What fish can I catch on a Lake Ontario charter?

Our Lake Ontario charters target king salmon, steelhead, brown trout, coho salmon, and lake trout depending on the season. King salmon fishing is best from mid-June through September, while brown trout and steelhead run strong April through June and again in the fall.

How much does a fishing charter cost on Lake Ontario?

Our half-day charter is $550, full-day charter is $700, and offshore charter is $800 for up to 4 anglers. Additional anglers are $100 per person, with a maximum of 6 guests per trip. All gear, bait, and fish cleaning are included.

What should I bring on the charter?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, weather-appropriate clothing, a cooler for your catch, food and drinks for the trip, and a valid New York fishing license if you are 16 or older. We provide all fishing equipment, tackle, and bait.

Where does the charter depart from?

Onacona Charters departs from 34 Joy Ln, Irondequoit, NY 14617. We are located on the south shore of Lake Ontario, just minutes from downtown Rochester.

What is your cancellation policy?

We require a deposit to hold your reservation. If weather conditions make it unsafe to fish, we will reschedule your trip at no additional cost. We also offer a catch guarantee — if you don't catch fish, your next trip is free.

What kind of boat is used for the charter?

We fish aboard The Onacona, a 31-foot Baha SportFisherman powered by twin inboard engines. The boat is fully equipped with professional-grade fishing gear, safety equipment, and electronics. It accommodates up to 6 anglers comfortably.

Is Captain Joe Kyle licensed?

Yes. Captain Joe Kyle is a US Navy veteran and has held a United States Coast Guard captain's license since 1984. He has over 40 years of experience fishing Lake Ontario for salmon, trout, and steelhead.

The Onacona Is in the Water — Onacona Charters Lake Ontario

Joe Kyle
15 hours ago
2 min read

If you’ve been waiting for that first hard pull of the season, the wait is over. The Onacona is officially in the water, tuned, rigged, and ready to run seven days a week from mid‑April through September. This is the window when Lake Ontario turns electric — staging kings, roaming steelhead, and the kind of action that makes you forget the rest of the world exists.

With Capt. Joe Kyle, you’re not guessing, hoping, or drifting around looking for marks. You’re fishing with a captain who’s been running these waters for over 30 years, and who backs every trip with the boldest promise on the lake:

Catch fish or don’t pay. No fine print. No excuses. Just fishing done right.

🔥 What’s Biting Right Now?

Lake Ontario is in its prime spring pattern — cold water, aggressive fish, and steady action from the first rod down.

King Salmon: Early‑season kings stack along structure and temperature breaks. They hit hard, run harder, and set the tone for the season.
Steelhead: Fast, high‑flying, and unpredictable — steelhead are pure adrenaline. They’re roaming the upper water column and smashing spoons with attitude.

Q&A: King Salmon & Steelhead on Lake Ontario

Q: When is the best time to fish for King Salmon?

A: Kings fire up from mid‑April through September, with early‑season structure bites, summer deep‑water patterns, and fall feed‑bag monsters. Every month has its own window — and Capt. Joe knows exactly where they’re staging.

Q: What’s the fight like?

A: Kings are freight trains. Long runs, heavy shoulders, and zero quit. Steelhead are the opposite — fast, aerial, and chaotic. If kings test your strength, steelhead test your reflexes.

Q: Do I need to bring gear?

A: Nope. All rods, reels, lures, and tackle are provided. Just show up with weather‑appropriate clothing, sunglasses, and whatever snacks you want.

Q: Is this good for beginners?

A: Absolutely. Capt. Joe coaches newcomers or steps back and lets experienced anglers run their own setups. It’s your boat for the day.

Q: How many days a week does The Onacona run?

A: Seven days a week, April through September — weather permitting.

Q: What happens if we don’t catch fish?

A: You don’t pay. Period. That’s the Onacona guarantee.

Ready to Get on the Water?

The season is short, the fish are moving, and the boat is already filling dates.

Call Capt. Joe: 📞 585‑329‑9994 (Cell) 📞 585‑586‑2948 (Office)

If you want a real trip — not a sightseeing tour — The Onacona is already in the water and waiting.