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Half Day Lake Ontario Salmon Trout Dry Creek
Lake OntarioWhat you will be catching:
Atlantic Salmon
Brown Trout
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
- 4-hour morning charter targeting salmon and trout on Lake Ontario
- Professional downrigger equipment provided with 6 AM departure time
- Accommodates up to 4 guests on 23-foot vessel with onboard facilities
Trip Pricing and Availabilities :
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Charter - Half Day
Ready to get your lines in the water on one of the Great Lakes' best fishing spots? Captain Christopher and the crew at Dry Creek Charters know exactly where the salmon and trout are biting on Lake Ontario. This half-day charter is perfect for anyone looking to experience world-class fishing without burning a whole weekend. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first big lake adventure, this 4-hour trip delivers consistent action and memories that'll last long after you're back on dry land.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts early with a 6:00 AM departure - trust me, the fish are most active in those cool morning hours, and you'll beat the weekend boat traffic. Captain Christopher runs a solid 23-foot Sport-Craft that handles Lake Ontario's swells like a champ, so even if it's a bit choppy, you'll stay comfortable. The boat's equipped with an onboard toilet, which is always a relief on longer trips. With space for up to 4 guests, you're not crowded like some of those bigger charter operations. The captain provides all your rods, reels, and lures - he's got the local knowledge to match the right setup to what's working that day. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you show up, and pack some water, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen. A few cold beers are welcome aboard, but leave the hard stuff and glass bottles at home.
Trolling Techniques & Setup
Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishing is all about trolling - covering water efficiently while presenting your lures at the right depth and speed. Captain Christopher uses professional downriggers and lead core lines to get your baits down where the fish are holding, often 40 to 100 feet deep depending on the season and thermal layers. You'll be running a spread of different lures - spoons, plugs, and fly combinations that mimic the alewives and smelt these fish feed on. The beauty of trolling is that it works for all skill levels. Beginners learn the basics of fighting fish while experienced anglers can fine-tune their techniques. The captain reads his fish finder and adjusts depths and speeds throughout the trip, putting you on fish rather than just hoping for luck.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These bruisers can hit 20-30 pounds and will test every inch of your drag system. They're most active from late spring through early fall, with peak action in July and August when they're feeding heavily before their spawn run. What makes Chinooks so special is their raw power - they'll make long, blistering runs that can take 100 yards of line in seconds. The fight often lasts 10-15 minutes, and landing one is a real accomplishment.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their Chinook cousins, but they make up for it with acrobatics. These silver bullets jump, twist, and put on a show that'll have everyone on the boat cheering. Cohos typically run 8-15 pounds and are perfect for younger anglers who want action without the marathon fight of a big Chinook. They're most abundant from mid-summer into early fall, and they hit lures with aggressive strikes that'll wake you up in a hurry.
Atlantic Salmon are the newest success story on Lake Ontario, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts. These fish are known for their stamina and clean, bright appearance. They're typically in the 10-20 pound range and offer a different fight than Chinooks or Cohos - more methodical but incredibly strong. Atlantics are becoming a customer favorite because they're excellent table fare and provide consistent action throughout the summer months.
Brown Trout are the opportunists of the lake, feeding aggressively in low-light conditions and often found in shallower water than the salmon. These fish have incredible eyesight and can be picky about lure presentation, making them a rewarding challenge. Browns typically range from 5-15 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing 20 plus. They're known for their golden coloration and aggressive strikes, especially during spring and fall when they move closer to shore.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists, often found in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes - 10-20 pounders are common, with some giants pushing 30 pounds or more. Lakers have a unique, almost prehistoric appearance with their dark green coloration and white-edged fins. They're most active during cooler months and provide steady, powerful fights in the deep water where they live.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is renowned throughout the Great Lakes region, and Captain Christopher's half-day trips are a top-rated way to experience it without the commitment of a full day charter. This customer favorite combines professional equipment, local expertise, and family-friendly atmosphere into four hours of quality fishing time. The early morning departure puts you in prime fishing conditions, and you'll be back by mid-morning with stories to tell and hopefully some fish for the cooler. Don't wait too long to book - weekend slots fill up fast during peak season, and the best fishing windows are limited. Whether you're looking to check salmon fishing off your bucket list or planning a fun family outing, this charter delivers the Lake Ontario fishing experience you're looking for.
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon in Lake Ontario are sleek, silver fish averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. Unlike Pacific salmon, these fighters can survive spawning and return multiple times. They prefer cooler water depths during summer months, often found suspended in the water column following baitfish schools. Spring and fall offer the best action when they move shallower to feed aggressively. Guests love their acrobatic jumps and strong runs - they're genuine battlers that test your drag system. The orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating too. My go-to trick is running spoons about 40-60 feet down on downriggers in early morning. Watch for birds working the surface - that usually means bait is concentrated below.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are the lake's most cautious predators, sporting golden-brown backs with black spots and reaching 8-24 inches. These smart fish prefer structure - drop-offs, rocky areas, and temperature breaks where they ambush baitfish. They're most active during low-light conditions, making early morning and overcast days prime time. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities when they move shallower to feed. Anglers love their wariness - they provide a thinking person's fishing challenge and fight hard once hooked. The mild, sweet meat is excellent eating. Water temperatures between 54-65°F keep them most active. Local tip: browns often suspend just above the thermocline around 60-80 feet. Try running smaller spoons in natural colors like silver or gold.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario - these bruisers average 12-39 inches and 15-30 pounds of pure muscle. They're light-sensitive fish that hug deeper water during bright days, often 80-150 feet down following the thermocline. Early morning and evening trolling produces the best results, with spring and fall being peak seasons. Their blue-green backs and black-spotted fins make them unmistakable. Guests target them for the ultimate Great Lakes fight - these fish make long, powerful runs that'll test your equipment. The rich, reddish-pink meat is prized table fare. My local secret: when targeting kings in deep water, use larger spoons and slow your trolling speed down to 2-2.5 mph. They like to inspect their meals before committing.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, also called silver salmon, are built for acrobatics. These 12-30 inch fighters average 8-12 pounds but can jump six feet straight up when hooked. Look for them in the upper water column chasing alewives, typically 20-80 feet down depending on thermocline. Spring through early fall produces consistent action, with dawn and dusk being prime time. Their dark blue-green backs and bright silver sides make them easy to identify. Guests appreciate their aggressive strikes and aerial shows - they're pure entertainment on the end of a line. The bright orange meat tastes fantastic grilled. Pro tip: when cohos are jumping around your boat, switch to bright spoons like chartreuse or hot pink and troll faster than normal.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario, often reaching 15-40 pounds and living in the lake's coldest depths. These grey-green char with cream markings prefer 100+ foot depths during summer, following the thermocline for optimal water temperatures. Spring right after ice-out and late fall provide the best shallow water opportunities. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky drop-offs and deep basins. Guests appreciate their bulldogging fights - not flashy jumps, but steady, powerful pulls that bend rods. The firm, white meat has a unique flavor that's excellent smoked. Overcast days and low-light periods trigger feeding. My trick: use jigging spoons dropped straight down to bottom, then work them 10-20 feet up. Lakers often hit on the fall.
About the Casting Cares
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser
Maximum Cruising Speed: 28
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 305
