Afternoon Salmon Fishing Charter Kent NY Lake

Half Day Afternoon Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout

Looking for a solid afternoon of fishing without the early morning wake-up call? Captain Thomas Riley's got you covered with this 4-hour Lake Ontario adventure that kicks off in the afternoon and delivers some of the best salmon and trout action you'll find in these waters. Launching from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY, you'll be aboard the Shenanigans targeting everything from monster Chinook salmon to feisty steelhead trout. This isn't some cattle-boat operation either – we're talking private trips with a maximum of 4 anglers included in your base price, though the boat can handle up to 10 if you want to bring the whole crew. Perfect for families, first-timers, or seasoned anglers who want to dial in their Great Lakes technique with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand.

What to Expect on the Water

Captain Riley runs a laid-back operation where the focus is on having fun and putting fish in the boat. You'll meet at Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina, which sits perfectly positioned to access Lake Ontario's prime fishing zones without burning half your trip time just getting to the good spots. The Shenanigans is set up specifically for Great Lakes fishing, with all the downriggers, planer boards, and electronics you need to locate and land these lake monsters. Don't stress about bringing gear – everything's provided, from rods and reels to tackle and nets. The captain's approach is hands-on instruction without being pushy about it. Whether you're 8 or 80, he'll adjust the teaching style to match your comfort level. Expect to learn the nuances of trolling these big waters, reading electronics, and understanding how thermal layers affect fish behavior. The afternoon timing works great because you avoid the morning boat traffic and often hit prime feeding windows as the day progresses.

Trolling Tactics & Great Lakes Gear

Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and presenting baits at the right depths, and that means trolling with downriggers and planer boards. Captain Riley runs a full spread that can include anywhere from 6 to 12 lines depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. You'll learn how downriggers work to get your spoons and plugs down to where the fish are suspended, often 40 to 100 feet below the surface. The planer boards spread your lines out wide, covering more water and keeping baits away from the boat's wake. Popular lures include spoons like NK28s and Stinger spoons in chrome, copper, and glow patterns, plus diving plugs that mimic the alewives and smelt these predators feed on. The electronics package includes fish finders and temperature probes that help locate baitfish schools and thermal breaks where salmon and trout concentrate. You'll get hands-on experience reading these units and understanding how water temperature affects fish location. When a rod fires off, everyone gets involved in the process – clearing lines, coaching the angler, and landing the fish safely.

Top Catches This Season

Chinook salmon are the kings of Lake Ontario, and for good reason. These Pacific transplants have adapted beautifully to the Great Lakes system and can reach weights of 30 pounds or more. They're typically found in deeper, cooler water during summer months, relating to temperature breaks and baitfish schools. What makes them special is their incredible fighting ability – a big king will make multiple runs, test your drag system, and give you an arm workout you won't forget. They're most active during spring and fall, but summer fishing can be fantastic when you find them in the thermocline. Brown trout are the opportunists of the group, often found in shallower water than salmon and known for their aggressive strikes. These European imports are smart, moody, and absolutely beautiful with their golden flanks and distinctive spots. They average 5 to 15 pounds in Lake Ontario and are notorious for their acrobatic fights, often jumping multiple times. Lake trout are the natives here, perfectly adapted to the deep, cold waters of Ontario. They're bottom-oriented fish that provide steady, powerful fights without the flashy jumps of their cousins. Steelhead are basically rainbow trout that have learned to live like salmon, and they bring that famous rainbow energy to every fight. These chrome-bright fish are absolute rockets when hooked, known for their aerial displays and line-screaming runs that keep you on your toes throughout the entire battle.

Time to Book Your Spot

This half-day afternoon format is perfect for families with kids, anglers who aren't morning people, or anyone wanting to sample Lake Ontario fishing without committing to a full day on the water. Captain Riley's experience shows in everything from boat positioning to lure selection, and his teaching approach means you'll leave knowing more about Great Lakes fishing than when you arrived. The private trip setup means no dealing with strangers, no rushing because someone else is seasick, and no compromising on techniques or target species. Just remember to grab your NY state fishing license before heading out – it's required and easily obtained online. With the afternoon departure, you can sleep in, grab lunch, and still be back at the dock with enough evening left to clean fish and plan your next trip. The combination of world-class fishing, professional guidance, and that relaxed Great Lakes atmosphere makes this a customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back season after season.