Imagine the scene: you’re at the back of a kayak, gliding through the cool waters of eastern Lake Ontario. With your 8 ½-foot downrigger rod in hand, you’re targeting the cold depths of the lake, about 150 feet down, where the elusive cold-water fish dwell. The tension in your line tells you that something big is pulling—possibly several species—but your Okuma Convector line counter reads a surprising 175 feet. Whatever’s on the end of that line is big.
The fish fights to stay near the bottom, where it feels more secure, using the depths to its advantage in an attempt to escape. After a grueling ten-minute battle, the fish finally breaks the surface—a massive lake trout, over 20 pounds and nearly 38 inches long. It’s the kind of catch every angler dreams of.
This isn’t a rare occurrence, though. In Henderson Harbor, a hotspot for this type of fishing, anglers can chase these “Giant Lakers” all year round. If you’re eager to land one of these impressive fish, here’s what you need to know about the best spots and techniques to reel in your catch.
In the 1980s, anglers fishing the shoreline south of Henderson Harbor often found success catching lake trout in shallow waters.
However, it was challenging to target brown trout, as lake trout were abundant and competing for the same spaces.
Over time, the lake trout strains that had once frequented these shallow areas during spring were phased out, and anglers stopped targeting them in these zones.
In recent years, however, some lake trout have begun to reappear in the shallow waters during the spring fishery.
Lake trout thrive in temperatures between the low to mid 40s and are known for their toughness in these cold conditions.
During this time, the best approach for catching them is trolling body baits or spoons from planer boards.
Anglers should focus on covering large areas quickly by trolling at speeds over 3 knots, as lake trout in colder waters are aggressive and will chase down fast-moving baits.
The most productive areas are often where river or stream tributaries feeding into the lake.
These zones spill turbid waters into the lake, providing cover for lake trout to hunt. The suspended aquatic organisms in the flow also attract baitfish, creating an ideal feeding ground for the trout.
While shoreline lake trout are less abundant than brown trout in shallow water, they can offer a thrilling alternative for spring anglers looking for a change of pace.
Lake Ontario’s Shipping Lanes are renowned for producing king salmon in July, but many anglers may not realize that this area is also the prime destination for lake trout fishing during May and June.
Targeting lake trout along the steep southern edge of the Shipping Lane wall is a reliable strategy, as baitfish tend to stack up in this region throughout spring and early summer.
These baitfish attract lake trout from across the eastern basin plateau, making concentration crucial when deep trolling along this underwater ravine, as many anglers have lost terminal tackle to the wall’s steep drop-offs.
To fish for lake trout in deep waters, use electronics to locate them, typically between 90 to 125 feet along the wall’s contour. Position your boat in deeper waters, and pre-load downriggers to the depths where the fish have been located. This allows for a more efficient presentation, with baits positioned at a shallow angle along the wall.
When a lake trout strikes, carefully steer away from the wall to fight the fish in deeper waters. After landing the fish, reset the downriggers and repeat the process.
From July to September, lake trout are spread throughout the eastern basin of Lake Ontario.
However, “The Finger” off Stony Point is a key location that anglers should target. This underwater structure is a known hotspot for large lake trout, particularly when fishing around its depths of about 137 feet.
The best LORAN position for this area is 15855.0/60155.0, which is situated directly in front of the plateau.
The Finger provides a reliable and consistent fishing opportunity, with lake trout often congregating in these areas for both feeding and shelter.
To effectively target lake trout, slow trolling with Cowbells and Spin-N-Glo combinations near the bottom is recommended.
Typically, subsurface currents will require anglers to fish at speeds below 1.5 knots on the surface.
It’s important to remember that larger lake trout tend to be lethargic during the hot summer months and will exert minimal energy to feed. Presenting a slow-spinning bait just in front of their noses can sometimes elicit the desired response from these sluggish giants.
Over the past three years, the demand for quality lake trout gear has surged, prompting Northern King to introduce their line of Northern King Lake Trolls, affectionately known as “Cowbells.”
These Lake Trolls feature five-inch willow blades and a 30-inch leader with connection points at each end.
Created in the U.S.A. from durable materials, they are designed to withstand the rigors of heavy fishing pressure. Distaffen reports that interest in this product line has tripled in just three years, and the company now offers a dozen different color schemes.
In addition to Northern King, the Yakima Bait Company offers Wobble Trolls and Spin-N-Glo’s that are popular among lake trout fishermen, especially when paired with Cowbells.
Available in two sizes—one inch and one and a quarter inches—the Wobble Trolls have been successfully utilized by the Saiff Charter team in their pursuit of lake trout.
Their side-to-side shaking action mimics the movement of deep-water sculpin, one of the primary forage fish for lake trout.
While the Cowbells attract the trout, the Wobble Troll is responsible for securing the bite.
Over the years, the Saiff fleet has continuously refined their approach, currently running their Wobble Trolls and Spin-N-Glo’s 32 inches behind the attractor for optimal results. This combination of effective lures is essential for anglers seeking success on Lake Ontario’s rich waters.
While Spin-N-Glo lures may lack the side-to-side shaking action of a Wobble Troll, their rotating wings prove to be equally effective.
Available in an overwhelming array of colors and sizes, Spin-N-Glo’s can cater to virtually any fishing scenario.
A popular tactic among eastern basin anglers is to mix and match different sizes and colors to create customized trolling combinations.
For optimal performance, use number 4 or number 2 hardened trebles behind these baits. Remember, a large lake trout doesn’t always go for big bait, so quality hooks are essential for securing a connection to these giants.
While spring and summer are popular for lake trout fishing, fall and winter present unique opportunities for anglers seeking these cold-water giants.
As temperatures drop, lake trout move into even deeper waters, often found between 120 to 160 feet deep, where they continue to thrive in near-freezing conditions.
These colder months offer a chance to catch lake trout that are less pressured by crowds of other anglers, making it a prime time for serious fishermen.
To maximize your success during the colder months, use a slower trolling speed to accommodate the sluggish feeding patterns of lake trout.
Presenting baits like larger spoons, glow-in-the-dark lures, or weighted attractors can trigger strikes from dormant fish that are less active but still willing to bite.
In late fall, lake trout can be found in deeper, more stable water near drop-offs and submerged structures, such as the deep basins around the Finger area or along the contours of the lake’s eastern and western shelves. These areas are rich in baitfish, making them ideal spots to find feeding trout.
One of the key factors in winter fishing for lake trout is adjusting to the cold and fishing in less-than-ideal weather conditions.
Ice can be a concern, especially in shallow waters, but if you’re fishing from a boat, be prepared for rough conditions. The colder water temperatures can require heavier tackle to keep your baits at the desired depth, and anglers should also use sonar or a fish finder to track schools of baitfish, which will lead them to the trout.
For those brave enough to endure the chill of winter fishing, the payoff can be huge, with the potential to hook into lake trout that have been feeding heavily during the fall.
When a cold front moves in, lake trout often become more sluggish and less likely to strike, especially in the days immediately following the front.
However, as the pressure stabilizes or begins to rise, lake trout become more active and willing to chase down baits.
On the flip side, a rapid drop in barometric pressure, such as before a storm, often triggers an aggressive feeding frenzy.
Anglers should take advantage of these conditions by increasing trolling speeds and targeting deeper waters, where fish are more likely to be feeding heavily.
Wind and cloud cover can be a blessing when fishing for lake trout, as they provide cover and often reduce the amount of light penetrating the water.
Lake trout, like other predatory fish, are more inclined to move closer to the surface in overcast or windy conditions, where they feel less exposed.
During these times, trolling at slightly higher speeds can be effective as fish are often more willing to chase after fast-moving baits.
It’s also a good idea to focus on areas where currents or wind-driven water movements create eddies or other disturbance patterns, as these areas tend to concentrate baitfish, drawing in lake trout.
On calm, clear days, lake trout can become more skittish and less likely to strike.
When fishing under these conditions, it’s often better to slow down your trolling speed and focus on deeper, cooler waters.
The fish are likely to be more cautious and less inclined to chase fast-moving lures. To adapt, use more subtle presentations like smaller spoons or slow-moving attractors to entice a strike from these wary fish.
Lake Ontario is known for producing lake trout over 20 pounds, with some impressive catches reported from Henderson Harbor during the summer months.
Notably, one massive laker caught aboard Captain Scott Lennox’s boat weighed in at over 38 pounds. Lake trout are a slow-growing, cold-water species, capable of living up to 60 years, which means there are plenty of sizable fish in these waters.
The future looks promising for trophy hunting, and practicing catch and release for these magnificent lakers will help cultivate a trophy fishery that anglers across North America will envy. It’s time for lake trout to reclaim their rightful place as a premier target in Lake Ontario angling.
Capt. Bill Saiff III owns and operates the Saiff Charter Fleet in Henderson Harbor, NY. For more information, visit the team online at BillSaiffOutdoors.com.
This article has been revised by Daniel O’Neill, an experienced angler and writer, to ensure its continued relevance and accuracy. As a result, it may no longer reflect the original author’s views or intentions.
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