Eastern Lake Ontario Fishing for Beginners
Jenny Marriot from Oklahoma sums it up well: Lake Ontario offers some of the best smallmouth bass fishing anywhere. Throughout July, August, and September, I often get calls and emails from new anglers asking what to fish for, where to go, and what techniques to use for summer fishing.
Lake Ontario’s Eastern Basin Offers Unique Fishing Opportunities
Lake Ontario’s eastern basin offers a unique fishing experience that sets it apart from typical lake settings. Here, you’ll find open water with flat sandy bottoms alongside rocky points, shallow to deep drop-offs, and islands that create prime habitats for various fish species. This diverse structure holds a wealth of baitfish, which in turn attracts a variety of game fish. If you’re new to fishing Lake Ontario, having a map, GPS, and a marine radio is essential for navigating this expansive area safely.
Species of Fish in Lake Ontario
By July, Lake Ontario’s eastern basin is teeming with fish species, offering anglers the chance to target brown trout, king salmon, lake trout, and bass. Walleye begin to make an appearance in early August, peaking in abundance through September. This combination of species makes Lake Ontario an exciting fishing destination all summer long.
Brown Trout Fishing
Brown trout remain a popular target, especially at spots like “the trench” near Henderson Harbor, the Stony Point wall, and “the finger” about four miles off the Stony Point light. Depths may vary with water temperature, but downriggers set at 60-125 feet in waters 100-165 feet deep typically yield the best results. We often use Michigan Stinger spoons, which perform well at slow, medium, and fast speeds. Popular spoon patterns include Sunkist, Yellow Jacket, Houdini (Hud Special), Brown Trout, Orange Shanster, Die Hard, Gator, Nuclear Killer, and Michael Jackson.
King Salmon Fishing On Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario comes alive with king salmon action in July, particularly in areas also frequented by brown trout. Initially, most anglers use Michigan Stinger spoons but often switch to larger Stingray models as the season progresses. By August and September, flasher-fly combinations become more popular, with Pro Troll Pro Chip 8 flashers paired with Michigan flies in green dolphin or Michigan state colors. Other successful patterns include A-Tom-Mik flies in pro-am, hammer, sweet pea, and mirage colors. Late in the season, fishing close to the bottom can be especially productive.
Walleye Fishing
August and September are prime months for trophy walleye on Eastern Lake Ontario. Key locations include Calf Island Spit, Little Galloo Island, Big Galloo Island, and the gas buoy. Planer boards or in-line planers with leads of 100-200 feet are common tactics in 20-60 feet of water around points and humps. Reef Runner lures are popular, but we often turn to Husky Jerks (sizes 12 and 14) and Thundersticks, especially when targeting deep-dwelling walleye.
Black Bass Fishing
Henderson Harbor, with its sign declaring it the “Home of the Black Bass,” has a rich history with smallmouth bass fishing. This hardy fish is known for its fighting spirit, making it a favorite for many anglers. Prime fishing spots include Ray’s Bay, Sawyer’s Bay, Gull Island, Bass Island, Chaumont Bay, Black River, Campbell’s Shoal, and Bull Rock Point. Common baits for black bass include crabs, minnows, leeches, and worms, often paired with ultra-light setups for maximum sport.
Lake Trout Fishing
Lake Ontario is renowned for its lake trout, with many fish in the 12-24 pound range caught through July and early August. For the best results, try fishing near “the finger” off Stony Point Lighthouse using cowbells in watermelon, monkey puke, fire tiger, and chartreuse-silver colors, paired with glo-green peanuts or Spin & Glo lures. Downriggers set near the bottom in 110-160 feet of water are often effective. Lake trout are abundant off the flat bottom at “the finger,” where anglers can easily bump along the bottom without snags.
Catfish Fishing
Eastern Lake Ontario is home to some quality catfishing, especially in the Black River around Dexter and Sackets Harbor. The deep hole by the islands leading into Black River Bay is a hot spot, and the best baits are chicken livers and shrimp. For tips, stop by B&J Bait in Dexter for local insights.
Where to Find Information on Lake Ontario Fishing
For current fishing reports and guidance on Eastern Lake Ontario, Henchen’s Marina in Henderson Harbor is an excellent resource. Many beginners find it helpful to spend time with experienced charter captains, taking notes on techniques, species, and productive locations to get a head start on fishing this vast lake.
An Anglers’ Paradise
Eastern Lake Ontario is more than just a fishing destination—it’s a haven of natural beauty and safety. In a world of extreme weather events, this area is relatively free from tornadoes, mudslides, tsunamis, and wildfires. Instead, we deal with the occasional snowstorm or ice storm—minor inconveniences compared to the natural disasters elsewhere. Plus, we don’t have to worry about dangerous animals like alligators, scorpions, or sharks.
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 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.
