According to the Summer 2003 Lake Ontario fishing boat survey, the lake provides anglers with a diverse world-class trout and salmon fishery worth an estimated $560 million dollars to New York’s economy.
The survey compliments annual assessments and surveys of Lake Ontario’s fish stocks by the R/V Seth Green.
According to anglers surveyed this summer, there was:
- Above average Chinook salmon fishing quality in all lake areas. Angler catch rates for Chinook in 2023 are on track to be among the top five in the 37-year survey.
- A greater proportion of larger, older Chinook salmon compared to 2022 when small young “shakers” made up a significant part of the catch.
- Average or above average brown trout catch rates in the west central and east lake areas.
- Below average rainbow trout and lake trout catch rates across most lake areas; however, catch rates for these species often drop when Chinook salmon fishing is good since they are targeted less.
- Lower sea lamprey numbers compared to highs observed in 2022.
The more detailed report is available on the Lake Ontario Fisheries Management webpage.
Photo of a Lake Ontario angler with a Chinook salmon provided by DEC.
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