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Olcott NY Salmon Trout Charter Blue Ridge
Lake OntarioWhat you will be catching:
Atlantic Salmon
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Lake Trout
Steelhead Trout
- Five-hour charter targeting King Salmon, Brown Trout, and Steelhead
- Professional equipment included with complimentary fish filleting service
- Small group capacity accommodates up to four passengers maximum
Trip Pricing and Availabilities:
Trip pricing information is temporarily unavailable.
Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon, Olcott NY
If you're looking for some serious action on Lake Ontario without committing to a full day on the water, this half-day charter out of Olcott is exactly what you need. We're talking five solid hours of fishing the deep, cold waters where King Salmon, Brown Trout, and Steelhead call home. This isn't some crowded party boat situation – it's just you and up to three buddies with a captain who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Perfect for folks who want to get their feet wet with Great Lakes fishing or experienced anglers who prefer morning bites over all-day marathons.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts early at the Olcott harbor, where you'll meet your captain and get the lowdown on what's been biting lately. The Western New York shoreline here offers some of the most consistent salmon and trout fishing on the entire Great Lakes system, and there's good reason why charter captains have been working these waters for decades. You'll head out into the deeper structure where the big fish hang out, usually anywhere from 60 to 200 feet down depending on the season and what the fish finder is telling us. The boat comes loaded with everything you need – quality downriggers, planer boards, and tackle that's proven to work in these conditions. Don't worry about bringing your own gear unless you really want to; the professional-grade rods and reels provided will handle anything that decides to grab your lure. When you get back to the dock, your captain will clean and fillet your catch right there, so you can head home with dinner ready for the pan.
Trolling Tactics & Gear
Lake Ontario fishing is all about trolling, and that means covering water to find where the fish are holding. Your captain will set up a spread of lines at different depths using downriggers and planer boards to maximize your chances. The downriggers get your lures down to where the fish are cruising, while the planer boards spread your lines out wide so you're covering more territory. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place depending on what species you're targeting and what depth you're fishing. The key is staying mobile and adjusting your setup based on what the electronics are showing. Water temperature is huge out here – salmon and trout are always looking for that perfect thermal layer, and experienced captains know how to read the temperature breaks where fish concentrate. You'll learn to watch for subtle signs like bird activity, bait schools on the finder, and even changes in water color that can tip you off to productive areas.
Top Catches This Season
Atlantic Salmon are the new kids on the block in Lake Ontario, and they're making quite an impression. These fish are built for speed and endurance, averaging 8-12 pounds but capable of reaching much larger sizes. They're most active during the cooler months and early morning hours, making them perfect targets for this half-day charter. What makes them special is their incredible fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and aren't shy about going airborne. Coho Salmon, or "silvers" as the locals call them, are absolute rockets when hooked. Typically running 6-10 pounds, these fish are known for their acrobatic displays and never-give-up attitude. They tend to school up in the upper water column during summer months, making them accessible to anglers who know where to look. Steelhead Trout are the ultimate prize for many Great Lakes anglers, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fish average 8-15 pounds and fight like something twice their size. They're available year-round but really turn on during spring and fall migrations. Their runs are legendary – long, steady, and powerful enough to test your drag system. Chinook Salmon, the kings of Lake Ontario, are what dreams are made of. These monsters regularly top 20 pounds and can exceed 30 pounds during peak season. Late summer and early fall is prime time for kings, when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run. Landing one of these fish on light tackle is a memory you'll carry forever. Lake Trout are the natives here, and they're perfectly adapted to Lake Ontario's deep, cold environment. These fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 15-20 pounders being common and true giants exceeding 25 pounds always a possibility. They're available year-round but really shine during spring and late fall when they move into shallower water.
Time to Book Your Spot
This half-day Lake Ontario charter offers everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience without the time commitment of a full day trip. Whether you're a beginner wanting to learn the ropes or an experienced angler looking for a quick salmon and trout fix, five hours on these productive waters will leave you planning your next trip before you even reach the dock. The combination of professional gear, expert local knowledge, and some of the best freshwater fishing in North America makes this a customer favorite for good reason. Remember to grab your New York State fishing license before you head out, pack some layers since it can get chilly on the water, and bring your camera because the fish photos from Lake Ontario are always worth sharing. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why Olcott is considered one of the premier salmon and trout fishing destinations on the Great Lakes.
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic Salmon are rare gems in Lake Ontario these days. These silver beauties average 8-12 pounds and stretch 28-30 inches, with their distinctive forked tails and sleek build. Unlike their Pacific cousins, they can spawn multiple times if they survive the trip back to sea. They prefer deeper, cooler waters and are most active during spring and fall when temperatures drop. What makes them special is their legendary fight - they'll leap clear out of the water and make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. The orange-pink meat is top-shelf eating too. Pro tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure but let them run - trying to horse them in will usually end with a broken line.
Chinook Salmon
King Salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, averaging 15-20 pounds with some monsters pushing 30-plus. These silver and blue-green bruisers with black-spotted fins prefer the deepest, coldest water we can find - often 80-150 feet down. They're light-sensitive, so early morning and evening offer the best shots, along with overcast days. Spring through fall provides consistent action, but summer requires going deep. What makes Kings special is their raw power - no jumping, just bulldogging runs that'll make your arms ache. The reddish-pink meat is outstanding eating too. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and don't try to rush them - let them tire themselves out in the deep water before bringing them up.
Coho Salmon
Coho, or "silver salmon," are pure adrenaline on a rod. Running 8-12 pounds with some pushing into the teens, these acrobatic fighters will jump six feet straight up when hooked. They cruise Lake Ontario's deeper waters, usually 40-100 feet down, following baitfish schools. Spring through early fall offers the best action, especially during overcast conditions. Their bright silver sides and dark backs make them easy to identify, and that orange-red meat is fantastic on the table. What guests love most is their explosive fight - they'll strip line in powerful runs then launch skyward repeatedly. My advice: keep your rod tip up and drag set right, because they'll use every trick in the book to throw that hook.
Lake Trout
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists of Lake Ontario, living in the coldest zones year-round. These grey-green giants average 15-25 pounds but can hit 40-plus, making them our largest native trout. They hang in 100-200 foot depths during summer, coming shallower only in spring after ice-out and late fall. What's cool about Lakers is they're pure muscle - no flashy jumps, just steady, punishing runs that test your gear. The light-colored meat has a unique, rich flavor that many prefer over salmon. Spring offers the best shallow-water action when they move up to 40-80 feet. My go-to tip: jig vertically with heavy spoons in bright colors - they can't resist that wounded baitfish action, and the deep bite keeps them hooked solid.
Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are the ultimate challenge fish in Lake Ontario. These sea-run rainbows average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and really know how to use their size. They spend most time in deeper, cooler waters around structure like drop-offs and temperature breaks. Best fishing runs mid-fall through spring when they're most active. What makes them special is their incredible stamina - they'll fight hard for 10-15 minutes straight, making long runs and powerful head shakes. The silver, streamlined bodies with black spots are beautiful, and they're excellent eating. Unlike regular rainbows, these fish have that ocean-tough attitude. Here's a tip: use lighter line than you think you need - they're line-shy, and the fight is more fun anyway.
About the Blue Ridge
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 300
