What fish are in Lake Ontario?

Lake Ontario, the easternmost of North America's Great Lakes, is not only known for its vast freshwater expanse and stunning coastal cities but also for its rich and diverse fishery. The lake supports a wide variety of fish species, making it a prized destination for anglers, conservationists, and nature enthusiasts alike. From native species to popular introduced game fish, Lake Ontario’s underwater world is as dynamic as it is important to the region’s ecology and economy.

Native Fish Species of Lake Ontario

Historically, Lake Ontario was home to a wealth of native fish species that formed the backbone of its natural ecosystem. Some key native species include:

1. Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush): Once the dominant top predator of the lake, lake trout populations suffered a decline in the mid-20th century due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and invasive species. Restoration efforts continue today.

2. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): Native Atlantic salmon were once abundant but became extinct in Lake Ontario by the late 19th century. Multiple reintroduction projects are now underway to bring them back.

3. Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis): These deepwater fish are valued both commercially and recreationally. They prefer the colder, deeper parts of the lake.

4. American Eel (Anguilla rostrata): This species once migrated between Lake Ontario and the Atlantic Ocean but has seen a drastic decline due to dams and habitat loss.

5. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu): Though better known today as a sport fish, smallmouth bass have long been native to Lake Ontario’s rocky shorelines.

6. Northern Pike (Esox lucius): A powerful predator, northern pike inhabit weedy, shallow areas and are known for their aggressive strikes on bait and lures.

Popular Introduced Fish Species

In addition to its native fish, Lake Ontario has several introduced species, primarily stocked to support recreational fishing:

1. Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): Introduced from the Pacific Northwest in the 1960s, Chinook salmon have become one of the most sought-after fish for sport anglers. They are large, fast, and strong.

2. Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): Like Chinook, Coho salmon were introduced to enhance the sport fishery. They are slightly smaller but just as thrilling to catch.

3. Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Technically a migratory form of rainbow trout, steelhead make spawning runs into Lake Ontario’s tributaries in the fall and spring.

4. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta): Originally from Europe, brown trout have adapted well to Lake Ontario’s waters and are now a major part of the fishery.

5. Pacific Salmon Hybrids: Hybrid species such as Chinook-Coho crosses occasionally occur and add further diversity to the fish population.

Invasive Species Impacting Fish Populations

Lake Ontario, like all the Great Lakes, faces ecological challenges from invasive species:

1. Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus): A small baitfish introduced accidentally, alewives have altered the lake’s food web. Interestingly, they now provide an important prey base for salmon and trout.

2. Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus): This parasitic fish devastated lake trout populations by feeding on them. Ongoing control efforts involve chemical treatments and barriers in tributary streams.

3. Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus): These small bottom-dwellers compete with native fish for food and habitat but have also become a food source for many predatory species.

Best Times and Places for Fishing on Lake Ontario

Fishing success on Lake Ontario often depends on the species you are targeting and the season:

Spring: Brown trout and coho salmon are active nearshore in the warming shallows.

Summer: Deeper trolling for Chinook salmon, lake trout, and steelhead peaks.

Fall: Salmon runs occur in tributary rivers like the Salmon River, Oswego River, and the Credit River.

Winter: Ice fishing is limited on the main lake but can be good in sheltered bays.

Popular fishing spots include areas near Rochester, Oswego, Toronto, and the Bay of Quinte, among others.

Conservation Efforts and Future Prospects

Multiple agencies, including the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (OMNRF), work together to manage and conserve Lake Ontario’s fish populations. Their efforts include stocking programs, habitat restoration, and controlling invasive species. These initiatives aim to ensure that the lake remains a world-class fishery for future generations.

Lake Ontario’s waters offer a rich blend of history, biodiversity, and recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned angler chasing trophy salmon or a wildlife lover curious about native species, the lake’s fish community promises excitement and wonder beneath its surface.