Ready to reel in some serious action on Lake Ontario? This full-day fishing charter out of Oswego, NY is your ticket to hooking monster salmon and trophy trout. Captain Joe Wallace knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on the fish. From sunrise to sunset, you'll be working prime spots where the big boys hang out. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip is all about maximizing your time on the water and your chances at landing that fish of a lifetime.
Picture this: You're out on Lake Ontario as the sun peeks over the horizon, your line's in the water, and you're ready for battle. This isn't your average day trip - we're talking a full-on fishing marathon. Captain Joe's got you covered from dawn 'til dusk, hitting both the morning and evening bite windows when the fish are most active. You'll start by working the mouth of the Oswego River, then head out to the lake's hotspots. We're after the heavy hitters here - king salmon that'll make your arms ache, feisty coho that fight like they're twice their size, and those lake trout and steelhead that'll test your skills and your gear.
On this trip, we're pulling out all the stops. We'll be trolling with downriggers, planer boards, and dipsy divers to cover different depths and presentations. When the bite's on, we might switch it up and do some drift fishing, letting the natural current do the work. Captain Joe's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's using cut bait, spoons, or those flashy J-plugs that the salmon can't resist. He'll walk you through each technique, so even if you're new to Great Lakes fishing, you'll be working those rods like a pro in no time. And let's be real, there's nothing quite like the rush of a downrigger pop and a screaming reel when a big king decides it's showtime.
Chinook Salmon: These bad boys are the main event. We're talking about fish that can top 30 pounds and fight like their lives depend on it. They start showing up in good numbers by mid-summer, but fall is when things really heat up. September and October? That's prime time. These kings will test your stamina and make you earn every inch of line. When they hit, hold on tight - it's gonna be a wild ride.
Lake Trout: The ol' gray ghosts of Lake Ontario. These deep-water denizens are the marathon runners of the fish world. They might not jump like salmon, but they've got stamina for days. We target these guys year-round, often in depths of 100 feet or more. The average catch is in the 5-15 pound range, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 20+ pounder. They love slow-trolled spoons and cut bait.
Steelhead Trout: If salmon are the heavyweights, steelhead are the acrobats. These chrome bullets will have you grinning from ear to ear with their aerial displays. We catch them throughout the year, but spring and fall are especially good. Most run 5-10 pounds, but hooking a teen-sized steelie isn't uncommon. They're suckers for flashy spoons and small plugs worked high in the water column.
Look, there's a reason why Oswego is known as the "Salmon Capital of Lake Ontario." The fishing here is just off the charts. You've got the perfect storm of nutrient-rich waters, ideal structure, and some of the best salmon and trout habitat in the Great Lakes. But it's not just about the fish - it's about the experience. There's something special about being out on that big water, watching the sun rise over the lake, and knowing that any cast could be the one that hooks into the fish of a lifetime. And with Captain Joe at the helm, you're not just going fishing - you're getting a masterclass in Great Lakes angling techniques.
First things first - we start early. Like, really early. But trust me, it's worth it to beat the crowds and hit that morning bite. We'll meet at the dock before sunrise, load up the boat, and head out. Captain Joe's vessel is a 31-foot Tiara - plenty of room to move around and fight fish comfortably. It's equipped with top-notch electronics to find the fish and all the gear you'll need for a successful day.
Throughout the day, we'll be moving between spots, adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Expect to learn a ton - Captain Joe's always happy to share his knowledge, whether it's about reading the water, understanding fish behavior, or perfecting your technique. We'll break for lunch (make sure to pack your own grub and drinks), but other than that, it's non-stop fishing action.
By the time we head back to the dock, you'll be tired, probably a bit sore, but man, will you be grinning. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of a cooler full of fresh-caught salmon and trout.
If you're serious about your fishing and want to experience some of the best salmon and trout action Lake Ontario has to offer, this full-day trip with Hippiefish Guide & Charter Service is your golden ticket. Captain Joe Wallace doesn't just take you fishing - he puts you on fish and makes sure you have the time of your life doing it. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, chase that personal best, or just soak in a day on big water with great company, this is the trip for you. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait. Grab your buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss this.
Chinook, or King Salmon, are the big dogs of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with most in the 15-25 pound range. They're chrome-bright with black spots, and put up a serious fight. You'll find them in deeper, cooler water, often suspended over structure. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer can be hot too if you know where to look. Anglers love Chinooks for their size, hard-hitting strikes, and excellent eating. When trolling, I always tell folks to keep an eye on the downriggers - Kings often hit on the drop, so be ready to grab that rod fast. These fish are wily, but landing one is a real rush. Nothing beats fresh-caught King on the grill after a long day on the water.
Lake trout are the big, deep-dwelling residents of Lake Ontario. These guys can live for decades and grow to monster sizes - 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon. They're sleek and silvery with light spots, built for cruising the cold depths. You'll find them hanging out near underwater structure and drop-offs, usually below the thermocline. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they move shallower. Lakers are prized for their fight and tasty flesh. They're not the fastest, but they're strong and will test your arms on a long run. My go-to trick is jigging heavy spoons right on the bottom - lakers can't resist that fluttering action. It takes some patience, but when you hook into a big one, you'll know why we call 'em "gray ghosts of the Great Lakes."
Steelhead are the high-flying acrobats of Lake Ontario. These sea-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds but can push 20. They're sleek and silver with a pink stripe and black spots. You'll find them in cooler, shallower water than Kings, often near tributary mouths. Fall through spring is prime time as they stage for their spawning runs. Steelhead are famous for their blistering runs and aerial leaps - hook one, and you're in for a show. They're also great eating, with firm pink flesh. When targeting steelies, I like to troll with smaller spoons or plugs near the surface, especially on overcast days. Keep your drag set light - these guys can turn on a dime and snap your line if you're not careful. Landing a big chrome steelhead is an angler's dream come true.