Lake Ontario Salmon Charter A Will 2 Fish AM Trip

Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Morning Charter

Picture this: you're cruising Lake Ontario's productive waters at sunrise, downriggers humming as your lines disappear into the depths where monster salmon and trout patrol. Captain William Watkins knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his morning charters consistently put anglers onto some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a six-hour battle with some of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish in North America, all from the comfort of a well-equipped 27-foot Sportcraft.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day starts early, but trust me, it's worth every minute. William runs a tight ship, departing right on schedule from April through September when the fishing is absolutely dialed in. You'll head out with up to five other anglers, making it perfect for groups or solo adventurers looking to share the experience. The boat's setup is impressive – we're talking professional-grade downriggers, planer boards spread wide, and dipsey divers working different depths. This isn't weekend warrior gear; it's the same equipment the tournament guys use. The morning bite on Lake Ontario is legendary, and William positions you right where the action happens. Don't worry if you've never touched a downrigger before – William walks everyone through the setup and makes sure you're comfortable with the gear before lines go in the water.

Trolling Techniques & Gear

Lake Ontario trolling is an art form, and William's mastered every aspect of it. The downriggers get your lures down to where the big fish cruise – sometimes 80 feet deep or more. Planer boards spread your presentation wide, covering serious water while the boat moves. Dipsey divers work the mid-water column where aggressive fish often hunt. It sounds complicated, but William handles all the technical stuff while you focus on fighting fish. The rod selection is spot-on too – medium-heavy sticks that can handle a screaming king salmon but still let you feel every head shake from a brown trout. Live bait gets rigged alongside proven spoons and plugs, giving you multiple shots at whatever's feeding. The 27-foot Sportcraft handles Lake Ontario's swells like a champ, so you can focus on fishing instead of hanging over the rail.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These silver missiles can push 30 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish showing up in deeper, cooler water. When a king hits your downrigger rod, you'll know it – the rod doubles over and line screams off the reel. They're notorious for their initial runs and acrobatic jumps, making every hookup a memorable battle. The meat is outstanding too, with firm, rich flesh that's perfect on the grill.

Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, but they make up for it with pure attitude. These 8-15 pound fighters are absolutely electric, jumping repeatedly and never giving up until they're in the net. Cohos love the upper water column during morning hours, making them perfect targets for this charter's timing. They hit hard and fast, often taking surface lures or shallow-running spoons. The fight-to-size ratio is off the charts – pound for pound, they might be the scrappiest fish in the lake.

Steelhead Trout are Lake Ontario's acrobats, known for spectacular aerial displays that'll leave you breathless. These chrome-bright fish average 6-12 pounds but fight like they're much bigger. Spring and fall are prime time, when steelhead cruise the thermoclines looking for baitfish. They're incredibly sporty on lighter tackle, making long runs and clearing the water repeatedly. Steelhead have incredible stamina too – just when you think you've got them whipped, they'll make another blistering run toward deep water.

Brown Trout are the lake's craftiest residents, often the hardest to fool but incredibly rewarding when you connect. These golden-sided beauties can exceed 20 pounds, with the biggest fish being extremely wary and selective. Early morning is prime time for browns, especially in spring when they're feeding heavily after the spawn. They prefer deeper water and structure, making downrigger presentations perfect. Browns have a different fight than salmon – more of a dogged, head-shaking battle that tests your drag and patience.

Walleye round out the target species list and shouldn't be overlooked. Lake Ontario walleye are chunky, hard-fighting fish that provide excellent table fare. They're often caught while targeting salmon and trout, usually in 20-40 feet of water over structure. Spring walleye fishing can be phenomenal, with fish in the 4-8 pound range being common. They hit dipsey diver presentations well and provide steady action when the salmon fishing slows down.

Time to Book Your Spot

William's morning charters book up fast, especially during peak salmon season, and there's good reason why. Six hours of professional guiding, top-notch equipment, and productive fishing grounds make this one of Lake Ontario's best fishing values. The early start means you'll beat the crowds and hit the prime morning bite when fish are most active. With all tackle, bait, and equipment included, you just need to show up ready to fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your Lake Ontario game or a newcomer wanting to experience world-class salmon fishing, this charter delivers. The boat comfortably handles six anglers, making it perfect for corporate groups, family trips, or fishing buddies looking to make some memories. Don't wait – prime dates fill up quickly, and you don't want to miss out on some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Great Lakes have to offer.