Full Day Advanced Salmon Drift Boat Trip
Private Trip
River Fishing
Eighthour drift boat fishing targets Chinook, Coho, Atlantic salmonAccess isolated premium runs unreachable from crowded riverbanksAll rods and tackle provided for advanced technique refinement
If you're tired of fighting crowds on the banks and ready to step up your salmon game, this full-day drift boat experience with Marcus McGivney is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking 8 solid hours of technical fishing on the legendary Salmon River, targeting the most aggressive salmon species New York waters have to offer. This isn't your typical guided trip—it's designed for seasoned anglers who want to push their skills and land hard-fighting Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic salmon in premium runs that most folks never even see.
Launching from Altmar puts you right in the heart of some of the East Coast's best salmon fishing territory. The Salmon River system here is absolutely renowned for its fall runs, and Marcus knows every productive drift, back eddy, and holding spot from years of guiding these waters. You'll be fishing one-on-one with Marcus, which means personalized instruction and the flexibility to adjust techniques based on what the fish are telling us that day. The drift boat setup gets you into those prime spots that bank anglers can only dream about—deep pools, undercut banks, and isolated runs where big salmon stage up before making their final push upstream. All your rods and tackle are provided, so you just need to show up with your waders and be ready to learn some advanced presentation techniques that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
Drift boat fishing is a whole different ballgame from shore fishing, and Marcus specializes in the technical side that separates good anglers from great ones. You'll be working with specialized salmon rods and reels perfectly matched to the conditions, learning how to read water from a completely different perspective. The boat allows us to control our drift speed and angle, putting your flies or lures in the strike zone longer and with better presentation than you'd ever achieve from the bank. We're talking about advanced techniques like back-bouncing, side-drifting with centerpin reels, and precision fly presentations that trigger strikes from fish that have seen every lure in the book. The Salmon River's structure is perfect for drift boat work—plenty of deep runs, gravel bars that create current breaks, and the kind of holding water that mature salmon love. Marcus will position the boat to give you the best shot at these fish while teaching you to read the subtle signs that indicate where salmon are holding on any given day.
The Salmon River system around Altmar consistently produces some of the most spectacular salmon fishing on the East Coast, and the species diversity here is what really sets it apart. Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, are the absolute prize of these waters. These fish can push 30 pounds and fight like nothing else in freshwater—picture a fish that'll strip line off your reel in long, powerful runs that'll test every knot and connection in your setup. They typically show up in late August and peak through September, staging in the deeper pools before making their spawning runs. What makes Chinooks so exciting to target here is their aggressive nature during the pre-spawn phase—they'll absolutely crush a well-presented egg pattern or streamer, and when you hook one, you know it immediately.
Coho salmon bring a completely different kind of excitement to the table. These silver bullets might be smaller than Kings, but they're absolute acrobats when hooked. A good Coho will jump repeatedly, make blistering runs, and generally put on a show that'll get your heart pumping. They're typically most active during the September and early October period, and they have a tendency to move in schools, which means when you find one, there are usually more around. The Salmon River's Cohos average 8-12 pounds, but their fighting spirit makes them feel much bigger.
Atlantic salmon are the wild card in these waters, and they represent some of the most technical fishing you'll find anywhere. These are typically stocked fish that have spent time in Lake Ontario, and they're incredibly selective about what they'll eat. When you do connect with an Atlantic, you're in for a fight that combines the power of a King with the aerial displays of a Coho. They're present through much of the season but can be maddeningly selective, which makes landing one all the more satisfying.
This top-rated full-day experience fills up fast, especially during peak salmon season when conditions are prime and the fish are most aggressive. Marcus offers custom start times to work around your schedule, and if you're a wounded veteran, make sure to ask about the discount program. The one-on-one setup means you get Marcus's undivided attention for the entire 8-hour trip, learning techniques and strategies that'll improve your salmon fishing for years to come. You're not just booking a fishing trip—you're investing in advanced instruction from one of the Salmon River's most experienced guides. The combination of premium water access, expert guidance, and the chance to target multiple salmon species in their prime habitat makes this a must-do experience for any serious angler looking to take their skills to the next level.
The 17' Starweld skiff cuts through Salmon River currents like it was built for these waters. This 2019 drift boat packs a 90HP Yamaha that quietly powers you into those hard-to-reach salmon runs where the crowds can't follow. Built tough for navigating changing river conditions, the shallow-draft design slides over rocky shallows and holds steady in deeper pools where Chinook and Coho stage up. The spacious deck gives you room to work your line without fighting for casting space, while the stable platform keeps you balanced when a big salmon decides to make a run. Whether you're drifting egg patterns through gravel beds or swinging flies along undercut banks, this boat gets you to the fish while other anglers are stuck walking the public water. Perfect setup for serious salmon fishing.
Salmo SalarAtlantics are sleek, acrobatic fish averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. Unlike their Pacific cousins, these silver beauties can survive spawning and return to the ocean multiple times. They prefer deeper pools and runs with good current, especially around structure like boulders and drop-offs. Best fishing happens during their fall migration when they're moving through our system. What sets them apart is their jumping ability - they'll go airborne repeatedly once hooked, making for some heart-stopping moments. The meat is prized worldwide for its rich, pink color and buttery texture. My go-to technique here is the classic swing presentation with darker flies on cloudy days. Keep your rod tip up when they jump and resist the urge to horse them - let them tire themselves out with all that acrobatics.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of the salmon world, running 12-30+ pounds with some real monsters pushing 40. These silver-sided bruisers have black spots scattered across their backs and that telltale black mouth. They love deep water and structure - think bottom of pools, ledges, and current breaks where they can ambush prey. Fall runs from September through November offer the best action when they're aggressive and feeding hard. What makes them special? Pure raw power. A hooked King will peel line and test your drag like nothing else. The fight is legendary, and the table fare is top-shelf with that rich, orange meat. Here's a local tip: they're light-sensitive, so fish early morning or evening, and don't be afraid to get your bait down deep where they're holding.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho, or "silvers," are the acrobats of the salmon family - built for speed and aerial shows. Running 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, they're smaller than Kings but pack serious attitude. Look for them in moderate depths around current seams, eddies, and tailouts where they stage before moving upstream. They can jump 6 feet vertically, so expect fireworks when you hook up. Fall brings the best action as they push through our waters, aggressive and ready to strike. Anglers love them for their spectacular fights and that bright orange meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's what works: bright patterns like chartreuse and pink really trigger strikes, especially in stained water. Keep steady pressure but give them room to jump - they'll throw the hook if you try to muscle them down too quick.
Salmon River