Full Day Advanced Salmon Drift Boat Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eight-hour drift boat fishing targeting Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic salmonAccess isolated premium runs unavailable from crowded riverbanksAll rods and tackle provided with custom start times available
If you're tired of shoulder-to-shoulder combat fishing from the banks and ready to step up your salmon game, Marcus McGivney's drift boat service is exactly what you've been looking for. This isn't your typical guided trip—it's eight solid hours of technical fishing on the legendary Salmon River, targeting the most aggressive and hard-fighting species that swim these waters. You'll launch from Altmar and hit premium runs that bank anglers can only dream about accessing. Marcus provides all the rods and tackle, so just grab your waders and prepare for some serious salmon action.
This top-rated drift boat experience takes you into the heart of New York's premier salmon fishery, where the Salmon River delivers world-class fishing away from the crowds. Marcus knows every bend, every seam, and every productive lie along this stretch of water. You'll be working technical presentations in deep pools and fast runs where Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic salmon stage up during their runs. The boat gives you access to water that's simply unreachable from shore—those sweet spots where big fish feel safe and feed aggressively. Expect to cover serious water throughout the day, with Marcus positioning you for the best drifts and adjusting tactics based on water conditions and fish behavior. This is drift boat fishing at its finest, where boat control and precise presentations separate the good days from the great ones.
Marcus runs a proven drift boat setup designed specifically for salmon fishing on the Salmon River. You'll be working with high-quality rods and reels matched to the conditions, typically medium-heavy to heavy action setups that can handle the brutal runs these salmon are famous for. The techniques focus on bottom-bouncing presentations, running lead core setups, and working jigs and spawn sacs through the prime lies. Marcus knows when to swing flies, when to dead-drift, and when to pull plugs—adjusting the approach based on what the fish are telling him. The boat positioning is critical here, and Marcus has it dialed in. He'll hold you in the strike zone longer, set up perfect drifts through productive water, and get you back on fish faster than you could ever manage from the bank. All tackle, terminal gear, and bait are included, so you can focus on fighting fish instead of rigging lines.
Chinook salmon are the heavyweight champions of the Salmon River, and they're the fish most anglers dream about when they book this trip. These monsters can push 30-plus pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked. Chinooks typically show up in good numbers from late August through October, with peak action happening in September. When you hook into a big king, expect multiple screaming runs, deep dives, and a fight that'll test both your tackle and your endurance. The boat gives Marcus the ability to chase these fish when they make their signature long runs downstream, keeping you connected to fish that would break you off from the bank.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement—they're acrobatic fighters that love to jump and make sizzling surface runs. These silver rockets typically range from 8 to 15 pounds and fight with incredible intensity for their size. Cohos are often more aggressive than Chinooks, making them fantastic targets when you want consistent action. They respond well to bright spoons, colorful flies, and small plugs worked through the deeper runs. The best Coho fishing usually kicks off in late August and continues strong into October, with fish moving through in waves throughout the season.
Atlantic salmon represent something special on the Salmon River—these are wild, native fish that have been restored through decades of conservation efforts. While they're typically smaller than Chinooks, usually running 20 to 28 inches, Atlantics are incredibly strong fighters with remarkable stamina. They're known for their aerial displays and long, powerful runs. These fish are catch-and-release only, making every hookup a privilege. Atlantics can be tricky to pattern, but Marcus knows their preferred lies and the presentations that trigger strikes. Landing one of these native beauties is a highlight that many anglers consider the pinnacle of Salmon River fishing.
This renowned drift boat experience fills up fast during peak salmon season, and for good reason. Marcus offers custom start times to work around your schedule, and he extends discounts to wounded veterans as a way of giving back to those who served. With only one angler per trip, you get Marcus's full attention and can fish at your own pace without competing for water or coaching time. Whether you're looking to refine your drift boat techniques, escape the crowded banks, or simply chase the biggest salmon in the system, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. The combination of premium water access, expert guidance, and eight hours of focused fishing makes this a customer favorite among serious salmon anglers. Don't wait—prime dates book up months in advance, especially during the peak September runs.
Marcus's 17' Starweld drift boat is built for serious salmon fishing on the Salmon River. This 2019 skiff cuts through currents and eddies with its 90HP Yamaha, getting you to those hard-to-reach spots where the big Chinook and Coho hold up. The shallow draft design lets you work tight against structure and undercut banks where fish stage. Perfect for technical drifting through premium runs that bank anglers can only dream about accessing. The stable platform gives you solid footing when fighting aggressive salmon, and there's plenty of room for gear and landing nets. This boat handles the Salmon River's changing conditions like a champ.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the acrobats of our drift boat trips, averaging 8-12 pounds but famous for their aerial displays once hooked. Unlike their Pacific cousins, these fish can survive spawning and return to the lake multiple times, making them incredibly smart and wary. You'll find them in medium-depth runs with good current breaks, often holding behind boulders or in pocket water. October through December provides prime fishing as they stage before spawning. What sets them apart is their jumping ability and the technical challenge they present - they're selective and require precise presentations. The meat quality is outstanding, with that classic orange-pink color. My go-to technique is swinging dark flies like black woolly buggers on cloudy days. Keep your drag light because when they jump, they'll spit the hook if there's too much tension.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the bruisers of the Salmon River, running 15-30 pounds with some pushing even bigger. These silver-sided giants have distinctive black mouths and spots covering their backs and tails. They're bottom huggers, staying deep in the heavy water where most bank anglers can't reach them effectively. Fall runs from September through November offer the best action when they're fresh from Lake Ontario and still chrome bright. What makes them special is that bone-jarring initial run and their incredible table quality - that deep orange meat is worth the fight. Here's the trick: when drift fishing, keep your presentation right on the bottom. Kings won't chase flies or lures up in the water column, so dead-drifting roe or swinging streamers just off the gravel is key to connecting with these lake-run monsters.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers, are the most aggressive fighters we target on the Salmon River. These acrobatic fish run 8-15 pounds and are famous for their ability to jump clean out of the water - sometimes 6 feet straight up. They prefer the deeper pools and slower runs, often holding under cover like fallen trees or undercut banks. September and early October are prime time when they're fresh from the lake with that bright silver color. What makes coho special is their willingness to chase lures and their spectacular fights - they'll make multiple jumps and long runs that test your tackle. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating too. Here's my tip: when they're being finicky, try twitching a bright pink or chartreuse jig with a long tail. The erratic action often triggers strikes when dead-drifting isn't working.
Salmon River