Spring Derby Offshore Charter for Trout & Chinook
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
6hour spring derby targeting brown trout and chinook salmonCompetitive fishing with cash prizes during May 211 seasonEarly 5:40 AM departure accommodating up to 4 guests
Picture this: it's 5:40 AM and you're heading out into some of the best spring fishing waters around. The Spring LOC Derby isn't just another fishing trip – it's your shot at landing trophy fish while competing for real money prizes. This top-rated 6-hour adventure runs for just ten days each May, making it one of the most sought-after charters of the season. With Ah Shore Thing Fishing Charters, you'll be targeting the big four: brown trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and walleye. At $600 for up to four anglers, it's a world-class fishing experience that books up fast.
The LOC Derby is legendary among serious anglers, and for good reason. You'll be fishing during prime spring conditions when these fish are actively feeding and putting up serious fights. The early morning start isn't just for show – it's when the action really heats up. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, positioning you over the most productive structure and drop-offs where trophy fish lurk. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different depths and techniques, maximizing your chances of landing that tournament-winning fish. Derby fishing means you're not just out for fun – every cast could be worth money. The competitive atmosphere brings out the best in both fish and anglers, creating memories that last long after the weigh-in.
Spring derby fishing requires a different approach than your typical weekend outing. Your captain will be running a mix of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core setups to cover the water column effectively. Trolling speeds typically range from 1.8 to 3.2 mph, depending on conditions and target species. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place in the spread, with color and presentation changing throughout the day as light conditions shift. The key is staying mobile – derby fish move with baitfish schools and temperature breaks. Your guide will be watching the electronics constantly, adjusting depth and location to stay on fish. Lead weights, copper line, and diving planers help get baits down to where the big ones cruise. It's technical fishing that requires experience, which is why having a seasoned captain makes all the difference during derby competition.
Brown trout are the crown jewel of spring derby fishing, and these lake-run browns are absolute bruisers. During May, they're feeding heavily in preparation for spawning, making them aggressive and willing to chase down a well-presented bait. These fish average 8-15 pounds, but 20+ pounders show up every season. Browns love structure – rocky points, underwater humps, and drop-offs where they can ambush baitfish. They're known for their stamina and acrobatic fights, often making multiple runs that'll test your drag system. What makes them special is their unpredictability – you might catch one in 15 feet of water or 60 feet down.
Chinook salmon, or "kings," are the heavyweights of the derby scene. Spring chinooks are in prime condition, thick and chrome-bright from winter feeding. These fish routinely hit 15-25 pounds, with occasional monsters pushing 30+. They prefer cooler water and are often found deeper during midday, typically 40-80 feet down. Kings are straight-line fighters that'll strip line off your reel in powerful runs. They're suckers for spoons and plugs that mimic their preferred baitfish. The key to chinooks is patience – they might follow your bait for minutes before committing to a strike.
Coho salmon bring the aerial show that gets every angler's heart pumping. These silver rockets average 6-12 pounds but make up for size with pure athleticism. Cohos love to jump – sometimes clearing the water by 4-5 feet in spectacular displays. They're typically found in the upper water column during spring, making them perfect targets for shallow-running presentations. Their aggressive nature means they'll often hit fast-moving baits, and once hooked, they rarely give up without a fight. Many veteran anglers consider cohos pound-for-pound the best fighting fish in the lake.
Walleye might seem like the odd fish out, but spring walleyes are absolute quality. These fish are moving shallow to spawn, making them accessible and aggressive. Derby walleyes typically run 3-8 pounds, with occasional giants pushing double digits. They're excellent table fare and known for their subtle, almost gentle bites that can fool inexperienced anglers. Walleyes prefer low-light conditions, making early morning and late evening prime time. They school up heavily during spring, so once you find one, there are usually more nearby. Their willingness to bite consistently makes them derby favorites for anglers looking to put fish in the boat.
The Spring LOC Derby runs just ten days – May 2nd through 11th – making this a limited-time opportunity you won't want to miss. Derby passes are required and spots fill up quickly as word spreads about the hot bite. At $600 for your group of four, you're getting professional guiding, tournament entry, and six solid hours of world-class fishing. The best part? Free cancellation up to seven days out means you can book with confidence, even if weather looks questionable. This customer favorite charter combines the excitement of competition fishing with the expertise of Ah Shore Thing's renowned guides. Whether you're after bragging rights, prize money, or just the chance to tangle with some of the lake's biggest fish, the Spring LOC Derby delivers. Don't wait – check availability now and secure your shot at derby glory.
This 25-foot Maycraft cabin cruiser is your ticket to serious offshore action during the Spring LOC Derby. Built in 2004 with a pilothouse design, she'll keep you comfortable when the weather gets rough out there. The 225HP Yamaha 4-stroke pushes her up to 40 knots, getting you to the productive waters fast and back to weigh-in on time. Perfect for a crew of four anglers targeting those prize-winning browns, chinooks, and walleye. She's loaded with everything you need - GPS to mark hot spots, radar for those foggy mornings, VHF radio for safety, and a fish finder to locate schools. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 6-hour fishing sessions. With her stable ride and all-weather protection, you can focus on what matters - landing that derby winner and maybe taking home some cash.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the craftiest fish in these waters, averaging 8-24 inches but capable of reaching trophy sizes over 30 inches in the right conditions. These golden-brown beauties with black spots are notoriously selective feeders that prefer cool, clear water around 54-65°F. You'll find them near structure - rocks, drop-offs, and weed lines where they ambush prey. Spring offers great fishing as they become more active after winter. What makes browns special is their wariness and fighting ability, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. They can live 12+ years, making the big ones true veterans. My advice: fish early morning or evening when they're most active, and don't overlook deeper water during bright days - that's where the smart ones hide.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of the salmon world for good reason - these bruisers can hit 20-30 pounds and provide an arm-burning fight you won't forget. Also called kings, they prefer deeper, colder water and are light-sensitive, so early morning and evening produce the best action. What makes them special is their size and that rich, orange-pink meat that's perfect for the grill. Spring fishing during our derby season can be outstanding as they move through these waters. These fish are smart and strong, testing both your tackle and patience. Here's the key: get your baits down deep with weighted setups, and when trolling, vary your speeds. Kings often follow before they strike, so patience pays off when targeting these trophy fish.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds but can push 20+ in the right waters. They're famous for their aerial shows - jumping up to 6 feet when hooked. You'll find them in deeper, cooler water during the day, but spring fishing can be fantastic as they move through on their migration. What sets cohos apart is their aggressive nature and that bright orange-red meat that tastes amazing grilled or smoked. They'll hit spoons, plugs, and flies with authority. Pro tip: when fishing for cohos, use bright colors like chartreuse or pink, and don't be surprised when they come flying out of the water - keep that rod tip up and let your drag do the work.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of the most sought-after freshwater fish, running 12-30 inches and known for their golden color and distinctive glassy eyes. These nocturnal hunters love rocky bottoms and structure, staying deep during the day but moving shallow at dusk to feed. Spring brings some of our best action as they become more active in cooler water around 60-70°F. What makes walleye special is their incredible table fare - flaky white meat with a mild, sweet taste that's hard to beat. They're also smart fighters that test your skills. My best tip: focus on rocky points and drop-offs where they ambush baitfish, and don't be afraid to fish slow with live minnows or jigs near bottom structure.
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