Lake Ontario Night Fishing | Angling Edge Pro

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

New York
$350 - $550 price range
Updated Date: August 7, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a unique night fishing adventure on Lake Ontario with Captain Sean. Casting glow spoons just outside Olcott Harbor, you'll target salmon, trout, and smallmouth bass after the sun goes down. This 3 or 5-hour evening trip runs from April through Christmas, perfect for anglers of all skill levels. With a max of 3 people per trip, you'll get plenty of personal attention from the captain. All gear is provided, so just bring your New York fishing license and be prepared for some hard-fighting action. While there's always a chance to catch fish, landing one of these powerful species in the dark will be something special. The boat heads out when weather allows, giving you a shot at some of Lake Ontario's best fishing under the cover of night. It's a different way to experience the lake and test your skills against some impressive fish.

Lake Ontario Night Fishing | Angling Edge Pro

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Night Fishing Lake Ontario: Glow Spoons & Big Fish

Ready for some after-hours action on Lake Ontario? Captain Sean's got you covered with this private night fishing trip out of Olcott Harbor. We're talking light tackle, glow spoons, and the chance to tangle with some hard-fighting salmon and trout under the stars. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, this 3 or 5-hour evening charter is the perfect way to experience Lake Ontario's world-class fishery. With a max of 3 people per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain to dial in your technique and learn the local hotspots.

What to Expect on the Water

Once we push off from Olcott Harbor, we'll cruise to some nearby honey holes where the big ones like to feed after dark. Captain Sean's been running these waters for years, so he knows exactly where to find the action. We'll be using light tackle and glow spoons - a killer combo for enticing strikes from salmon and trout in low light conditions. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; the captain will walk you through everything from rigging up to setting the hook. And with all the gear provided, you just need to show up with your NY fishing license and a good attitude. Fair warning: once you feel that first hit on your line, you'll be hooked on night fishing Lake Ontario!

Techniques & Tackle Talk

Night fishing on Lake Ontario is a whole different ballgame compared to daytime trips. We'll be using specialized glow spoons that light up underwater, creating an irresistible target for hungry predators. The captain will show you how to work these lures effectively, using a combination of trolling and jigging techniques. Light tackle setups mean you'll feel every bite and really get to enjoy the fight when a big one hits. We might switch up our approach depending on what the fish are doing - sometimes a slow troll does the trick, other nights they want a more aggressive presentation. That's the beauty of fishing with a local pro; Captain Sean can read the water and adjust on the fly to put you on fish.

What Anglers Are Saying

"My son, son in law, and I went out to fish for walleye at night. First time for those young men but I grew up trolling Hamburg shores for them. So I thought that's how we were going to be fishing.... Whe he said we would be jigging with plastics, I shuddered and thought, "we ain't catching anything" ... well, 11 22" walleye and half a dozen bass later, we were ecstatic! We learned a lot and Sean is a great teacher! He could tell I was skeptical but kept saying "we'll get em!" ... and get em, we did! Thank you, Sean for making a memory that will last a lifetime with me and my boys!!! You were awesome!" - Tony

Species You'll Want to Hook

Coho Salmon: These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious meat. Cohos typically range from 3-8 pounds in Lake Ontario, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 10+ pounder. They're most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect target for our night trips from April through fall. When a coho hits your glow spoon, hold on tight - these fish love to jump and make blistering runs that'll test your drag system.

Steelhead Trout: Lake Ontario's steelhead are some of the hardest-fighting fish you'll ever tangle with. These chrome-bright rainbows average 5-10 pounds, with trophy fish pushing past 15. They're notoriously finicky, but night fishing with glow spoons can be the ticket to enticing strikes from these line-peeling powerhouses. Steelhead are available year-round, but the fall and spring runs offer the best shot at hooking into multiple fish.

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the bruisers of Lake Ontario. Chinooks can top 30 pounds, and even an average-sized "king" will put your arms and tackle to the test. They start showing up in good numbers by midsummer, with the fall run being prime time for trophy hunters. At night, big Chinooks often cruise the shallows looking for baitfish - exactly where we'll be casting our glow spoons.

Brown Trout: Lake Ontario's browns are a prized catch, known for their beautiful spotted patterns and hard-fighting nature. They average 3-8 pounds but can grow much larger. Browns are most active in low light conditions, making them a perfect target for our night trips. They love to chase down a well-presented glow spoon, often hitting with bone-jarring strikes that'll have your heart racing.

Lake Trout: These deep-water denizens move into shallower water at night, putting them in perfect range for our light tackle approach. Lake trout are bulldogs, preferring to dive deep and test your stamina rather than make acrobatic jumps. They average 5-15 pounds in Lake Ontario, with some true giants lurking in the depths. Hooking into a big "laker" on light tackle is an experience you won't soon forget.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the rush of battling a chrome-bright steelhead under the stars or the thrill of watching your rod double over when a king salmon smashes your glow spoon. But there's only one way to really understand the magic of night fishing Lake Ontario - you've gotta experience it for yourself. Captain Sean's got the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to put you on fish and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to try something new or a first-timer wanting to learn from a pro, this trip's got something for everyone. The fish are out there, the boat's ready, and the night is calling. What are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the "Angling Edge" and get ready for some serious after-dark action on Lake Ontario. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit in the darkness, you'll be counting down the days until your next night fishing adventure.

Customer Review

Night Fishing Magic

My son, son in law, and I went out to fish for walleye at night. First time for those young men but I grew up trolling Hamburg shores for them. So I thought that’s how we were going to be fishing.... Whe he said we would be jigging with plastics, I shuddered and thought, “we ain’t catching anything” ... well, 11 22” walleye and half a dozen bass later, we were ecstatic! We learned a lot and Sean is a great teacher! He could tell I was skeptical but kept saying “we’ll get em!” ... and get em, we did! Thank you, Sean for making a memory that will last a lifetime with me and my boys!!! You were awesome!

Tony Sorrento

May 30, 2023

Learn more about the animals

Brown Trout

Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout that return to freshwater to spawn. They average about 24 inches but can reach 45 inches and over 55 pounds. These fish are known for their silvery coloration and streamlined bodies. You'll find steelhead in freshwater lakes and streams, often using wood, boulders, and vegetation for cover. They're migratory fish, spending most of their life in the ocean but returning to rivers to breed. The best time to target steelhead is from mid-fall through spring. Anglers love them for their acrobatic fights and the challenge of catching them. Whether you're drifting, plunking, or fly fishing, hooking into a steelhead is always exciting. One local trick: when fly fishing, try using a 13.5-foot 7-weight Spey rod. It gives you great control for swinging flies through likely holding spots. And don't be afraid to go with flashy, bright-colored flies - steelhead can't resist them!

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the largest salmon species. They typically run 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but can get much bigger in the right conditions. These fish start life in rivers, head out to the open ocean, then return to spawn. Kings prefer cooler, deeper water and are light-sensitive. You'll have the best luck fishing for them early morning or evening. They're often found near the bottom, so weighted baits work well. Anglers prize Chinooks for their hard-fighting nature and excellent taste. Landing one of these powerful fish is a real thrill - they'll give you a workout! Their rich, orange-red meat is considered some of the best-eating salmon out there. Here's a tip: when fly fishing for kings, don't swing too far. Keep your fly swimming in the water column where the fish are holding. And remember, bright flies on sunny days, darker ones when it's cloudy.

Coho Salmon

Lake trout are the biggest of the char family, usually 24-36 inches long and 15-40 pounds. They love cold, deep water with lots of oxygen. You'll find them suspended in the middle of deep basins, especially in northern lakes. These fish are slow-growing but can live a long time. Best time to target lakers is during low light or overcast conditions when they feed more actively. Right after ice-out in spring is prime, as they'll be in shallower water. Jigging is the go-to method - try Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that mimic wounded baitfish. Crankbaits work well for trolling too. Lake trout put up an awesome fight and taste great. The challenge of finding them in deep water and the thrill when one hits make them a favorite for many anglers. Here's a local tip: on calm days, watch for schools of baitfish dimpling the surface. There's a good chance lakers are lurking below.

Lake Trout

Coho salmon, also known as silvers, typically run 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. They're known for their acrobatic fights and tasty orange-red meat. You'll find them in rivers connected to the ocean, with juveniles starting in freshwater before migrating to the sea. These fish are most active in the fall when they return to rivers to spawn. They prefer calm, quiet areas under debris or in deep pools. Cohos are aggressive feeders, which makes them fun to catch on a variety of lures and flies. Anglers love targeting cohos for their hard fights and excellent eating quality. They're not as big as kings, but what they lack in size they make up for in feistiness. Plus, their willingness to hit lures makes them great for both beginners and experienced anglers. Here's a tip: when fishing for cohos in rivers, try swinging bright-colored spinners through fast water. They can't resist the flash and vibration, especially in the low-light conditions of early morning or evening.

Steelhead Trout

Brown trout are crafty fish, averaging 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds. They prefer cool, clear streams and rivers but adapt well to lakes too. You'll often find them lurking near cover like undercut banks or fallen trees. These fish are most active in fall and early winter during spawning season. They get pretty aggressive then, making it a great time to catch them. Browns are known for being selective feeders, so matching your lure to what they're eating is key. Anglers love brown trout for their fighting spirit and the challenge of outsmarting them. They're beautiful fish too, with golden-brown coloring and distinctive spots. As for eating, they've got a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat. One trick I've learned: when fishing streams, cast upstream and let your lure drift naturally with the current. Browns often face upstream waiting to ambush prey, so this presentation looks more natural to them.

About the Alumacraft Competitor 205

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 52

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Step aboard for a nighttime fishing adventure on Lake Ontario with Captain Sean. As the sun sets, you'll cruise just outside Olcott Harbor to cast glow spoons on light tackle. This 3 or 5-hour evening trip runs from April through December, offering a unique after-dark fishing experience for up to 3 guests. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, you'll have the chance to reel in prized catches like Salmon, Trout, and Smallmouth Bass under the moonlight. Captain Sean provides all the necessary gear, so you can focus on the excitement of night fishing. The smaller group size allows for personalized attention and a more intimate outing. While fish aren't guaranteed, hooking one of these powerful species in the darkness will surely get your heart racing. Don't forget your New York State fishing license for this memorable nighttime expedition on Lake Ontario's waters.

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