Lake Ontario Summer LOC Derby Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

New York
$400 - $1,000 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious fishing action on Lake Ontario? This 6-hour trip with Ah Shore Thing Fishing Charters is your ticket to the Summer LOC Derby. We'll hit the water at 6 AM, chasing after lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon. It's not just about the catch – you've got a shot at winning derby prize money and getting your name on the leaderboard. The trip runs from June 28 to July 27, perfect for summer fishing fans. We can take up to 4 people, so bring your crew along. At $600 for the group, it's a solid deal for a private offshore adventure. Don't worry about committing too early – you can cancel for free up to a week before. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers a real taste of Lake Ontario fishing. We'll provide the gear and know-how, you bring the enthusiasm. Let's see what we can reel in!

Lake Ontario Summer LOC Derby Fishing Trip

Big Catches on Ontario

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Anglers fishing in Altmar with a large 26-inch catch

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Finger Lakes fish, memories made

Lunkers lurking in New York depths

Summer LOC Derby: Your Shot at Glory on Lake Ontario

Ready to test your angling skills against the best? Our Summer LOC Derby trip is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Lake Ontario. We're talking 6 hours of non-stop excitement, chasing after trophy-sized trout and salmon. This isn't just another day on the water – it's your chance to land a monster catch and maybe even walk away with some cold, hard cash. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the lake!

Trip Rundown

Picture this: You're out on Lake Ontario as the sun's coming up, coffee in hand, surrounded by that early morning mist. That's how we kick off our 6-hour Summer LOC Derby adventure. We leave the dock at 6 AM sharp, so you night owls might want to set an extra alarm. This special trip runs from June 28 to July 27, right in the sweet spot of summer when the big ones are biting. For $600, you and up to three buddies can join in on the action. And hey, if plans change, no sweat – you can cancel for free up to a week before. Just remember, we're chasing more than fish here. We're after bragging rights, prize money, and a spot on that coveted LOC derby leaderboard. It's go big or go home on this trip!

Reeling in the Big Ones

Alright, let's talk strategy. On this trip, we're not messing around with bobbers and worms. We're going full-throttle with downriggers, planer boards, and a spread of lures that'll make any fish's mouth water. We'll be trolling mostly, covering serious water to find where the lunkers are hiding. Keep your eyes peeled for those telltale marks on the fish finder – that could be your next trophy catch! We'll be using heavy-duty gear, so when a big Chinook hits, you'll feel like you've hooked a freight train. Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing; we'll show you the ropes. Just be ready for some serious arm workout when it's your turn on the rod!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the stars of our show, starting with the king of Great Lakes salmon – the Chinook. These bad boys can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, and they fight like their lives depend on it (because, well, they do). Summer's prime time for Chinooks, when they're packing on weight before their spawning run. They're not called "king salmon" for nothing – landing one of these is a real feather in any angler's cap.

Next up, we've got lake trout. These deep-water denizens are the marathon runners of the fish world. They might not leap like salmon, but they've got stamina for days. Expect a long, drawn-out battle that'll test your endurance. Lake trout in Ontario can grow to impressive sizes, with some topping 20 pounds. They're known for their rich, flavorful meat, making them a prized catch for the dinner table.

Last but not least, there's the walleye. Now, these might not be the main target for the derby, but if we stumble across a school, you're in for a treat. Walleye are known as "marble eyes" for their distinctive, glassy stare, and they're considered one of the best-tasting freshwater fish out there. They tend to hang out in deeper water during the day, so we might pick up a few while trolling for the bigger game. Don't underestimate these guys – a big walleye can put up one heck of a fight!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been running charters on Lake Ontario for years, and I can tell you – there's something special about derby season. The excitement in the air is palpable. Every time that rod bends, it could be the fish that puts you on the leaderboard. I've seen grown men jump for joy like kids on Christmas morning when they land a big one. And let's not forget the friendly competition – nothing beats the good-natured ribbing between boats as we all try to one-up each other. But at the end of the day, win or lose, it's about the stories you'll take home. Trust me, you'll be reliving this trip at every barbecue for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. Our Summer LOC Derby trips fill up faster than a salmon hits a spoon. If you're itching to feel the rush of battling a monster Lake Ontario fish, don't wait around. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to add another trophy to your wall or a newbie ready to catch the fishing bug, this trip's got your name on it. Remember, it's not just about the fish – it's about the experience, the camaraderie, and hey, maybe even a shot at some serious prize money. So what are you waiting for? Check those dates, round up your crew, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Book now, and I'll see you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Lake trout are the big dogs of the char family, often hitting 15-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 70. You'll find these guys hanging out in the deep, cold parts of Lake Ontario where the water's nice and oxygen-rich. They're not fast growers, but they make up for it in size and fight. These fish like it chilly, so we usually target them in spring right after ice-out when they're in shallower water. As summer heats up, they head deep - sometimes over 100 feet down. Overcast days are prime time, as lake trout aren't fans of bright light. Jigging is the way to go for lakers. I like using Rapala Jigging Raps or soft plastics that mimic injured baitfish. Work 'em slow and steady near the bottom. If you're lucky enough to hook one, get ready for a battle - these fish pull hard and don't give up easy. Folks love chasing lake trout for the challenge and the potential for a real trophy. Plus, they're great eating if you decide to keep one. My top tip: Use your fish finder to locate schools of baitfish. Where there's bait, there's usually lakers nearby.

Lake Trout

Chinook salmon, or kings, are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario, often topping 20-30 pounds. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs are known for their hard fights and tasty pink flesh. You'll find Chinooks in open water, usually 30-100 feet down. They follow baitfish schools, so finding the bait is key. In summer, look for them near temperature breaks or underwater structures that concentrate prey. Late summer and early fall are prime time as Chinooks start their spawning runs. That's when we get some of our biggest fish in shallower water. Spring can be good too, as they chase alewives near the surface. Trolling is the most effective method. We'll run a mix of spoons, plugs, and cut bait at various depths. Downriggers help get lures to the right zone. When a king hits, hang on tight - they're famous for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Anglers target Chinooks for their size, fight, and eating quality. It's hard to beat the thrill of a big king peeling line off your reel. Pro tip: Use larger lures and bait in fall. Big pre-spawn kings are aggressive and will smash oversized offerings.

Walleye

Walleye are the night owls of Lake Ontario, usually hanging out in deeper water during the day and moving shallow to feed at dusk. They're not huge - most run 15-20 inches - but they're prized for their tasty, flaky white meat. Look for walleye around structure like rocky points, drop-offs, and weed edges. They prefer sand or gravel bottoms. In rivers, they'll hold in deep holes and move to shallows to feed. Spring and fall are peak walleye seasons when water temps are in the 50s-60s. They're less active in summer heat, so focus on dawn and dusk fishing then. Night fishing can be killer too - their eyes reflect light, giving them an edge in low visibility. Trolling with crankbaits or bottom-bouncing with live bait rigs are go-to techniques. Minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches are top live bait choices. Walleye have a light bite, so stay alert. Anglers love walleye for the challenge of finding them and their excellent table fare. Here's a local trick: Try vertical jigging with a minnow-tipped jig in deeper water. The combo of flash and scent can trigger strikes when other methods fail.

About the Ah Shore Thing Fishing Charter

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7

Manufacturer Name: Yahmaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for some serious fishing action on Lake Ontario? Join us for a 6-hour Summer LOC Derby trip that'll have you chasing big catches and even bigger prizes. We'll set out at 6 AM, giving you prime time to reel in lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, and Chinook salmon. With a shot at LOC derby prize money and a spot on the leaderboard, this isn't your average fishing trip. Our boat comfortably fits up to 4 people, so grab your crew and get ready for a day on the water. Running from June 28 to July 27, it's the perfect summer adventure. At $600 for the group, it's a great deal for a private trip. Plus, with free cancellation up to a week before, you can book without worry. Check out the available dates and snag your spot for this awesome Lake Ontario fishing experience!

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