Offshore fishing on Lake Ontario ,although sometimes challenging, can make or break a day of fishing. In this post, we will discuss some of the ins and outs of traveling out to the abyss.
When To Go
Knowing when to go offshore and travel miles to chase fish is the most important factor to consider. Typically, after strong wind blows, Lake temperatures get tossed into termoil. West blows can drop the preferred temperature of salmon to depths below 140 in the column. Northeast blows cause iced out conditions with surface temperatures being in the low 40’s. Both of these conditions push the majority of the fish to seek more stable water.
Why Go Offshore
Experience has taught us that the middle and deepest sections of the Lake are the most stable in terms of constant temperature with minimum fluctuations irregardless of strong winds. Preferred temperatures for King salmon can be found typically in the 60 to 90 ft ranges below the surface out here. Kings being low light predators, prefer being in lower light depths of water in their preferred temperatures. Bait fish do, as well!
Where To Go
Where to go is the million dollar question. The best advice I can give is to set up in temperature and troll areas where the bottom contour lines are close together. You want to also look in deeper water, sometimes in 600 to 700 ft. One tip I will give, is to stay away from other boats. Offshore fish tend not to tollerate boat traffic. You will do much better to find “clean” water away from other boats and the pack. When you find fish under these conditions, you will be rewarded more often than not!
The Price Of It All
Offshore fishing on Lake Ontario requires both time and fuel. Running 10 to 14 miles or more offshore gets quite expensive! Add to it the wear and tear on the vessel and you can see why it”s used as a last resort for many boat owners. Having a boat thats reliable and can take the big waves should they unexpectantly kick up while you’re out there, is a neccesitty!
Plentiful Bounty
One thing for certain while offshore fishing on Lake Ontario, is a plentiful bounty of fish to target while you’re out there, when you do find them . All three age classes of King salmon, larger Coho salmon, suspended Lake trout,and Steelhead can all be found swimming around out there. Plenty of bait is swimming around out there as well. “Find the bait, find the fish” as the old saying goes!
If you have any questions , feel free to contact us at 413-346-7675 or via our contact form with any of the questions you may have . We will be happy to answer them. If you would like to book a trip please call 413-346-7675 or feel free to use our contact form as well!