Lake Ontario Fish Species

Master the Waters: Target Species with Dry Creek Charters

Join Dry Creek Charters for an elite angling experience across two of the Northeast's most productive waterbodies. On Lake Ontario, we specialize in the "Big Three": massive Chinook Salmon, hard-fighting Steelhead, and acrobatic Coho Salmon. Our Lake Ontario season peaks from July through September, when King Salmon stage for their legendary runs, offering anglers the chance to land trophy fish exceeding 30 pounds. Whether we are trolling offshore in our 23' Sport-Craft or working the transition zones, our goal is to put you on the heavy hitters that have made the Great Lakes a world-class fishing destination.

Harvey’s Lake PA: A Haven for Brown Trout and Bass

In addition to our big-water adventures, we offer specialized Harvey's Lake PA fishing trips from April through October. As Pennsylvania's largest natural lake by volume, Harvey’s Lake is a premier destination for Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye. Early spring is the optimal time for Brown Trout, as they cruise the shoreline shallows before moving to the deeper thermal layers in mid-summer. Our local expertise in trolling techniques and light-tackle drifting ensures that whether you are hunting for a wall-hanger "Brownie" or a limit of aggressive Smallmouth, you are fishing the most productive spots on the lake at the right time.

Don't miss out on the peak of the season—the best dates for Lake Ontario Salmon and Harvey's Lake Trout fill up fast. Whether you're chasing the "King" or a trophy "Brownie," now is the time to secure your spot on the boat. Check our availability and book your guided trip today!

What is the best time for Chinook Salmon fishing on Lake Ontario?

The premier window for Chinook Salmon (King Salmon) is from July through September. In July, we find these "kings" offshore in deep, cool water, while August and September see them staging closer to the harbor for their spawning run. This is the absolute best time to book if you want to test your strength against the lake's most powerful fighters.

When is Brown Trout season on Harvey's Lake, PA?

The most productive Brown Trout fishing on Harvey's Lake occurs from April through June. During the early spring "ice-out" period, these trout are highly active in the warmer shoreline waters. As summer progresses, we transition to deep-water trolling to follow the fish into the cooler 53°F thermal layers.

What are the top techniques for catching Lake Ontario Steelhead?

We primarily use high-speed trolling with spoons and divers to target Steelhead. These fish are known for their aerial acrobatics and are often found near temperature breaks (thermal bars) in late spring and early summer. If you love a visual fight with plenty of jumps, a June or July trip is perfect for you.

What should I use for bait when targeting Harvey's Lake Walleye?

For Walleye on Harvey's Lake, we find that drifting live bait or trolling small, deep-diving stickbaits along underwater ledges works best, particularly during the low-light hours of our 6:00 AM or 4:00 PM trips. This species is wily, so using light fluorocarbon leaders is a "captain's secret" we use to increase your hookup rate.

How do I book a trip to target specific fish with Dry Creek Charters?

Booking your adventure is simple! Visit our Rates and Booking page to select your preferred date and location (Lake Ontario or Harvey's Lake). Once you've chosen your trip duration—whether it's a 4-hour "quick hit" or a full 8-hour marathon—you can secure your reservation online. If you have a specific species in mind, feel free to mention it in your booking notes so Captain Christopher can prepare the specialized gear for your target!