End of the Line Charters
HomeTrips & RatesGalleryReviewsFishing ReportsTarget SpeciesMeet the Captain

Learn More

My Trips

World-Class Lake Ontario Fishing | Wilson Harbor

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Buffalo, NY
  • $320 - $400 price range

Summary

Ready for some top-notch fishing on Lake Ontario? Join End of the Line Charters for a 5-hour private trip out of Wilson Harbor, NY. From late April through May, you'll be right in the sweet spot for landing King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout. No need to worry about gear – they've got all the tackle you'll need, and they'll even clean your catch for you. It's a hassle-free way to experience some of the best fishing the Great Lakes have to offer. The boat can take up to 6 people, so bring some friends along if you want (it's an extra $70 per person). Just remember to book in advance and you're good to cancel up to 3 days before if plans change. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying your hand at lake fishing for the first time, this trip is a great way to get out on the water and reel in some impressive catches.
World-Class Lake Ontario Fishing | Wilson Harbor

Lake Ontario's Finest Catches

previous-image
Angler fishing in Buffalo, New York with a 21-inch catch

Finest Walleye Catch In Lake Erie

Fishing in Buffalo with one fish

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Lake Erie

A lone angler fishing in Buffalo

Smallmouth Bass In lake Ere

Smallmouth Bass caught in NY

Bass Delights In Lake Erie

Five fish caught in Buffalo during a fishing trip

Lake Erie Walleye Haul

6 fishing in buffalo

Another Lake Erie Catch

8 fishing in buffalo

Walleye for the freezer

Fisherman with big 25-inch catch in Buffalo

10 lb'er hits the deck

Angler fishing in Buffalo, New York

Walleye Fishing Charters In Lake Erie

Pike-perch fish caught in Buffalo

10lb Walleye

Angler fishing in Buffalo, New York with a 21-inch catch

Finest Walleye Catch In Lake Erie

Fishing in Buffalo with one fish

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Lake Erie

A lone angler fishing in Buffalo

Smallmouth Bass In lake Ere

Smallmouth Bass caught in NY

Bass Delights In Lake Erie

Five fish caught in Buffalo during a fishing trip

Lake Erie Walleye Haul

6 fishing in buffalo

Another Lake Erie Catch

8 fishing in buffalo

Walleye for the freezer

Fisherman with big 25-inch catch in Buffalo

10 lb'er hits the deck

Angler fishing in Buffalo, New York

Walleye Fishing Charters In Lake Erie

Pike-perch fish caught in Buffalo

10lb Walleye

Angler fishing in Buffalo, New York with a 21-inch catch

Finest Walleye Catch In Lake Erie

Fishing in Buffalo with one fish

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Lake Erie

A lone angler fishing in Buffalo

Smallmouth Bass In lake Ere

Smallmouth Bass caught in NY

Bass Delights In Lake Erie

next-image

Spring Fishing Frenzy on Lake Ontario

Hey there, angler! Ready to kick off your spring with some serious rod-bending action? We've got just the trip for you. Our 5-hour private fishing adventure on Lake Ontario is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch and potentially land some trophy-sized catches. Launching from Wilson Harbor, NY, we'll be hitting prime fishing grounds during the sweet spot of the season from April 22 to May 30. Whether you're after hard-fighting King Salmon, sleek Coho, or the legendary Lake Trout, we've got you covered. No need to fuss with gear or cleanup - we provide all the tackle you'll need and even take care of fish cleaning. It's time to get out on the water and make some memories!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Wilson Harbor as the sun starts to warm the crisp spring air. The anticipation builds as we reach our first hotspot. I'll be rigging up our rods with proven lures and getting our lines in the water. We'll be using a mix of techniques, from trolling to downrigger fishing, to target different species at various depths. Keep your eyes peeled for signs of fish activity - jumping salmon or diving birds can signal a feeding frenzy. As we work the waters, I'll share tips on reading the lake and spotting the telltale signs of fish. And when that first reel starts screaming? Well, that's when the real fun begins! Get ready for some arm-pumping action as you battle these freshwater giants.

Top Catches This Season

Lake Ontario is world-renowned for its salmon and trout fishing, and spring is when things really heat up. We'll be targeting the 'big five' of Lake Ontario: King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout (also known as steelhead), Brown Trout, and Lake Trout. Each species offers its own unique challenge and reward. Kings are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps, while Lakers might test your endurance with deep, dogged fights. Coho are often the first to start biting in spring, providing fast-paced action. And let's not forget about those chrome-bright steelhead - hooking into one of these speedsters can turn even a seasoned angler into a kid on Christmas morning. With a bit of luck and some know-how, we'll put you on fish that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Listen, I've been guiding these waters for years, and there's a reason folks book trips with us season after season. It's not just about the fish - though trust me, the fishing is top-notch. It's about the whole experience. The thrill of setting out at dawn, watching the lake come alive. The camaraderie that builds as we swap stories and wait for that next big strike. And when we do hook up? There's nothing quite like the rush of reeling in a fish you've been dreaming about all winter. Plus, with all the gear provided and fish cleaning included, you can focus on what matters - enjoying your time on the water and maybe landing that personal best. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll make sure you have a day to remember.

Customer Stories

"Incredible fishing, Dave definitely knows where to find the fish!!! Had an AWESOME time!!! Highly recommend End of the Line." - Debra

"Excellent 1st trip of the season!! Captain Dave hunted everywhere. Looking forward to our trip next Saturday!!!" - Debra

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Salmon (Chinook): The undisputed heavyweight champion of Lake Ontario, King Salmon can tip the scales at over 30 pounds. These bruisers are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs that can strip line from your reel in seconds. Spring Kings are often found closer to shore, gorging themselves on baitfish before their spawning run. Hooking into one of these chrome-sided monsters is an experience you won't soon forget - be prepared for a battle that could last 20 minutes or more!

Rainbow Trout (Steelhead): If Kings are the heavyweights, steelhead are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. These sea-run rainbows are prized for their lightning-fast runs and spectacular aerial displays. In spring, they're often found in the top 30 feet of water, chasing bait and providing heart-stopping surface action. A 10-pound steelhead can easily jump 4-5 feet out of the water, so keep a firm grip on that rod!

Lake Trout: The native bruisers of Lake Ontario, Lakers are the go-to target when other species are playing hard to get. These deep-water dwellers can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-pounders not uncommon. Spring Lake Trout fishing can be red hot, as the fish move into shallower water to feed. They're not known for long runs, but their dogged, powerful fights will give your arms a serious workout.

Brown Trout: Often overlooked by anglers fixated on salmon, Brown Trout offer some of the most exciting fishing Lake Ontario has to offer. Spring is prime time for trophy Browns, as they cruise the shorelines feeding heavily. These fish are known for their cunning and fighting ability, often making several strong runs before coming to net. Landing a 15+ pound Brown is a true achievement for any angler.

Coho Salmon: While they may not reach the sizes of their Chinook cousins, what Cohos lack in size they make up for in numbers and aggression. These fish often travel in schools, meaning when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring Cohos are bright silver and full of fight, often providing non-stop action that will have everyone on board hustling to keep up with multiple hookups.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching to get out on Lake Ontario and tangle with some world-class salmon and trout, now's the time to lock in your date. Our prime spring season runs from April 22 to May 30, and trust me, spots fill up fast. Remember, this is a private trip, so it's just you and your group (up to 6 people) with me as your guide. We'll customize the experience to your skill level and target species preferences. And hey, if you've got some buddies who want to join in on the fun, each additional person is just $70. Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the incredible fishing Lake Ontario has to offer. Give us a call or book online - your trophy catch is waiting!

Customer Reviews

Fishy Fun with Dave

quotes

Incredible fishing, Dave definitely knows where to find the fish!!! Had an AWESOME time!!! Highly recommend End of the Line.

DK
Debra Krzyzanowski

May 4, 2024

Season Starter Thrill

quotes

Excellent 1st trip of the season!! Captain Dave hunted everywhere. Looking forward to our trip next Saturday!!!

DK
Debra Krzyzanowski

May 3, 2025

Learn more about the species

Brown Trout

Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a mix of stocked and wild fish, known for their wariness and hard fights. They average 2-5 pounds but can reach 10+. You'll find them near shore in spring and fall, moving to deeper, cooler waters in summer. Browns are less predictable than other trout, which makes catching them a real achievement. They're particularly active at dawn and dusk, often cruising shallow areas for baitfish. Trolling with stickbaits or spoons can be effective, as can casting near shore structures. Fly anglers do well with streamers that imitate baitfish. Browns are also excellent table fare, with a rich, almost nutty flavor. Here's a local secret: after a good rain, fish the mouths of streams where they empty into the lake. Browns often gather here to feed on baitfish and insects washed down by the increased flow.

Brown Trout

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as kings, are the giants of Lake Ontario. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with 15-25 pounders being common. They're found in deeper, cooler waters during summer, moving closer to shore and into rivers to spawn in fall. Chinooks are known for their hard-fighting nature and tasty, rich meat. Spring and early summer are great for trolling the lake, while fall offers exciting opportunities in rivers and nearshore. These fish hit a variety of lures – spoons, cut plugs, and flasher/fly combos all work well. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. Their power can test both angler and equipment. Here's a tip for trolling: vary your speed and depth until you find the fish. Kings often suspend at specific depths, and finding that magic zone can lead to multiple hookups.

Chinook Salmon

Lake Trout

Lake trout are the native giants of Lake Ontario, often weighing 10-20 pounds with some topping 30. These deep-water dwellers prefer cold, well-oxygenated waters and are typically found near bottom structure. Spring and fall offer the best fishing as lakers move into shallower waters. They're prized for their size, fight, and rich, oily flesh that's excellent smoked. Jigging is a popular method – try tube jigs or blade baits near underwater humps and drops. Trolling with downriggers is also effective, using spoons or cut bait. Lake trout grow slowly and can live for decades, so practicing catch-and-release helps maintain the fishery. Here's a tip: when jigging, use a slow, subtle action. Lake trout often prefer a more finesse presentation compared to other species. The challenge of finding and catching these deep-water predators keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Lake Trout

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among anglers for their stunning colors and acrobatic fights. You'll find these beauties in cool, clear waters, often near rocky structures or fallen logs. They typically run 12-20 inches and 2-5 pounds, though lake-dwellers can get much bigger. Spring and fall are prime seasons, when water temps are just right. These trout will strike at flies, lures, and live bait, making them fun for all skill levels. Their pink, flaky meat is delicious too, whether grilled or smoked. When fishing Lake Ontario, try trolling with spoons or crankbaits in 30-50 feet of water. Here's a local tip: on sunny days, use silver lures; on cloudy days, go with gold or copper. Rainbow trout aren't just a catch – they're an experience that keeps folks coming back year after year.

Rainbow Trout

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead are ocean-going rainbow trout that return to freshwater to spawn. These powerhouses average 5-10 pounds but can reach 20+. You'll find them in Lake Ontario's tributaries during their spring and fall runs. Steelhead are prized for their incredible strength and stamina – expect long runs and acrobatic leaps when you hook one. They're also known for their rich, flavorful meat. Best fishing is often in cooler months when water temps drop. Look for them in deeper pools and near structure like fallen trees. Fly fishing with egg patterns or nymphs can be deadly effective. If you're spin fishing, try drifting spawn sacs or swinging spoons in current seams. Pro tip: when a steelhead takes your bait, give it a moment before setting the hook. These fish often grab and turn, and a premature hookset can pull the bait right out of their mouth.

Steelhead Trout

About the Albemarle

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercruiser

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 375

Ready to reel in some big catches on Lake Ontario? Join us for a 5-hour private fishing trip from Wilson Harbor, NY, during the prime spring season from April 22 to May 30. We'll be targeting the lake's prized King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lake Trout populations. No need to worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the tackle you'll need. Plus, we'll clean your fish for you, so you can focus on the fun part of fishing. This trip is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned pro or trying your hand at lake fishing for the first time. With room for up to 6 guests, you can bring along friends or family to share in the experience. Just remember, if you need to cancel, let us know at least 3 days in advance for a full refund. Don't miss out on this chance to experience some of the best fishing Lake Ontario has to offer!
End of the Line Charters

Follow Us

Facebook

Navigate

Home

Trips & Rates

Gallery

Reviews

Fishing Reports

Target Species

Meet the Captain

Gift Card

FAQ

Contact Us

FEATURED

Fishing License

Thing To Do

Lake Catch

Lake Reelers

Lake Erie & Lake Ontario Fishing

Unlock an adventure on the Great Lakes that you'll never forget! Reserve your spot on one of our Lake Erie or Lake Ontario fishing charters today!

More about End of the Line Charters

© Copyright 2025. All rights reserved.

Powered by Guidesly

Privacy Policy

Sitemap