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Family Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario | J & J
- Published Date: September 25, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $700 - $800 price range
Summary
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Family Fishing Fun
Proud anglers with Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Angler with a beautiful Lake Michigan Brown Trout
Smiling angler with a fresh Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Happy angler with a big Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
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Proud anglers with Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Angler with a beautiful Lake Michigan Brown Trout
Smiling angler with a fresh Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Happy angler with a big Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
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Proud anglers with Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Angler with a beautiful Lake Michigan Brown Trout
Smiling angler with a fresh Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Happy angler with a big Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon
Family Fun: Lake Ontario Salmon & Trout Fishing
Ready for a fishing adventure the whole family will love? J & J Sportfishing Charters has you covered with their Lake Ontario salmon and trout trip. This 6-hour outing is perfect for making memories on the water, whether you're seasoned anglers or first-timers. You'll be targeting some of the lake's most prized catches, including Chinook salmon and big lake trout, all while enjoying quality time together in the great outdoors.
Trip Overview
Your day starts bright and early at 5 AM, when the fish are most active and the lake is calm. Don't worry about the gear - the captain provides everything you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. This private charter is all about giving your family a safe, fun introduction to Lake Ontario fishing. With room for up to 4 guests, it's ideal for parents and kids to learn together. The price tag of $700 might seem steep at first, but split between a family or group of friends, it's a great value for a full day of guided fishing.
Trolling for Trophies
On this trip, you'll be trolling - a fishing method where you slowly cruise while dragging lines behind the boat. It's perfect for covering lots of water and finding where the fish are biting. The captain knows all the local hotspots and will set you up with the right lures and depths to target salmon and trout. Kids love watching the rod tips for signs of a strike, and when a fish hits, everyone gets excited! The crew will help you reel in your catch, making sure even the youngest anglers get a chance to land a big one.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon: Also known as "Kings," these are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can grow over 30 pounds, giving even experienced anglers a real fight. They're most active in the cooler months, especially late summer and early fall when they start their spawning runs. Landing a big Chinook is often the highlight of any fishing trip - they're powerful, acrobatic, and make for great eating.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout are a blast to catch and can be found year-round. They tend to hang out in shallower water compared to other trout species, making them a great target for shore fishing too. Spring and fall are prime times for browns, when water temperatures are cooler. These fish are known for their beautiful spotting and can put up a scrappy fight on lighter tackle.
Lake Trout: These deep-water specialists are the native trout of Lake Ontario. They can live for decades and grow to impressive sizes - 20-pounders aren't uncommon! Lake trout prefer colder water, so you'll often find them deeper in the summer months. Jigging for lake trout in the depths can be an exciting change of pace from trolling. Their firm, orange flesh is prized for smoking.
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 run on a two-year cycle, with odd-numbered years typically being stronger. Pinks are fun to catch on light tackle and are great for introducing kids to salmon fishing. While not as prized for eating as other salmon, they can still make for a tasty meal when prepared right.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and get situated on the boat. Safety is the top priority, so you'll get a brief rundown on boat rules and life jacket use. As you head out onto Lake Ontario, keep your eyes peeled for the gorgeous sunrise - it's one of the perks of that early start time! The captain will explain the game plan for the day and get lines in the water. You might troll with downriggers, dipsy divers, or planer boards depending on where the fish are hanging out.
Expect a mix of action and relaxation. There might be lulls between bites, but that's a great time to enjoy being out on the water with your family. When a fish strikes, it's all hands on deck! The crew will coach you through fighting and landing your catch. Kids especially get a kick out of seeing these big lake fish up close. Don't forget your camera - you'll want to capture those smiling faces with their prized catches.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Lake Ontario is a world-class fishery, and once you've experienced it, you'll understand why people travel from all over to fish here. The size and quality of the salmon and trout are impressive, rivaling what you'd find on the coast. But it's not just about the fish - it's about the whole experience. Being out on the big lake, watching the shoreline fade into the distance, and feeling that connection to nature - it's something special.
For families, these trips are about more than just catching fish. It's quality time away from screens and distractions. Kids learn patience, develop an appreciation for the outdoors, and get the thrill of reeling in their own catch. Parents often find that fishing trips become cherished family traditions, with stories that get retold year after year.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a family-friendly adventure on Lake Ontario, this salmon and trout fishing trip with J & J Sportfishing Charters is hard to beat. With all gear provided and expert guidance from the captain, it's an easy way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing while still giving experienced anglers a shot at trophy catches. Remember, the $700 price tag covers up to 4 people for a full 6 hours on the water - that's a solid value for a private charter.
Keep in mind that fishing seasons and regulations can change, so it's always a good idea to book in advance and check for any updates. The deposit is non-refundable, but it secures your spot during prime fishing times. Whether you're visiting the area or a local looking for a new family activity, this trip offers a chance to make lasting memories and maybe even catch dinner!
Don't wait until the best dates are gone - reach out to J & J Sportfishing Charters and lock in your Lake Ontario fishing adventure today. Who knows? You might just start a new family tradition or spark a lifelong passion for fishing in your kids. Either way, you're in for a day of fun, learning, and hopefully some impressive catches to brag about!
Learn more about the species
Brown Trout
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a blast to catch, typically running 5-10 pounds with some topping 20. These fish love cool water, so we target them in spring and fall when they're most active near shore. Look for them around rocky points, drop-offs, and creek mouths. Browns are known for their wariness and fighting spirit - hooking one is just the start of the battle! We often troll with stickbaits or spoons, but casting or fly fishing can be productive too. Early mornings and evenings are prime time, especially on overcast days. Browns are popular for their rich, orange flesh and delicate flavor. Here's a local secret: try using glow lures in low light conditions. It's amazing how effective they can be. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-timer, tangling with a Lake Ontario brown is always a memorable experience.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook, or king salmon, are the giants of Lake Ontario. These bruisers average 15-30 pounds but can top 40. You'll find them in deeper, colder waters, often suspending over underwater structures. Spring and fall are prime times, but summer offers good action too. Chinooks are prized for their hard-fighting nature - when one hits, hold on tight! We usually troll with downriggers, using cut bait, flashers, or large spoons. For a real thrill, try jigging when they're staging near river mouths in fall. The meat is rich and flavorful, great for grilling or smoking. Here's a tip: on sunny days, use darker lures and fish deeper. Overcast? Go brighter and shallower. Landing a chunky king is an unforgettable experience that'll have you coming back for more.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Ontario, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some monsters topping 30. These deep-water dwellers prefer cold, highly oxygenated waters, so we usually find them near the thermocline or in deeper basins. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move shallower, but summer offers good action too if you know where to look. We typically target them by trolling with downriggers, using spoons or cut bait. Lake trout put up a stubborn fight, especially when hooked deep. They're prized for their firm, orange flesh which is excellent smoked or grilled. Here's a tip: if you're jigging, a glow-in-the-dark lure can be deadly in deep water. Lakers might not be the fastest fish, but their size and power make them a favorite among anglers looking for a challenge.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, usually weighing 4-5 pounds. They're fun to catch and put up a good fight for their size. You'll find them in Lake Ontario from late summer to early fall, often in cooler, shallower waters near shore. These fish have a unique light pink flesh and mild flavor that many folks enjoy. When fishing for pinks, look for areas with current breaks or structure where they might be holding. A medium-action rod with 8-10 lb test line works well. Try using small, bright-colored lures like pink hoochies or jigs - pinks are attracted to the color pink, oddly enough. A local trick is to add a bit of fish oil to your lure for extra scent attraction. Pink salmon are a great option for newer anglers or kids looking to land their first salmon.
About the The Bearded Clam
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Ford
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 235
