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Full Day Deep Water Lake Ontario Fishing
Lake Ontario, NYWhat you will be catching:
Atlantic Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Steelhead Trout
- Full-day charter targeting salmon and steelhead in deep waters
- Private boat accommodates four anglers with complete gear provided
- Professional crew offers fish processing and trolling expertise
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Full Day Deep Water Lake Ontario Fishing
When you're serious about chasing big salmon and trout on Lake Ontario, this full-day charter with Bear Craft Fishing Science LLC delivers the real deal. Captain Forrest runs his operation with a scientific approach that separates the pros from the weekend warriors. You'll spend your day miles offshore where the big fish cruise, targeting the deep structures and temperature breaks that hold massive schools of migratory salmon and steelhead. This isn't a rushed half-day trip—you get the entire boat to yourselves and all the time needed to dial in the bite and put multiple species in the box.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early at the dock where Captain Forrest briefs your group on conditions and strategy. Lake Ontario's a big body of water, and finding fish requires reading electronics, understanding seasonal patterns, and constantly adjusting your approach. The boat's built for comfort during long days offshore—wide beam for stability, plenty of seating, and all the downriggers and gear you need already rigged and ready. You'll cruise out to depths of 80 to 200 feet where the thermocline holds baitfish and the predators that follow them. The captain uses his fish finder and GPS to locate schools, then sets up trolling spreads that cover multiple depths and speeds simultaneously. With a four-person max, everyone gets hands-on time fighting fish without feeling crowded or rushed.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling with downriggers, and Captain Forrest's setup is dialed in for success. The boat runs multiple downrigger balls at different depths, typically between 40 and 120 feet down, depending on where the fish are marking on the sonar. Spoons, plugs, and flasher-fly combinations get rotated based on what's producing, with colors adjusted for water clarity and light conditions. Speed control is critical—sometimes a tenth of a knot makes the difference between getting bit and going fishless. The captain constantly monitors water temperature, looking for the thermal breaks where salmon and trout concentrate. When you hook up, the crew talks you through the fight, coaching on rod position and drag settings to land these powerful fish. All gear is included, from the heavy trolling rods down to the net, and everything gets cleaned and maintained between trips.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These bruisers average 15 to 25 pounds but can push 30-plus when conditions align. They're most active during spring and fall migrations, staging offshore in massive schools before heading to tributaries. When a king hits your downrigger, you'll know it immediately—they make screaming runs and jump like tarpon, testing every knot in your setup. The fight can last 15 to 20 minutes with larger fish, and landing one is a badge of honor among Great Lakes anglers. Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement, trading some size for pure athleticism. These silver rockets average 8 to 12 pounds but jump constantly and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system. They're more aggressive feeders than chinooks, often hitting smaller spoons and plugs with authority. Steelhead trout are the technical challenge of the group—these chrome-bright fish are incredibly strong for their size and famous for long, powerful runs. They average 6 to 10 pounds but fight like fish twice their weight, often making multiple jumps and direction changes that keep you guessing. Lake trout provide steady action throughout the season, cruising the deepest water and hitting both fast and slow presentations. They're the most reliable species on tough weather days when salmon get lockjaw. Atlantic salmon are the wild card—when you connect with one of these rare beauties, you're in for something special. They're less common but absolutely beautiful fish with incredible fighting ability.
Time to Book Your Spot
This top-rated Lake Ontario charter gives you everything needed for a world-class fishing experience—exclusive boat access, expert guidance, and the time to really work different techniques until you find what's producing. Captain Forrest's analytical approach means you're not just trolling blind, but systematically covering water and adjusting tactics based on real-time conditions. The dockside fish cleaning service means you leave with fillets ready for the table, and the memories of battles with some of the Great Lakes' most prized gamefish. With only four spots available and prime dates filling fast, especially during peak salmon runs, don't wait to secure your spot on this customer favorite charter.
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon in Lake Ontario are stocked fish that run 8-12 pounds on average, with their distinctive bronze coloring when they're actively feeding. These fish are built like torpedoes with small heads and forked tails, making them serious fighters once hooked. Unlike their Pacific cousins, Atlantics can survive spawning and live 4-6 years, developing serious strength. They hang around deep structures and thermal layers, usually 40-80 feet down during summer months. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move into shallower water to chase baitfish. What makes them special is their acrobatic jumps and long runs - they'll test your drag system for sure. The meat is top-shelf with that rich orange color. Pro tip: when trolling for Atlantics, slow your speed down a bit from what you'd use for Kings - they prefer a more subtle presentation.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario for good reason - these bruisers regularly hit 15-20 pounds and can top 30 in our waters. With their distinctive black mouths and gums, they're built for power rather than acrobatics. Kings stay deep year-round, often 80-200 feet down around major structure and temperature breaks, following the cold water they need. Early morning and evening produce the best bites since they're light-sensitive fish. What draws anglers is the raw power - when a big King takes your bait, you'll know it immediately. They make long, determined runs that can take 100 yards of line before you even start gaining ground. The rich, orange-pink meat is primo eating. Here's what works: Kings love big baits, so don't be afraid to run large spoons or plugs. When you mark fish on the finder, get your downriggers right in their faces - they won't chase baits far.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon are the acrobats of Lake Ontario, averaging 8-12 pounds but capable of jumping 6 feet straight up when hooked. These silver bullets with dark blue-green backs and distinctive black spots on their tails are pure excitement on the end of your line. They cruise mid-depths around 30-60 feet, often suspended over deep water but willing to chase bait up to the surface. Spring through early summer provides the hottest action as they feed aggressively before their fall spawn run. What guests love most is their aerial show - Cohos will jump repeatedly, making drag-screaming runs that'll wake up everyone on the boat. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. Here's a local trick: when you see them jumping on the surface, switch to smaller spoons in bright colors like chartreuse or hot pink and run them just under the thermocline.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water natives of Ontario, living their entire lives in the coldest, most oxygenated water they can find. These grey-green giants with cream-colored spots average 24-36 inches but can reach trophy sizes over 40 pounds. They stay deep all year, typically 100-300 feet down around rocky structure and drop-offs where the water stays consistently cold. Late spring right after ice-out and again in fall offer the best chances as they move slightly shallower. Lakers are steady, determined fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage - think of wrestling a bulldozer. The firm, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the lake. Since they're slow-growing fish that can live decades, we practice catch-and-release on the big ones. Pro tip: lakers are curious - when jigging, vary your cadence and let the lure sit motionless occasionally.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the Great Lakes' version of rainbow trout on steroids, spending their lives in deep, cold water and growing thick shoulders. These chrome-sided battlers average 24 inches but can push 45 inches, with the kind of strength that comes from living in big water. They stay deep most of the year, 60-150 feet down around structure and drop-offs, following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Mid-fall through spring gives you the best shots as they become more active before and after their spawn. What makes steelhead special is their bulldogging fight - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle and determination. They'll peel line and test your patience with long, powerful runs. The silvery meat is excellent table fare. Local tip: steelhead have great eyesight, so on bright days drop your downriggers deeper and use more subtle colors like blue or green.
About the Bear Craft
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
