
The Best Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario: A Day of Strategy and Success
Our fishing adventure on Lake Ontario started with an exciting and productive morning. From the moment the sun rose, we were trolling with our tried-and-true flasher and fly combinations. These setups had been consistently effective all week, making for a fast-paced and action-packed morning. From sunrise until about 9 a.m., king salmon were hitting with vigor, and the action was non-stop. The entire fleet had been using 8-inch flashers, each trailing a fly 21 inches behind, a setup that had proven its reliability over the past few days. Our go-to choices for flashers included White/Glow E-chips and Silver/Herring Bone E-chips, both of which are well-known for attracting salmon. Paired with Pro-Am and Mooneye flies, we were consistently reeling in fish without having to make any changes to the pattern.
Shifting Conditions and Limited Luck on Lake Ontario
As the day progressed and the sun climbed higher, the action began to slow down. By 10 a.m., despite trolling for over an hour without a single bite, we were questioning what had changed. Lake Ontario is renowned for being one of the best salmon fishing locations in New York, yet the calm waters and quiet bites indicated that something was amiss. The silver baits that had been so successful earlier in the morning were no longer effective, and it was clear that it was time to make adjustments.
Determined to get back on track, I decided to modify the bait setup on our #1 rigger. The 8-inch Silver E-chip had been reliable all week, but I replaced it with a larger, 11-inch version we call “Big Silver,” hoping the bigger bait would provoke a stronger reaction from the fish. I positioned the new flasher at the same depth as the smaller bait had been working earlier.
Adjusting Your Techniques: The Key to Success
Within two minutes, our patience paid off. The rod suddenly bent under the force of a violent strike from a large king salmon, staging just off the river’s mouth. The fish weighed an impressive 27 pounds. It was clear that the change in our bait setup had made all the difference. Word quickly spread across the fleet, and before long, the radio was buzzing with reports of kings returning to the bite. The change had been subtle but effective, and it was clear that the fish had responded to our new approach.
The Best Bait for Chinook Season on Lake Ontario
As we’ve learned over the years, understanding the behavior of salmon during their staging phase is critical to successful fishing. The patterns of king salmon change as they progress through the stages of migration, and this directly affects the type of bait and technique that will work best. In the early stages of staging, when the fish are more aggressive, traditional setups like flashers and flies are usually effective. However, as they approach the final phase of staging, their behavior becomes more erratic, requiring anglers to adjust their bait presentation, depth, and tactics.
At Saiff Fleet, we have developed a standardized approach to minimize the guesswork during this crucial period. From mid-August to mid-September, we maintain consistent patterns while remaining ready to adapt when needed. This strategy has proven extremely effective, allowing us to target king salmon during their prime fishing period on Lake Ontario.
Maximizing Opportunities on Lake Ontario
By understanding the behavior of staging salmon and knowing when and how to adjust your setup, you’ll be able to maximize your chances of landing these prized fish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to the Lake Ontario fishing scene, being adaptable and willing to make adjustments is essential for success. As the fishing season progresses, the key is to stay informed about how the salmon are behaving and be prepared to make the necessary changes in technique and bait to keep the fish biting.
The Best Bait, Lures, Patterns and Leads

During the early stages of the king salmon’s migration, when the fish are still bright silver, their feeding behavior is incredibly aggressive. This makes for some of the most thrilling fishing of the season, as these fish are eager to strike at anything that catches their eye. At this point in the process, we focus on using 8-inch Pro Troll E-chip flashers, which have become a go-to tool for enticing aggressive kings. These smaller flashers are versatile, offering a range of color combinations that can be adjusted depending on where you are fishing on Lake Ontario. As the water conditions and fish behavior fluctuate, there’s always a specific color combination that proves effective, making it essential for anglers to remain flexible and observant of what’s working.
The Advantage of Smaller E-Chips
One significant advantage of using the 8-inch E-chip flashers during the early staging period is their tolerance for a wider range of trolling speeds. Aggressive king salmon tend to strike at higher speeds, which means adjusting your trolling speed becomes a key factor in success. By increasing the speed of your troll, you simulate the fast-moving prey that these fish are more likely to attack. This tactic can significantly boost your chances of landing a big fish during this phase, as the salmon are highly motivated to chase and strike at anything that moves with urgency.
Another aspect that remains constant during this aggressive phase is the fly lead length. We typically run the fly 21 inches behind the smaller flashers, maintaining consistency across all setups. This fixed lead length ensures that the bait is positioned just right to trigger a bite from the fish. While this remains a constant, the key variable becomes the trolling speed, which helps ensure that your fly presentation matches the energy levels of the aggressive kings. The placement of the bait within your spread is also essential. When targeting highly aggressive kings, a tightly run pattern is ideal. These fish are more likely to attack if they see a concentrated, fast-moving bait. On the other hand, less aggressive fish will often require a more extended presentation, with the bait positioned further back in the spread. In this case, a “tail gunner” position—where the bait trails further behind the main spread—can help entice the fish to bite.
Adapting to Changing Conditions: A Shift in Behavior
As the season progresses into late August, the dynamics of the king salmon run start to change. The earlier arrivals, having been in the water for a longer time, begin to transition from their bright silver color to the more typical spawning hues. As this happens, their behavior shifts from aggressively feeding to becoming less active and more focused on holding deeper in the water column. These fish are no longer as willing to chase fast-moving baits near the surface, and instead, they prefer to stay deeper where the water is cooler.
At this point, it becomes essential to adjust your gear to suit the new behavior of the salmon. The 8-inch Pro Troll E-chip flashers, while effective early on, no longer offer the same level of attraction as the fish move deeper into the water. This is when it’s time to switch to larger gear, specifically the 11-inch E-chip flasher. The increased size and flash of the 11-inch flasher make it more effective at reaching the deeper, less aggressive salmon. By adding a larger flasher to your setup, you’ll be able to attract these fish and bring them to the surface where they can be caught.
Switching Gear and Techniques as Conditions Evolve
The key to success on Lake Ontario is adaptability. As the salmon’s behavior changes throughout the season, so must your approach to fishing. Understanding when to switch from smaller flashers to larger ones, and adjusting your trolling speed and fly placement, will make all the difference in your success. The early part of the staging period offers an exciting challenge, with aggressive kings attacking fast-moving baits. But as the salmon transition deeper and their feeding behavior shifts, adjusting your setup becomes the key to staying successful on the water.
Optimizing Lead Lengths for Lethargic Salmon on Lake Ontario
As king salmon move deeper into the water column and their behavior shifts to become more lethargic, the key to enticing a bite is adjusting your lead length and presentation speed. Unlike aggressive kings, which are more likely to strike fast-moving baits, the sluggish, deep-holding salmon require a slower, more deliberate presentation. To achieve this, we increase the lead length to 35 inches when pairing flies with the 11-inch E-chip flasher. This longer lead ensures that the fly moves more naturally in the water, staying within the salmon’s strike zone for a longer period and giving them more time to engage with the bait.
The larger 11-inch flasher excels at attracting lethargic salmon by creating a larger flash that grabs the attention of the fish, even when they are deeper and less aggressive. Combined with a slower trolling speed, this setup creates the perfect environment to entice a bite from salmon that are holding deeper in the water, typically in the later stages of the staging process.
Varying Lead Lengths to Target Different Salmon Behaviors
One of the keys to successful salmon fishing on Lake Ontario is adapting your setup to match the specific behavior of the salmon as they move through the staging process. Early in the season, when the fish are aggressive and feeding actively, shorter lead lengths are effective, with flies generally trolled 21 inches behind smaller flashers like the 8-inch E-chip. This shorter lead helps keep the bait close to the flashers, mimicking a more urgent and aggressive presentation that attracts fast-moving, aggressive kings.
However, as the salmon move deeper and become more lethargic, the behavior of the fish requires a different approach. This is where the 11-inch E-chip flasher with a 35-inch lead becomes essential. The larger flasher provides more flash and action to attract the salmon, while the longer lead ensures the bait moves slowly and naturally, giving the salmon time to react. By varying the lead lengths between 21 inches for the smaller flashers and 35 inches for the larger ones, you can target a broader range of fish, from active, aggressive salmon near the surface to more lethargic fish that are holding deeper in the water.
Adapting to the Bite: Matching Setup to Salmon Behavior
Understanding the shifting behavior of king salmon throughout the staging process is critical to maintaining success. Early in the season, aggressive salmon will respond well to faster, more tightly run patterns with shorter leads and faster trolling speeds. As the season progresses, and the fish begin to slow down and hold deeper, larger flashers and slower trolling speeds become necessary to coax bites from the more lethargic fish.
By adjusting your setup to match the behavioral changes in the salmon, you can keep your patterns consistent and your success rate high. During the latter part of the season, when the kings are less aggressive and more sluggish, using larger flashers with longer leads ensures that your bait remains in the fish’s strike zone long enough to trigger a reaction. The key is to always stay adaptable and responsive to the changing conditions of the water and the fish’s behavior.
The 41-Inch Lead for Bait Harnesses: The “Fruit Basket” Setup
When the fish move deeper into the water column, one of our go-to setups is the 41-inch lead for trolling bait harnesses, particularly with cut herring. This setup pairs perfectly with the 11-inch E-chip flasher, and one of the most effective combinations for late August through early September is the “Fruit Basket” flasher. Introduced by Pro Troll in 2011, the “Fruit Basket” features a striking pattern of orange and yellow stripes on a glowing base, which is especially effective in attracting king salmon during the late summer months.
This rig is typically run on the deepest line in the trolling spread, often called the “bottom tracker.” As the name suggests, the bottom tracker is designed to fish close to the lakebed, where larger, deeper-holding salmon tend to be found as they prepare for spawning. This setup is often the first rig we deploy each morning, setting the tone for the day’s fishing. The “Fruit Basket” flasher, combined with the 41-inch lead and cut herring, provides an irresistible presentation that draws out the staging king salmon, even when they are holding deeper and less active.
Maximizing Success with Adaptable Techniques
Whether you’re dealing with aggressive fish early in the staging process or slower, lethargic fish later in the season, understanding the nuances of salmon behavior and adjusting your lead lengths accordingly is key to success on Lake Ontario. By using the right flashers, adjusting your lead lengths, and tailoring your presentation speeds, you can increase your chances of landing king salmon throughout the entire season.
Older Kings and the Importance of Scent for Lake Ontario Salmon Fishing
As the salmon season progresses into its later stages, older kings—often the most challenging targets—become more dominant in the staging areas. These fish are typically less aggressive than the younger, more energetic salmon that enter the river earlier in the season. As a result, scent plays an increasingly important role in enticing these lethargic kings to bite. While aggressive fish may strike flashy, vibrant lures, the older, more cautious salmon are far more likely to respond to natural baits that mimic the scents and actions of their prey. This is where bait harnesses with cut herring truly shine, providing an irresistible scent trail that older kings find hard to resist.
Optimal Lead Length for Older Kings
When targeting these deep-holding, sluggish fish, the optimal presentation often involves using a 41-inch lead behind the 11-inch E-chip flasher. This combination of a larger flasher and extended lead length ensures the bait is presented naturally in the water column. The extended lead allows the cut herring to move more freely, creating a natural scent trail and providing an authentic presentation that these older kings are more likely to respond to. The 41-inch lead also helps position the bait at a depth where the more lethargic fish are holding, increasing the chances of attracting their attention.
Adjusting the Bait Head for Different Activity Levels
Another important aspect of targeting older kings is adjusting the bait head to match the fish’s activity level. When salmon are actively feeding, a more pronounced bend in the bait head can increase the rotation speed, triggering the more aggressive fish to strike. However, when fishing for older, less active kings, a slower, more subtle bend in the bait head is necessary to create a natural, realistic motion. This slower, smoother rotation can be the key to enticing those more lethargic fish to bite.
The 41-inch lead is critical here, as it ensures the bait moves at the right speed and remains in the optimal position for the fish to strike. By making this subtle adjustment, anglers can present the bait in a way that mirrors the natural movement of prey, making it far more attractive to older kings that are holding deep and sluggish in the water.
Trimming Bait for Optimal Rotation and Scent
To maximize the effectiveness of the bait, careful trimming of the cut herring is essential. Trimming the herring to fit tightly into the bait head allows for a more efficient presentation. By packing as much of the bait as possible into the head and pinning it in place with a toothpick, we ensure a consistent, balanced rotation. This “weight-forward” balance is crucial, as it allows the bait to spin smoothly at a range of trolling speeds, creating the desired action and scent trail that kings find irresistible.
By adjusting the bait head and trimming the cut herring carefully, you can fine-tune the presentation to match the conditions and the behavior of the older kings. Whether the fish are actively feeding or holding deeper and more sluggish, these small adjustments can make all the difference in enticing a bite.
Extend the Lead

In mid-September, while many boats in the “Trench” off Henderson Harbor were struggling with dead rods, Captain Mitch Franz of Mit-She Charters was consistently landing king salmon, seemingly one after another. Intrigued by his success, I couldn’t help but observe his setup, and to my surprise, he was using unusually long leads on his bait harnesses.
Adapting to the Conditions: The 62-Inch Lead Revelation
As Mitch tirelessly worked to clear rods and handle the onslaught of king salmon, I quickly made mental calculations based on the length of his rods and the placement of his bait harnesses. The leads, I noted, were stretching well over 60 inches—62 inches, to be exact. This unusual setup seemed to be working wonders, and after some dockside analysis and further discussion with Mitch, I adopted this crucial insight into my own fishing practices. That 62-inch lead has since been etched into the transom of my boat as my go-to tactic for landing mid-day kings, especially during the late season when the bite starts to slow.
Why Kings Respond to a Slow Presentation
Late-season kings, particularly in mid-September, tend to be lethargic and often stack near the bottom of the water column. These fish are less inclined to chase fast-moving baits and prefer slower, more natural presentations. The 62-inch lead, combined with larger E-Chip flashers, provides a longer, slower bait presentation that mimics the movement of injured prey—something king salmon find irresistible during their sluggish feeding phase.
The slow crawl we employ in these conditions—often achieved by deploying extra sea bags to slow the boat’s speed to a crawl—creates an optimal situation for attracting these lazy, bottom-hugging salmon. The larger flashers rotate slowly, while the bait harnesses, trailing behind the long lead, move seductively through the water. This allows the bait to stay in the strike zone for a longer period, giving even the most sluggish king salmon ample opportunity to react.
Consistency and Patience for Success
The key to success with this approach is patience and consistency. While the rest of the fleet may be struggling to entice bites, the 62-inch lead offers a slower, more deliberate presentation that seems to be the perfect match for the behavior of late-season king salmon. By keeping the bait in their strike zone longer, you’re giving these fish the chance they need to take action. With the right setup and a slow, steady presentation, you’re far more likely to trigger a bite, even when the salmon seem lethargic and disinterested.
Whether you’re fishing in the Trench off Henderson Harbor or other areas of Lake Ontario, the 62-inch lead has proven to be a reliable and effective tactic for late-season king salmon. By adapting your fishing style to the conditions and using the right equipment, you can maintain success even when the bite slows down and the fish become more difficult to catch.
Consistent Success with a Proven Technique
Since adopting this method, we’ve found it to be highly effective when other tactics fail. Late-season kings, especially those deep in the water, respond to this slow and steady approach. The combination of large flashers, bait harnesses, and the extra-long 62-inch lead continues to produce consistent results. It’s a technique we’ve come to rely on, and it’s one I’ll always credit to Mitch for sharing.
The Search for New Techniques
In the photo above, Robin proudly holds a massive male king salmon, which aggressively struck a silver-green 8-inch E-Chip flasher paired with a 21-inch Pro Am fly. This combination is a standout for chinook salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, one of New York’s premier salmon fishing destinations. With over 30 years of professional charter fishing experience, we’ve found this setup to be a consistent performer, especially during the staging period when king salmon are preparing to spawn. The length of the lead behind the Pro-Troll flashers offers an optimal presentation, making this a game-changing combination for anglers on Lake Ontario.
The Importance of Consistency in Salmon Fishing
While this setup has delivered results year after year, it’s important for both novice and seasoned anglers to keep evolving their strategies. Continuously exploring new techniques and staying up-to-date with current fishing trends can ensure you’re always prepared to land your catch. By regularly checking fishing reports, online forums, and consulting with local bait shops, you can gain valuable insights into the best bait, colors, and techniques for the specific stretch of water you’re targeting.
Standardizing Your Lead Lengths for Consistent Success
When it comes to salmon fishing, consistency is key. Our extensive testing has proven that the best success comes from using standardized lead lengths. Over the years, four lead lengths have become the gold standard for our setups. These lengths ensure that your presentation remains consistent and effective, increasing the likelihood of triggering bites from king salmon during peak seasons. By pairing the right bait and colors with these proven lead lengths, you can significantly improve your chances of landing more fish on every outing.
Stay Ahead with New Gear: Pro-Troll’s Laser Flashers
Keeping an eye on the latest gear innovations is also crucial. One exciting new development is Pro-Troll’s Laser (no tape) series of flashers. These new flashers come in vibrant color combinations like green, chartreuse, black, blue, and silver scale patterns over silver flashers. Although these flashers are still in the prototype phase, early feedback from experienced anglers is highly promising. Once they hit tackle shops, these new flashers could become the key to even more success on the water. Be sure to add them to your arsenal for an edge over the competition.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just getting started, the combination of proven techniques, consistent setups, and innovative gear can take your king salmon fishing to the next level. By adapting your tactics to the conditions and staying up to date on the latest fishing gear, you’ll be well on your way to landing more of those prized Lake Ontario kings.
Original Article By Captain Bill Saiff III
About The Author
Capt. Bill Saiff III owns the Saiff Charter Fishing Fleet. The Saiff Fleet operates from Henderson Harbor, NY.
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.