Summer Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario
King salmon are usually the center of attention for summer fishing. And certainly the center of Lake Ontario around Wayne County doesn’t need to take a back seat to anyone when it comes to the best summer salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. Wayne County is a great starting point when you want to fish Lake Ontario, with its prime location offering easy access to some of the most productive waters on the lake. The combination of nutrient-rich waters, ample baitfish, and prime salmon habitat make Wayne County one of the top destinations for anglers targeting King salmon. The area offers everything an angler could want: beautiful scenery, exceptional fishing conditions, and a thriving salmon population.
King Fishing near Sodus Bay
King salmon roaming the off-shore waters of Lake Ontario near Sodus Bay are hitting the scales between 25 and 35 pounds. They are in the feeding frenzy mode and are packing on the pounds before the autumn staging process, making for some amazing summer salmon fishing. The Sodus Bay region is especially popular among anglers due to its consistent salmon populations and relatively easy access to fishing grounds. As these salmon prepare for their fall migration, they enter a feeding frenzy, aggressively targeting baitfish in the nutrient-rich waters off Sodus Bay. This feeding mode makes them more likely to bite, providing anglers with an exciting and action-packed fishing experience. With salmon feeding heavily during the summer months, the fishing is at its peak, offering a great opportunity to catch these powerful fish.
Wayne County, NY
The adage “the proof is in the pudding” would apply to the salmon fishery at the center of Lake Ontario. Year after year, records are set from teams fishing the Wayne County port of Sodus during the Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Team Tournament Series (Pro-Am). This long-running and prestigious event showcases the incredible fishing opportunities in Wayne County, where anglers consistently land some of the biggest King salmon in Lake Ontario. The tournament’s success highlights the area’s reliability and abundance when it comes to salmon fishing, proving that Wayne County is a top contender in the world of summer salmon fishing. Each season, this region proves itself as a hub for top-tier salmon catches, making it a go-to location for serious anglers looking to test their skills and land trophy-sized fish. With a reputation for producing high-quality fish, Wayne County’s fishing grounds are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Lake Ontario salmon fishing.
Wayne County Fishing Charter
Local Charter Captain Ryan Williamson has established himself as one of the top anglers in the region, with notable victories in the Wayne County Pro-Am, including a first-place finish in 2006, a third-place finish in 2008, and another third-place finish in the most recent event. Williamson operates his Fishin’ Magician Charter service out of Sodus Bay, offering anglers a reliable and proven fishing experience. His approach to salmon fishing is simple yet effective, focusing on tried-and-true techniques to consistently land trophy King salmon. “I use a couple of Dipsys and a couple of riggers when salmon fishing on Lake Ontario,” says Captain Williamson. “And if something’s working, I will key in on that one bait and load the spread the same.” This straightforward method allows him to adjust quickly to the conditions and target fish more effectively, ensuring a higher success rate for his clients.
Summer Salmon Migration
According to Williamson, the salmon are always on the move during the summer months, making this a critical period for anglers targeting them. “In a typical year, Sodus is right in the middle of the salmon’s migratory path,” he explains. The fish are in a feeding frenzy, packing on pounds in preparation for the fall staging process. This migration period is vital for the salmon, as they bulk up and prepare for the next stage of their life cycle. As the salmon move through this area, they are actively feeding, making them more aggressive and easier to target for anglers. Williamson’s knowledge of their migratory patterns ensures he knows where to focus his efforts for the best results.
Flasher Flys and Cut Bait
When it comes to attracting salmon, Williamson prefers using flasher fly or cut bait programs, especially during the summer months. He finds that these methods are particularly productive toward the end of July and into the first weeks of August. “Cut bait has been very productive during that time,” says the captain. “They appear to like the meat. If they want it, I give it to them.” The use of cut bait mimics the natural prey of the salmon, and when combined with a flasher fly, it provides the perfect presentation to lure in even the most cautious fish. Williamson’s adaptability to the salmon’s feeding preferences helps ensure success on every trip.
Copper Running Rigs
Copper running rigs are another critical component of Williamson’s fishing arsenal. Like many charter captains on Lake Ontario, he is a strong advocate of using copper rigs, especially for deeper water fishing. He often sends out up to 600 feet of copper behind his 31-foot North Coast boat to reach those deep-feeding salmon. “It keeps my presentation away from the boat, and I know exactly the depth of my set-up,” he explains. “If I’m back 100 feet with copper, it’s down 20 feet. If I’m behind the boat 600 feet, I’m down 120 feet. I like to call running copper… precise and consistent.” This level of precision is crucial for targeting salmon at various depths, ensuring that his baits are in the right zone for a successful catch.
Electric Reels on Lake Ontario
To enhance his copper rig setup, Williamson uses electric reels, a game-changing addition for charter captains. “The days of cranking copper are over,” he jokes. “I am now using Diawa-Tanacom Bull electric reels. I don’t have to crank in 600 feet to change my set-up.” This technological upgrade allows for quicker adjustments and reduces the physical strain on both the captain and the clients. While traditional cranking can be tiring, the electric reels provide a smooth and effortless experience for anglers, ensuring they remain focused on the fishing. “Copper shouldn’t be feared,” he adds. “Your customers can have the choice of having an electric reel assist them, or they can crank like a regular reel.” This flexibility ensures that anglers of all experience levels can enjoy the thrill of salmon fishing on Lake Ontario without the physical demand of manually retrieving long copper rigs.
Sodus Point
Captain Ryan Williamson’s clients experience action-packed days of salmon fishing on Lake Ontario, with King salmon regularly weighing between 30 and 35 pounds. But for Williamson, the allure of Sodus Point extends beyond the fishing itself—he believes the port offers the complete package for an unforgettable fishing trip. “Sodus Bay, and especially Sodus Point, is a great fishing port,” he says. “I don’t have to go far to find fish. Very seldom do I need to travel more than five miles.” This proximity to prime fishing grounds ensures that clients spend more time on the water and less time traveling, maximizing their fishing experience. After a productive day on the water, Williamson notes, there is plenty to do around Sodus Point. “After fishing, my clients can enjoy the many activities and restaurants in the area. My customers love Sodus Point for both the fishing and the atmosphere.” Whether it’s the thrill of landing a trophy salmon or relaxing after a successful day, Sodus Point has everything anglers need to create lasting memories.
The Fishin’ Magician Charter in Sodus Point, NY
Captain Ryan Williamson, the owner and operator of the Fishin’ Magician Charter, has over 25 years of experience chartering on Lake Ontario. However, his passion for fishing began at a much earlier age, when he was just twelve years old. “I’ve probably worked for at least 40 captains between here and Florida,” he recalls. “You learn a lot working with different captains, but fishing is an ongoing learning experience. You have to keep your mind open to new techniques and approaches.” With decades of experience under his belt, Williamson has become known for his expertise and his ability to adapt to varying fishing conditions. His experience on the water and his willingness to learn and evolve has made Fishin’ Magician a trusted name in the industry.
The Fishin’ Magician boat is docked behind Captain Jack’s Goodtime Tavern on Greig Street in Sodus Point, making it a convenient and accessible spot for anglers looking to embark on a fishing adventure. Captain Ryan Williamson can be reached directly at 585-749-6179 to book your next salmon fishing excursion on Lake Ontario.
Fishin’ Magician’s Fishing Techniques for Catching Summer Salmon
Captain Williamson’s approach to summer salmon fishing on Lake Ontario is both systematic and flexible, ensuring a higher success rate for his clients. One of his primary strategies is to start fishing early, at first light, and head north in search of fish. Using his fish finder, he looks for baitfish concentrations, which often signal the presence of salmon. He follows a north-south trolling pattern until he locates a school of fish, then switches to an east-west trolling strategy to maximize coverage and increase his chances of landing fish.
Williamson also keeps an eye out for surface edges or slicks—areas where water conditions change due to fish activity. “These slicks are like highways to fish,” he explains, noting that they often guide him toward concentrations of salmon. Temperature is another critical factor in salmon fishing, as fish can be found on either side of the thermocline. While surface water temperatures are important, the fish’s location relative to these temperature zones often dictates their feeding behavior.
Boat speed plays an important role in determining the success of a fishing trip. Captain Williamson typically trolls at a speed of 2.5 to 3 mph but advises anglers to adjust the speed if they are not catching fish. “Mess with your speed,” he says. “Sometimes a small change can make a big difference in the strike rate.”
In addition to adjusting speed, Williamson incorporates a technique called the “Neutral Drop.” By placing the boat in neutral for brief moments, he changes the presentation pattern, which often results in strikes. Sharp turns while trolling can also trigger aggressive strikes from salmon. “Sometimes the fish will hit the bait on the fast side of the boat, and other times they prefer the slow side,” Williamson explains. “If they consistently hit the fast side, I’ll bump up the boat speed.”
Finally, light conditions are crucial for the success of the fishing trip. During high light conditions, Williamson prefers using silver attractors, which mimic the shine of baitfish in the sun. When the skies are darker or cloudy, he switches to white or glow attractors to enhance visibility in low-light conditions. This adaptability ensures that the presentation remains effective regardless of the time of day or weather conditions.
Captain Williamson’s well-rounded and dynamic approach to salmon fishing, combined with his vast experience and the picturesque location of Sodus Point, makes Fishin’ Magician Charter a top choice for anglers seeking an unforgettable fishing adventure on Lake Ontario.
Original Article By Chris Kenyon
About The Author
Chris Kenyon is an outdoor columnist for the Sodus Record-Sun and the Finger Lakes Times. He is a member of NYSOWA and AGLOW professional writing organizations and freelances for several publications. He is also the Outdoor Recreational Coordinator for Wayne County Tourism.