Lake Ontario Salmon Trout Fishing Kent NY

Half Day Morning Salmon and Trout Fishing Trip

Picture this: you're on Lake Ontario at dawn, the water's like glass, and Captain Thomas Riley is setting up the downriggers while you sip hot coffee. This isn't just another fishing trip—it's your chance to hook into some of the Great Lakes' most prized game fish. Our 4-hour morning charter aboard the Shenanigans departs from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY, and targets the big four: Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Lake Trout, and Steelhead. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the fight of a chrome-bright salmon, this trip delivers the goods. We keep groups small—just 4 anglers max—so everyone gets plenty of rod time and personal attention from one of the area's most experienced captains.

What to Expect on the Water

The morning bite on Lake Ontario is legendary, and there's good reason we start early. Thomas has been running these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the fish are staging based on water temperature, bait movement, and seasonal patterns. You'll launch from Ernst's Marina as the sun starts painting the horizon, heading out to depths anywhere from 40 to 200 feet depending on what's biting. The Shenanigans is rigged with top-quality downriggers, planer boards, and fish finders—all the gear you need to put fish in the boat. Don't worry about bringing tackle; we've got everything covered from premium rods and reels to a tackle box full of proven lures. The only thing you need is your New York State fishing license and maybe a thermos of your favorite morning brew. At $700 for the base trip plus $150 per additional person, you're getting world-class fishing without the hassle of gear prep or boat maintenance.

Trolling Techniques & Gear

Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling, and Thomas has dialed in the techniques that consistently put fish in the cooler. We'll be running a spread of downriggers set at different depths, typically between 20 and 80 feet down, depending on where the thermocline is sitting. Spoons like Silver Streaks and Stingers are go-to lures, along with cut plug herring and various flasher-fly combinations that drive the salmon crazy. The boat's equipped with Cannon Mag 20 downriggers and quality Shimano reels spooled with fresh line. You'll learn to watch the rod tips for that telltale bounce that signals a fish, and Thomas will coach you through the fight whether it's a bulldogging Lake Trout or a screaming Chinook that wants to jump. Water temperature is crucial—we're constantly monitoring our fish finder and adjusting depths to stay in the strike zone. The beauty of morning fishing is that the lake is usually calm, making it easier to manage multiple lines and detect subtle bites.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon are the crown jewel of Lake Ontario, and these Pacific transplants have found a perfect home in these deep, cold waters. Also called King Salmon, these bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus pounds during peak season from late July through September. What makes Chinooks so special is their raw power—when you hook one, it's going to make multiple runs and possibly jump, testing your drag and your nerves. They feed aggressively on alewives and smelt, which is why our baitfish-imitating spoons and cut bait work so well. The fight alone is worth the trip, but the bonus is some of the best eating fish you'll find anywhere.

Brown Trout in Lake Ontario are something special—these aren't your typical stream browns. Lake-run browns grow fat and strong in the open water, often reaching 8-15 pounds with some true giants exceeding 20. They're incredibly spooky and smart, which makes them a real challenge even for experienced anglers. Browns are most active during low-light conditions, making our morning trips perfect timing. They have beautiful golden flanks with distinctive spots and are known for their acrobatic fights. What's really cool about Lake Ontario browns is they can live for decades, with some fish being 10-15 years old. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling or smoking.

Lake Trout are the natives here, and they're built for the deep, cold waters of Ontario. These fish can live for 40+ years and reach massive sizes—20 to 30-pound Lakers aren't uncommon, and the lake record is over 40 pounds. They're typically found in the deepest water, sometimes 100+ feet down, which is where our downrigger setup really shines. Lakers don't jump like salmon, but they're incredibly strong and will pull drag for what feels like forever. They're most active in spring and fall when the water temperatures are more to their liking. The cool thing about Lake Trout is their prehistoric look—they've been in these waters since the ice age and have that ancient, predatory appearance that makes every catch feel significant.

Steelhead are basically rainbow trout on steroids—these chrome-sided fighters are famous for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude. Lake Ontario steelhead typically run 6-12 pounds, but what they lack in size compared to salmon, they make up for in pure athleticism. These fish will jump repeatedly, strip line off your reel, and fight right to the net. They're most active during spring and fall runs, but resident fish provide action all season long. Steelhead have this beautiful silver coloration with a pink stripe, and they're incredibly clean-looking fish. They're also fantastic eating and are prized by anglers for both their fight and their flavor. The best part about steelhead fishing is you never know when one's going to absolutely explode on your lure and put on an aerial show.

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