Landlocked Chinook Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario, one of the largest and most revered freshwater lakes in North America, is home to a prized fish: the landlocked Chinook salmon. Often called the “king” of the lake, these salmon cruise the deep, cold waters, growing into massive specimens that represent a challenge and reward for any angler lucky enough to hook one. Known for their powerful runs and stunning size, landlocked Chinooks set a standard for salmon fishing in freshwater, with their annual migration cycle drawing anglers from across the region and beyond.
Each year, Lake Ontario offers anglers the chance to land some of the largest Chinook salmon in the Great Lakes system, and this year promises to be another exceptional season. With the right techniques, gear, and knowledge of the fishery, anglers can experience the thrill of targeting these mighty predators in both the lake and its many tributaries. Whether you’re an experienced salmon angler or a newcomer looking for a challenge, Lake Ontario is the place to be for one of the best salmon fishing experiences in the country.
Summer Chinook Fishing
When it comes to fishing for big Chinook salmon on Lake Ontario, July and August represent the prime months. This is the time when these powerful fish feed aggressively to put on weight ahead of their fall spawning run. During this period, anglers can expect to encounter these fish at their most active and hungry, as they prepare for the long and challenging journey to their spawning grounds.
According to Capt. Bob Cinelli, a local expert with over 30 years of fishing experience on Lake Ontario, summer is the best time to target these fish. Cinelli operates two high-performance Tiaras out of Olcott, the 31-foot “Hotline” and the 36-foot “White Mule,” and he knows firsthand how important the summer feeding period is for Chinook salmon. “This is when they really put the feed bag on heavy,” Cinelli says. “Mature fish have their metabolism jacked up as they try to add as much weight as possible before the fall run. With this extended growing season, we’re expecting even bigger salmon this year.”
As the temperature rises, salmon move into feeding grounds and can be found in the lake’s deeper waters, where they feast on alewife, the primary food source for the Chinooks. During this time, the fish cycle between periods of feeding and resting, with their metabolism in overdrive as they bulk up for the long trip ahead. Anglers targeting these fish can expect some of the biggest Chinooks of the year, with many pushing the scales well past the 30-pound mark.
Prepare for the Fall Spawning Run
The transition from summer into fall is a crucial period for Chinook salmon. As water temperatures begin to cool, the salmon are drawn to their spawning grounds, where they will complete the final leg of their life cycle. This time of year is also a crucial period for anglers, as the fish’s feeding behavior becomes increasingly predictable. Their aggressive pursuit of food becomes less frequent, but the chance of catching them during their spawning preparation is incredibly high.
Capt. Cinelli notes that while the fish will still be feeding, their focus shifts from aggressive feeding to navigating the lake’s currents and tributaries. The fall run presents its own unique challenges for anglers, as the fish are often less likely to bite than during the summer months. However, those who can track down the right locations and adjust their techniques will find the rewards worth the effort. “As they begin to prepare for spawning, they are still hunting to fuel up for their final migration,” Cinelli explains. “This period offers the chance to catch some of the largest fish of the year, as they’ll be bigger and stronger than ever.”
This year’s extended growing season promises to provide an exciting fall run with an abundance of big Chinooks heading into the tributaries for spawning. For anglers willing to put in the effort to locate them, this could be one of the best seasons in recent memory for both numbers and size.
Why Lake Ontario is a Premier Chinook Fishery
The combination of cold, nutrient-rich waters and a strong population of alewife has created ideal conditions for Chinook salmon on Lake Ontario. The lake’s deep waters provide a perfect environment for these fish to thrive, and its multiple tributaries give them ample opportunities to spawn. The sheer size of the fishery—spanning both the lake and its numerous tributaries—ensures that anglers have a wealth of options when it comes to finding these magnificent fish. The lake also provides the ideal balance of warm-water feeding grounds in the summer and cooler, oxygen-rich waters during their fall spawning period.
Whether fishing from a boat or casting from shore, anglers can find Chinook salmon in various areas of the lake. For those willing to venture into the depths, the payoff is significant, with the chance of landing a king salmon that could tip the scales at 30 pounds or more. With experienced captains like Cinelli leading the way, anglers have access to the best techniques and most up-to-date information to make the most of the season. “It’s all about being in the right spot at the right time,” Cinelli adds. “If you can do that, you’ll be in for a real treat.”
Preparing for Success on Lake Ontario
Whether you are planning to fish in the summer for the biggest kings or targeting the fall run, preparation is key to success on Lake Ontario. Having the right gear, knowing the feeding patterns of the fish, and staying up-to-date with the lake’s conditions will make a huge difference in your fishing experience. Cinelli recommends using high-quality tackle and lures that match the baitfish found in the lake, such as spoons and crankbaits that imitate alewife. Patience and persistence are essential as well, as these salmon are elusive and can be difficult to hook. However, with the right strategies and knowledge, every trip to Lake Ontario could lead to a memorable catch.
As the year progresses and the fall run approaches, the anticipation for the next season of Chinook salmon fishing only grows. With record-breaking fish on the horizon, there has never been a better time to experience the thrill of fishing on Lake Ontario.
Preferred Temperature Range
When it comes to targeting landlocked Chinook salmon in Lake Ontario, Captain Bob Cinelli has mastered the art of covering as much water as possible to find the fish. His strategy centers around fishing a thermocline-type setup, where he places his baits at different depths based on temperature zones. This is key because Chinooks, especially in summer, are known to prefer cooler water, and Cinelli works tirelessly to ensure he’s presenting his baits where the fish are most likely to be.
“I want to make sure I have something in that dense, cold 39-40 degree water for starters,” Cinelli explains. “That’s where the big kings are typically hanging out. Then, I’ll stagger the other baits in different temperature zones, all the way up to 60 degrees.” By targeting various temperature bands, Cinelli ensures he’s covering all the bases, increasing his chances of landing a big fish.
However, one of the quirks of Chinook behavior that Cinelli has observed is that big kings are often found cruising outside of their preferred temperature zone, especially during the early to mid-August time frame. While it’s still unclear exactly why they roam out of their optimal temperatures, Cinelli knows that when they do, he has to be ready for it. “Big kings are known for cruising out of temp, and you have to be prepared for it. It’s one of those things that keeps you on your toes while fishing,” he says.
Best bait for Chinook Salmon
When it comes to choosing the best bait for Chinook salmon on Lake Ontario, Cinelli has a few key options he swears by, and they revolve around presenting the fish with something irresistible. One of the most effective setups is a flasher-fly combination. This pairing is proven to excite Chinook salmon, making them more aggressive and more likely to strike. “A flasher-fly combo can really get them worked up. When a salmon gets mad, look out!” Cinelli adds.
Another one of the best Chinook salmon lures is the tried-and-true flutter spoon. Cinelli particularly favors the Northern King 28, a medium-sized spoon that consistently produces results. However, he stresses that the size of the spoon should be matched to the baitfish present in the area. If the local baitfish are larger, Cinelli will opt for a bigger magnum-sized spoon, which can be particularly effective on days when the larger kings are more active. “Sometimes, magnum-sized spoons can get hot on the water, and when that happens, you’ve got to make the switch,” he says.
Cinelli also has a few specific brands he turns to for spoons: Michigan Stinger and Dreamweaver. These brands are staples in his trolling arsenal, and he’s confident in their ability to produce results consistently.
Setting Up for Success: The Right Gear and Tackle
Cinelli’s fishing setup is all about versatility and adjusting on the fly. When he’s setting up his trolling program, he uses a combination of downriggers, diver rods, and lead core or copper setups to present his lures at varying depths. For his downrigger rods, he’ll put spoons out, while on his “junk” rods, he’ll use the flasher-fly combination on copper or lead core to cover more ground in different water layers. If he finds that one of the baits is out-producing the other, he’ll immediately adjust by adding more of the successful bait to his diver rods.
His approach is one of continual adaptation, always changing tactics to keep pace with the fish. “If the fish are showing a preference for one or the other, I’ll immediately get more of those baits on my diver rods,” Cinelli says. This flexibility allows him to adjust to changing conditions and to dial in on the most effective baits for that particular moment in the fishing day.
How to Catch an Easily Spooked Salmon
or anglers targeting big fish, particularly the elusive Chinook salmon, there are several schools of thought on the best tactics. One prevalent theory is that these large fish are often spookier and more cautious than their smaller counterparts. Because of this, less is more when it comes to focusing on big fish. Captain Bob Cinelli adheres to this philosophy, which is why he deliberately places fewer rods in the water during his fishing trips, sometimes as few as just four rods, even when running a charter.
The reasoning behind this approach is simple: fewer rods and baits in the water generate less noise and vibration, which can easily tip off the fish to potential danger. Chinook salmon, particularly the big ones, are known for being wary and highly sensitive to disturbances in their environment. By limiting the amount of gear in the water, Cinelli minimizes any disruptions that could alarm the fish, making his presentation more natural and undisturbed.
This strategic approach doesn’t just reduce noise; it also gives each rod and bait more individual attention. When an unsuspecting fish comes across a lure in its path, it’s more likely to strike aggressively. For these big kings, it’s often a sudden, forceful attack—something that typically occurs when the fish feels confident in the safety of its environment. By creating a quieter, more subtle setup, Cinelli increases his chances of enticing that explosive strike when a fish decides to make its move.
This less-is-more strategy is a key component of Cinelli’s overall fishing philosophy, helping him to consistently land big Chinook salmon while maintaining the quiet, stealthy approach that big fish require.
Location Matters
Every Year, the Water Temperature is Different
Water temperature is a key factor that can vary dramatically from year to year, and this fluctuation has a big impact on Chinook salmon fishing success. “This year, I believe the chance of catching a 40-pound king will be one of the best in recent memory,” says Captain Bob Cinelli. “The long growing season has really worked in favor of the fish. Lake Ontario only had two months with surface temperatures below 39 degrees this winter, which means the Chinooks have had extra time to pack on the pounds.”
The late start to winter and the early arrival of spring have provided the Chinooks with an extended growing season, allowing them to grow an additional six to seven weeks. This extended period of favorable conditions is a boon for salmon growth, and anglers can expect bigger fish as a result. However, with these fish becoming bigger and more powerful, getting them to strike your bait may prove more challenging.
Follow the Bait Fish
Another contributing factor to the rising size of Chinook salmon is the increase in the population of baitfish in Lake Ontario. “Because the total number of salmon and trout being stocked has been consistently lower in recent years, the baitfish populations have had a chance to thrive,” Cinelli explains. With more food available, Chinooks are more selective about where and when they strike, making it more challenging for anglers to land big fish. Following the baitfish and adjusting fishing tactics accordingly is essential for success.
Healthy Salmon Fishery and Early Maturation
A healthy fishery does have its drawbacks, especially for anglers chasing record-breaking Chinooks. As the overall population thrives, some salmon mature earlier than expected, leaving fewer fish to grow into the true giants. “Most of the fish over 40 pounds are usually five-year-old salmon that stayed in the lake for an extra year,” Cinelli says. “How big the four-year-olds will be remains to be seen.” This makes for a dynamic fishery, where each year presents its own challenges, but also exciting opportunities for landing the catch of a lifetime.
In a healthy, thriving salmon ecosystem, there’s a fine balance between fish growth, baitfish availability, and the maturity cycle, all of which contribute to the unpredictability of each season. Whether you’re targeting trophy Chinooks or simply enjoying a great day on the water, understanding these patterns is key to adapting your strategies and maximizing your success on Lake Ontario.
Prepare Your Gear for Big Fish on Lake Ontario
When fishing for the mighty Chinook salmon on Lake Ontario, especially in pursuit of trophy-sized fish, proper gear preparation is essential. Capturing these behemoths requires more than just skill – it’s about ensuring your tackle can handle the power and size of these kings.
Tony Mang of Youngstown set the spring LOC Derby record in 2010 with a monster 32 lb., 15 oz. king caught in the Niagara River, and anglers like Captain Bob Cinelli are always preparing for the next big catch.
Cinelli’s approach to tackle is meticulous and tailored for handling the large fish that roam Lake Ontario. “For the bigger fish, I outfit my reels with 20-pound test Ande fishing line, which is strong enough to handle the power of a Chinook without sacrificing too much sensitivity,” says Cinelli. However, when using his flash-fly setups, Cinelli steps up the leader strength, opting for up to 40-pound test Seaguar fluorocarbon line. This heavy-duty leader helps ensure durability and knot strength when fighting large fish, especially when dealing with the abrasive mouths of big salmon.
Cinelli also takes advantage of the convenience and reliability of pre-cut leaders. “I like using the new pre-cut leaders from Cajun line for tying flies. It’s a great option and really convenient when you’re out there on the water trying to save time without compromising on strength,” he adds.
Equipped with the right gear, you can maximize your chances of landing the legendary Chinook salmon that Lake Ontario is known for. Whether it’s the added strength of fluorocarbon leaders or the convenience of pre-tied rigs, proper gear preparation is the key to ensuring you’re ready when the big one strikes.
Original Article By Bill Hilts, Jr.
About the Author
Bill Hilts, Jr is Niagara County Sportfishing Promotions 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 an active member and past president of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and the Outdoor Writers Association of America.
