Lake Ontario Salmon Trout Fishing Kent NY

Half Day Morning Salmon and Trout Fishing Trip

There's something special about being out on Lake Ontario when the morning mist is still lifting off the water. Captain Thomas Riley knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some seriously good fish. This half-day charter out of Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina in Kent, NY gives you four solid hours to chase some of the lake's most prized species without eating up your whole day. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to Great Lakes fishing or you're a weekend warrior wanting to get your line wet, this trip delivers the goods.

What to Expect on the Water

The Shenanigans is your home base for this Lake Ontario adventure, and Thomas keeps his 4-person charter intimate and focused. You'll launch from Ernst's Lake Breeze Marina right at sunrise – that's when the fish are most active and the lake is at its calmest. The morning bite on Lake Ontario is legendary, especially during spring and fall when salmon and trout are moving through the area in good numbers. Thomas provides all the tackle and gear you'll need, so just grab your New York State fishing license and hop aboard. The captain knows exactly where the thermoclines are setting up, where the baitfish are holding, and which depths are producing. At $700 for up to 4 anglers, plus $150 for each additional person up to 6 total, you're getting a premium Great Lakes fishing experience at a fair price. While meals aren't included in the base package, Thomas offers breakfast and lunch add-ons if you want to keep things simple and stay focused on fishing.

Trolling Tactics & Gear Setup

Lake Ontario fishing is all about covering water and finding the right temperature breaks where salmon and trout like to cruise. Thomas runs a tight trolling spread using downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to get your baits down to where the fish are living. Depending on the season and conditions, you might be fishing anywhere from 40 to 200 feet of water, targeting specific temperature zones that hold baitfish. The boat carries high-quality rods and reels spooled with the right line weights for Great Lakes fishing – we're talking serious gear that can handle a 20-pound king salmon or a hard-fighting lake trout. Spoons, flasher-and-fly combos, and diving plugs are the go-to presentations, with colors and sizes adjusted based on water clarity and what the fish are showing us on the electronics. Thomas reads his fish finder and temperature gauge constantly, adjusting the spread and depths until we start marking fish and getting bites. The key is staying mobile and adapting to what Lake Ontario is giving you on any particular morning.

Top Catches This Season

Brown Trout are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario fishing, and these fish are absolute bulldogs once they feel the hook. Most browns we're catching range from 3 to 8 pounds, with occasional trophies pushing into double digits. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot between 50-60 degrees. What makes browns so exciting is their unpredictability – they might slam a spoon trolled near the surface at dawn, or they could be hugging the bottom in 80 feet of water by mid-morning. These fish have incredible stamina and will test your drag system with long, powerful runs.

Chinook Salmon are the king of Lake Ontario, and when you hook into a mature king, you'll know it immediately. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can easily top 30 pounds during peak season from late summer through fall. Chinooks are built for power and speed, making blistering runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. They're typically found in deeper water following schools of alewives, and Thomas knows exactly where to look based on water temperature, current breaks, and bait concentrations. Landing a big king salmon is a team effort – the captain will coach you through the fight while maneuvering the boat to keep you connected to the fish.

Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario, often holding in 100+ feet of water over structure and drop-offs. These fish can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes, with many weighing 10-20 pounds or more. Lakers are known for their steady, bulldogging fight – they don't make spectacular jumps like salmon, but they'll pull hard and deep, testing your patience and your equipment. They're most active during cooler months when they move into shallower water, making them more accessible to charter boats. The reward for targeting lake trout is often a fish of a lifetime, plus some of the best eating you'll find in freshwater.

Steelhead Trout are the athletes of the salmonid world, combining the fighting spirit of a salmon with the acrobatics of a rainbow trout. These fish typically range from 5-15 pounds and are famous for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Steelhead can be found throughout Lake Ontario but concentrate around tributary mouths and temperature breaks where they feed on smelt and other baitfish. What makes steelhead fishing so addictive is their unpredictability – they might strip drag on a searing run one moment, then launch themselves completely out of the water the next. Thomas positions the boat to give you the best chance at these chrome-bright fighters, especially during their peak seasons in spring and late fall.

Time to Book Your Spot

Lake Ontario's fishing seasons are relatively short, and the best days book up fast with local anglers who know what Thomas and the Shenanigans can deliver. This half-day morning trip is perfect for families, corporate groups, or anyone wanting to experience world-class Great Lakes fishing without committing to a full day on the water. The 4-hour window gives you plenty of time to get into fish while still leaving your afternoon free for other activities. With all gear provided and a captain who lives and breathes Lake Ontario fishing, you're setting yourself up for