Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes in surface area (18,960 sq. km) but its greater depth gives it four times the volume of Lake Erie.

Those vast, cool expanses produce some big sport fish and some of the best sport fishing in the world. When it comes to angling, this lake has it all — chinook and coho salmon, rainbow (steelhead), brown and lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye and carp.

Historically, the lake was home to lake sturgeon —monsters up to three metres long — but these were overfished commercially and are now protected.

Chinook, coho and rainbow trout— all introduced — are the main sport fish species. Salmon fishing on Lake Ontario is considered second only to that on the B.C. coast.

The Great Ontario Salmon Derby is held in early July. Trophy catches in the derby generally weigh around 30-32 lbs. while the prize goes to a fish in the 40-lb. range. The largest ever caught in the derby was 42.6 lbs.

Trolling spoons and spinners with downriggers remains the most common method for catching salmon. Northern Kings and Nasty Boys are good choices for spoons. There are also several piers that make it easier for shore fishers.

From late summer and into the fall, salmon begin to spawn. Rivers and streams are the places to be at these times. Trolled spoons and plugs remain popular, as does bottom fishing from piers.

Lake Ontario rainbow trout and steelhead are very popular. Rainbows can weigh up to 8 pounds, and steelhead up to 20 pounds.

Trout can be caught with the same types of gear as salmon. While they can be caught in the deeper water during the summer, they are often more active during the spring and fall, when they’re feeding more heavily.

At these times, river mouths and creeks are good places to fish. Fly fishers often congregate to try their luck for these fabulous fish.

Walleye have made a comeback in Lake Ontario in recent years, a sign that conservation and habitat efforts do work. Spring and fall are the best times to troll, jig or drift for walleye over rocky shoals or other natural cover.

Fall, in particular, can be excellent for walleye. Some places that can be productive are around the eastern end of the lake. Look for islands, especially. Get down to about the 60 foot depth.

Check out Ashley Rae’s blog and newspaper articles for some expert advice and fishing tips. Rae is a master angler who shares her fishing adventures with readers all over. See SheLovesToFish.com for some great advice!