Locating the Bait Fish of Lake Ontario
In fishing, as in real estate, it all comes down to location, location, location. Finding the right spot is essential for anglers hoping to reel in early-season salmon or lake trout on Lake Ontario.
“Early spring is about finding the forage,” says Capt. Vince Pierleoni of Newfane, a veteran of over 25 years on these waters. “If you can locate the baitfish of Lake Ontario and pair that with some warm, stained water, you’ve got the perfect recipe for catching fish in the early season.”
Forage fish like emerald shiners, alewives, and smelt aren’t just the foundation of the lake’s food chain—they’re the roadmap to finding predator fish. Wherever these baitfish gather, you’re likely to find hungry brown trout, coho salmon, or lake trout nearby. Identifying these hotspots is step one in a successful fishing strategy.
Find the Fish
When it comes to early spring fishing, food is the key to success. Predator fish are always on the move, following the baitfish they depend on for sustenance. Capt. Pierleoni knows this better than most. Operating his 35-foot Viking, the aptly named Thrillseeker II, he has built a reputation as one of the most reliable charter captains on Lake Ontario, putting his clients on fish day after day.
In spring, baitfish tend to cluster in areas with favorable conditions, such as warmer temperatures and abundant cover. Alewives, smelt, and emerald shiners are the primary prey for Lake Ontario’s salmonids, and their presence can make or break a fishing trip.
“Fish go where the food is,” Pierleoni explains. “It’s as simple as that. If you’re fishing an area devoid of baitfish, you’re not going to have much luck.” Identifying these forage-rich zones requires careful observation of water temperature, clarity, and other environmental factors.
One of the most exciting aspects of fishing on Lake Ontario is the diversity of opportunities it offers. Depending on the time of year, the species you’re targeting, and the conditions on the lake, you might find yourself fishing in just a few feet of water or trolling in depths of 200 feet or more.
- Brown Trout: In the early spring, brown trout are often found in shallow waters, especially where gobies—one of their primary food sources—are abundant. “If gobies are the only food present, you’ll likely only find browns prowling the area,” says Pierleoni. These fish tend to stick close to shorelines, rocky outcrops, and other areas where gobies thrive.
- Coho Salmon: Coho salmon are more likely to be found in areas with a variety of forage, including alewives and shiners. While they can venture into deeper waters, they often stay relatively shallow in the spring, feeding in zones where baitfish congregate.
- Other Salmonids: If smelt or alewives are present in deeper waters, anglers might also encounter chinook salmon or lake trout. These species are less likely to inhabit the shallows but will always follow their food sources.
Understanding the feeding habits of each species is crucial for selecting the right location, bait, and presentation.
Fishing Technique Depends on Target Species
One of the most reliable indicators of a productive fishing spot in the early spring is the presence of stained, warmer water. As the sun begins to warm the lake, certain areas heat up faster than others, particularly shallow bays, river mouths, and areas with darker substrates.
“This is where you’ll often find baitfish early in the season,” Pierleoni explains. “The warmer water not only attracts forage species but also provides a more comfortable hunting ground for predator fish.”
Locating these patches of stained water, often tinted by runoff or stirred sediment, can significantly increase your chances of success. Pair that with knowledge of baitfish behavior and an eye for environmental cues, and you’re well on your way to a productive day on Lake Ontario.
By focusing on forage, adapting to changing conditions, and understanding the relationship between baitfish and predators, anglers can unlock the secrets of early-season fishing on this iconic body of water.
Early Salmon and Spring Lake Trout Fishing
In early spring, king salmon and lake trout are typically found in 50 to 200 feet of water. Despite the cold, these predators gravitate to areas where conditions provide an advantage for feeding.
“If you can find a pocket of water warmer than most of the surrounding area, holding baitfish, and with some color, you’re likely to find these predators looking for their next meal,” says Capt. Vince Pierleoni. The combination of warmth, baitfish, and water color creates an ideal hunting ground for these species.
To maximize success, anglers should match their lures to the size and type of baitfish present in their location. Whether you prefer body baits or spoons, selecting the right presentation is key. Observing the movement and size of forage species helps mimic their behavior effectively, increasing your chances of enticing strikes.
Warmer Water Temperatures Means Bigger Fish
Water temperature plays a pivotal role in early-season fishing on Lake Ontario. “The mild winter should provide us with big, fat salmon,” Pierleoni notes. “While we’ve been hunting and watching football, these fish have been out there feeding.”
The longer the water temperature stays above 39°F, the better the baitfish population thrives. Healthy baitfish populations lead to better growth rates for kings, cohos, and other predator species. For example, in 2012, water temperatures dropped below 39°F for the first time on January 14, but a forecasted warm spell the following week promised favorable conditions for baitfish survival.
Warmer winters often allow baitfish populations to remain robust, providing a steady food source for predators. As a result, anglers can expect healthier, heavier fish during the spring fishing season.
Temperatures Matter for Fishing in Cold Weather
Weather patterns can significantly influence spring fishing dynamics on Lake Ontario. According to Pierleoni, a mild winter and warmer water may shorten the early spring fishing pattern. If the weather remains mild into February and March, fish are likely to disperse throughout the lake faster and earlier than usual.
This variability underscores the challenges of predicting conditions. “It’s tough to predict what Mother Nature will be pitching to us come spring training time,” Pierleoni says. A sudden cold spell could delay baitfish activity, while extended warmth may accelerate it, altering the behavior of predator species.
Anglers should monitor water temperatures and weather patterns closely as spring approaches, adapting their strategies to match changing conditions.
Keep an Open Mind
Fishing Lake Ontario in spring requires flexibility and an ability to adapt to the lake’s unpredictable nature. “Every spring is not the same,” says Capt. Bob Songin of Rochester. “Traditionally, warming waters from west to east along the southern shore bring alewives up from the cold, deep water to feed in the warmer shallows. The salmon follow to feed on that forage.”
Songin, a seasoned angler who captains the 31-foot Tiara Reel Excitement, often relocates to Wilson from his home port of Oak Orchard to capitalize on spring salmon action. Targeting fish in these conditions with light tackle offers not only success but also thrilling fights with powerful fish.
However, as Songin emphasizes, no two springs are alike. The specific locations, timing, and techniques that worked one year may need adjustment the next. Keeping an open mind and staying observant of lake conditions ensures anglers are ready to adapt to whatever the season brings.
Spring Sport Fish Behavior Depends on the Species of Baitfish
One spring, anglers witnessed a surprising resurgence in smelt numbers. Unlike other forage species, smelt preferred the colder, deep water, which posed a unique challenge for fishermen. Some versatile and adventurous anglers figured out how to target salmon feeding in those depths.
“While deep-water salmon weren’t as much fun to catch, the results spoke for themselves,” says Capt. Bob Songin. This scenario reinforced a fundamental truth about Lake Ontario: salmon will always follow the food. Whether smelt, alewives, or another forage species, finding baitfish is key to success.
This adaptability highlights the importance of flexibility in fishing strategy. Success isn’t just about sticking to traditional hotspots; it’s about exploring new approaches when conditions change.
Lake Ontario Fishing is Impacted by Weather Patterns
Weather plays a critical role in shaping fishing conditions on Lake Ontario. Songin recalls a year when continuous winds turned Lake Erie to mud. The turbid water flowed down the Niagara River and into Lake Ontario, creating a challenging environment for anglers.
“I spent most of my time searching for clear water,” says Songin. “When I found it, we did fairly well.” However, the persistent winds also pushed a large block of warm water much farther offshore than usual for early spring.
That warm, clear water off Wilson proved to be a goldmine, loaded with alewives and salmon. “It was a perfect reminder to keep an open mind. I’ll always start by looking for our traditional spring conditions, but I’m ready to adjust based on changes that affect where baitfish—and consequently, predators—are located.”
Looking ahead to spring, warmer-than-average winter weather suggests favorable feeding conditions for predator fish like salmon and trout. “I believe we’ll see larger fish this year,” Songin predicts. “They’ve had more time to feed through the fall and early winter.”
However, much depends on the weather in the weeks leading up to spring. A harsh February or March could still disrupt baitfish activity, altering the lake’s dynamics. “There’s still plenty of time for cold weather to make an impact,” Songin adds. His wood stove running at full blast serves as a reminder of how unpredictable Mother Nature can be.
Pay Attention to the Details Before you Fish
Consider every variable, from trolling direction and speed to water temperature, depth, lure color, and lead length. Each factor can influence whether or not you connect with fish.
“There’s no substitute for time spent on the water,” Songin says. However, anglers can fast-track their learning by observing experienced captains. Chartering a boat not only increases your chances of catching fish but also provides valuable lessons. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and learn from their expertise.
Joining organizations like the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association (LOTSA) or the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association (ELOSTA) can also offer significant benefits. These clubs provide opportunities to learn through meetings, guest speakers, and networking with other anglers. Even seasoned charter captains acknowledge that they’re always learning. Every tip, observation, or adjustment that leads to more fish—whether for a customer’s satisfaction or a tournament win—is worth its weight in gold.
Every spring on Lake Ontario is different. Changes in weather, water clarity, and forage patterns mean that successful anglers must be adaptable. Whether you’re targeting deep-water salmon feeding on smelt, searching for clear water after heavy winds, or tracking warm-water baitfish offshore, the key is to remain observant, flexible, and prepared to adjust your tactics.
By focusing on baitfish, learning from others, and refining your approach based on conditions, you can make the most of what Lake Ontario has to offer—year after year.
Original Article By Bill Hilts, Jr.
About The Author
Bill Hilts, Jr. is Niagara County’s Sportfishing Promotion Manager and Outdoor Sports Specialist for the Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation. He is a member and past president of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Professional Media Association.
