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Recently Booked Lake Fishing Guides In Lake Ontario
Top Types of Lake Trips in Lake Ontario
Top Species for Lake Fishing in Lake Ontario
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More Lake Fishing Guides In Lake Ontario
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Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip in Lake Ontario
What are the best lake fishing trips in Lake Ontario?
The best lake fishing trips in Lake Ontario are:
Why should I book a lake fishing trip in Lake Ontario with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 7 lake trips in Lake Ontario, and the most popular trips in the area are Morning/Afternoon Trip (6 hrs) guided by Ryan, Niagara River Fishing Charters guided by Joseph, and Lake Ontario Salmon Master guided by Brian.
Our guides in Lake Ontario are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 3716 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.
Looking for kid friendly lake guides / fishing lessons in Lake Ontario? Check out our beginner and family friendly lake guides in Lake Ontario.
What types of lake fishing trips are common in Lake Ontario?
The most commonly sought after species for lake fishing are: 1. lake trout, 2. brown trout, 3. chinook salmon, 4. rainbow trout, and 5. coho salmon.
The most common fishing techniques in Lake Ontario are trolling, light tackle fishing, and jigging but bottom fishing and cut bait fishing are popular as well.
How much does a Lake Ontario lake fishing trip cost?
Prices for lake fishing in Lake Ontario can range anywhere from about $463 to $1,485, but the average price for a half day trip for lake fishing in Lake Ontario is $933. The average price for a full day trip for lake fishing in Lake Ontario is $960.
Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?
Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.
Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.
Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.
What month is best for lake fishing in Lake Ontario?
The most popular season for lake fishing in Lake Ontario is spring, and most anglers book their trips 119 days in advance.
Do I need a Lake Ontario fishing license and what are the bag limits in Lake Ontario?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Lake Ontario, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Lake Ontario. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Lake Ontario.
What is lake fishing in Lake Ontario all about?
Lake Ontario, the easternmost of the Great Lakes, offers anglers a diverse and rewarding freshwater fishing experience in both Canadian and American waters. Known for its deep waters and strong currents, Lake Ontario is renowned for its robust fisheries, particularly for species like Chinook salmon, coho salmon, lake trout, brown trout, and steelhead trout. Anglers visiting Lake Ontario can enjoy fishing from charter boats, private vessels, or from shore, with numerous access points along its expansive shoreline.
Spring and summer are typically the most productive seasons for lake fishing in Lake Ontario, when warmer temperatures and seasonal movements bring fish closer to the shorelines and river mouths. Chinook and coho salmon are highly prized catches among anglers for their size and fighting prowess. These salmon species are often targeted using downriggers, spoons, or flasher-fly combinations near offshore reefs, shoals, and deep water drop-offs. Lake trout, known for their deep-water habitat preferences, are another popular target often caught by trolling with downriggers or fishing with live bait near rocky points and underwater structures.
Beyond the fishing opportunities, Lake Ontario offers anglers stunning views of its expansive waters, opportunities to explore historic lighthouses and coastal towns, and chances to enjoy water-based recreational activities such as boating and sailing. Anglers can access Lake Ontario from various public boat ramps, marinas, and fishing charters available along its shoreline, ensuring convenient access to prime fishing spots and amenities. Whether you're a seasoned angler seeking a challenging pursuit of trophy fish or a novice looking to enjoy the outdoors, lake fishing in Lake Ontario promises an enriching and memorable experience amidst the natural beauty of the Great Lakes region.
What are the most popular months to go lake fishing in Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes of North America, offers anglers a rich and varied fishing experience throughout the year. Known for its deep waters and diverse fish populations, Lake Ontario provides opportunities for both recreational and professional anglers seeking a wide range of fish species.
During the cooler months, from December to February, lake fishing on Lake Ontario often focuses on species such as lake trout, brown trout, and steelhead trout. These fish are typically found in deeper waters near the lake's central basin and along its tributary streams, where they seek out cooler temperatures and food sources. Anglers use a variety of techniques including downrigging, trolling with spoons and plugs, and drift fishing with live bait or artificial lures to target these species during the winter season.
Spring, from March to May, marks the beginning of the prime fishing season on Lake Ontario as temperatures rise and fish become more active. This time of year sees the spawning activities of trout and salmon, making it an ideal time for anglers to target larger fish. Anglers can also encounter trophy-sized fish near tributaries and river mouths where they migrate to spawn, providing exciting opportunities for both shore and boat anglers alike.
Summer, from June to August, offers excellent fishing opportunities on Lake Ontario as water temperatures stabilize and fish move into shallower waters. Anglers can target a variety of species including Chinook salmon, coho salmon, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass, which are abundant around rocky shoals, reefs, and nearshore structures. This season also provides opportunities for anglers to enjoy fishing from boats, charters, or from the shoreline, taking advantage of the long daylight hours and warmer weather. Whether casting from piers, trolling in open waters, or fly fishing in the tributaries, Lake Ontario offers anglers a year-round fishing experience with diverse fish populations and scenic views to enjoy.
What techniques are popular for lake fishing in Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes, offers anglers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience with a variety of species and techniques to explore. One of the most sought-after catches in Lake Ontario is the Chinook Salmon, prized for its large size and powerful fights. Anglers often target Chinook Salmon using techniques such as trolling with spoons, flashers, or bait rigs near deepwater drop-offs, rocky points, and river mouths where Salmon congregate to feed. Spring and fall are prime seasons for Salmon fishing, as they migrate closer to shore for spawning or follow baitfish schools. Understanding seasonal movements and water temperatures can greatly increase success rates, making Lake Ontario a top destination for Salmon anglers.
Another prominent species in Lake Ontario is the Lake Trout, known for its delicious flesh and challenging pursuit. Anglers typically target Lake Trout using techniques such as downrigging with spoons or trolling with large plugs near offshore reefs, underwater structures, and deepwater drop-offs where Trout hunt for prey. Techniques such as jigging or casting with heavy tackle can also be effective in enticing strikes from these deep-dwelling fish. Early mornings and late evenings are typically the best times for Lake Trout fishing, as they are more active during cooler periods of the day. Understanding the lake's topography and using fish finders to locate underwater structures can enhance the chances of landing a trophy Lake Trout on Lake Ontario.
For anglers seeking a more versatile fishing experience on Lake Ontario, targeting Smallmouth Bass can provide exciting action. Smallmouth Bass are known for their acrobatic leaps and strong fight, making them a favorite among sport fishermen. Anglers often use techniques such as casting and retrieving with crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastic baits near rocky shorelines, shoals, and shallow bays where Bass gather to feed. Techniques such as topwater fishing or drop-shotting can also be effective, especially in clear waters where Bass are more wary. Understanding their feeding habits and adjusting lure presentations to match local baitfish can increase the likelihood of landing a trophy Smallmouth Bass, adding to the thrill of fishing on Lake Ontario's expansive waters.
What species are popular for lake fishing in Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario, one of the Great Lakes of North America, offers anglers a diverse range of species to target in its expansive and deep waters. One of the primary catches in Lake Ontario is the Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. These powerful and prized sportfish are sought after for their size, strength, and delicious flesh. Chinook salmon can be found throughout the lake, particularly near the mouths of tributary rivers and in deep offshore waters. Anglers commonly use techniques such as trolling with spoons, plugs, or flasher-fly combinations to entice these trophy fish during their seasonal migrations. Chinook salmon provide thrilling battles and are a highlight for anglers visiting Lake Ontario, especially during the peak fishing seasons.
Another popular species to pursue in Lake Ontario is the lake trout, often referred to as "lakers." These large and deep-dwelling fish are native to the lake and are known for their robust fights and excellent table fare. Lake trout can be found in cold, deep waters, particularly near underwater structures such as reefs, drop-offs, and points. Anglers commonly target lake trout using downriggers, spoons, or jigging with heavy lures near the lake bottom. They provide challenging battles and are highly valued for their size and delicious, pink flesh, making them a favorite among dedicated anglers exploring the expansive waters of Lake Ontario.
In addition to Chinook salmon and lake trout, anglers lake fishing in Lake Ontario may also encounter species such as steelhead trout, brown trout, and various types of bass and panfish. Steelhead trout, known for their acrobatic leaps and strong runs, are prized targets for anglers using techniques similar to salmon fishing, including trolling with spoons or fishing with live bait such as spawn sacs or worms. Brown trout, although less common than other species, can be found near tributary mouths and rocky points, offering anglers opportunities for a diverse fishing experience in Lake Ontario's dynamic freshwater fishery.
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