Lake Ontario's Best Beginner Salmon Fishing Trip

Published Date: August 19, 2025
Fishing

Ontario
$700 - $1,200 price range

Summary

Looking to catch some big fish on Lake Ontario without any prior experience? Captain Gevry's got you covered with this full-day trip that's perfect for beginners. Over 8 hours, you'll learn the ins and outs of salmon and trout fishing using top-notch gear. The Captain will show you everything from setting lines to reeling in your catch, targeting spots known for Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Brown Trout. The pace is relaxed, so you can soak in the views and really get a feel for fishing without any pressure. It's hands-on learning in a beautiful setting, with plenty of time to ask questions and get comfortable on the water. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a great way to spend a day outdoors with friends or family, picking up new skills and hopefully landing some impressive fish. Whether you're local or visiting, this trip offers a genuine taste of Lake Ontario fishing.

Lake Ontario's Best Beginner Salmon Fishing Trip

Big Catches on Ontario

7 lake trout and pink salmon caught in ON

Chasing salmon under the Lake Ontario sun

Four anglers fishing for rainbow trout and coho salmon in Ontario, Canada

Morning calm, salmon on the line

Four Chinook and Coho salmon being caught by four people in Ontario

Salmon strikes in every direction

A rainbow trout being caught while fishing in Ontario

Salmon strikes in every direction

Reel in Lake Ontario's Finest: Full-Day Fishing

Ready to land your first big catch on Lake Ontario? Captain Gevry's got you covered with this laid-back, full-day trip that's perfect for newbies looking to get their feet wet in the world of salmon and trout fishing. We'll spend a solid 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to learn the ropes without feeling rushed. No need to stress about gear or know-how – we've got top-notch equipment and all the patience in the world to walk you through every step, from setting your lines to reeling in that trophy fish. Lake Ontario's calm waters and stunning views are the perfect backdrop for your fishing adventure. So grab your sense of adventure, and let's make some angling memories!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: you're cruising on Lake Ontario's glassy surface, the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and you've got a hot coffee in hand. That's how we'll kick off your day of fishing. Captain Gevry will get you settled in, run through a quick safety briefing, and then it's time to wet those lines. We'll hit up some of Lake Ontario's most productive fishing spots, where Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Brown Trout love to hang out. Throughout the day, you'll learn the ins and outs of trolling – that's when we slowly drag baited lines behind the boat. It's a great technique for beginners because it covers a lot of water and ups your chances of hooking into something big. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before; we'll show you how to set your drag, read the fish finder, and most importantly, how to reel in that monster when it strikes. And trust me, when that reel starts screaming, you'll be glad you've got Captain Gevry there to talk you through landing your catch!

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, we're all about trolling – it's the bread and butter of Great Lakes fishing. We'll be using downriggers, which are basically weight systems that let us get our lures down deep where the big fish are hiding. You'll get hands-on experience with setting lines, choosing the right lures (spoiler alert: spoons and cut bait are local favorites), and adjusting our spread based on where the fish are biting. We provide all the gear you need, including top-of-the-line rods and reels that are easy for beginners to handle but tough enough to bring in a trophy salmon. Throughout the day, Captain Gevry will clue you in on reading the water, understanding fish behavior, and the finer points of presentation – that's angler-speak for making your bait look irresistible to the fish. By the end of the trip, you'll be throwing around fishing lingo like a pro and maybe even giving the captain a run for his money!

Target Species

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and they put up one heck of a fight. These silver bullets are most active in late summer and early fall when they start their spawning run. Hooking into a Chinook is like trying to reel in a freight train – it's an adrenaline rush you won't forget. They're known for their deep, powerful runs and acrobatic jumps, so hold on tight!

Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout are some of the biggest you'll find anywhere. These crafty fish love to hang out near shoreline structures and are most active in the cooler months of spring and fall. Browns are known for their cautious nature, making them a fun challenge for anglers of all levels. When you hook one, be ready for a battle of wits – they'll use every trick in the book to shake your line.

Coho Salmon: Smaller than their Chinook cousins but just as feisty, Coho Salmon are the speedsters of Lake Ontario. These fish are known for their lightning-fast runs and aerial displays when hooked. Cohos typically weigh in between 5-10 pounds, making them a perfect target for beginners looking to build confidence. They're most abundant in the lake during spring and early summer, offering great action when other species might be laying low.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let's be real – once you've experienced the thrill of battling a Lake Ontario salmon or trout, you're hooked for life. Our guests keep coming back year after year, and it's not just for the fish (though that's a big part of it). There's something special about being out on the open water, surrounded by the beauty of the lake, with the Toronto skyline peeking out in the distance. It's a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. Plus, the satisfaction of learning a new skill and seeing your progress with each trip is hard to beat. Whether you're out with friends, family, or flying solo, a day on Lake Ontario is always time well spent. And let's not forget – there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught salmon or trout for dinner!

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on Lake Ontario and try your hand at landing some world-class salmon and trout, now's the time to lock in your spot. This full-day trip with Captain Gevry is the perfect way to dip your toes into the exciting world of Great Lakes fishing. Remember, we've got room for up to 4 guests, so grab your fishing buddies or make it a family day out. Everything you need is provided – just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a snack or two (trust me, reeling in big fish works up an appetite). Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the thrill of Lake Ontario fishing. Give us a shout, and let's get you on the water. Who knows? You might just be our next 'Angler of the Year'!

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Ontario are crafty characters, usually weighing 5 to 10 pounds. They love hanging around rocky structures and drop-offs, especially in cooler water. Spring and fall are your best bets for hooking these guys. Browns are known for their fight - they'll dive deep and run hard when hooked. Anglers prize them for their beautiful spotted patterns and tasty, pink flesh. These fish can be shy, so stealth is key. Try trolling with small spoons or stickbaits early in the morning or late evening when they're most active. A local trick: use lighter line and smaller lures than you might for salmon. Browns have keen eyesight and can be spooked by heavy gear. The challenge of outsmarting these wary fish makes landing one all the sweeter.

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario. These bruisers typically range from 15 to 30 pounds, with some monsters pushing 40. They're deep swimmers, usually hanging out 50 to 100 feet down. Spring and fall are prime times to hook into these fighters. Kings are famous for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps - be ready for a workout! Their rich, flavorful meat is prized for the grill or smoker. To up your chances, try trolling with flashers and flies near underwater structures or river mouths. These fish can be finicky, so don't be afraid to switch up your lures and depths until you find what's working. Landing a big king is always a thrill, even for seasoned anglers.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. Typically weighing 5 to 10 pounds, these fish are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. They're usually found in the top 30 feet of water, especially near shorelines and river mouths. Late summer and early fall are prime times to target coho, as they start their spawning run. Anglers love coho for their aggressive strikes and the delicious, bright orange meat they provide. These fish often travel in schools, so where you find one, you might find many. To improve your odds, try trolling with bright, flashy spoons or cut-bait rigs. A pro tip: coho are suckers for UV lures, especially on overcast days. The fight and flavor of these fish make them a favorite among both novice and experienced anglers.

About the Shinook Adventures Boat

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: helix on axle

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 454

Ready for a laid-back day of fishing on Lake Ontario? Captain Gevry's got you covered with this 8-hour trip that's perfect if you're new to salmon and trout fishing. You'll learn all the basics, from setting up your line to reeling in the big ones. We'll cruise to some prime spots where Chinook and Coho Salmon, along with Brown Trout, like to hang out. Don't worry if you've never fished before - the Captain will walk you through everything step-by-step. We've got all the gear you need, so just bring yourself and a good attitude. With room for four guests, it's a great way to spend a day on the water with friends or family. You'll have plenty of time to fish at your own pace, soak in the views, and maybe even catch your first salmon. No pressure, no rush - just a fun day learning the ropes of Lake Ontario fishing.

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