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Full Day Lake Ontario Fishing Kent NY
- Published Date: January 5, 2026
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $500 - $950 price range
Summary
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Best Catches Gallery
Full Day Salmon and Trout Fishing Trip
Join Captain Thomas Riley for a world-class fishing adventure on Lake Ontario, where trophy salmon and trout are waiting just beyond the marina. This 8-hour private charter departs from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY, giving you exclusive access to some of the lake's most productive waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Captain Riley's hands-on approach and relaxed atmosphere make this trip perfect for families and friend groups looking to create lasting memories on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
The Shenanigans is your ticket to Lake Ontario's best fishing grounds, comfortably accommodating up to 4 passengers with plenty of room to move around and enjoy the action. Captain Riley knows these waters like the back of his hand, positioning you over the thermoclines and structure where Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, and Steelhead patrol throughout the season. The trip runs a full 8 hours, giving you serious time to target multiple species and adjust tactics as conditions change. You'll experience the rush of downriggers screaming and rods bending as these powerful fish make their runs in the deep, cold waters of Ontario. Don't worry about bringing gear – everything's provided, from top-quality rods and reels to all the terminal tackle you'll need. Just remember to grab your New York state fishing license before heading to the marina, and come ready for a day that balances serious fishing with plenty of laughs and learning.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and Captain Riley has dialed in the techniques that consistently produce results. You'll be running downriggers to get your presentations down to where the fish are holding, typically anywhere from 40 to 200 feet deep depending on the season and thermal layers. The captain uses a mix of spoons, dodger and fly combinations, and cut bait depending on what the fish are showing preference for. Temperature breaks are key out here – that's where baitfish stack up and predators come to feed. You'll learn to read the sonar, understand how water temperature affects fish behavior, and see firsthand why boat positioning and speed control make all the difference between a slow day and a boat full of fish. The Shenanigans is rigged with quality downrigger setups, GPS/sonar electronics, and a solid selection of proven Lake Ontario lures that have been putting fish in the boat for years. Captain Riley takes pride in teaching guests the finer points of Great Lakes trolling, so you'll leave with knowledge you can apply on future trips.
Top Catches This Season
Chinook Salmon are the undisputed kings of Lake Ontario, with fish regularly topping 20 pounds and the occasional monster pushing 30-plus. These Pacific salmon were introduced to the Great Lakes and have thrived, creating a world-renowned fishery that peaks from late spring through early fall. Chinooks are absolute bulldogs when hooked, making long runs and testing your drag system with their raw power. They typically hold in 60-120 feet of water during peak season, following the baitfish schools and feeding heavily as they prepare for their spawning runs. Brown Trout are the lake's most cunning residents, known for their wariness and spectacular fighting ability. These fish can live for years in the lake system, with mature browns reaching impressive sizes of 10-15 pounds or more. They're often the most challenging to hook consistently, but when you connect with a big brown, the acrobatic jumps and determined runs make every moment worth it. Lake Trout are the true natives here, perfectly adapted to the deep, cold waters of Ontario. These fish can live for decades and grow to substantial sizes, with 15-20 pounders being common catches. They fight differently than salmon – more of a steady, powerful pull that tests your endurance as much as your tackle. Steelhead bring pure excitement to every trip, earning their reputation as freshwater rockets for good reason. These chrome-bright fish are incredibly athletic, launching themselves out of the water repeatedly when hooked and never giving up until they're in the net. Spring and fall provide the best Steelhead action, when these fish are actively feeding and at their most aggressive.
Time to Book Your Spot
Lake Ontario's salmon and trout fishing represents some of the finest freshwater angling in North America, and Captain Riley's local knowledge puts you right in the action from the moment you leave the marina. This full-day adventure gives you the time needed to really dial in on the fish, learn proper Great Lakes techniques, and experience the satisfaction of battling these powerful species in their element. The combination of top-notch equipment, expert guidance, and productive waters makes this trip a customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Whether you're looking to introduce family members to quality fishing or want to challenge yourself against some of the lake's toughest fighters, this charter delivers the complete package. Book your spot aboard the Shenanigans and get ready to see why Lake Ontario has earned its reputation as a premier destination for salmon and trout fishing.
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Browns are the wise guys of the lake - they've seen every lure and know every trick. These golden-backed beauties with dark spots average 8-15 pounds in Lake Ontario, but the smart ones grow much bigger. They love structure: drop-offs, rocky points, and areas where tributaries enter the lake. Spring and fall are money time, but they'll bite year-round if you know where to look. Browns are popular because they fight smart - lots of head shaking and direction changes that keep you guessing. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. My advice: fish them at dawn or dusk when they're less spooky, and don't be afraid to downsize your tackle - they can be finicky about presentation.
Chinook Salmon
Kings are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-25 pounds with some monsters pushing 30+. These silver bruisers with black-spotted backs and tails are what dreams are made of. They cruise deep in 60-120 feet of water, staying in the cooler layers where the baitfish hang out. Late spring through early fall gives us the best action, especially during low-light periods. What makes chinook special is the sheer power - they'll strip line like nothing else and fight dirty with deep runs and head shakes. The rich, salmon-colored meat is restaurant quality. Here's the trick: they're light-sensitive, so we fish deeper during bright days and use flashers to get their attention in the depths.
Lake Trout
Lakers are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario, living in the coldest, darkest parts of the lake. These grey-green fish with cream markings average 24-36 inches and can hit 20+ pounds. We target them in 80-150+ feet of water, often suspended over deep basins where they patrol for schools of alewives. Spring right after ice-out and fall are peak times when they move shallower. Guests love lakers because they're pure muscle - long, powerful runs that test your drag system. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. The key is jigging vertically with spoons or swimbaits - drop it down, work it aggressively for 30 seconds, then let it flutter. That falling action triggers strikes from fish that have been following your lure.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to get serious about life. These silver rockets run 24-30 inches on average in Lake Ontario, with some pushing 10+ pounds. They're incredibly strong fighters - think of a fish with the stamina of a marathon runner and the attitude of a linebacker. We find them cruising the thermocline in 40-80 feet of water, especially around structure and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding. What makes guests love targeting steelhead is that explosive first run when they realize they're hooked. The meat is firm and excellent eating too. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - they'll jump and throw the hook if you're too aggressive.
About the Shenanigans
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Crusader
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 350
