Get ready for a full day of non-stop fishing action on the legendary waters of Lake Ontario and the Oswego River. This 8-hour custom charter puts you right where the fish are biting, with plenty of time to land that trophy catch you've been dreaming about. Captain Joe Wallace knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's got the inside scoop on where the salmon and trout are running. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is tailor-made for anyone looking to experience some of the best fishing New York has to offer.
This isn't your average day out on the lake. Captain Joe's flexible start times mean you can skip the crack-of-dawn alarm and still get in a full day of prime fishing. We'll hit both Lake Ontario and the Oswego River, giving you the best shot at multiple species. You'll be trolling for monster Chinook salmon, battling acrobatic steelhead, and trying your luck for lake trout that can tip the scales. The beauty of this custom package is that we go where the fish are - if they're biting in the river, that's where we'll start. If the lake's on fire, we'll head straight out to the big water. It's all about maximizing your time and chances for a cooler full of fish.
On this trip, we're pulling out all the stops. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species throughout the day. For salmon and steelhead, expect to do some serious trolling with downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines. We'll be running a spread of lures that these fish can't resist - spoons, plugs, and cut bait rigs are all on the menu. When we're after lake trout, we might switch it up with some jigging in deeper water. Captain Joe's got all the gear you need, from top-of-the-line rods and reels to the latest fish-finding tech. All you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
Chinook Salmon: These bruisers are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. Chinooks in these waters can push 30 pounds or more, and they fight like their lives depend on it. Late summer and early fall is prime time for these silver bullets. When a king hits your line, hold on tight - the initial run can peel 100 yards of line off your reel in seconds. There's nothing quite like the thrill of bringing one of these monsters to the net.
Lake Trout: Lakers are the deep-water denizens of Lake Ontario, and they're a blast to catch. These fish love cold water, so we'll often find them hanging out near the thermocline. They're not the fastest fighters, but they're strong and will test your stamina on a long, steady pull. Lake trout are available year-round, but spring and fall usually see the best action. And let's not forget - they're delicious on the grill.
Steelhead Trout: If you're after an acrobatic fight, steelhead are your ticket. These high-flying rainbows will leave you grinning from ear to ear. We catch them in the lake, but they really shine in the Oswego River. Steelhead season peaks in the fall and spring when they're running up the river. When you hook into one of these chrome rockets, be ready for multiple jumps and blistering runs. It's not uncommon for a 10-pound steelie to feel like a 20-pounder on the end of your line.
Folks who fish with Captain Joe tend to become repeat customers, and it's easy to see why. The combination of world-class fishing, customized trips, and local knowledge is hard to beat. You're not just another client here - you're part of the crew for the day. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer or just want the thrill of the catch, this trip delivers. And let's be honest, there's something special about fishing waters that consistently produce trophy-sized fish. The stories you'll take home? They're the kind that get better with each retelling.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Lake Ontario's finest, don't wait to book this trip. The flexible start times and custom approach mean you're getting the best possible shot at a memorable day of fishing. Whether you're a local looking for a new honey hole or a visitor wanting to experience what New York fishing is all about, Captain Joe's got you covered. Remember, the big one isn't going to catch itself - grab your spot on the boat and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. The fish are waiting, and the memories? They're yours for the making. Let's get you out there!
Chinook, or King Salmon, are the big bruisers of Lake Ontario. These silver-sided fighters average 15-30 pounds but can top 40. They're deep swimmers, so we'll be working the cooler, lower layers of the lake. Spring and fall are prime time, when they're most active. Anglers love 'em for the intense fights - when a big King hits, you'll know it. The meat's top-notch too, with that rich, orange color. To boost your odds, we'll often troll with downriggers to get our lures right in their face. Pro tip: watch for jumping baitfish. Kings are usually lurking below, looking for an easy meal. When you hook one, let it run a bit before reeling. These guys have soft mouths, so patience pays off. Whether you're after a trophy or just want to tangle with a powerhouse fish, Chinooks deliver some of the best action on the lake.
Lake trout are the marathon runners of Lake Ontario. These gray-green beauties with light spots can live for decades, growing slow and steady. Most run 5-20 pounds, but 30-pounders aren't unheard of. They're coldwater junkies, so we find them deep - often 50-100 feet down, especially in summer. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they move shallower. Lakers are known for their hard fights once hooked, often making several strong runs. Their firm, orange flesh is prized for the dinner table too. Jigging is the go-to method here. We'll drop heavy jigs or spoons and work them with a lift-and-fall motion. The key is to keep your bait in the strike zone. Here's a local secret: try scenting your lures with anise oil. Lakers have a great sense of smell, and that licorice scent can trigger strikes when nothing else is working.
Steelhead are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. These sea-run rainbows typically weigh 5-10 pounds, but can push 20. Look for their silvery sides and trademark pink stripe. We find them in cooler, oxygen-rich waters, often near tributary mouths or along shoreline drop-offs. Fall through spring is prime time, as they stage for their spawning runs. Steelhead are famous for their explosive strikes and aerial displays - they'll tailwalk across the surface and make blistering runs. It's this fight that keeps anglers coming back. We'll often troll for them with spoons or plugs, but fly fishing can be dynamite too. Here's a tip: when a steelhead jumps, lower your rod tip. It gives them slack and reduces the chance they'll throw the hook. Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-timer, hooking into a chrome-bright steelhead is an experience you won't forget.