Spring Time Means Variety
Where and How to Fish in Lake Ontario?
Henderson Bay: A Prime Spot for Early Spring Fishing
Henderson Bay is one of the best places to start when fishing Lake Ontario. In the early spring, anglers should focus on the east shoreline, particularly in 6 to 15 feet of water. The area extending up to Wescott’s State Park and around Campbell’s Shoal is known for excellent fishing. As the season progresses into later spring, many fish move to deeper waters in the 20 to 35-foot range. At this time, deeper diving lures become more effective. Bass and Gull Islands are also productive areas for anglers seeking a variety of species.
Black River Bay: A Hotspot for Multiple Species
Nationally renowned Black River Bay is a fantastic location when the baitfish start moving in. The bay attracts a wide range of fish, including brown trout, lake trout, walleye, northern pike, pickerel, and catfish. Early in the spring, focus on the north side of the bay near Pillar Point and the south side of Sackets Harbor. In these areas, the fishing is typically best in waters between 6 and 20 feet deep. As the season progresses, fish move into deeper waters, so targeting depths of 20 to 60 feet during late spring can increase your chances of success.
Chaumont Bay: A Deep Belly for Trophy Walleye and Brown Trout
Located between Pillar Point and Point Peninsula, Chaumont Bay is a deep and productive area that holds both baitfish and larger game fish. During early spring, the shallow waters are ideal for targeting walleye and other species. As the season moves into late spring, fishing in deeper waters becomes more productive. Many anglers flock to Chaumont Bay in the spring to target trophy walleye, and some have even managed to finish or win the brown trout division in local derbies while fishing for walleye. The bay’s mix of fish species and its varied depths make it a prime location for anglers looking to catch a variety of fish.
Point Peninsula: A Prime Fishing Location
Point Peninsula offers a variety of fishing opportunities, especially around the head of the peninsula, marked by a green buoy. The area can provide excellent fishing, particularly if you’re there at the right time. The shoreline stretching back towards Chaumont Bay is also a prime spot for anglers, offering productive fishing conditions. Heading north towards Hidden Harbor, fishing around the shoals can also yield great results.
Just a few hundred yards east of the green buoy lies Middle Shoal, where the 40 to 55-foot depths surround a half-mile-long shoal. This area holds an abundance of bait and attracts a variety of fish, making it an excellent fishing spot.
While Chaumont Bay is known for its trophy walleye, northern pike, pickerel, drum, and catfish, it is less popular for brown trout and lake trout. However, the bay offers great action on certain days. The area is filled with many shoals and submerged “bellies,” which require the use of a map or GPS to navigate effectively.
Herrick and Johnson Shoals are additional spots that can produce a variety of fish, so it’s important to come prepared with a map and GPS when fishing these areas. The diverse fish populations and unique underwater features of Point Peninsula and Chaumont Bay make them a must-visit for anglers exploring Lake Ontario.
Tips for Catching a Variety of Fish Species in Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario offers a diverse range of fish species, and many novice anglers often ask, “What should I use to catch a variety of fish?” or “Where should I fish in Eastern Lake Ontario?” Charter captains and local anglers have a wealth of experience and insight to share. Here are some of the best strategies, tackle recommendations, and tips to maximize your chances of landing multiple species in this incredible fishery.
Recommended Lures for Catching a Variety of Fish
When targeting various fish species in Lake Ontario, one of the most popular lures used by charter captains and seasoned anglers are Husky Jerks, available in both shallow and deep divers. Sizes 11 and 13 in colors such as blue-silver, black-silver, and fire tiger are particularly effective. These lures work well for a wide range of species, from walleye and bass to trout and northern pike. Additionally, other favorite lures in similar colors include Bagley’s, Bombers, Thundersticks, and Rapalas, all of which are reliable choices for catching multiple species.
Michigan Stinger Spoons: A Versatile Option
Another all-around favorite for anglers in Lake Ontario is the Michigan Stinger Spoon. These spoons are versatile and can be used for trolling at both slow and fast speeds, making them ideal for targeting a variety of fish. Available in a broad selection of colors for different water conditions—whether cloudy, sunny, or murky—Michigan Stinger Spoons offer an excellent choice for any fishing expedition in the region. The spoons are available in various sizes, from stinger-stingray to magnums, making them perfect for targeting any freshwater species in the Golden Crescent area of Eastern Lake Ontario.
Freshwater Fishing Techniques for Success
Experienced anglers rely on a variety of fishing techniques to catch a wide range of species in Lake Ontario. Some of the most effective methods include:
- Flat-lining – A straightforward method that involves trolling without the aid of downriggers or other devices, perfect for shallow water or when fish are near the surface.
- Downriggers – This technique involves using weighted lines to reach deeper water, allowing you to target fish at various depths.
- Planer Boards – Ideal for covering a larger area and trolling at different depths simultaneously, helping to increase your chances of a successful catch.
- In-line Planers – These offer the benefits of both planer boards and flat-lining by allowing anglers to control the trolling depth of their lines.
Mastering these techniques requires time and patience, as the key to success lies in understanding the behavior of the fish and adjusting your approach accordingly.
Why You Shouldn’t Focus on Just One Species
Fishing on Lake Ontario can vary greatly from day to day and week to week, making it essential to stay adaptable. Rather than targeting a single species, it’s often more rewarding to fish in an area where you might encounter a variety of fish. Whether you’re after walleye, northern pike, lake trout, or bass, being in a location that offers multiple species increases your chances of success and keeps the experience exciting.
Ultimately, Lake Ontario offers anglers an opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and catch a range of fish. The key to success is variety, flexibility, and enjoying the process.
Original Article By Captain Bob Dick
About The Author
Captain Bob Dick owns and operates Moby Dick Charters out of Henderson Harbor on Lake Ontario. Captain Bob specializes in sport fishing for many fish species of Lake Ontario including: trophy walleye, browns, lake trout, king salmon, northern pike and smallmouth bass. He has lived and fished the eastern end of Lake Ontario and tributaries his entire life and is a member of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association.
