Conditions on Lake Ontario change throughout the season as water temperatures shift, baitfish move, and different species become active. These reports provide a general overview of what to expect during each major phase of the fishing season. For the most current information, contact a local charter captain who is on the water regularly.
Early Spring Report
Water temperatures are still cold, ranging from 38 to 45 degrees along the north shore. Brown trout are the primary target and they are feeding aggressively nearshore. The best action has been between Port Hope and Cobourg, where the bottom structure concentrates baitfish close to shore. Casting spoons from shore and slow trolling with shallow-running plugs are both producing fish.
Steelhead are running the tributaries. The Ganaraska River and Wilmot Creek have seen good numbers of fish, though water levels are variable depending on rainfall. Float fishing with roe bags and small spinners are the most productive presentations in the rivers.
The first Chinook salmon of the season are starting to show in deeper water offshore, but the bite is inconsistent. Most charter operations are focusing on brown trout and nearshore fishing at this time of year.
Mid-Summer Report
Surface temperatures have climbed into the mid-60s and Chinook salmon have moved offshore and deeper. The thermocline is setting up between 50 and 80 feet, and the best salmon fishing is below it, in the 80 to 130 foot range. Downrigger trolling with flasher-fly combos and spoons is producing consistent catches for charter boats running out of ports from Niagara to Kingston.
Coho are scattered through the water column and showing up as bonus catches on most trolling spreads. Lake trout are holding deep, as usual, and responding well to jigging and deep trolling. The occasional steelhead is still being caught in the open lake, usually in the upper portion of the water column.
This is the peak of the charter season and the best opportunity for trophy Chinook salmon. Fish in the 20 to 30 pound range are being caught regularly, with occasional reports of fish over 30 pounds. Booking in advance is strongly recommended during this period.
Fall Report
The fall transition is one of the most exciting times on Lake Ontario. Chinook salmon are staging near the mouths of tributaries, preparing for their spawning runs. They are aggressive, feeding heavily before moving into the rivers, and catches can be spectacular. Trolling near river mouths and along the shoreline is the primary technique.
Brown trout are returning inshore as water temperatures drop, and the nearshore fishing that was excellent in spring is picking up again. Casting from shore and slow trolling in shallow water are both effective. Steelhead are beginning their fall run into the tributaries, though the peak of the run is typically November and December.
For anglers who fish inland waters the rest of the year, fall is an excellent time to make a trip to Lake Ontario. The weather is often pleasant, the fishing is diverse, and the crowds are smaller than during the summer peak. Anglers from the Ottawa Valley and Eastern Ontario will find it well worth the drive.