Lake Trout are an Underrated Gamefish on Lake Ontario
If lake trout could talk, they might channel the comedic lament of Rodney Dangerfield, forever pleading, “I don’t get no respect!” Despite their abundance and unique appeal, lake trout often sit at the bottom of the angler preference hierarchy on Lake Ontario, overshadowed by the flashier reputations of salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. However, when you dive deeper into the pros and cons, it’s clear that lake trout deserve far more recognition than they often receive.
On Lake Ontario, fishing for lake trout has become a dependable staple, especially on the renowned Niagara Bar, a hotbed for angling activity. While many focus their efforts on chinook and coho salmon or steelhead, lake trout quietly hold their ground as an accessible and rewarding species. Thanks to successful spawning programs documented by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, lake trout populations in the Niagara River and its surrounding waters are thriving, providing plenty of opportunities for anglers.
What makes lake trout so special? They’re a resilient, hard-fighting species that thrive in deep, cold water. Unlike their more popular counterparts, lake trout can be consistently targeted even when other salmonids seem uninterested or elusive. For anglers who want reliable action, lake trout often save the day when the kings and steelhead go quiet.
Big Lake Trout are Fun to Catch
When other species develop lockjaw, lake trout frequently step into the spotlight, turning a lackluster day into a memorable one. For both recreational anglers and charter captains, these fish are a dependable fallback, ensuring that time on the water isn’t wasted.
But don’t mistake them for a consolation prize. Lake trout can grow to impressive sizes, with many specimens pushing 20 to 30 pounds in Lake Ontario. Hooking into a hefty lake trout provides a thrilling battle, as they dive deep and use their powerful bodies to test your skills and tackle. This makes them a favorite among anglers of all ages, from young enthusiasts excited about their first big catch to seasoned veterans seeking a new personal best.
The Misunderstood Reputation
Despite their size, strength, and reliability, lake trout often play second fiddle—or even third or fourth—to other species like salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. This perception likely stems from their slower-paced fights and deep-water habitat, which some anglers view as less exciting. However, those who take the time to target lake trout quickly discover their unique appeal.
In addition to their sporting qualities, lake trout are an important ecological and historical species for the Great Lakes. Restoration efforts have helped this native fish recover from near extinction in the mid-20th century, turning them into a conservation success story. Angling for lake trout not only provides thrilling action but also supports sustainable management practices and the ongoing health of Lake Ontario’s fisheries.
A New Perspective
For those willing to look beyond the stereotypes, lake trout offer a rich and rewarding angling experience. They’re accessible, abundant, and capable of putting up a fight that rivals any salmon or steelhead. So next time you’re out on Lake Ontario and the usual suspects aren’t cooperating, consider giving lake trout a shot. You might just discover a newfound respect for this underrated gamefish.
Stocking Programs in the Great Lakes
Fishing for lake trout has become a cornerstone activity on the Niagara Bar, thanks in large part to successful stocking programs managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These efforts aim to restore self-sustaining lake trout populations across the Great Lakes, a goal that is steadily being realized.
The FWS stocks lake trout annually, bolstering their numbers and enhancing the angling experience for those targeting this underrated species. These efforts have already yielded remarkable results in Lake Superior, where lake trout populations are thriving—a testament to the success of these restoration initiatives. Anglers in Lake Ontario are now reaping similar rewards, with lake trout fishing becoming an increasingly popular and dependable pursuit.
Fishing on the Niagara River & Niagara Bar
The Niagara River and the Niagara Bar have emerged as standout locations for lake trout fishing, helping to elevate the species’ reputation. The Niagara Bar, an underwater structure extending from the river’s outflow at Fort Niagara into Lake Ontario, provides prime habitat for lake trout and offers anglers a unique opportunity to target these fish in abundance.
This area is renowned for its accessibility and productivity, making it a favorite among both recreational and professional anglers. For those looking to experience the thrill of catching these powerful fish, the Niagara Bar is a must-visit destination.
A Charter Captain’s Take
One individual who has played a key role in championing lake trout fishing in the area is Capt. Matt Yablonsky of Youngstown, a seasoned charter captain with years of experience on the Niagara Bar.
“I’m one of the few area charter guys that key in on fishing for lake trout whenever they are in season,” says Yablonsky. “I push them hard to customers, and they really do enjoy them. They can also produce some big bucks when it comes to fishing derbies, too.”
Yablonsky’s dedication to promoting lake trout has not only enhanced his clients’ experiences but has also demonstrated the value of targeting this often-overlooked species.
Fish The Niagara Bar To Catch Big Trout
For years, Capt. Yablonsky has showcased the potential of lake trout fishing through his success in the Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Trout and Salmon Derbies, held annually in spring, summer, and fall. These derbies draw anglers from across the region, and lake trout caught on the Niagara Bar often dominate the leaderboard.
In fact, it’s not uncommon to see the top 20 fish in the spring derby filled with lakers from the Niagara Bar, proving just how productive this fishery can be. With proper technique and a bit of effort, anglers can capitalize on the opportunity to reel in trophy-sized lake trout, turning a day on the water into a memorable and potentially lucrative experience.
For those looking to explore lake trout fishing or compete in regional derbies, the Niagara Bar stands out as a premier location, offering not just great fishing but also a chance to appreciate the ongoing conservation efforts that keep these waters thriving.
Tales of Fishing Derby’s Past
Christa Saunderson reeling in a grand-prize-winning lake trout is a story that exemplifies the magic of derby fishing on the Niagara Bar. Capt. Matt Yablonsky, owner of Wet Net Fishing Charters, attributes success in fishing derbies to one key factor: dedication.
“Spending time on the water makes all the difference in the world,” Yablonsky says. When it comes to derbies, he and his team push the limits of effort and creativity. In 2011, this commitment led to a memorable win. To maximize their fishing time, the Wet Net team famously had a pizza delivered to the Fort Niagara launch ramp so they could continue fishing uninterrupted.
That year, their dedication paid off when Christa Saunderson of Ransomville reeled in a colossal 27-pound, 14-ounce lake trout from the Niagara Bar, earning the team the $12,500 Grand Prize in the Spring Derby. Remarkably, it was Saunderson’s first-ever derby—a testament to both preparation and a bit of luck.
The Perfect Setup
The Right Fishing Rod
Success on the water starts with the right equipment, and for Capt. Matt Yablonsky, a seasoned veteran on the Niagara Bar, selecting the ideal rod is essential. He uses custom-crafted 8.5-foot medium-heavy St. Croix rods that feature a softer tip. “I found out the hard way that lake trout have a bit softer mouths,” reflects Yablonsky, who runs his charter service out of a 21-foot Lund Baron boat.
The softer tip on these rods serves two purposes: it prevents the hooks from pulling out of a lake trout’s mouth during the fight, which is particularly important given the species’ delicate jaw structure, and it allows him to use lighter fishing lines, which can be crucial for improving bite sensitivity and reducing visibility in the water.
The combination of the right rod and technique enables Yablonsky to maintain better hook sets while minimizing the risk of losing fish—a critical factor when targeting these elusive and powerful lake trout.
Reel and Fishing Line
Choosing the right reel and line is just as important as selecting the right rod. Yablonsky favors Okuma Chromer 400 Series baitcast reels, a robust and reliable option for lake trout fishing. The key feature of these reels is their built-in clicker, which allows him to monitor the drag in real time, ensuring that he doesn’t miss a bite or lose control of the fish during a powerful run.
The larger line capacity of these reels comes in handy when unexpected encounters occur, such as with larger fish like king salmon or lake sturgeon. For his main line, Yablonsky uses 12-pound test fluorocarbon P-Line, which provides strength and durability while remaining nearly invisible in the water. He pairs it with 10-pound test fluorocarbon P-Line for the leader material, providing additional stealth when fishing in clear waters or when the lake trout are particularly cautious.
Every Fishing Setup Needs a Hook
While the rod, reel, and line are vital, the hook setup plays a significant role in securing your catch. Yablonsky trusts No. 4 Owner treble hooks for his Kwikfish lures, ensuring a solid hook set when targeting lake trout. For live bait fishing, he uses black chrome No. 4 SSW Cutting Point hooks, which are sharp and designed to penetrate the fish’s mouth efficiently.
These hooks are fished as part of a three-way setup, which includes a pencil lead (one ounce for every 10 feet of depth) positioned a foot off the three-way swivel. This setup helps maintain bottom contact and keeps the bait or lure in the strike zone, where lake trout are most likely to bite. The leader length is typically five to six feet, depending on water clarity and fishing conditions.
Yablonsky offers a helpful tip for improving the action of Kwikfish lures: “Replace the bottom hooks on your Kwikfish with these Owner trebles and remove the middle hooks completely. The heavier hooks on the bottom seem to give the lure a much better action.” This simple adjustment enhances the lure’s performance, making it more enticing to lake trout and increasing the chances of landing a big one.
Winter Anglers’ Setup
The opening of lake trout season on January 1st marks the beginning of a much-anticipated fishing opportunity for those looking to reel in their first catch of the year on the Niagara Bar. For anglers venturing out into the cold, early season fishing offers some exciting prospects. Capt. Matt Yablonsky, a seasoned expert on the lake, emphasizes that live bait is often the go-to method for lake trout fishing at the start of the season. However, this tactic is weather-dependent.
“When you get a south wind, that’s when the Kwikfish lures come into play,” says Yablonsky. The lures he recommends are Kwikfish K9 size lures, known for their effectiveness in triggering strikes from hungry lake trout. These lures are particularly productive when conditions favor active, aggressive feeding. The Grinch and Slammer patterns are especially favored, as they feature a striking combination of silver, green, and chartreuse—a color palette that mimics the natural forage that lake trout are drawn to in the colder months. These colors excel in clear, cold waters, making them perfect for early season action.
Key Tip for Winter Success
Anglers seeking success early in the season should keep a close eye on the weather. On days when a south wind blows through, switching to Kwikfish lures can significantly improve catch rates. The key is timing the lure change with the right conditions, and those who make this adjustment will often see more action on their rods.
Spring Fishing in New York
As spring ushers in warmer temperatures, lake trout fishing on the Niagara Bar reaches another level of excitement. The arrival of rainbow smelt, a crucial forage fish, signals the big return of lake trout to the river and bar. This marks the start of one of the most productive seasons for anglers seeking these prized fish.
Yablonsky notes that, “When the smelt show up, so do the lake trout in much bigger numbers.” These forage fish are a key component of the lake trout’s diet, and their presence attracts the lake trout into feeding frenzies. Even once the smelt depart, the lake trout will linger in the area, taking advantage of favorable water temperatures, making spring an excellent time for fishing.
The combination of smelt migration and consistent water conditions creates ideal fishing opportunities. Anglers who time their trips with these smelt runs can expect more aggressive feeding behavior from lake trout, significantly improving the chances of landing a big catch.
Enjoy Fishing with a Pro
Just how good can lake trout fishing get? According to Yablonsky, it can get exceptionally good. On average, he hauls in lake trout around 14 pounds, with some much larger fish making their way into his boat. His experience on the water ensures that his clients consistently reel in fish, sometimes even pulling in 40 to 50 lake trout in a single day of fishing.
Yablonsky’s expertise isn’t just based on luck—he’s proven himself in competitive fishing circles as well. In 2011, his team claimed the $12,500 Grand Prize in the Spring LOC Derby with a 27-pound, 14-ounce lake trout, a catch that secured their place in fishing history. But this wasn’t a one-time victory. In 2010, Yablonsky also won the lake trout division of the Spring LOC with another impressive fish— a 27-pound, 11-ounce lake trout, his second-largest catch ever.
Beyond these top finishes, the Wet Net team has consistently ranked among the top 20 in several LOC Derbies, adding numerous other victories to their resume. Their proven track record makes them a trusted name in the local fishing community.
The Advantage of a Pro Guide
What makes fishing with a seasoned pro like Yablonsky so rewarding is not just the abundance of fish but the expert guidance that comes with it. Yablonsky knows how to find the best spots, when to change techniques, and how to maximize each fishing trip to ensure a successful day on the water. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced angler, booking a trip with Yablonsky means fishing with someone who has spent countless hours learning the intricacies of Niagara Bar lake trout and knows how to consistently put you on fish.
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 currently president of the Lake Ontario Sportfishing Council and the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers. He is a member and past president of the NYS Outdoor Writers’ Association and Professional Outdoor Media Association.
