Fishing Lake Ontario

Spring

A great option during this spring lake season is targeting other species of fish. Having the ability to slip offshore gets us to where king salmon and lake trout live and some days the action on kings and lakers can be just as good as the brown trout.

The lake brown trout come in from the deep cold water of Lake Ontario to feed on the bait fish that go into river estuaries and bays to feed and spawn. We target browns by trolling tight to the shoreline with a large spread of gear out. It is common to have as many as four or five fish on at a time, making the action fun and intense! This fishery goes into June or until the inshore water gets too warm and the bait fish head for deeper water.

Summer

Summer on Lake Ontario is in most people’s minds the best time to be on the lake. This is also true if you are looking to fish for king and coho salmon. Our lake salmon season starts in May and runs to the end of September when these fish start their migration up the coastal rivers and streams. May normally starts the salmon fishing in the lake. Both kings and cohos come out of the deepest parts of the lake to follow the bait fish as they migrate to bays and estuaries to spawn. This can be some of the best early action as spring moves into summer. As we move into June the salmon push offshore to find food in the deeper parts of the lake. June is typically a little slower as salmon spread out in search of bait fish. As the end of June moves into the beginning of July we see a resurgence of salmon and bigger congregations for bait. This is also when the kings and cohos start getting signals form their brains that it is time to feed heavily as the fall spawning migration is around the corner. From July to the end of September is the best fishing for salmon we will see all year. These fish are strong and hard fighting. They are gorging on bait fish and putting on pounds by the week. If you are looking to come salmon fishing this is the time!

Prepare for Your Trip

Trip details. All Lake Ontario salmon trips will meet at the Salmon River Lighthouse & Marina in Port Ontario (5 Lake Road Extension, Pulaski, NY). The boat name is Driftwater; it is located on the left side of the boat ramp, several slips down the dock. You will need a valid NYS fishing license. You can bring a small cooler for your snacks and beverages. Alcohol is allowed, just no glass or hard liquor. It is also recommended that you have a larger cooler to bring  your catch home or to the fish processor. All tackle is provided.

Please be on time for our departure.  Being on time will greatly help and being ready to go as soon as we meet will also help make sure you get your complete time on the water. If you are going to be late just shoot me a text and let me know.