%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F19496%2Fimages%2F1730324669346324723509_708932567474161_7979979225427254692_n.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Family Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario | J & J
- Published Date: September 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $700 - $800 price range
- Updated Date: December 1, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb3afc60f-c7a5-4ab0-a685-6c54d048390a%2Fratecard%2F518420032_758641073792215_942035649705357463_n-mfw478g5.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Family Fishing Fun
Family Fun: Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Trip
Ready for some quality family time on the water? J & J Sportfishing Charters has you covered with our half-day salmon and trout fishing adventure on Lake Ontario. This 6-hour trip is tailor-made for families looking to bond over the thrill of reeling in some of the lake's most prized catches. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or looking to land a trophy yourself, our experienced captain will put you on the fish and make sure everyone has a blast.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll kick things off bright and early at 5:00 AM, the perfect time to catch Lake Ontario coming to life. Don't worry about hauling gear – we've got everything you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Our spacious, family-friendly boat comfortably fits up to 4 guests, giving you plenty of elbow room to reel in the big one. The captain will be right there with you, showing the ropes to first-timers and sharing insider tips with more experienced anglers. And at $700 for the whole group, it's an affordable way to create lasting memories on the water.
Trolling for Trophy Fish
On this trip, we'll be using a tried-and-true method called trolling. Think of it as slowly cruising the lake's hot spots with multiple lines in the water – it's like a mobile buffet for the fish! We'll set up downriggers and planer boards to cover more water and target fish at different depths. The captain will rig up a mix of lures and bait to entice those Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, and Lake Trout. Kids love watching the rod tips for signs of a strike, and there's nothing quite like the excitement when a reel starts screaming with a big fish on the line!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, providing an epic battle for anglers of all ages. They're most active in the cooler months, but summer can bring some trophy-sized surprises. Kids get a kick out of their silver sides and spotted backs – not to mention the bragging rights that come with landing one!
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's Brown Trout are a favorite among locals for their beautiful coloration and hard-fighting nature. These fish love hanging around structure and drop-offs, so we'll target those areas. Spring and fall are prime times for Browns, but they can be caught year-round. Expect fish in the 5-10 pound range, with some monsters pushing 20 pounds or more.
Lake Trout: These deep-water dwellers are the marathoners of the lake. Lake Trout fights are all about endurance, as they use the lake's depth to their advantage. We often find them hugging the bottom in cooler waters. While they average 5-15 pounds, don't be surprised if you hook into a 25-pounder! Kids love their unique forked tail and speckled pattern.
Pink Salmon: Also called "humpies" due to the distinctive hump males develop during spawning, Pink Salmon are the smallest of Pacific salmon species found in Lake Ontario. They typically weigh 2-5 pounds, making them perfect for younger anglers to practice their skills. Pinks have a two-year life cycle, so we see strong runs every other year. Their acrobatic jumps and quick runs make for an exciting catch!
Why Families Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Lake Ontario with the whole family. Maybe it's the way kids' eyes light up when they feel that first tug on the line. Or how even the most reluctant teen can't help but get excited when a big Chinook starts peeling off line. Parents love seeing their kids disconnect from screens and connect with nature. And let's be honest – nothing brings a family together quite like the shared triumph (or hilarious mishaps) of trying to net a thrashing salmon!
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to make some waves and memories on Lake Ontario? Our Half Day Family-Friendly Salmon and Trout Fishing Trip is calling your name. With all gear provided, expert guidance from our captain, and some of the best fishing grounds Lake Ontario has to offer, it's the perfect recipe for family fun. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe some snacks – fishing builds up an appetite!). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book. Give J & J Sportfishing Charters a call today and let's get your crew out on the water. Who knows? You might just end up with a new favorite family tradition – and some impressive fish stories to share!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a challenge worth chasing. These smart fish usually run 2-5 pounds, but monsters over 20 aren't unheard of. You'll find them lurking near rocky shorelines, submerged logs, or weed beds, especially in cooler months. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they cruise shallower waters. Browns are known for their wariness and hard fights – hooking one is like solving a puzzle and arm-wrestling at the same time. Their buttery, pink flesh is a treat on the table too. To entice a strike, try trolling with stickbaits or spoons that mimic local baitfish. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for subtle surface disturbances. That could be a big brown sipping insects, ready for a well-placed fly.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon, the kings of Lake Ontario, are the heavyweights you're after. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can top 30. Look for them in deep, cold water, often hanging near underwater shelves or drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime times, with many anglers swearing by early morning trolling. Chinooks are prized for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps – hooking one is like starting a tug-of-war with a freight train. Their rich, flavorful meat is top-notch eating too. To up your chances, try downriggers with flashy spoons or cut bait. Here's a tip: when a Chinook hits, don't set the hook right away. Let it run a bit, then reel down and lift. These fighters are worth the wait.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep-water giants of Ontario. These behemoths can hit 40 pounds, though 15-25 is more common. You'll find them hugging the bottom in the lake's coldest, deepest parts. Early spring and late fall are ideal, when they move to shallower waters. Lake trout are prized for their stamina – hooking one at depth feels like reeling in a submarine. Their rich, oily meat is perfect for smoking. To target them, use heavy jigs or spoons and fish near underwater humps or drop-offs. Here's a tip from the pros: use your fish finder to locate schools of baitfish. Where there's bait, there's often a big laker lurking below. Patience is key with these deep-dwellers, but the payoff is worth it.
Pink Salmon
Lake Ontario's pink salmon are a unique catch. These smaller cousins of the Chinook average 4-5 pounds but can hit 15 pounds. You'll find them in cold, deep waters, often near underwater structures. Best fishing is in late summer and early fall when they move closer to shore. Pinks put up a scrappy fight for their size, making them fun for anglers of all levels. Their meat has a milder flavor than other salmon, great for smoking or grilling. To hook one, try trolling with small, brightly colored lures – pink is a favorite, of course. A local trick: scent your lures with herring oil to really get their attention. These fish might be small, but landing one is always a thrill.
About the The Bearded Clam
%2F%2Fusers%2Fb3afc60f-c7a5-4ab0-a685-6c54d048390a%2Fvehicle_picture%2F428702989_376711098651883_4386849477694767709_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Ford
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 235
