Afternoon Salmon Fishing Charter Kent NY Lake

Half Day Salmon & Trout on Lake Ontario

Captain Thomas Riley knows Lake Ontario like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 4-hour afternoon trip launches from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, giving you prime access to some of the best salmon and trout fishing waters on the Great Lakes. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids for their first big lake adventure, this top-rated charter delivers the goods without the fuss. You'll be fishing aboard the Shenanigans with room for up to 10 people, though the base price covers your party of 4 perfectly.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your typical pond fishing – Lake Ontario is a beast of a lake with world-class fisheries that draw anglers from across the country. Captain Riley runs a relaxed operation where learning happens naturally and the pressure stays off. He's got all the gear you need, from downriggers to planer boards, and he's not shy about sharing the techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. The afternoon timing works great because that's when the bite often picks up, especially during the warmer months when fish are more active in the cooler evening hours. You'll cover productive water where salmon and trout cruise the thermoclines, and Riley knows exactly where to set up based on current conditions and seasonal patterns.

Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup

Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and hitting the right depths, which means you'll be trolling with a spread of lines at different levels. Captain Riley runs downriggers to get spoons and plugs down deep where the big lakers hang out, while dipsy divers and planer boards work the mid-column for browns and steelhead. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy steelhead to monster chinooks that'll test your arms. You'll learn how to read the fish finder, understand temperature breaks, and see why certain lures work better at specific depths. The captain handles the technical stuff – setting lines, adjusting depths, and navigating to hot spots – while you focus on fighting fish and soaking up the experience.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These chrome rockets can push 20-30 pounds and fight like freight trains, stripping line and jumping when they feel the hook. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the biggest fish often caught during the summer months when they're feeding heavily on alewives and smelt. What makes chinooks so special here is their sheer power – they'll take you into your backing and test every knot you've tied. The runs they make are legendary, and landing one is a memory you'll carry forever.

Brown Trout in Ontario are crafty fish with beautiful golden flanks and dark spots that make them a favorite among anglers who appreciate both fight and beauty. They're typically smaller than chinooks but pound-for-pound some of the strongest fighters you'll encounter. Browns are most active during low-light conditions, which makes afternoon trips perfect as the sun starts to drop. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky areas and drop-offs, and they'll hit everything from spoons to stick baits. Their acrobatic fights and tendency to jump make them a blast on lighter tackle.

Lake Trout are the natives here, and they're built for the deep, cold waters of Ontario. These fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with the average fish running 5-15 pounds but occasional giants pushing much larger. Lakers are typically found in deeper water, especially during summer months when they seek cooler temperatures. They're not flashy fighters like salmon, but they're strong and steady, using their weight and the deep water to their advantage. The best part about lakers is their willingness to bite year-round, making them reliable targets when other species are finicky.

Steelhead are lake-run rainbow trout that bring ocean-style fighting to the Great Lakes. These silver bullets are famous for their aerial displays and long runs, often jumping repeatedly when hooked. They're typically found in the upper water column, especially near tributary mouths and areas with current. Steelhead in Ontario average 5-12 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're incredibly strong for their size. They're most active during spring and fall runs but can be caught throughout the season in deeper, cooler water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing is some of the best in North America, and Captain Riley's afternoon trips give you a perfect taste of what makes this fishery so renowned. You'll get hands-on instruction, quality time on productive water, and the chance to tangle with fish that'll give you stories to tell for years. The relaxed atmosphere makes it perfect for families, while experienced anglers will appreciate Riley's knowledge and the lake's incredible fishing potential. Just remember to grab your New York fishing license before you head out – it's required for everyone 16 and older. Don't wait too long to book, especially during peak season when the best dates fill up fast.