Charter Schedule
Experience the Best of Lake Ontario—Season by Season
Fishing on Lake Ontario isn’t just about dropping a line—it’s about timing your trip to match the hottest action. Here’s how the seasons unfold out of Sodus Point, with Crazy Kings Sport Fishing putting you on the fish that make this lake legendary.
Apr–May
Spring Brown Trout & Coho Salmon
Kick off the season with fast, shallow-water action.
As the ice clears and the water warms, brown trout and coho salmon flood the shoreline, chasing bait and hitting hard. This is classic spring trolling—light tackle, short lines, and plenty of rod-bending strikes. Lake trout are available offshore, and steelhead sometimes join the mix, especially in May.
- Best for: Anglers who love lots of bites and early-season excitement
- Techniques: Flatlining, planer boards, stickbaits, and spoons in 8–25 feet of water
- Local tip: Browns often hit within minutes of leaving the dock—don’t blink!
June
Early Summer Steelhead & Mixed Trout
June is all about variety and acrobatic steelhead.
As the lake settles into summer, steelhead move offshore and start feeding high in the water column. Brown trout and lake trout are still in play, with the occasional coho salmon. This is a great time for anglers who want a mixed bag and steady action.
- Best for: Families, groups, and anyone who wants to sample Lake Ontario’s diversity
- Techniques: Downriggers, dipsy divers, and long lines targeting multiple depths
- Local tip: Steelhead are famous for wild jumps—keep your drag set right!
July
Summer Salmon & Trout Grand Slam
July is prime time for a Lake Ontario “grand slam.”
This is when everything comes together—kings, steelhead, browns, and lake trout all feeding in the same waters. Offshore spreads cover the water column, and every rod has a shot at a different species. If you want non-stop action and a shot at big fish, July is your month.
- Best for: Anglers chasing variety, families, and anyone looking for peak summer fishing
- Techniques: Multi-depth trolling with a mix of spoons, flashers, and flies
- Local tip: Early mornings can be electric—don’t miss the sunrise bite.
Aug–Sept
Late Summer King Salmon Run
The kings arrive—and the battles begin.
August marks the arrival of mature Chinook (king) salmon staging offshore. These fish are big, aggressive, and ready to run. Steelhead and lake trout are still around, but the main event is the chance to hook into a trophy king.
- Best for: Serious anglers, thrill-seekers, and anyone after a Lake Ontario giant
- Techniques: Deep-water trolling, downriggers, and heavy tackle for hard-fighting kings
- Local tip: Dawn patrol pays off—kings are most active before the sun gets high.
Sept–Oct
Fall King Salmon & Trout
Finish the season with the classic fall run.
As kings push toward the river mouths to spawn, brown trout and steelhead start their own fall migrations. Nearshore trolling and river mouth action offer a shot at both salmon and trophy trout, with crisp mornings and dramatic hook-ups.
- Best for: Anglers who want to experience the legendary fall run and cooler weather fishing
- Techniques: Trolling plugs and spoons near river mouths and shallow structure
- Local tip: Calm mornings after a fall blow can produce unforgettable bites.
Not Sure When to Book?
Every season has its own magic on Lake Ontario. Whether you’re after numbers, variety, or that once-in-a-lifetime king, Crazy Kings Sport Fishing will put you in the right place at the right time. Check out our detailed trip pages or contact us for personalized recommendations.
Ready to get on the water?