Do you fish for Lake Ontario Salmon? In this article we highlight the Top 5 Best Salmon Spoons you should be using on Lake Ontario!
Overview of The Best Salmon Trolling Spoons for Lake Ontario
| Spoon Name | Key Features | Best Uses | Unique Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonshine Magnum Trolling Spoon | Glow-in-the-dark finishes; durable and large size; excellent for deep water. | Night trolling or low-light conditions in deeper waters. | Long-lasting glow for extended visibility in dark waters. |
| Michigan Stinger Spoon | Lightweight with vibrant finishes; variety of colors and UV patterns. | Versatile for various depths and water conditions. | Superior fluttering action that mimics injured baitfish. |
| Silver Streak Spoon | Durable stainless steel; hammered finishes for extra flash; proven designs. | Great for high-speed trolling or aggressive strikes. | Extra durable construction for heavy-duty use. |
| King Fisher Magnum Spoon | Larger profile; heavy-duty construction for big salmon; reflective finishes. | Ideal for targeting large Chinook salmon at greater depths. | Extra-large size to attract trophy salmon. |
| Dreamweaver Super Slim Spoon | Slim, lightweight design; sharp colors and patterns; effective at slower speeds. | Perfect for clear water and subtle trolling presentations. | Versatile action at slower speeds, great for fussy salmon. |
Introduction to Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario
Salmon fishing on Lake Ontario isn’t just a hobby—it’s an art form that demands precision, knowledge, and the right equipment. Almost all salmon fishermen on Lake Ontario choose trolling as their method. Lake Ontario’s unique ecosystem provides an incredible salmon fishery that attracts thousands of anglers each year, with species like Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic salmon calling these waters home.
Understanding the Lake Ontario Salmon Ecosystem
Lake Ontario has a complex and vibrant salmon fishery that has been carefully managed through decades of conservation efforts. The lake supports several salmon species, with Chinook salmon being the primary target for most anglers. These powerful fish were first introduced to the Great Lakes in the 1960s and have since become a cornerstone of the region’s sport fishing industry.
Key Salmon Species in Lake Ontario
- Chinook Salmon: The largest and most sought-after species
- Coho Salmon: Smaller but equally exciting to catch
- Atlantic Salmon: A rare but prized catch
- Steelhead: Often found in the same waters
Factors to Consider When Choosing Salmon Spoons
Selecting the right salmon spoon is more than just picking a shiny lure. Anglers must consider multiple factors to increase their chances of success:
Factors to Consider When Choosing Salmon Spoons for Lake Ontario Fishing
| Factor | Description | Tips for Lake Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Spoons come in various sizes, which affect their visibility and the type of salmon they attract. | Use smaller spoons (2-3 inches) early in the season; switch to larger spoons (4-5 inches) later. |
| Color | Bright or contrasting colors mimic baitfish and trigger strikes, especially in changing water conditions. | Choose silver, green, and blue on clear days; use chartreuse, glow, or UV colors in murky water. |
| Action | The wobble or flutter of the spoon influences its appeal to salmon. | Opt for spoons with erratic action in colder water and steady wobbling in warmer water. |
| Weight | Heavier spoons sink faster and are ideal for deeper waters, while lighter spoons work better near the surface. | Use heavier spoons (1-2 oz) for deep trolling and lighter ones (0.5-1 oz) for shallow zones. |
| Material | Materials like brass or stainless steel determine durability and finish quality. | Choose durable, corrosion-resistant spoons for extended use in freshwater environments. |
| Finish | Reflective finishes like chrome or holographic patterns attract salmon by mimicking baitfish scales. | Use highly reflective spoons on sunny days; consider matte or low-gloss finishes in low light. |
| Depth Compatibility | Spoons are designed for specific trolling depths and speeds. | Match spoon depth rating to your downrigger or lead core line setup for consistent results. |
| Water Conditions | Clarity and temperature affect the spoon’s visibility and performance. | Adjust spoon selection based on water clarity and seasonal temperature fluctuations. |
| Salmon Behavior | The feeding habits and aggression levels of salmon vary throughout the year. | Research seasonal behavior patterns and adapt spoon size and action accordingly. |
Top 5 Salmon Spoons for Lake Ontario
1. Moonshine Magnum Trolling Spoon
The Moonshine Magnum has become legendary among Lake Ontario salmon anglers. Its unique design allows for exceptional action in the water, mimicking injured baitfish that salmon can’t resist. Developed specifically for the challenging conditions of the Great Lakes, this spoon comes in a variety of color patterns that have proven deadly effective.
Key Features:
- Exceptional Flutter Action: Creates irresistible movement
- Multiple Color Options: Matches various water conditions
- Proven Track Record: Consistently produces results
- Price Range: $6-$10 per spoon
2. Michigan Stinger Spoon
Michigan Stinger has long been a favorite among professional charter captains fishing Lake Ontario. These spoons are known for their incredibly lifelike action and durability. The narrow profile allows for precise trolling and attracts salmon in various depths and water conditions.
Recommended Techniques:
- Deep water trolling
- Speed variations between 2.0-3.5 mph
- Color selection based on water clarity
- Use with downriggers for precise depth control
3. Silver Streak Spoon
A local favorite, the Silver Streak offers unmatched versatility for Lake Ontario salmon fishing. Its unique design allows for exceptional movement at different trolling speeds, making it a go-to choice for many experienced anglers.
Performance Highlights:
- Exceptional in both shallow and deep waters
- Wide range of color patterns
- Consistent action at various speeds
- Highly effective during summer and fall runs
4. King Fisher Magnum Spoon
The King Fisher Magnum represents precision engineering for salmon fishing. Its carefully designed blade creates a mesmerizing action that triggers aggressive strikes from even the most cautious salmon.
Technical Specifications:
- Length: 4-6 inches
- Weight: 3/4 oz to 1.5 oz
- Best Depth: 20-100 feet
- Recommended Trolling Speed: 2.5-3.0 mph
5. Dreamweaver Super Slim Spoon
Dreamweaver has established itself as a premium brand in salmon fishing. The Super Slim spoon offers a profile that perfectly mimics the baitfish in Lake Ontario, making it incredibly effective.
Advanced Salmon Spoon Fishing Techniques
Successful salmon fishing goes beyond simply choosing the right spoon. Anglers must master several critical techniques:
Trolling Techniques
- Speed Control: Maintain consistent trolling speeds
- Depth Management: Use downriggers and lead core lines
- Electronic Tracking: Utilize fish finders and GPS
- Water Temperature Monitoring: Salmon prefer specific temperature ranges
Budget Considerations
Salmon spoons range from budget-friendly options at $5 to premium models costing up to $15. While price doesn’t always guarantee success, investing in quality spoons can improve your chances.
Hopefully, our top 5 best salmon spoons for Lake Ontario will help you catch more fish.