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Lake Ontario Summer LOC Derby Fishing Trip
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- New York
- $400 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: October 4, 2025
Summary
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Derby Day Catches
Bait, cast, catch – NY delivers
Reel moments in the Empire State
From NYC docks to Adirondack lakes
Hooked on NY’s freshwater fishing fun
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Finger Lakes fish, memories made
Lunkers lurking in New York depths
Reeling it in, New York-style
Walleye days and New York nights
Bait, cast, catch – NY delivers
Reel moments in the Empire State
From NYC docks to Adirondack lakes
Hooked on NY’s freshwater fishing fun
null
null
Finger Lakes fish, memories made
Lunkers lurking in New York depths
Reeling it in, New York-style
Walleye days and New York nights
Bait, cast, catch – NY delivers
Reel moments in the Empire State
From NYC docks to Adirondack lakes
Hooked on NY’s freshwater fishing fun
Summer LOC Derby: Epic Lake Ontario Fishing
Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime on Lake Ontario! Our Summer LOC Derby charter is your ticket to landing monster Chinook salmon and lake trout while competing for serious prize money. We'll hit the water at the crack of dawn, armed with top-notch gear and decades of local knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, this 6-hour adventure promises heart-pounding action and the chance to earn bragging rights on the derby leaderboard.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll meet you at the dock at 5:30 AM, coffee in hand, ready to chase the big ones. Our 28-foot offshore beast is equipped with downriggers, planer boards, and a full spread of rods to maximize our chances. As we cruise out to the honey holes, you'll learn about the day's game plan and how to work the gear. Once lines are in, it's all hands on deck! We'll be trolling the cool, deep waters where the trophy fish hang out. When that reel starts screaming, be ready for the fight of your life – these Lake Ontario bruisers don't give up easy!
Trolling Tactics & Derby Details
Trolling is the name of the game for landing the big boys during the LOC Derby. We'll be running a mix of spoons, flasher-fly combos, and cut bait to entice strikes from salmon and trout lurking in the thermocline. Our captain will be constantly adjusting depths and speeds based on water temps and fish finder readings. The LOC Derby runs from June 28 to July 27, giving us prime time to target fish that have packed on weight all spring. With over $29,000 in cash prizes up for grabs, every fish could be the one that puts you on the board. We'll measure and document any potential winners right on the boat.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Chinook Salmon: The king of Great Lakes fishing, Chinooks (or "kings") are the prime target during the Summer LOC Derby. These brutes can top 30 pounds and put up an incredible fight. They're most active in the cooler morning hours, often hanging in the 50-80 foot range. When a king hits, hold on tight – their initial run can peel off 100 yards of line in seconds! The satisfaction of boating a trophy Chinook is hard to beat, and it could land you a serious payday in the derby.
Lake Trout: While they might play second fiddle to salmon in the derby, don't sleep on Lake Ontario's lakers. These deep-water predators can push 20 pounds and beyond. They tend to hug the bottom in 80-120 feet of water, so we'll be using heavy gear to get down to them. Lake trout are known for their hard-pulling, dogged fights. They're not as flashy as salmon, but their stamina will test even experienced anglers. Plus, they make for excellent eating if you want to take some home for the grill.
Brown Trout: Although not one of our primary targets, hooking into a big brown trout is always a treat. These fish are known for their stunning colors and acrobatic fights. Browns tend to hang closer to shore than our other targets, so we might encounter them as we're heading out to deeper water. They average 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. Landing a trophy brown could definitely put you in contention for derby prizes.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
The Summer LOC Derby isn't just about the fishing – it's about the whole experience. There's nothing like the anticipation as we scan the horizon at dawn, waiting for that first rod to go off. The camaraderie built while taking turns on the rods, sharing stories, and cheering each other on creates memories that last a lifetime. And let's be honest, the competitive edge of the derby adds an extra layer of excitement to every bite. Whether you're a local or traveling from out of state, this trip offers a unique chance to test your skills against both the fish and fellow anglers.
Time to Book Your Spot
Don't miss your shot at Lake Ontario glory during the Summer LOC Derby! With our expert guidance, top-of-the-line equipment, and insider knowledge of the lake's hotspots, you'll be in prime position to land that winning fish. Remember, we're limited to 4 anglers per trip to ensure everyone gets plenty of action. The $600 price tag for up to 4 people is a steal when you consider the potential payoff – both in prize money and unforgettable memories. Plus, with free cancellation up to 7 days out, you can book with confidence. The derby only runs for a month, so spots fill up fast. Check our availability calendar and lock in your date now. It's time to get out there and show Lake Ontario who's boss!
Learn more about the species
Chinook Salmon
Lake Ontario's Chinook salmon are the big boys of the Great Lakes, often hitting 20-30 pounds. These powerful fish spend most of their time in deep, cold water, but come up to feed in low light. We target them by trolling with downriggers, usually 30-80 feet down. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but summer can be hot too if you know where to look. Chinooks put up an epic fight - you'll feel every head shake and run. Their rich, orange flesh makes for some of the best eating around. If you're after a trophy, focus on mature fish in the pre-spawn period. My top tip? Use cut bait like herring or alewife when the bite's tough. These kings can't resist the scent trail.
Lake Trout
Lake trout are the true giants of Lake Ontario, with 20-pounders common and 30+ possible. These deep-water natives spend most of their time suspended over the lake's abyss, often 100+ feet down. We target them by trolling with downriggers or fishing cut bait near the bottom. Spring and fall are best, when they move shallower. Lake trout fights are more about steady pressure than quick runs, but landing a big one is always a thrill. Their firm, pink flesh is excellent smoked or grilled. For a real challenge, try jigging heavy spoons over deep structure - the bite is subtle, but the payoff is worth it. Pro tip: use scent attractants on your lures. In the cold, deep water, lakers rely on smell as much as sight to find food.
Walleye
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario fishing. These golden-eyed predators typically run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't unheard of. You'll find them hanging around rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually in 15-30 feet of water. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, but cloudy days can be great too. Walleye put up a decent fight, but the real draw is their taste - there's nothing like fresh walleye for shore lunch. Spring and fall are your best bets, when they're in shallower water. To up your odds, try slow-trolling with bottom bouncers and nightcrawler harnesses. And here's a local secret: on calm nights, try casting suspending jerkbaits near underwater points. The action can be non-stop.
About the Ah Shore Thing Fishing Charter
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7
Manufacturer Name: Yahmaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
