Insights from Captain Pete Alex of Vision Quest Sport Fishing

By the time winter rolls around on the Great Lakes, many anglers have shifted gears. Ice fishing is in full swing, boats are winterized, and thoughts of salmon season feel a long way off. But for serious Great Lakes anglers—and especially for charter captains like Pete Alex of Vision Quest Sport Fishing—king salmon are never far from mind.

On Episode 239 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, Captain Pete joined host Chris Larsen to talk about one of his favorite topics: early spring king salmon fishing on Lake Ontario. From late April into early May, some of the most exciting—and misunderstood—salmon fishing of the year takes place in surprisingly shallow water. What follows is a deep dive into Pete’s approach, tactics, and mindset for chasing spring kings before most anglers have even launched their boats.

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What “Early Spring Kings” Really Means

When Pete talks about early spring kings, he’s referring to the narrow window that starts in late April and runs through mid-May. This period coincides with the transition from winter to spring, when salmon begin migrating out of the deep offshore waters where they’ve spent the cold months and start sliding toward shore.

For anglers accustomed to fishing kings in 80, 120, or even 300 feet of water during the summer, the idea of targeting salmon in 20 to 40 feet of water can sound crazy. But in the spring, those shallow zones are often exactly where the best fishing happens.

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Skinny Water: Why Kings Move Shallow

Captain Pete defines “skinny water” as anything inside 40 to 50 feet, with much of the best action occurring even shallower. Several factors combine to pull king salmon tight to shore during the spring:

1. Warmer Water

On the western end of Lake Ontario, the Niagara River plays a major role. Warmer water from Lake Erie flows into Lake Ontario and spreads along the shoreline, creating temperature breaks that salmon actively seek out.

2. Colored, Fertile Water

Spring runoff, river discharge, and wind-driven currents create stained or green water along the shore. That color provides cover for baitfish—and salmon know it.

3. Abundant Food

Where you find warmer, colored water, you often find bait. Alewives and other forage species push shallow, and kings follow.

Pete sums it up simply: warm water, colored water, and food. Find all three, and you’ve found spring kings.

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Applying the Pattern Beyond Lake Ontario

While Pete’s home water is Lake Ontario—particularly the western basin—the pattern translates well to other Great Lakes.

For anglers on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, or Lake Erie tributaries, the key is looking for similar conditions:

• River plumes or discharge areas

• Stained water near shorelines

• Slight temperature increases detected with tools like Fish Hawk Electronics

You don’t need Niagara River influence to catch spring kings—you just need the right ingredients.

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Spring Temperature Ranges to Watch

Water temperature plays a critical role in early season success. Pete typically finds spring kings in:

• Low 40s to mid-40s in April

• Approaching 50 degrees as May progresses

Even small temperature differences—sometimes just a degree or two—can make a massive difference in fish location and activity.

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Building a Spring King Salmon Spread

Spring king salmon fishing requires flexibility and a willingness to fish shallow and stealthily. Pete’s program evolves throughout the day, but several core presentations remain consistent.

Slide Divers

Slide divers are a staple in shallow water. They allow for stealthy presentations and work exceptionally well with:

• Stickbaits

• Spoons

Pete typically runs one slide diver per side early in the season.

Lead Core and Planer Boards

Lead core is another essential tool for spring kings, especially as fish become boat-shy later in the morning.

• 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-color cores are common

• Occasionally 7-color cores if fish slide slightly deeper

Planer boards help spread lines and keep baits away from boat traffic.

High Lines and Body Baits

Early in the morning, kings often roam the top 10 to 15 feet of the water column. This is when body baits shine.

• 4½- to 5-inch stickbaits

• Short cores or flat lines

• Excellent during low-light conditions

As the sun rises, fish gradually move deeper, and Pete adjusts his spread accordingly.

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Spoons That Shine in Spring

Spring kings are aggressive and hungry after spending winter in deep, cold water. This makes spoons particularly effective early in the season.

Pete relies heavily on DW Mag Spoons, noting that many salmon have “died on them” over the years. While standard sizes still produce, mag spoons excel when fish are feeding aggressively.

Proven Spring Spoon Colors

Some standout spring producers include:

• Chartreuse Glow Silverbacks

• White-back spoons for dirty water

• Glow Frog and Purple Frog patterns

• DW Rodfather Greenback (FishUSA custom)

Many of these patterns dominate in spring but lose effectiveness as water clears later in the season.

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Lead Lengths and Rigging Strategy

Spring kings aren’t shy—at least early in the morning.

Downriggers

• Short leads (15–20 feet) early

• Fish are attracted to noise, turbulence, and boat commotion

• Leads may lengthen to 30–50 feet as the bite slows

Slide Divers

• Typically set back about 50 feet before engaging

• Adjust depth based on fish location

Lead Core Leaders

• 20–30 feet of fluorocarbon

• Balance stealth with strength

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Avoiding the Crowd: Pete’s “Rabbit Out of the Hat”

One of Pete’s biggest advantages on the water is his willingness to fish away from the pack.

While many boats stack up tight to shore in spring, not all salmon stay shallow. When the inside bite stalls, Pete isn’t afraid to:

• Slide north into clearer water

• Fish slightly deeper than the crowd

• Let the bite—not the fleet—dictate his moves

Some of his best spring kings have come outside the main group of boats, where pressure is lower, and fish are less wary.

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Reading Water Clarity and Conditions

Water clarity on Lake Ontario can change overnight with wind shifts. Pete stresses the importance of paying attention to:

• Color changes

• Wind direction

• Temperature breaks

If you set up in fertile green water one morning and return to gin-clear water the next, it’s often time to move.

Spring fishing is about clues, not stacked sonar screens. In shallow water, Pete focuses more on conditions than marks.

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Weighted Steel and Deeper Transitions

As spring progresses and kings slide deeper, Pete transitions to weighted steel, which he prefers over copper.

• Easier to handle

• Similar to lead core but heavier

• Typically runs 200–400 feet

Weighted steel becomes especially effective once fish settle deeper in the water column.

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Single Hooks, Meat Rigs, and the “Terminator Rig”

Pete is well known for running tandem single hooks instead of trebles on meat rigs. After years of tournament fishing, he found that:

• Single hooks improve landing percentages

• Fewer lost fish equals more checks cashed

Pete partnered with Atomic Manufacturing to create pre-tied tandem hook meat rigs called the Terminator Rig. Available in multiple leader lengths, these rigs are designed for use behind flashers and have already gained attention among serious anglers.

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Education Matters: Salmon Schools and Seminars

Beyond tactics, Pete is a big believer in continuing education. He strongly encourages anglers to attend:

• The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo

• Salmon schools and regional seminars

These events aren’t just about learning—they’re about networking, meeting manufacturers, and shortening the learning curve on the water.

As Pete puts it, investing in knowledge can pay off in more fish, better days, and even tournament success.

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Final Thoughts on Spring Kings

Early spring king salmon fishing is one of the most dynamic and rewarding times of the year on the Great Lakes. Fish can be found anywhere from the surface to deep water, from 30 feet to 300 feet, depending on conditions.

Captain Pete Alex’s advice is clear:

• Find warm, colored, fertile water

• Stay flexible

• Don’t follow the crowd blindly

• Pay attention to details

Spring kings are coming out of winter hungry—and if you put the pieces together, some of the best salmon fishing of the year can happen before summer ever arrives.