Offshore Lake Trout Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore charter targeting lake trout and salmon speciesTravel 1520 miles offshore for worldclass trophy fishingAccommodates up to 4 guests with free 7day cancellation
Picture this: you're 15-20 miles offshore at 5:30 AM sharp, watching the sunrise paint the water while your lines disappear into the depths where monster lake trout lurk. This isn't your typical shoreline fishing trip – we're talking serious offshore action targeting some of the biggest, most sought-after trout and salmon in these waters. For eight solid hours, you and up to three fishing buddies will experience what real trophy fishing is all about, with world-class lake trout, browns, and multiple salmon species all within reach of your rod.
We push off in the early morning darkness because that's when the big fish feed, and trust me, you'll want to be there when they do. This 8-hour charter runs from June through August when the fish are most active and the weather cooperates. You're looking at a serious offshore run – we're not messing around with shallow water here. The boat cuts through open water for 15-20 miles to reach the prime fishing grounds where the thermocline sets up perfectly for trout and salmon. The whole setup is designed for four anglers max, so you're not fighting for rail space or dealing with tangled lines from a crowded boat. We provide all the heavy-duty gear you'll need, from downriggers to planer boards, plus all the terminal tackle that's proven to work in these waters. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to catch fish, and the early start plus full day on the water gives us the best shot at putting you on some real trophies.
Offshore lake trout fishing is all about getting your baits down deep and covering water efficiently. We run a combination of downriggers and lead core lines to target different depths simultaneously, typically working anywhere from 40 to 120 feet down depending on where the fish are marking on the electronics. The boat stays moving at trolling speed, usually between 2-3 mph, dragging spoons, plugs, and cut bait through the strike zone. You'll see us running multiple rods per angler, spread out on planer boards to cover more water and avoid spooking fish directly under the boat. When a rod goes off, it's game on – lake trout are powerful fish that will test your drag and your arms. The key is staying patient and working the fish steadily without rushing it. We adjust our spread throughout the day based on what the fish are telling us, moving between different depths and locations as conditions change. The electronics are constantly running, showing us baitfish, temperature breaks, and most importantly, where the predators are holding.
Lake trout are the main attraction here, and for good reason – these fish grow massive in deep, cold water and fight like freight trains. Peak season runs June through August when they're actively feeding in the thermocline, typically 60-100 feet down. A good lake trout will run 15-25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 30-plus. They love large spoons and cut bait, and once hooked, they make long, powerful runs that'll have your reel screaming. The fight is what keeps anglers coming back – pure, sustained power that tests every knot and connection.
Brown trout add another dimension to this fishery, especially during their summer feeding periods. These fish are incredibly smart and can be selective about what they'll hit, but when you find active browns, they'll absolutely crush a properly presented lure. Most browns we see run 5-15 pounds, though bigger fish are definitely in the system. They tend to be more aggressive early in the season and again in late summer, making them perfect targets for this charter window. Browns have a tendency to jump when hooked, adding some aerial excitement to the fight.
Chinook salmon are the heavy hitters of the salmon world, with fish regularly hitting 20-30 pounds during peak season. These fish are built for power and endurance, making blistering runs and using their broad tails to bulldoze through the water. June and July are prime months for kings, when they're feeding heavily before their spawning run begins. They're suckers for cut bait and large spoons fished deep, and landing a big king is something you'll be talking about for years.
Coho salmon bring pure energy to the table – pound for pound, they're probably the hardest fighting fish in these waters. While they don't reach the size of kings, typically running 8-15 pounds, they make up for it with acrobatic jumps and lightning-fast runs. Cohos are more likely to come up shallow, especially early morning and evening, and they'll hit a variety of lures from spoons to plugs. Their silver sides and athletic build make them a favorite among many anglers.
Atlantic salmon round out the roster as the wild card species. These fish are less common but absolutely prized when they show up. Atlantics are known for their jumping ability and sustained fights, often making multiple aerial displays during the battle. They're typically in the 10-20 pound range and can be incredibly selective about lure presentation. When you hook an Atlantic, you know immediately – they fight differently than any other salmon, with a grace and power that's hard to describe until you've experienced it firsthand.
At $800 for up to four people, you're looking at $200 per angler for a full day chasing trophy fish with a top-rated charter operation. The season runs June 1 through August 30, so you've got a solid three-month window to plan your trip. Free cancellation up to seven days out means you can book with confidence and adjust if weather doesn't cooperate. This is the kind of fishing that creates lifelong memories – the early morning start, the run offshore, the anticipation as lines go in the water, and the excitement when that first rod doubles over with a big fish. Don't wait until peak season fills up –
This 2004 Maycraft 25-footer is built for serious lake trout action in open waters. The cabin cruiser's pilothouse keeps you comfortable when weather turns rough 15-20 miles offshore, while the 225HP Yamaha 4-stroke gets you to the fishing grounds fast, hitting 40 knots when needed. The fish finder helps locate those deep schools of lake trout, browns, and salmon that cruise the thermoclines. GPS and radar keep you on track in low visibility, and the VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and shore. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long 8-hour trips. With seating for 4 anglers, there's enough room to work multiple lines without getting tangled up. The setup handles everything from trolling spoons for lakers to casting for aggressive browns near structure.
Salmo SalarAtlantic Salmon are the only salmon species found naturally in the Atlantic, typically running 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. These silver beauties with their distinctive forked tails are anadromous - they migrate from saltwater back to freshwater to spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, they can spawn multiple times in their 4-6 year lifespan. They prefer cooler waters and often hold in deeper pools near structure. Unfortunately, populations have declined dramatically, and fishing for them is currently prohibited in most U.S. waters due to their endangered status. When conditions allow, they're prized for their powerful runs and exceptional table fare - the orange-pink meat is considered a true delicacy.
Tylosurus AcusBrown Trout are smart, spooky fish that'll test your skills every time out. They average 8-24 inches but can push close to 40 inches in the right waters. These golden-brown beauties with black spots prefer cooler water between 54-65°F and love hiding near cover like fallen trees, undercut banks, or deep pools. They become more aggressive feeders during fall nights, making evening trips productive. Browns are incredibly strong fighters with great stamina, and their mild, sweet meat makes excellent eating. They're found throughout most states and are self-sustaining in many waters. The trick with browns is being stealthy - they spook easily. Try casting upstream and letting your bait drift naturally to them.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook Salmon, or King Salmon, are the giants of the salmon world - commonly hitting 20-30 pounds and stretching up to 39 inches. These bruisers have distinctive black spots covering their backs, heads, and all fins, plus black gums that help identify them. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer staying deep, so you'll need weighted gear to reach them effectively. Early morning and evening produce the best action when they move up in the water column. Their incredible strength and stamina make them a bucket-list fish for serious anglers. The rich, orange-red meat is outstanding eating. My go-to technique is trolling deep with downriggers using spoons or plugs. Remember - these fish fight harder the deeper they are.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho Salmon, also called Silver Salmon, are some of the most acrobatic fighters you'll hook into. These beauties average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with their distinctive dark blue-green backs and silver sides dotted with black spots. They can jump up to 6 feet vertically when hooked - pure dynamite on the end of your line. Look for them in deeper water during summer months, often suspended mid-column. They feed heavily on baitfish and respond well to bright spoons and plugs. The key is to keep your lures moving - these fish like action. Their bright orange meat makes fantastic table fare too. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed every few minutes to trigger strikes from following fish.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake Trout are the heavyweights of the char family, regularly hitting 15-40 pounds and stretching 24-36 inches. These grey-green giants with cream-colored markings live in the coldest, deepest parts of oligotrophic lakes where oxygen levels stay high. During summer, you'll find them suspended in deep water, often 60+ feet down, which makes jigging the go-to technique. They're slow-growing fish that can live decades, creating true trophy opportunities. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallower. Lakers fight with a steady, powerful pull rather than flashy jumps. The meat is rich and flaky when prepared right. Pro tip: use a fish finder to locate suspended schools, then drop heavy jigs right through them - the bite is often subtle.
New York