Deep Water Fishing in Lake Ontario
Last week I got to participate in an unforgettable deep-water fishing experience with Captain Steve and Reel Mistress Sport Fishing. At 3:30 pm on a sunny Thursday afternoon, myself, Chris, and Andrea from Toronto Bloggers Collective arrived at the Port Whitby Marina, which is located 45 minutes from downtown Toronto and about 90 minutes from Guelph.
Once we settled in and were briefed on boat procedures, Captain Steve steered us out of the marina and onto Lake Ontario.
During the 10-or-so minute ride out to our perfect fishing spot, Captain Steve explained what kind of species we could expect to find in Lake Ontario, “We’ve got rainbow trout, brown trout, all kinds of salmon: chinook, pacific, we got it all out here”.
August is just about the start of the fall salmon fishing season in this area, so we were hoping to go home with a pacific or chinook salmon to put on the BBQ.
All three of us were complete fishing newbies, so Captain Steve took his time explaining the different kinds of bait he was using to lure the salmon to the boat and hopefully get them to bite! He also gave us a crash course on the different types of technology used on fishing boats to identify exactly where the fish are in the water. But, Captain Steve reminded us that technology is never the perfect solution that we all wish it could be, “it can show us where the fish are, but it can’t make ‘em bite!”.
There’s nothing that can make a fish bite other than its own decision to do so. So with 6 rods in the water (you can have 2 rods per person running at a time), we kicked back and relaxed while we waited for our first bite.
Admittedly, I used to think fishing was “boring” because it seemed like nothing more than a waiting game. In my ripe old age of nearly 25, I’ve realized that this waiting game is quite appealing. As the four of us chatted on the boat and soaked up the Ontario summer sunshine, I began to realize that this is why people love fishing. Catching fish is definitely a thrill, but enjoying the peace and tranquility that comes with being on the water is such a nice break from our fast-paced lives.
"I come out fishing because it's better than being on land."
Captain Steve
Our peace and tranquility were interrupted fairly early into our charter when one of the rods began shaking and we all jumped into action.
Pulling a fish out of deep water is no easy feat! It’s quite the workout. Just check out Andrea at work to bring this fish up!
Captain Steve managed to get a couple more salmon to bite for us this day and of course, we all posed for a victory shot with our catches.
Check out this guy that came in at nearly 17 pounds!
Best of all, we didn’t just get to take home a photo. Captain Steve kindly fileted our catch onboard so that we could take home to enjoy our own hard-earned salmon dinners!
After enjoying an action-packed 6 hours on the water, we watched the sun dip into Lake Ontario behind the CN Tower skyline, before heading back into port and calling it a day.
I know that Ontario may not immediately come to mind when you think of a summer fishing adventure, but if there’s ever been a time to uncover the beautiful hidden gems of this province, it’s now.
I’ve always said that fishermen are the greatest storytellers on earth, and that includes those right here in Ontario. There is plenty of fun to be had on the lake if you’re willing to give it a shot!
Captain Steve offers fishing charters for all skill levels a few times a week, with two different time slots to accommodate your schedule. You can choose to head out in the early morning or at 3:30 pm to catch the sunset on the way in.
Learn more about Captain Steve and Reel Mistress Sport Fishing HERE.
What you need to know about fishing in Ontario
1. You need a fishing license
Licenses can be purchased online and are required for each individual who will be fishing, even if you’re just going out on a single day charter. You’ll need to purchase an Outdoors Card (valid for three years) and Fishing License (valid for one to three years). Or, if you are only interested in one day trip, you can buy a single day sport fishing license for about $12 online.
2. There are different rules for different zones
Ontario has 20 Fisheries Management Zones that have different rules regarding bait restrictions, species exemptions, and take limits. If you’re going out on your own, be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific rules for the zone you’ll be fishing in. If you’re going on a charter, your captain should be aware of this information and make sure everyone is fishing in accordance with the law.
3. The water might be rough
Make sure to plan ahead if you get seasick easily. You may not expect lakes to experience waves the same way that the ocean does, but the Great Lakes are very powerful bodies of water. Thankfully, on the day that we went fishing, Lake Ontario blessed us with a glassy and flat day, but it’s not always like this. If you’re prone to seasickness, take a Gravol or other anti-nausea medication about an hour before you hit the water.
4. You'll need to pack accordingly
The last thing you want to do is have to cut your fishing adventure short because you left something onshore. Most fishing charters last about 6 hours or longer, so plan to be on the boat for most of the day and pack accordingly. Make sure to bring snacks or a lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, and anything else you might need for a day on the water.
5. The Ontario Government has a “Learn to Fish” program
This is an annual program that introduces kids, teens, and adults to fishing. For the 2020 season, their programming has moved online and can be accessed HERE.
More FAQ’s about lake fishing
What kind of fish can you catch in Lake Ontario?
Lake Ontario is home to several different species including rainbow trout, walleye, and perch. But it’s most famous for its salmon fishery. Among the many species present, the chinook or pacific salmon are the kings in these waters, many topping the scales at well over 30 pounds.
Is it sustainable to fish in Lake Ontario?
Yes. The Lake fishery is supported by several hatcheries, which stock over 5,000,000 salmon and trout per year to help rehabilitate native species populations and to maintain or enhance angling opportunities.
You can learn more about Great Lakes hatcheries HERE.
Is it safe to eat lake fish?
Yes. Many, many years ago people were warned not to eat lake fish because of the high level of pollutants in the Great Lakes. The lakes have since undergone extensive rehabilitation and there are not as many concerns about pollutants as there once were. With that being said, the Government of Ontario does advise “limiting consumption” of lake fish relative to the amount of fish you consume regularly. Like most things in life, lake fish is best consumed in moderation.
You can access the Government of Ontario guide for eating lake fish HERE.
I've never been fishing before.
Neither had I until this trip! Several charters on Lake Ontario take out fishers of all skill levels, including beginners. You can even bring your kids! It’ll be an end of summer adventure that they’ll never forget.
Captain Steve of Reel Mistress Sport Fishing takes out fishers of all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned pro or never been out on the water before. If you are a newbie, Captain Steve will take the time to teach you everything you need to know about lake fishing, from the bait used to the proper technique to reel in a big fish. Plus, he was just dang good company. We all had an absolute blast out on the water!
I want to humbly thank York Durham Headwaters and Toronto Bloggers Collective for hosting me as media. All opinions are completely my own. Below, I’d love to know in the comments if you’ve ever been fishing in Ontario and your thoughts! Or, just your general thoughts on fishing in Ontario! I respond to each and every comment personally.