Imagine a wonderland of Lake Ontario fishing where King salmon, Lake trout, Brown trout and Steelhead all exist in the same general area- just stratified at different levels of the water column!
How To Find The Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes
For years, I’ve engaged in conversations with fellow fishermen about the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes, situated due west of Galloo Island, nestled between Galloo and Main Duck Island in Canadian waters. This area is renowned for its diverse fish population, and the optimal time to fish these waters spans from the last week of June through the first three weeks of July. The Saiff Charter Fleet has aptly dubbed this period the “Hot Zone,” a name that underscores just how productive the fishing can be during this time.
Anglers can expect a variety of species, making it an exciting destination for both seasoned and novice fishermen alike. Whether targeting salmon, trout, or other game fish, this stretch of water proves to be a hotspot, rewarding those who venture out during this peak season.
The Hot Zone
A Winning Setup to Catch Many Fish Species
Last summer, we had the opportunity to showcase the allure of the “Hot Zone” in a spectacular way. It was the first week of July, and we were heading southwest along the steep edge of the Shipping Lane Wall. Our boat was situated in 125 feet of water, and we were cruising at 2.3 knots, utilizing a combination of downriggers and Dipsey Divers. The downriggers were loaded with three NK-28 spoons in Black/Silver and Purple Dalmatian colors, while a higher outside rigger featured a Silver E-Chip Pro Troll flasher paired with a green Pro-Am fly.
As we approached the wall, the deepest rigger suddenly shook and then fired, signaling the hook set on an 18-pound lake trout. Almost simultaneously, the outside flasher/fly combo was ripped from the water by a king salmon that immediately darted toward Canadian waters.
Fortunately, these two fish were swimming in opposite directions, allowing me to clear the Wire Dipsey from the king’s side of the boat. I had planned to clear both diver rods, but as I stowed the first, the second rod received a powerful strike from an 8-pound brown trout that had been lingering in the warmer water along the edge of the wall. The Michigan Stinger had done its job, and as I netted the chubby football-shaped brown, our lake trout was already in the boat.
Just five minutes later, we slid the net under a stunning 25-pound king salmon. The boat was filled with smiles, back slapping, and a flurry of photographs—all thanks to the “Hot Zone” and the incredible fishing found in the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes.
Coming From the East
The part of the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes we prefer to fish is about a 16-mile run for anglers departing from Henderson Harbor, NY. After navigating through the “Trench” and around Calf Island, it’s a straightforward westerly shot to the shipping lane wall. This eastern basin of Lake Ontario is renowned for its remarkable structure, which contributes to the diversity and dynamism of the fishery throughout the season.
In the mid-1980s, we discovered that this region could hold summer kings and many other species of cold freshwater fish. Initially, we didn’t fully understand how all the pieces fit together, but after 30 years of fishing this area, we’ve identified the crucial elements essential for successful blue water fishing. The Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes present the “Holy Grail” of fishing conditions: temperature, bait, and physical structure.
As summer temperatures rise, fish schools constantly transition in search of their ideal comfort zone. Ideally, this temperature zone aligns with schools of bait. However, if the two don’t coincide, anglers can find themselves scratching their heads in frustration. When temperature and bait are misaligned, fishermen must decide whether to focus on temperature or bait, and that decision can significantly impact their success on the water.
How The Shipping Lanes Flow
Fishing the Shipping Lanes removes much of the guesswork involved in finding fish. The Shipping Lane itself is a deep-water chasm formed by glacial activity, extending from the southwest to the northeast toward the St. Lawrence River. This physical structure aligns with the natural water flow as it exits Lake Ontario, resulting in a consistent current that draws colder bottom waters toward the St. Lawrence.
This flow accomplishes two critical things that sustain the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes as a hotspot for big predator fish. First, it helps to maintain a stable temperature gradient, creating a favorable environment for various fish species seeking comfort. Second, this movement of water facilitates the transport of baitfish and other nutrients, making the area more attractive to predators like king salmon, trout, and bass.
Cooler Water Temperatures
Warmer Water Temperatures
Lake Trout at the Edge of the Wall
Deep along the wall, the coldest temperatures attract lake trout, which typically reside just below the schools of baitfish. Lakers prefer the edge of the wall, allowing them to rise to catch alewives or root in the crevices for deep-water sculpins. Meanwhile, anglers can generally find king salmon in the middle of the water column, where they rally bait just off the Shipping Lane wall, using its shadow to stealthily approach frenzied bait schools.
Follow the Bait
On sunny summer days, baitfish tend to stay close to the wall, seeking the relative darkness it provides for protection. In contrast, overcast days—especially those with some chop—often drive baitfish away from the wall, making them more vulnerable to being corralled by the local king salmon population.
How to Spot Actively Feeding Salmon
Remember, you don’t need to see salmon to catch them! Focus on the bait. If the baitfish are strung out, it’s a sign that kings aren’t actively feeding on them. However, when the bait is tightly balled, they’re grouped for protection, indicating that salmon are likely hunting nearby. In this case, try fishing slightly above the balled-up baitfish; that’s often where larger fish will strike.
When you notice this scenario, ignore the temperature probe! Keep in mind that a king salmon doesn’t reach 30 pounds in just 3.5 years without eating regularly. When the bait is concentrated, that’s your cue to fish—salmon follow the bait, so that’s where you’ll find the best opportunities.
Mid-Summer is the Best
The salmon fishing scenario described at the beginning of this article is a familiar one, recurring year after year in this region of Lake Ontario. We classify the “Hot Zone” as the last week of June through the first three weeks of July. With over 30 years in the fishing business, we’ve tracked trends in this expansive body of water, and we believe this period offers the best variety and a strong chance of catching salmon. While this time frame can shift due to significant climatic changes, it generally remains consistent.
Reading Wind Conditions
Using A Fish Finder To Find The Trout And Salmon
Upon arriving at the “Lanes,” take your time before setting up. Instead, slide your boat off the edge at a 90-degree angle to the wall and observe your sonar to determine where browns, lake trout, and salmon are positioned relative to the bottom. This is also a good opportunity to locate early bait schools.
The Saiff Fleet prefers to cruise around a bit during the early morning to gauge the activity at the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes. We utilize Garmin sonar units equipped with CHIRP technology, which sends out a range of sonar signals across different frequencies. This advanced technology automatically selects the optimal signal, reducing noise while maximizing target separation.
The structure and water dynamics of the Shipping Lanes are constantly changing. The sheer wall is solid rock, while the bottom consists of sediment. Factors like biomass influence water clarity, and currents continuously alter the thermocline. Garmin’s CHIRP technology effectively captures these changes, providing anglers with the clearest and most detailed sonar images. Having the best sonar imprint significantly enhances the angler’s chances, positioning them as the top predator in the lake.
Never A Dull Moment
The best part of fishing the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes is that it’s always an adventure. Initially drawn to the area for its phenomenal summer king salmon fishery, we’ve come to appreciate the variety just as much as the thrill of landing big Kings during the “Hot Zone.”
Anglers can catch a range of cold-water species, including brown trout, lake trout, steelhead, and salmon, on Lake Ontario. The “Hot Zone” presents a unique opportunity to experience this diversity. Whether you’re sampling different species or honing in on a particular one, the Shipping Lanes offer something for everyone. Once you’ve fished in the Lake Ontario Shipping Lanes, you’ll undoubtedly want to return to the Big Pond. With world-class fishing right at your doorstep, “Hot Zone” fishing serves as the gateway to angling paradise in the Great Lakes region.
Original Article By Bill Saiff III
About The Author
Capt. Bill Saiff III owns and operates the Saiff Charter Fleet in Henderson Harbor, NY. For more information, visit the team online at www.BillSaiffOutdoors.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.
