Planning a Lake Ontario fishing trip? Check out our FAQs for everything you need to know about gear, safety, and booking with Wicked Bank Charters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can we fish?
We operate from May until the end of October offering a long season to fit in your trip. Whether you’re coming down specifically to fish or you are looking for that special add-on to your visit to Prince Edward County, we’re here to show you The County by water.
What types of fish can we catch?
On our charters, you can catch Chinook salmon, coho salmon, Atlantic salmon, Lake trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. In the fall, we also offer walleye trips in the Bay of Quinte in the spring & fall.
What should I bring on the trip?
For your fishing charter, you only need to bring a valid fishing license and any drinks or snacks you wish to enjoy. Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses.
I don’t have a fishing license, where can I get one?
Fishing licenses in Ontario are available online from Hunt & Fish Ontario or in person at any Service Ontario location. One-Day fishing licenses can be purchased at Canadian Tire Stores or many convenience stores in the area.
How many fish can we catch?
With a Sport Fishing license or your 1-day license, you can keep 5 fish each. With a conservation license you are allowed to keep 2. Your limit is an aggregate of all trout & salmon species.
Where do you depart from?
From June 1 to Sept 1, we leave from the Quinte’s Isle Marina at 237 Salmon Point Rd, Cherry Valley, ON. There is a store and restaurant there. As well, Camping, RV sites and Cottage Rentals are available on site. Contact Quinte’s Isle Campark to book your stay.
In the Spring and fall, we move to one of the marinas on the Bay of Quinte on the hunt for Walleye.
How long are the fishing charters?
We offer half-day charters lasting 6 hours and full-day charters lasting 10 hours. Sightseeing tours run for 2 hours.
Is the boat equipped for comfort?
Yes, our vessel, “Dirty Patricia,” is a fully outfitted 24ft Bayliner 2359 with a comfortable cabin, and bathroom facilities ensuring a pleasant experience during your fishing trip.
Can I book a charter for a group?
Absolutely! Our charters can accommodate groups up to 4 people, making it a perfect outing for friends or family. We ensure everyone has a great time fishing together, creating lasting memories.
Does EVERYONE need a fishing license? No.
- Youth Under 18 and Seniors Over 65: You can fish without an Outdoors Card or license, but you must carry identification with your name and date of birth.
- Veterans and Armed Forces Members: Ontario residents in these groups can fish without a license by carrying recognized service ID.
Fish Species And Seasons
Lake Ontario has a vibrant sport fishery, there’s always something to catch!
01
Chinook (King) Salmon
The Vibe: The undisputed heavyweight champion of Lake Ontario. If you want a reel-screaming, arm-burning fight, this is your fish.
The Life: Known for their “smash and grab” strikes, Kings are the largest Pacific salmon in the lake, often topping 30+ lbs.
The Season: Prime time is July through September. They move from the deep blue toward the staging areas as they prep for their fall run.
Fun Fact: We call them “Kings” for a reason—they don’t nibble; they declare war on your gear. Roughly 1.7 million are stocked annually in Lake Ontario to keep the crown heavy.
02
Coho (Silver) Salmon
The Vibe: The acrobatic cousins of the Chinook. They are famous for erratic, high-speed runs and mid-air flips.
The Life: They travel in large schools, meaning when you hit one, you usually hit five. They are arguably the best-tasting salmon in the lake.
The Season: Best in late summer and early fall (August–October), though they can be found prowling the shorelines in early spring.
Fun Fact: Cohos have serious commitment issues—they’ll chase a lure all the way to the back of the boat just to spit it out and wave goodbye.
03
Atlantic Salmon
The Vibe: The “Lakers of Legend.” Once native to the lake and now back via a massive restoration effort, these are the ultimate prize for the refined angler.
The Life: Unlike Pacific salmon, Atlantics can survive spawning and return to the lake to grow even larger.
The Season: Targeted mostly in late spring and early summer (May–June) when they are shallow and active.
Fun Fact: They are the ultimate “gym rats” of the lake—leaping higher and fighting longer than almost any other trout or salmon.
04
Rainbow Trout (Steelhead)
The Vibe: The high-flying superstars. If a Steelhead isn’t spends half the fight out of the water, it’s having an off day.
The Life: These are “silver bullets” in the open lake, turning into vibrant, pink-striped warriors as they head toward the tributaries.
The Season: Available year-round, but the offshore “scum line” fishing in June and July provides some of the most visual, exciting action.
Fun Fact: They have a GPS built into their heads. Steelhead can travel hundreds of miles across the lake only to find the exact same stream where they were born.
05
Lake Trout
The Vibe: The reliable “Old Guard.” When the surface is too warm for others, the Lakers are waiting in the basement.
The Life: These are the lake’s true natives. They grow slowly, live long, and stay deep in the cold, 42-degree water.
The Season: Consistent action from May through September.
Fun Fact: They are the “lazy fighters” until they see the boat—then they use their massive girth to try and dive straight back to the bottom. Some Lake Ontario specimens are over 20 years old!
06
Brown Trout
The Vibe: The shoreline brawlers. They are smart, wary, and love to hang out exactly where the waves hit the rocks.
The Life: Browns are famous for their beautiful gold-and-butter coloring and their preference for “structure” and shallow cover.
The Season: April and May are peak months for “shoreline trolling,” though they can be caught all year.
Fun Fact: Brown trout are the “Einsteins” of the lake. If your lure isn’t swimming perfectly, they’ll just follow it and judge your technique without ever biting.
Let’s Go Fishing!
✓ Fun for all ages
✓ experience of a lifetime