faqs

The following is a chart for the best times for fishing specific fish. If you are lucky you can catch any one of these fish at any time, but these are the best times they are most likely caught in Lake Ontario.

	Mar.	Apr.	May	Jun.	Jul.	Aug.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.
Brown Trout	.	XXXX	XXXX	XX	XXX	XXXX	XXXX	XX	XXXX
Steelhead	XXXX	XXXX	XXXX	XX	.	.	.	XX	XXXX
Lake Trout	.	XXXX	XXXX	X	XXXX	XXXX	XXXX	.	.
King Salmon	.	.	.	.		XXXX	XXXX		.
Coho Salmon	.	.	.	.		XXXX	XX		.
X=best time to fish, X= peak time within the period

What kind of tackle do I need to fish in Lake Ontario?

Salmon are super strong fish that when hooked make an unstoppable run for 100 to 200 yards. 15 to 20 lb test line with a heavier leader ( up to 50 lb. test) is recommended. Use cross lock swivels, tied on with an improved clinch knot+, and use a large, strong net. All the local tackle shops sell the correct size net. It’s big, but so is a 25 lb. to 40 lb. king salmon.

Can I effectively fish in Lake Ontario in a 14 ft boat?

During May when fishing for walleyes and brown trout close to shore, the small boat with two lines out sometimes out fishes the larger Lake Ontario boats. Again, in September I’ve seen small boats hammer the salmon in front of Salmon River while the larger boats were not enjoying much action. Springtime fishing in Oswego Harbor can also be enjoyed from a small boat. One must use common sense when fishing Lake Ontario and even more so when fishing from a small boat. On calm days stay close to shore and to your port or you may want to trailer you boat to a different area of Lake Ontario where there may be less wind. On windy days fish Sandy Pond, or other safe harbors.

Do I need downriggers to fish in Lake Ontario?

Except for early spring fishing or bass fishing, downriggers are definitely needed for Lake Ontario fishing. Most boats have 4 downriggers and some of the charter boats have more, however the boats fishing with only two downriggers often catch more salmon that the boats with more downriggers. Yes, you read it right. I don’t fully understand it but I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

What are the best lures for catching Lake Ontario Salmon?

During July and early August Northern Kings (NKs) win hands down. From mid August on cut bait takes over. Cut bait is available frozen at most tackle shops. But don’t put those J-plugs away; keep them handy. When you see a J-plug floating on Lake Ontario it’s a good indication that J-plug time has arrived. This happens usually sometime after September 1. Don’t forget to scoop up that J-plug and tie it on tight right away. It’s hot!

The most popular NKs are silver, with either a blue or green stripe, and watermelon. If you use sliders, try a silver NK with an orange stripe. It will pick up brown trout. The most popular J-plugs are the green ladder-back and the silver with the red head (a.k.a. silver bullet with a bloody nose.)

Where can I shop for tackle, gear and information for fishing Lake Ontario?

There are several well-stocked tackle shops run by some wonderful people in Pulaski and Port Ontario. None of them have disappointed us. We have mostly done business with Fat Nancy's in Pulaski NY and Woody’s tackle shop in Port Ontario. Both shops seem to know what’s working in both Lake Ontario and Salmon River and have always steered us right.

What is the most important Lake Ontario fishing tip?

The most important Lake Ontario fishing tip I know is really an observation. Believe me, it works and the results are guaranteed. When you are having one of those fishless, hitless streaks it is easy to confirm that everyone else is too. Just turn on channel 68 and you will hear a lot of moaning and groaning and that no one is getting fish. The reality is someone, somewhere within your fishing range is having a killer day and they’re too busy fishing to talk on the radio. The trick is to not give up and get busy. Change your lures, leader length, leader thickness, distance behind the ball, down rigger depth, trolling speed, trolling direction, location, and keep changing until you find the thing that works. That’s what the fisherman did that was having the killer day and you can have it too!

Are there grocery stores near to the cottages?

There are two grocery stores near our Lake Ontario cottage rentals. One is 4 miles away in Sandy Creek and the other is 10 miles away in Pulaski. There is also a “camp” store on route 3 just 1 mile away which has all of the essentials (i.e. bread, milk, eggs, cereal, newspaper, beer and gas.)

Where can I buy a hunting or fishing license?

You can buy a fishing license at most tackle shops and marinas. Hunting licenses can be purchased at Fat Nancy's on Route 13 in Pulaski, NY and Woody's tackle shop on route 13.

Where can I launch my boat?

There are 3 marinas on Sandy Pond that are close to our Lake Ontario cottage rentals. Upon your arrival we will give you directions or go with you to help you launch your boat.

What linens should I bring.

Sheets and blankets, pillow cases, bath and hand towels, dish towels. We have pillows for each bed.

Do we need to bring drinking water?

The fresh water supplied to the cottage is from a dug well (typical to the area.) These kinds of wells are shallow in comparison to drilled wells and since we are across the street from the golf course (fertilizers) it is recommended to bring drinking water or containers in which to carry drinking water. All of the grocery stores sell water, and in Pulaski there is a public water station where 25¢ will purchase about 3 gallons of delicious Tug Hill spring water.

Our Lake Ontario cottage are three waterfront cottage rentals in New York State. Guests return each year to enjoy family vacations, family reunion vacations, fishing NY’s famous Salmon River, fishing Lake Ontario and Sandy Pond, hunting New York Deer, ducks, geese and wild turkey and to photograph diverse scenery of NY’s Salmon River, Sandy Pond and Lake Ontario. We New York!