Spring Brown Trout Lake Ontario: The Southern Shores of in Early Spring
Imagine the southern shores of Lake Ontario in early spring: cold northeast winds, lingering lake-effect snow, and water temperatures hovering around 37°F. Mini icebergs drift by, adding to the rugged landscape that, while unwelcoming to most, is prime territory for anglers seeking brown trout. Despite the frigid conditions, this season brings some of the best opportunities for fishing, as the warmer waters along the shoreline attract a variety of game fish, especially brown trout.
Warm Water Along the Shoreline
Spring brown trout fishing is especially productive along the southern shoreline, from Fair Haven to the Genesee River. This stretch of water is shallower, which allows it to warm up more quickly, drawing in trout and their prey—alewives. The warmer water holds more nutrients, which in turn supports the baitfish populations. As these baitfish gather, the hungry brown trout aren’t far behind. Flowing streams from nearby rivers and the steady outflow from bays in Wayne and Cayuga counties also contribute to the influx of warm water, making these areas ideal for targeting brown trout. Additionally, the presence of mud lines along the shoreline, where erosion turns the water a murky brown, offers a perfect hiding place for the fish. The stained water provides brown trout with cover, allowing them to remain undetected as they wait to ambush their prey.
Planner Boards Are Key
Fishing close to shore during the spring months is the key to catching brown trout. Planer boards are the tool that allows anglers to achieve this effective presentation. Originally used on the Pacific Coast, planer boards serve two essential purposes for Great Lakes anglers. They position your lure closer to shore, where prop-driven boats cannot safely troll, and they keep your presentation hidden from the noise and visibility of your vessel. Remarkably, planer boards can maneuver a stickbait into waters as shallow as two feet.
Lure Selection
Temperature, Mud Lines, and Stained Water
Water temperature remains the primary factor when targeting brown trout. These fish tend to congregate in the warmest water available, so even a slight temperature variation of just one degree can make the difference between success and failure. Temperature isn’t the only consideration—water clarity plays a significant role as well. In recent years, Lake Ontario has become notably clearer, with visibility extending up to 25 feet. This increased clarity means the fish are more easily spooked, so keeping your bait at a distance of 80 to 100 feet behind the boat is crucial.
Finding Browns: Mud Lines and Stained Water
To locate brown trout, look for the mud lines. These are areas of stained water created by erosion due to heavy rainfall or high water levels. When fishing these areas, it’s best to zigzag in and out of the line rather than following it straight down the lake.
Crossing in and out of the mud line will often yield more strikes. However, Captain Dane Brown advises staying away from the densest stained water. “The trout won’t be in the thickest stained water,” he explained. “If it’s too murky, they can’t breathe properly. Instead, focus on the zone between the heavy and clear water, where the trout are more likely to be.”
Action-Packed Fishing
Spring brown trout fishing is known for its fast-paced, action-packed nature. As Captain Brown puts it, “Some anglers love the quick action of brown trout fishing, while others are content to wait hours for a trophy salmon. Regardless, spring brown trout fishing is always an exhilarating experience.”
Last year, a group of anglers on charter boats fishing the mouth of Maxwell Creek in Wayne County experienced firsthand the excitement of the spring bite. As soon as the water temperatures shifted by just a few degrees, the trout hit hard. The action was almost predictable: “The outside Thunderstik is back 100 feet. It should be passing through the temperature break right about now… bam… Fish on… Everyone grab a rod!”
That’s the essence of brown trout fishing on Lake Ontario in the spring—quick, intense, and full of thrills.
Original Article By Chris Kenyon
About The Author
Chris Kenyon is an outdoor columnist for the Sodus Record-Sun and the Finger Lakes Times and freelances for several publications. He is a member of NYSOWA and AGLOW. He is also the Outdoor Recreational Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism.
