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New York's Falls to the Finger Lakes
New York's Falls to the Finger Lakes
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Reel in the Excitement: A Guide to Charter Fishing in Orleans County, NY

by Lauren Humphrey


Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario lies a hidden gem for anglers seeking the ultimate fishing experience: Orleans County, NY. Renowned for its world-class charter fishing opportunities, this region boasts an abundance of trophy trout and salmon, making it a haven for both seasoned anglers and those looking to cast their first line into the depths of the Great Lakes.

The Unrivaled Waters of Orleans County

Lake Ontario stands as the crown jewel of the Great Lakes, and Orleans County is at its heart. Here, anglers can experience the thrill of battling 12-pound browns in the tributaries or locking horns with 30-pound Chinook salmon in the open waters. The diversity and productivity of the fishery in Orleans County are unmatched, offering anglers an unparalleled experience in trout and salmon angling.

A Year-Round Fishing Paradise

One of the remarkable aspects of fishing in Orleans County is its year-round appeal. Whether you're casting your line in the spring, summer, fall, or even the winter months, there's always an opportunity to reel in a trophy catch. From the exhilarating spring run of King Salmon to the serene winter drifts along the Oak Orchard River, each season brings its own unique fishing adventures.

Charter boats docked in the Oak Orchard River

Meet the Captains

At the heart of Orleans County's charter fishing scene are its dedicated captains and guides. These highly-qualified professionals are fully licensed and insured by the United States Coast Guard, ensuring a safe and unforgettable day of fishing for every visitor. With decades of combined experience and a deep understanding of local waters, these captains are experts at putting anglers on the fish and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Let's take a closer look at some of the featured charters:

Capt. Mike Grager (L) of Get Hooked Sportfishing
Capt. Mike Lavender (R) of Intimidator Sportfishing
Capt. Jonathan Forder of Mister Sportfishing

Get Hooked Sportfishing: Operating out of Point Breeze on the Oak Orchard River, Captain Mike Grager of Get Hooked Sportfishing offers full and half-day trips aboard a 29' Aquasport tournament model. With top-of-the-line equipment and a decade of experience, they guarantee an unforgettable day on the water. 

Intimidator Charters: Fully equipped to handle all conditions, Intimidator Charters promises a safe, professional, and fun fishing experience on Lake Ontario. Whether you're a veteran angler or a novice, Captain Mike Lavender is committed to making your fishing dreams a reality. 

Mister Sportfishing: Captain Jonathan Forder of Mister Sportfishing runs a Penn Yan Predator for salmon and trout. Weekdays and weekends are available. Let’s make your dreams come true. “No need to whisper, it was caught on the Mister.” Operating from Ernst’s Lake Breeze Marina, Point Breeze. 

Reel Excitement Charters: Led by Captain Bob Songin, Reel Excitement Charters offers thrilling fishing expeditions on Lake Ontario and the Niagara Bar. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Bob is dedicated to providing the best opportunities to catch King Salmon and Brown Trout. 

Capt. Bob Songin of Reel Excitement Charters
Kim Stevens of Sunrise II Sportfishing

Sunrise II Sportfishing: With a professional USCG licensed captain, Captain Bob Stevens and a 34' Pursuit fishing machine, Sunrise II Sportfishing offers luxury fishing expeditions on Lake Ontario. With numerous tournament wins under their belt, they guarantee an exciting day on the water. 

Tight Lines Charters: Led by Captain John Oravec, Tight Lines Charters boasts over four decades of experience in charter fishing. From the lower Niagara River to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Captain John ensures a memorable fishing adventure for anglers of all skill levels.

U-Betcha Charters: Operating out of the famous Oak Orchard River on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, U-Betcha Charters offers an exceptional fishing experience aboard a 33' Trojan International Express. Captain Chris Vogt guarantees a safe and enjoyable day on the water, targeting Salmon and Trout. 

Click HERE to explore all the local charters! 

Capt. John Oravec of Tight Lines Charters
Capt. Chris Vogt of U-Betcha Charters

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