Sport Fish of Lake Ontario
Fish of Lake Ontario
What You might Catch Out of Sodus Point
Lake Ontario is one of the top freshwater fisheries in the world, and Sodus Point puts you right in the middle of it. From trophy Chinook salmon to hard‑fighting steelhead, the variety of species available throughout the season is what makes this water special. Below is a look at the fish you’re most likely to encounter on a charter with Crazy King Sport Fishing.
Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)
The undisputed king of Lake Ontario. Chinook salmon are the most sought‑after species on the lake, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and true trophies pushing past 30. We target kings from mid‑June through September using deep trolling techniques offshore of Sodus Point. When these fish hit, you’ll know it — they’re powerful, fast, and the reason most anglers book a charter.
Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)
Coho are aggressive, acrobatic fighters that make every trip exciting. They typically run 6 to 15 pounds and are known for explosive surface strikes and aerial displays. We catch coho throughout the spring and fall, often while targeting other species. If you want nonstop rod‑bending action, a day chasing silvers won’t disappoint.
Atlantic Salmon
Lake Ontario’s Atlantic salmon fishery has grown steadily and become a real draw for charter anglers. These fish are strong, smart, and put up a fight that rivals anything in the lake. Atlantics are caught year‑round but show up most consistently in spring and fall. They’re a bonus catch on many trips and a target species on others.
Brown Trout
Brown trout are one of the most reliable species we target, especially in spring and fall when they move into the shallows near Sodus Point. Fish in the 3 to 10 pound range are common, with larger specimens showing up regularly. Browns are excellent fighters on light tackle and some of the best‑eating fish in the lake.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the deep‑water residents of Lake Ontario and available year‑round. They’re strong, hard‑pulling fish that range from 5 to 20‑plus pounds. We target lakers in deeper water using downriggers, and they’re often part of a mixed bag on summer trips. For anglers who want guaranteed action with a chance at a trophy, lake trout are a reliable bet.
Steelhead (Rainbow Trout)
Steelhead are the acrobats of Lake Ontario. These fish hit hard, run fast, and jump repeatedly — making them one of the most exciting species to catch on a charter. We target steelhead from fall through spring, with fish typically running 6 to 15 pounds. If you want a fight you’ll remember, steelhead deliver every time.
Walleye
Walleye are one of the best‑eating freshwater fish in North America, and Lake Ontario’s population has been on the rise. We find walleye in Sodus Bay and along the nearshore waters, especially in spring and fall. They’re not the hardest fighters, but what they lack in aggression they make up for at the dinner table.
Northern Pike
Northern pike are ambush predators that lurk in the weedy bays and channels around Sodus Point. They can grow past 20 pounds and hit lures with explosive force. Pike fishing is best in spring and early summer when they’re actively feeding in shallow water. If you want a change of pace from open‑lake trolling, a pike session in the bay is hard to beat.
Smallmouth Bass
Pound for pound, smallmouth bass might be the hardest‑fighting fish in Lake Ontario. They’re found around rocky structure and shoreline drop‑offs near Sodus Point, with fish in the 2 to 6 pound range common. Smallmouth fishing is best from late spring through early fall and makes for an excellent inshore option on calmer days.
Lake Ontario Brown Trout (Trophy Browns)
Lake Ontario’s open‑water brown trout are a different animal from their nearshore relatives. These fish spend most of their lives offshore, feeding on alewife and smelt, and can grow to truly trophy proportions — 15 to 20‑plus pounds. We encounter these big browns while trolling for salmon in the summer months. Landing one is always a highlight of the trip.
Other Species & Bonus Catches
Lake Ontario is full of surprises. On any given trip, you might hook into a freshwater drum, a channel catfish, or even a lake sturgeon. These aren’t species we target specifically, but they show up often enough to keep things interesting. Part of what makes fishing out of Sodus Point special is that you never know exactly what’s going to grab your line next.
Lake Ontario Fishing FAQs