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World-Class Lake Ontario Fishing | Pondskipper
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Lake Ontario
- $550 - $750 price range
- Updated Date: November 7, 2025
Summary
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Big Lake, Big Fish
Smiles and good times from Lake Ontario.
Another fun outing across Lake Ontario.
Calm waters and steady action on Lake Ontario.
Proud catches from a Lake Ontario trip.
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Great day on the water at Lake Ontario.
Smiles and good times from Lake Ontario.
Another fun outing across Lake Ontario.
Calm waters and steady action on Lake Ontario.
Proud catches from a Lake Ontario trip.
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Great day on the water at Lake Ontario.
Smiles and good times from Lake Ontario.
Another fun outing across Lake Ontario.
Calm waters and steady action on Lake Ontario.
Proud catches from a Lake Ontario trip.
Lake Ontario's Best Fishing Charter: 4-6 Hour Trip
Ready for some world-class fishing on Lake Ontario? Our private 4 to 6-hour charters are perfect for anglers looking to land trophy fish and soak in the beauty of upstate New York. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Frank's got you covered with top-notch gear and decades of local know-how. We'll cruise out to the hottest spots, targeting everything from hefty walleye to acrobatic smallmouth bass. And with flexible morning or afternoon departures, it's easy to fit an unforgettable day on the water into your schedule.
What to Expect on the Water
Our trips kick off bright and early at 6:30 AM for the morning crowd, or at 1:00 PM if you're not an early riser. You'll meet Captain Frank at the dock, where he'll give you the lowdown on the day's game plan. We keep our groups small - just 4 guests max - so you'll get plenty of one-on-one time to pick up new techniques or fine-tune your skills. The boat's decked out with all the gear you need, from rods and reels to live bait and lures. All you need to bring is your fishing license, some snacks, and a good attitude. Oh, and don't forget the camera - the fall colors from the water are something else!
Techniques & Terrain
On Lake Ontario, we mix it up depending on what's biting. For walleye and perch, we might do some drift fishing or trolling with bottom bouncers. When we're after smallmouth bass, it's all about working the rocky shorelines and drop-offs with jigs or crankbaits. Chasing pike? Get ready for some casting action with big spinners or jerkbaits. And for those elusive brown trout, we'll often troll with downriggers to get our lures down deep where the big ones hide. Captain Frank's always got his finger on the pulse of what's working, so he'll make sure you're using the right approach for the conditions and the fish we're after.
Top Catches This Season
Lake Ontario's been on fire lately. Just last week, we had a group nail a 31-inch walleye - a real tank that put up one heck of a fight. Smallmouth fishing's been red hot too, with lots of chunky 4 to 5 pounders coming aboard. And don't even get me started on the pike - we've been seeing some real gators in the 40-inch range. Fall's a prime time to be on the water, with the fish fattening up for winter and the lake lit up with autumn colors. It's the kind of fishing that'll have you coming back for more, guaranteed.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are the crown jewels of Lake Ontario. They're crafty predators, most active at dawn and dusk. Walleye typically run 2 to 5 pounds, but we've landed some real whoppers pushing 10 pounds or more. They're not just a blast to catch - they're some of the best-eating fish you'll ever taste.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest-fighting fish in the lake. They love rocky areas and will absolutely crush a well-presented lure. Fall is prime time for trophy smallmouth, with fish in the 3 to 5 pound range common. When a big one hits, hold on tight - they're known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs.
Northern Pike: These toothy missiles are the thrill-seekers of Lake Ontario. Pike are ambush predators, often lurking in weedy areas waiting to explode on their prey. They grow big here, with fish over 40 inches not uncommon. The strike of a big pike is heart-stopping, and the fight is all teeth and tail - it's an experience you won't forget.
Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's brown trout are world-renowned for their size and fighting spirit. These fish are the marathon runners of the lake, capable of long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. Fall is an excellent time to target browns as they move closer to shore. Landing a 10+ pounder is a real possibility, and it's the kind of catch that'll have you grinning for days.
American Yellow Perch: Don't let their size fool you - yellow perch are a blast to catch and a delicacy on the table. They school up in huge numbers, especially in the fall, making for fast action and full coolers. While most run 8 to 12 inches, Lake Ontario is known for producing some real jumbos. A limit of these tasty fish is the perfect way to cap off a great day on the water.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
It's not just about the fish - though believe me, they're a big part of it. It's the whole package. The way the mist rises off the lake at dawn, painting everything in gold. The thrill of watching your rod double over when a big one hits. The stories and laughs shared on the boat. Captain Frank's got a million of 'em, and he knows how to make every trip special, whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod. And let's not forget the scenery - there's nothing like seeing the shoreline decked out in fall colors from the water. It's the kind of experience that sticks with you, long after you've docked for the day.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about how great the fishing is, but the truth is, you've gotta experience it for yourself. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, land that trophy fish, or just enjoy a day on the water with friends or family, we've got you covered. Fall's a prime time to be out here, but spots fill up fast. Give Captain Frank a call at 315-546-4057 to lock in your trip. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and make some memories on Lake Ontario!
Learn more about the species
American Yellow Perch
Yellow perch are the bread-and-butter fish of Lake Ontario. These tasty little guys usually run 7-10 inches, but bigger ones over a foot long aren't uncommon. You'll find perch schooling near weed beds, drop-offs, and around docks. They're active year-round, but spring and fall often see the best action. Perch are loved by anglers of all ages for their willingness to bite and their excellent flavor. They're perfect for introducing kids to fishing or for filling a cooler for a fish fry. Light tackle is the way to go - a simple setup with small jigs or live minnows works wonders. One local trick: if you find a school, drop a marker buoy. Perch tend to move around, but they'll often return to the same spot. And don't forget to bring a bucket - when the perch are biting, you'll want to keep a few for dinner!
Brown Trout
Brown trout in Lake Ontario are a real treat for anglers. These fish typically range from 5 to 10 pounds, with some monsters pushing 20 pounds or more. You'll find browns in cooler, deeper water during summer, often hanging around structure or thermal breaks. Spring and fall are prime times when they move closer to shore. Browns are known for their finicky nature and hard-fighting ability, making them a challenging and rewarding catch. They're also excellent table fare. Trolling with spoons or stickbaits is effective, especially early in the season. As water warms, try fishing deeper with downriggers. Here's a local tip: focus on areas where tributaries enter the lake, especially after a good rain. Browns often cruise these spots looking for baitfish. And don't be afraid to switch up your lure colors - sometimes a subtle change can make all the difference.
Northern Pike
Northern pike are the ambush predators of Lake Ontario, often lurking in weed beds and shallow bays. These toothy critters can grow over 3 feet long, with most catches in the 24-30 inch range. Pike are most active in cooler water, so spring and fall are prime times. They're known for their aggressive strikes and powerful runs, making them a favorite among anglers looking for a thrill. You'll want to use sturdy gear - these fish can slice through light line with ease. Try casting large spoons or inline spinners near weed edges or fallen trees. Pike meat is tasty but bony, so many folks prefer catch-and-release. One trick I've learned over the years: on sunny days, focus on shaded areas where pike like to hide. And always use a steel leader to prevent bite-offs. The fight and acrobatics of a big pike will keep you coming back for more.
Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass in Lake Ontario are tough fighters, usually around 2-3 pounds but can reach 6 pounds or more. You'll find them hanging out near rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged structures. These bronze beauties prefer cooler, clearer water, so target depths of 10-20 feet in summer. Spring and fall are prime times when they move shallow. Smallies are known for explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps, making them a blast to catch. They're also great eating if you choose to keep a few. For best results, try tube jigs or drop shot rigs around rocky areas. Early mornings with a slight chop on the water can be magic. Here's a local tip: when the bite's slow, downsize your lures and slow your retrieve. Sometimes a finesse approach is the ticket to getting those smallmouth fired up.
Walleye
Walleye are a prized catch in Lake Ontario, typically ranging from 18-20 inches long. These fish love deep, cool water and rocky bottoms. You'll often find them near drop-offs or submerged structures. Walleye are most active at dawn and dusk, making early morning or evening trips ideal. Anglers love targeting walleye for their tasty, flaky meat and the challenge they present. They're known for their light bite, so staying alert is key. In the warmer months, try trolling with crankbaits or nightcrawler harnesses in 20-30 feet of water. When the bite's tough, I've had luck using a slow death rig - it's a killer presentation that mimics an injured baitfish. Remember, walleye have excellent low-light vision, so cloudy days or choppy water can improve your odds.
About the 23 ft Parker Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
