St. Catharines Fishing Charters
St. Catharines fishing charters work the western end of Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, and nearby canals for salmon, trout, walleye, bass, and panfish.
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St. Catharines, ON Fishing Guide
St. Catharines sits at the north end of the Welland Canal and just a few miles from where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. That geography gives anglers access to both deep, open-water trolling and sheltered river or canal fishing without long runs. Lake Ontario is the main draw, with charters running out of Port Dalhousie or Port Weller. Boats here troll 2–5 miles offshore for Chinook salmon, coho, steelhead, and lake trout. Depending on conditions, captains set lines anywhere from 50 feet to over 200 feet of water, often within 15 minutes of leaving the dock.
Closer in, the Niagara River provides year-round fishing opportunities. The lower river, especially near the Whirlpool and the Glen, is famous for steelhead, lake trout, and brown trout in fall and winter. Smallmouth bass thrive along rocky shorelines and current seams in spring and summer. The Welland Canal itself holds walleye, panfish, and bass, making it a dependable backup when Lake Ontario is rough.
Trips out of St. Catharines vary—half-day charters usually stick to salmon or trout trolling on the lake, while full-day runs give captains time to chase multiple species or adjust to conditions. Ice fishing isn’t a factor here, but winter river trips for steelhead are common. Run times are short, as Lake Ontario’s deep water is close to shore and the Niagara River is right on the doorstep.
Seasonally, salmon dominate in late summer and early fall, staging near the river mouth before their spawning runs. Spring kicks off with coho and brown trout along the shoreline, followed by steelhead. Lake trout stay strong most of the year in deeper water. Summer sees a mix of salmon and trout offshore, with bass and walleye in rivers and canals.
Techniques depend on the target. Charter boats troll spoons, cut bait, and flasher-fly rigs on downriggers and planer boards for salmon and trout. River anglers drift roe bags, beads, or jigs under floats for steelhead, or cast lures for bass. Walleye respond well to jigging and trolling crankbaits in the canals. With the combination of Lake Ontario’s big-water fishery and the sheltered rivers and canals, St. Catharines offers one of Ontario’s most versatile fishing destinations.
Fishing Seasons in St. Catharines
Spring (March–May)
Spring starts with coho salmon and brown trout along the Lake Ontario shoreline. As waters warm, steelhead move out of the Niagara River and into the lake, giving anglers good action close to port. Many captains run planer boards with small spoons and stickbaits just off the surface. Smallmouth bass also wake up in the river and along rocky shorelines, with jerkbaits and tube jigs doing the work. River fishing for trout remains productive into early spring, especially below the Whirlpool.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is prime salmon season. Chinook salmon begin to stack up offshore, feeding heavily before their staging period in late August. Lake trout remain steady in deep water, often 150–250 feet down, while steelhead move higher in the column and hit spoons on dipsy divers. On calm days, boats troll 5–10 miles offshore, but many fish are caught closer. Smallmouth bass fishing peaks in the river and along Lake Ontario’s rocky shoals, and walleye bite in the Welland Canal.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is when salmon pile up near the Niagara River mouth and inshore waters around St. Catharines. Chinook salmon are targeted by trolling deep-diving plugs and flasher-fly rigs early in the season, then casting crankbaits or drifting eggs closer to the river. Steelhead and brown trout return to the river in strong numbers, giving shore and boat anglers steady action through November. Bass remain active until the first real cold snaps. This is the season when the river really comes alive.
Winter (December–February)
Winter slows lake action, but the Niagara River turns into a steelhead and lake trout hotspot. Drift boats run the lower river, bouncing roe bags, beads, or jigs under floats through current seams and deep runs. Brown trout are also common in this season, especially in slower water near the mouth. While conditions can be cold, the river remains ice-free, giving anglers one of the few consistent winter fisheries in Ontario. Walleye can still be caught in the Welland Canal, often with jigging presentations.
Gamefish in St. Catharines
- Chinook Salmon – 10–30 lbs. Best in summer and fall staging near the river mouth, taken by trolling flasher-fly rigs and plugs.
- Coho Salmon – 5–12 lbs. Strong in spring along shorelines, hitting spoons and stickbaits run shallow on planer boards.
- Steelhead – 5–15 lbs. Found in the Niagara River fall through spring; taken drifting roe bags, beads, and jigs.
- Lake Trout – 5–25 lbs. Deep-water residents of Lake Ontario, best from spring through fall with downriggers and spoons.
- Brown Trout – 3–12 lbs. Caught in spring along shorelines and in the Niagara River during fall and winter runs.
- Smallmouth Bass – 2–6 lbs. Thrive in the Niagara River and rocky Lake Ontario shoals, best in summer with jerkbaits and tubes
- Walleye – 2–8 lbs. Found in the Welland Canal and connecting waters, caught jigging or trolling crankbaits.
St. Catharines Fishing FAQs
Where do fishing charters in St. Catharines usually depart from?
Most charters launch out of Port Dalhousie or Port Weller, both right on Lake Ontario with quick access to deep water.
What types of trips are common in St. Catharines?
Half-day trips typically troll Lake Ontario for salmon and trout, while full-day charters may combine lake and river fishing or make longer offshore runs
Do I need a fishing license in Ontario?
Yes, anglers need a valid Ontario fishing license, and non-residents must purchase one before fishing.
When is the best time to fish St. Catharines?
Late summer into fall is peak for salmon, while spring is best for coho and brown trout. Winter and spring river fishing for steelhead is also highly productive.
What techniques are common with local guides?
On the lake, trolling with downriggers, dipsy divers, and planer boards is standard. In the river, drifting roe bags or beads under floats is most common.
What species can I catch in the Niagara River near St. Catharines?
Steelhead, brown trout, and lake trout dominate in fall and winter, with bass and walleye active in warmer months.
How many anglers can fish on a charter?
Most boats comfortably take 4–6 anglers, with smaller groups often preferred for trolling efficiency.
Are year-round fishing trips available in St. Catharines?
Yes. The lake is seasonal, but the Niagara River remains fishable through winter, offering steelhead and trout action even in the cold months.
How far offshore do charters run on Lake Ontario?
Most salmon and trout fishing is within 2–5 miles of shore, though captains may run 10 miles or more when chasing schools offshore.