Discover the pinnacle of angler’s paradise on the serene waters of Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte! Spring ushers in a surge of excitement as March and April present heart-pounding opportunities for Lake Trout, particularly around Kingston and Bath. Whether breaking through the ice in mid-March, courtesy of the icebreaker, or navigating ice-free waters during milder winters, our pursuit of these formidable 7-10 pound fish—with the chance to reel in 25+ pound giants—promises a challenge like no other. Join us for an unparalleled angling experience, where the pursuit of Lake Trout becomes a thrilling adventure against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario and Quinte’s tranquil waters.
With lake trout making their way to deeper waters, our attention turns to the exciting pursuit of pre-spawn Smallmouth Bass and Largemouth Bass until May 10th. Lake Ontario, specifically outside Kingston and Bath, becomes the focus for Smallmouth Bass, while the Bay of Quinte, with its shallower depths and lush weed beds, becomes the prime location for targeting Largemouth Bass. It’s crucial to practice catch-and-release during this period, as these bass are at their largest size of the season, often carrying precious eggs. The fish are in their prime, boasting their largest size of the season and often carrying eggs, adding an extra layer of excitement and challenge to this exhilarating fishing experience.
(All Images taken below are screenshots from video captures)
Brace yourself for the unfolding excitement as the season progresses, heralding the exhilarating pursuit of Northern Pike and Walleye (or as some refer to them Pickerel) commencing on the first weekend in May. During this period, we encounter a bountiful supply of eater-size Walleye, alongside occasional large breeders that linger in the bay. The larger female Walleye typically migrate back to Lake Ontario, while the bay becomes a hotspot for catching numerous 1-4 pound walleye throughout the summer months. Simultaneously, Northern Pike season kicks off, presenting an opportunity to target some of the season’s biggest Northern Pike in shallow waters. With average Northern Pike weighing between 5-7 pounds on Lake Ontario, anglers can anticipate the occasional thrill of reeling in monster fish, with the chance at boasting impressive sizes ranging from 10-20 pounds.
Get ready for the excitement as Largemouth Bass season officially opens on the third Saturday in May, inviting anglers to pursue these captivating fish in the stunning waters of Bay of Quinte. Spanning from Trenton to Belleville, Deseronto, down to Picton, and seamlessly connecting to Lake Ontario at the Glenora Ferry, the bay emerges as a prime location for lively Largemouth Bass action. Typically, anglers can anticipate encounters with Largemouth Bass averaging around 2-3 pounds, with the occasional thrill of landing larger specimens reaching 5-6 pounds.
While Smallmouth Bass enthusiasts eagerly await their turn on the first Saturday in July, extending until October. These fish are caught on the bigger parts of Lake Ontario that we launch out from in Kingston and Bath. These fish are caught from shallow crystal clear waters and can even be sight fished, which is when you have your chance at some of the biggest fish of the season. They also fight like crazy and are known to jump several feet in the air while hooked. As the season progresses into late-August and September, these fish transition to deeper waters were electronics like Garmin livescope are essential to give you the best odds. Smallmouth Bass in Lake Ontario usually average around 1-3 pounds but if its your lucky day it’s not uncommon for this incredible fishery of Lake Ontario to produce multiple fish in a day in the 4-6 pound range. In fact in the tournaments held on these waters you often need four or five 5 pound bass to be competitive. Eastern Lake Ontario may actually be the best small mouth fishery in the world. Come out and experience it sometime.
Embrace the challenge of trophy Walleye fishing in the later months willing to brave the elements in hopes of the fish of a lifetime. This fascinating migration happens over serveral month where these Walleye start traveling from the southside of Prince Edward County around September, making their way to Adolphus Reach in October and November. By November and December, these colossal 10+ pound Walleye that are full of almost mature eggs can be found almost anywhere from one end of the Bay of Quinte to the other. These fish move regularly so trolling deep diving crankbaits on planer boards and covering water has proven to be the most effective way to target these fish in the fall and people travel from far and wide for there chance at a trophy. If a trophy is what you are looking for the Fall is the time to come down and target these fish and is definitely your best chance at a 10+ pound trophy with these wintering Walleye are staging for the upcoming spring spawn.
As the larger Walleye from Lake Ontario migrate in, it is not uncommon to have days where anglers can expect to encounter fish averaging around 4-6 pounds, with those 10-plus pound trophy fish becoming increasingly more common as the season progresses. The potential for breaking the Ontario record for Walleye on Bay of Quinte is not out of touch with reality, especially with occasional catches of 15+ pound fish. Will you be the one to reel in the fish that surpasses the current Ontario Walleye Record of 22.25 pounds?
Amidst the bounty of prized catches, anglers can anticipate encounters with other common species like Freshwater Drum (also known to many an sheephead) injecting variety and excitement into every expedition. When you hook into one of these drum, the sheer strength they exhibit will make you believe you’ve hooked up with the largest walleye of your life; they peel drag like a salmon, leaving you with sore arms and a memorable battle. While many consider these fish unsuitable for consumption, they make for an exhilarating fight and a stunning photo opportunity. The Bay of Quinte is the location of the current Ontario record, and there’s a strong likelihood it will be broken again by an angler fishing on the bay. The weight to beat is 22.64 pounds and we have put several over 15lbs in the boat!
Embark on unforgettable boat fishing excursions, where every trip holds the promise of adventure and the chance to reel in the catch of a lifetime against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte’s tranquil waters. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the world of fishing, Lake Ontario and Quinte offer an unparalleled experience that goes beyond the thrill of the catch. Our angler’s paradise is not just about the diverse array of fish species or the stunning backdrop of tranquil waters—it’s about creating lasting memories and forging connections with nature. As you cast your line into the shimmering depths, you’re not just embarking on a fishing trip; you’re immersing yourself in a journey of discovery and adventure. Join us in exploring the untapped beauty of these serene waters, where each ripple holds the promise of a new story, and every expedition becomes a chapter in your angling legacy.
So, gear up, set sail, and let Lake Ontario and Bay of Quinte be the canvas for your next fishing masterpiece. Your angling odyssey begins here.
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Your Captain, Joe Spence
Blue Rock Charters