Advice from A Henderson Harbor NY Fishing Charter

A woman with a large Lake Trout caught while fishing with a Henderson Harbor NY Fishing Charter. — *Ann Laubscher of Cazenovia,NY with her first lake trout off Stony Point with Henderson Harbor NY fishing charter, Moby Dick Charters.*

Henderson Harbor Area of Eastern Lake Ontario

As a fishing charter captain in Henderson Harbor, NY, I can tell you that winter can feel endless in Upstate NY, making the arrival of summer a highly anticipated time for anglers. Many believe that the eastern end of Lake Ontario offers some of the best fishing opportunities during the summer months. This is when a variety of species come into play, including king salmon, brown trout, steelhead, lake trout, northern pike, and bass. Additionally, walleye start to make their appearance in late summer, adding to the excitement.

The main difference between the excellent spring fishing and the summer season is the availability of king salmon and bass. While spring offers great opportunities for several species, summer brings the chance to target these larger, more sought-after fish, enhancing the overall fishing experience in Henderson Harbor. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting, the waters here are rich with potential for a successful outing.

A Great Fishing Experience for A First Timer

Many novice fishermen may not be fully aware of what the eastern end of Lake Ontario has to offer. But let me, as a Henderson Harbor fishing charter captain, share some insights: this region is truly unique. Eastern Lake Ontario boasts wide-open waters alongside areas with flat sandy bottoms, rocky points, steep walls, and islands rich in exceptional structure. This diverse environment creates ideal habitats for various baitfish, attracting a range of species such as lake trout, brown trout, black bass, and walleye.

When novice anglers ask where to find a variety of fish in eastern Lake Ontario, I recommend starting with the trench just outside Henderson Harbor, nestled between the mainland and Stony Island. Other “hot spots” include the Stony Point wall, located west of Stony Point Light; the areas southwest of Galloo and Calf Islands; and a notable spot known as “the Finger,” approximately three miles off Stony Point Light.

To effectively target these fish, downriggers are the preferred method, typically fishing at depths of 60-125 feet in waters ranging from 100-165 feet deep. Keep in mind that both water depth and temperature can fluctuate, so staying adaptable is key to a successful fishing trip.

The Best Brown Trout Lures

using a Henderson harbor NY fishing charter proved successful for this man with his freshly caught large brown trout — *Reggis Sanders in Henderson Harbor, NY with nice brown trout fishing the trench off Henderson Harbor with Moby Dick Charters.*

A first-timer might ask, “What are the best brown trout lures to use in eastern Lake Ontario?”

When it comes to catching big browns, Michigan Stinger lures are hard to beat. As a fishing charter captain in Henderson Harbor, NY, I’ve found these lures to troll exceptionally well at various speeds—slow, medium, or fast—while maintaining excellent action that entices even the most cautious fish.

Some of my top picks include:

Green Wiggle: This lure mimics the natural prey of brown trout and excels in clear water conditions.
Orange Gator: With its vibrant color, this lure stands out, especially in stained or murky waters, attracting aggressive bites.
UV Mixed Veggies: The UV finish reflects light in a way that makes this lure irresistible to fish, particularly during low-light conditions.
UV Black Tuxedo: Another UV option, this one features a contrasting black and white pattern that works well in various light situations.
Rosemary’s Baby: A staple for its proven track record, this lure is versatile and can be effective across different water temperatures.
Killer Tangerine: The bright tangerine hue catches the eye and can trigger strikes from curious browns.
Yellow Jacket: This lure’s striking colors and patterns mimic baitfish, making it a reliable choice for both trolling and casting.
Sunkist: The sun-kissed hue attracts fish in shallow waters during warmer months.
Michael Jackson: A fun choice with a unique color pattern that stands out, making it a favorite among anglers.

These lures have proven effective time and time again, making them essential additions to any eastern Lake Ontario angler’s tackle box. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time visitor, using Michigan Stinger lures will significantly enhance your chances of landing trophy brown trout.

Mid to Late Summer Fishing Conditions

July Fishing

King salmon fishing really heats up in the same areas as brown trout during July. Many anglers employ similar techniques used for targeting browns, but it’s often beneficial to switch to larger lures, such as the Michigan Stinger Stingrays, which are designed to entice bigger fish.

When fishing for kings, trolling remains the primary method, and the Stingrays excel in this regard. Their larger profile and enticing action can mimic the baitfish that kings are actively pursuing during this time of year. Here are a few tips to enhance your success when targeting king salmon:

Depth and Speed: Just like with browns, pay attention to the speed of your troll. Kings tend to respond well to a range of speeds, but many anglers find success between 2.0 and 3.0 mph. Use your sonar to locate schools of baitfish and adjust your depth accordingly, as kings often hang below them.
Color Selection: Bright, flashy colors can be particularly effective during the summer months. Look for Stingrays in colors like blue and silver, green glow, and chartreuse to attract attention in varying water conditions.
Rigging and Spacing: When using multiple lines, space your lures out at different depths to cover a broader range of the water column. This strategy allows you to find where the fish are holding.
Quality Gear: Ensure your rod and reel setup is capable of handling the larger size and power of king salmon. A medium-heavy rod paired with a strong reel and braided line will give you the best chance of landing these formidable fish.

August into September Fishing Experience

As late July transitions into August and September, many anglers switch to flasher-fly combinations for king salmon fishing. One of our favorites is the Michigan E-chip flashers, particularly in colors like Mountain Dew UV, Pretty Girl, Black-Eyed Peas, Green Wiggler, Yellow Killer, and Carmel Dolphin. However, it’s essential to note that color effectiveness can change daily based on water conditions and fish behavior.

When it comes to flies, our go-to options are “A-Tom-Mik” flies made in Oswego, NY. Some of our best performers include the Glo-Pro-Am Hammer, Sweet Pea, and Mirage. These flies, when paired with the right flasher, create an irresistible target for the fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Trophy Walleye Fishing

As August rolls in, trophy walleye fishing also heats up and can be particularly productive through September. The best locations for targeting these prized fish include off Calf Island Spit, Little Galloo Island, Big Galloo Island, North Pond, and Gas Buoy.

Most anglers opt for planer boards or in-line planers, running leads of 100 to 200 feet. Working water depths of 20 to 60 feet is typically the most productive, particularly around points and humps where walleye are often found.

While Reef Runner lures are a favorite among many walleye fishermen, we particularly enjoy using deep-diving Husky Jerks in size 12. Effective color choices include the classic blacks, blues, gold, fire tiger, and purples, but, as with king salmon, colors can shift in effectiveness from day to day.

By adjusting your techniques and gear as the season progresses, you’ll be well-prepared to take advantage of the diverse fishing opportunities available during these months.

The Henderson Harbor Area Fishing Experience

Man posing with a large steelhead after using a Henderson Harbor NY fishing charter to fish on eastern Lake Ontario. — *Dick Fried, of Allentown, PA, with nice steelhead off the “finger” with Moby Dick Charters, a great Henderson Harbor NY fishing charter.*

“Home of the Black Bass” has proudly adorned a sign leading into Henderson Harbor since the 1930s. This area of Lake Ontario is teeming with opportunities to fish for this feisty fighter, often regarded by seasoned anglers as the mightiest pound-for-pound contender in freshwater fishing.

Many anglers enjoy using crabs, minnows, leeches, or worms, often opting for ultralight setups to maximize their chances of landing these spirited fish. The prime locations for black bass fishing overlap with those for walleye and include popular spots like Ray’s Bay, Sawyer’s Bay, Pillboxes, Gull Island, Bass Island, Chaumont Bay, the Black River, Campbell’s Shoal, and Bull Rock Point. The ideal depths for targeting black bass typically range from 8 to 35 feet.

Lake Trout Fishing

Lake trout fishing has been outstanding throughout July and into early August, with many anglers reporting catches in the 12-24 pound range and the occasional trophy-sized fish. The best locations for lake trout include the north-south and west areas of the “Finger” off Stony Point Light, as well as south of Galloo Island.

For bait, many anglers prefer using cowbells in various colors such as watermelon, monkey puke, blue, fire tiger, and chartreuse-silver. Glo-green peanuts, Spin & Glo’s, flatfish, and fire plugs are also effective. Additionally, we recommend flasher-fly combinations, similar to those used for king salmon, which can yield excellent results. Utilizing downriggers close to the bottom in 110-160 feet of water can significantly increase your chances of success. Always keep an eye on the depths around the “Finger,” as this flat area allows for easy bottom contact.

Catfish Fishing

Don’t overlook the fantastic catfish fishing available in the Black River, particularly around Dexter and Sackets Harbor. One of the best spots is the deep hole by the islands heading toward Black River Bay. For bait, chicken livers and shrimp are typically the most effective choices. For more information and local insights, be sure to stop by and see Judy Kirch at B&J Bait on the Lake in Dexter.

With a variety of fishing opportunities available, from black bass to lake trout and catfish, Henderson Harbor offers something for every angler.

Stay Up-to-Date on Lake Ontario Fishing Information

For anyone looking for the best information on fishing charters, lodging, and everything else to make your trip to Henderson Harbor enjoyable, Henchen’s Marina is the go-to spot. Located on Eastern Lake Ontario, Henchen’s Marina is an invaluable resource for anglers targeting species like lake trout, bass, salmon, northern pike, and brown trout. They typically have the latest fishing reports to help you find the best spots and stay informed about current conditions.

As you plan your trip, be sure to keep an eye on the weather forecast and prepare for all possibilities—don’t forget your rain gear! Many novice fishermen choose to team up with fishing charter captains, often with pen and pad in hand, eager to learn techniques and discover the best places to fish. Whether you opt for a charter or venture out on your own, Eastern Lake Ontario offers a fantastic fishing experience for both beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

I hope these tips from a seasoned angler help novice fishermen get started in the area. Most importantly, remember to have fun and consider taking a kid fishing to share the joy of this great outdoor activity!

Original Article By Captain Bob Dick

About the Author

Captain Bob Dick is the owner and operator of Moby Dick Fishing Charters, in Henderson Harbor, NY. Contact Moby Dick Fishing Charters at mobydickcharters.com.

This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.

Advice from A Henderson Harbor NY Fishing Charter

Henderson Harbor Area of Eastern Lake Ontario

A Great Fishing Experience for A First Timer

The Best Brown Trout Lures

Mid to Late Summer Fishing Conditions

July Fishing

August into September Fishing Experience

Trophy Walleye Fishing

The Henderson Harbor Area Fishing Experience

Lake Trout Fishing

Catfish Fishing

Stay Up-to-Date on Lake Ontario Fishing Information

Original Article By Captain Bob Dick

About the Author

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