waters
  • 30-foot cruiser accommodates up to 4 guests with professional tackle
  • Flexible scheduling allows extra time when fish are actively biting

Trip Pricing and Availabilities:

Extended Lake Ontario Big Gamefish Charter

Captain Forrest's extended fishing charter gives you and your crew the extra time needed to really dial in on Lake Ontario's legendary gamefish population. With a spacious 30-foot cruiser as your platform, you'll have room to spread out while working the deep offshore waters where the big salmon and trout stack up in temperature breaks. This isn't a rushed morning trip – it's a proper fishing day designed for anglers who want to maximize their shots at landing multiple species. The captain adapts your trolling program throughout the day as conditions change, keeping you on fish when others are heading back to port. Plus, you'll get your catch cleaned dockside so you can focus on the fishing instead of the knife work.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts with Captain Forrest rigging a trolling spread tailored to current conditions and the species you're targeting. Lake Ontario's thermoclines shift constantly, especially during prime fishing months, so having that extra time means you can chase the bite as it develops. The 30-foot cruiser handles the lake's swells comfortably while giving your group of four plenty of deck space to fight fish without getting tangled up. Professional tackle setups mean you're fishing with gear that can handle everything from scrappy coho to heavyweight chinook. When fish are cooperative, the captain's flexible approach lets you extend your trip right on the spot – no need to cut the action short when the bite is hot. The boat's fish finder and GPS keep you positioned over productive water, while the captain reads surface temperatures to locate those key thermal layers where gamefish concentrate.

Trolling Tactics & Gear

Lake Ontario trolling is all about covering water efficiently while presenting lures at the right depths and speeds. Captain Forrest runs a spread of downriggers, dipsy divers, and leadcore lines to work different water columns simultaneously. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place depending on what the fish are telling you. The captain adjusts lure colors, trolling speeds, and depths based on water clarity, temperature readings, and fish activity. Dodger and fly combinations work magic on trout, while big plugs can trigger aggressive strikes from mature salmon. The extended trip format lets you experiment with different presentations without feeling rushed – if one setup isn't producing, there's time to switch tactics and find what works. Professional-grade rod holders keep your lines organized while electric downriggers make depth changes quick and precise.

Target Species

Atlantic Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario fishing, with their incredible fighting ability and acrobatic displays making every hookup memorable. These fish typically range from 15 to 25 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 30 pounds or more. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities when atlantics move into shallower water, though they can be caught year-round in deeper zones. Their silver flanks and powerful runs make them a favorite among experienced anglers who appreciate both the challenge and table fare quality.

Coho Salmon bring non-stop action with their aggressive feeding behavior and spectacular jumps. Usually running 8 to 15 pounds, these fish make up for their smaller size with pure attitude and fighting spirit. Coho are most active during summer months when they school up in temperature breaks, often providing multiple hookups in short periods. Their bright chrome sides and energetic battles make them perfect for anglers who love constant action over trophy hunting.

Steelhead Trout are legendary for their endurance and aerial displays, often making multiple jumps during a single fight. These fish average 10 to 20 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Spring steelhead runs are particularly exciting when fish fresh from spawning tributaries are at peak condition. Their chrome coloration and stamina make them a bucket-list species for many Great Lakes anglers.

Chinook Salmon are the true heavyweights of Lake Ontario, with mature fish commonly reaching 20 to 35 pounds. These powerful fish make long, determined runs that test both angler skill and equipment limits. Late summer and early fall provide peak chinook action when fish are feeding heavily before spawning runs. Landing a big chinook requires patience and proper technique, but the reward is both an epic fight and excellent table fare.

Lake Trout represent the deep-water specialists of your target species, often holding in 100+ feet of water near bottom structure. These fish grow slowly but reach impressive sizes, with catches ranging from 15 to 30 pounds being common. Lake trout fishing requires precise depth control and patient presentation, but their unique coloration and excellent eating quality make them highly prized. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water to feed.

Time to Book Your Spot

This extended charter format gives serious anglers the time and flexibility needed to make the most of Lake Ontario's world-class gamefish opportunities. Captain Forrest's local knowledge combined with professional equipment and the option to extend your trip when fish are biting creates the perfect setup for memorable fishing days. The four-person capacity keeps your group small enough for personalized attention while splitting costs among friends. With complimentary catch cleaning included, you'll head home with professionally prepared fillets ready for the dinner table. Lake Ontario's diverse species mix means every trip offers something different, whether you're chasing chrome-bright coho or battling trophy chinook. Book your extended charter and experience why this top-rated fishing destination keeps anglers coming back season after season.

Learn more about the animals

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon are rare gems in Lake Ontario, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with their distinctive silvery bodies and forked tails. These fish cruise the deep thermoclines where cold water meets warmer layers, usually 60-120 feet down. Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can spawn multiple times, making each catch special. Spring through early summer offers your best shot when they're actively feeding on alewives and smelt. What makes them worth targeting is their explosive fight - they'll jump clear out of the water and strip line like crazy. The meat is top-shelf too, with that rich orange color. Here's a tip: when we find them, they're often grouped up, so if one rod goes off, get ready for multiple hookups. These fish are making a comeback in the Great Lakes, so every Atlantic we catch is part of something bigger.

Atlantic Salmon

Chinook Salmon

King salmon earn their name - they're the biggest bruisers in Lake Ontario, commonly hitting 15-20 pounds with some real monsters pushing 30-plus. These silver-sided giants with black gums patrol the deepest, coldest water, usually 80-150 feet down in the main basin. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening bites are prime, plus overcast days. What draws anglers is the sheer power - a big king will take you into your backing and test every knot. The rich, red meat is some of the best eating you'll find. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're actively feeding on alewives. Since they hug bottom structure, downriggers are essential to get your lure in the zone. Here's a key tip: kings often suspend just off the bottom, so run one rigger deeper than your fish finder shows - that extra 10 feet can make all the difference.

Chinook Salmon

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, also called silvers, are some of the most acrobatic fish in Lake Ontario. These beauties run 12-30 inches and pack serious muscle at 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver body and black-spotted tail. They patrol the thermoclines anywhere from 40-80 feet deep, chasing baitfish along temperature breaks. Late spring through early fall is prime time when water temps hit their sweet spot. What gets anglers hooked is their aerial show - cohos will jump six feet straight up and put on a real display. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. They're aggressive feeders, hitting spoons and plugs hard when you find them. Pro tip: when cohos are active, they'll often follow your lure right to the boat, so always be ready with a net. These fish can turn a slow day into something memorable real quick.

Coho Salmon

Lake Trout

Lakers are the deep-water natives of Lake Ontario, true cold-water specialists that can live 20+ years and grow massive. These grey-green giants with cream spots average 24-36 inches, but the real trophies can hit 40 pounds. They live in the deepest, coldest parts of the lake year-round, usually 100-200 feet down over rocky structure and drop-offs. Early spring right after ice-out is fantastic when they're shallow, but summer means going deep with downriggers. What makes them special is their steady, powerful fight - no jumps, just pure bulldogging strength. The white meat is mild and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. These fish are picky feeders, so you need to work for them. Here's what I've learned: lakers love a slow presentation, so don't be afraid to troll at just 1-2 mph. When you find one, mark that spot - they often hang in the same areas.

Lake Trout

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are basically rainbow trout that hit the gym - same species, but way stronger from living in open water. These chrome-bright fighters average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and really test your drag. They roam Lake Ontario's deep basins, following the thermocline between 50-100 feet where the water stays cold and oxygenated. Mid-fall through spring is money time, especially when weather fronts move through. What makes steelhead special is their raw power - they'll make blistering runs that'll humble any angler. Unlike salmon, they can spawn multiple times, so they fight like their life depends on it. The silver flanks with black spots are beautiful, and they're excellent table fare. Here's something I've learned: steelhead often cruise just above the thermocline, so don't be afraid to run your spread a bit shallower than you think.

Steelhead Trout

About the Bear Craft

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Our 30-foot Sea Ray cruiser cuts through Lake Ontario's deep waters with twin 300HP Mercury engines, giving you the range and power to chase salmon and trout wherever they're holding. Built for extended fishing trips, this boat handles the big lake's conditions while keeping your crew of four comfortable all day. The wide deck gives everyone room to fight fish, while the GPS and fishfinder help locate those offshore thermoclines where the big ones cruise. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator, and use the onboard toilet when nature calls. Coast Guard equipped and designed for serious anglers who want to spend quality time tracking gamefish across Ontario's massive waters. Captain Forrest knows how to work the trolling spread and adapt to changing conditions, so you'll stay on fish from morning until evening.
Bear Craft Fishing Science LLC

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Step aboard with Bear Craft Fishing Science LLC on Lake Ontario, NY, and experience the thrill of locking into giant salmon and trophy trout on the open lake. Secure your dates on the water today, and let us guide you to a unforgettable Great Lakes adventure you will talk about for years!

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