Full Day Salmon River Guided Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Full day guided salmon and trout fishing experienceExpert Captain Jason provides tackle and local knowledgeSmall group trip accommodating up to two guests
The Salmon River isn't just another fishing spot—it's where serious anglers come to test their skills against some of the most prized fish in the Pacific Northwest. Captain Jason has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where the salmon stack up and where the trout hold in different conditions. This full-day trip gives you the time to really dial in your technique while chasing multiple species in one of the most productive river systems around. We're talking about a proper fishing day here, not some quick tourist run. You'll be on the water long enough to adapt to what the fish are doing and make the most of every opportunity.
Your day starts early because that's when the fish are most active, especially during salmon runs. Captain Jason will have you positioned in prime holding water before other boats even think about launching. The Salmon River changes personality throughout the day—morning might have you working deeper pools where chinook salmon rest, while afternoon could shift to faster water where coho are pushing upstream. You'll cover different sections of the river depending on conditions, water levels, and what's been producing lately. The boat stays comfortable for two anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work without tangling lines or bumping elbows. Jason provides all tackle, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel setup, bring it along. The river demands respect—currents can be strong, and fish here don't give up easy. That's exactly what makes landing one so satisfying.
River fishing for salmon and trout requires a completely different approach than lake fishing or ocean fishing. Captain Jason runs setups specifically designed for the Salmon River's unique conditions. You'll be using medium to heavy action rods that can handle the strong current and powerful fish, paired with reels that have solid drag systems. Techniques vary based on what we're targeting—drift fishing with roe or sand shrimp for salmon, casting spinners for aggressive coho, or working flies through trout pockets. The key is reading the water and adjusting your presentation. Jason will teach you how to feel the difference between your weight bouncing on rocks versus a fish picking up your bait. Line choice matters here too—fluorocarbon leaders help in the clear water, while the main line needs enough strength for fish that can easily hit twenty pounds or more. Every setup gets checked and re-rigged as needed throughout the day because losing a fish to tackle failure isn't an option.
"Captain Jay had us on bluefin more than once, and we ended up landing a 400-pound giant! The whole crew had an awesome time out there. Definitely recommend fishing with Dead On!" - Alexis
"We had an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Jay and first mate Matt. While nothing's ever guaranteed in fishing, having a crew that truly knows their stuff makes all the difference—and these guys absolutely do. We spent the full day aboard Jay's boat and were lucky enough to hook and land a stunning bluefin tuna. What an experience! It's a memory that'll stick with me for a long time. I'd head out with Captain Jay again in a heartbeat. Thanks again, guys!" - Jared
Chinook salmon are the kings of this river system, and for good reason. These fish can push thirty pounds or more, and when they decide to run, they'll test every knot and connection in your setup. Peak chinook fishing typically happens during their spawning runs from late summer into fall, when mature fish move upstream in waves. What makes hooking a chinook so special isn't just the size—it's the fight they put up in current. They use the river's flow to their advantage, making long powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. Most anglers remember their first chinook not for how it looked, but for how it felt when it first took off.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the river. These silver rockets are incredibly aggressive and acrobatic, often jumping multiple times during a fight. Coho typically run from late summer through fall, and they're known for hitting lures and flies with authority. What sets coho apart is their unpredictability—one minute they're sulking in deep water, the next they're aggressively chasing anything that moves. Their fighting style is all about quick direction changes and aerial displays that'll keep you on your toes throughout the entire fight.
Rainbow trout in the Salmon River system are something special. These aren't your typical stocked rainbows—they're wild fish that have grown fat feeding on salmon eggs and fry. During salmon spawning season, rainbows position themselves downstream of redds to pick off loose eggs, making them opportunistic and well-fed. Spring and fall offer the best rainbow action, when water temperatures are optimal and food sources are abundant. Landing a wild rainbow that's been living free in this system is completely different from catching hatchery fish—the colors are more vibrant, the fight more determined.
Brown trout represent the ultimate river fishing challenge on the Salmon River. These fish are notoriously cautious and selective, often requiring precise presentation and perfect timing. Browns tend to be most active during low-light periods—early morning, late evening, or overcast days. What makes catching a brown trout so rewarding is earning it through skill and patience. They're ambush predators that know their territory intimately, using structure and current breaks to their advantage. When you finally connect with a quality brown, the fight combines power with cunning as they try to wrap your line around every log and rock in the area.
The Salmon River delivers world-class fishing, but the best days book up fast, especially during peak salmon runs. Captain Jason's local knowledge and proven techniques give you the edge you need to make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're looking to land your first salmon or add another species to your list,
Jay's 17-foot drift boat cuts through the Salmon River's currents like it was built for these waters. This 2000 sportfishing vessel gives you and one other angler plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows. The GPS keeps you on track to the best fishing spots while you focus on landing those salmon and trout that make this river famous. Captain Jason knows every bend, pool, and run on this stretch of water near Pulaski. Whether you're drifting egg patterns for steelhead or swinging flies for kings, this boat positions you right where the fish are holding. The stable platform lets you fight hard-running salmon without worrying about your footing. All tackle comes with the trip, so you just need to show up ready to fish and maybe pack some snacks for the drift. Perfect setup for serious anglers who want to get after it on one of New York's premier salmon waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the craftiest fish in our river - they can live 12+ years and get extremely wary with age. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches, but the big ones lurk in deep pools and undercut banks where they're tough to reach. They love cool, clear water between 54-65°F and become much more active during fall nights when they feed aggressively. Anglers prize browns for their wariness and strong fights, plus they're excellent eating with firm, mild flesh. Fall is absolutely prime time when they're feeding up for winter. What separates browns from other trout is their preference for structure - fallen logs, rocky overhangs, anywhere they can ambush prey. Here's my trick: night fishing with crawfish patterns or woolly buggers near those undercut banks can produce the biggest browns of the season.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKings are the heavyweights of our river system - these monsters can push 20-30 pounds and will absolutely test your tackle. They're the largest salmon species we target, with that distinctive black mouth and spots covering their tail and fins. Chinooks stay deep most of the day since they're sensitive to light, so you'll find them in the deepest holes and runs. Early morning and evening are your best shots, with fall being peak season during their spawning run. What makes kings special is the sheer power - they'll strip line like nothing else and that rich, pink meat is restaurant quality. Since they hug the bottom, weighted presentations are key. My local secret is using bright flies like chartreuse and blue combos on sunny days, switching to darker purples and blacks when it's overcast. These fish demand respect and heavy tackle.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite when they hit the Salmon River during their fall runs. These acrobatic fighters average 8-12 pounds and can jump 6 feet straight up - trust me, you'll see it happen. Cohos prefer the deeper holes and calmer water under fallen trees or debris, especially in sections connected to Lake Ontario. Late August through October is prime time when they're fresh from the lake and full of fight. Guests go crazy for these fish because they're aggressive, spectacular jumpers, and the orange-red meat is top-shelf table fare. The males develop those hooked jaws that make them look prehistoric. My go-to technique here is swinging bright spinners in the faster water or twitching jigs with long tails in the holding pools. Pink and chartreuse work great on overcast days.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese beauties are the bread and butter of our Salmon River trips. Rainbows here typically run 12-20 inches and 2-6 pounds, with that signature pink stripe and fighting spirit that makes them jump clear out of the water. You'll find them in the faster current breaks and deeper pools, especially where the water stays cool and clean. Spring through fall offers the best action, but they're active year-round if you know where to look. What makes guests love targeting rainbows is their scrappy nature - they'll test your drag and put on a show. The meat's excellent eating too, with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when the water's low and clear, try drifting a small nymph just off the bottom through those pocket waters behind boulders.
Captain Jay had us on bluefin more than once, and we ended up landing a 400-pound giant! The whole crew had an awesome time out th...
We had an unforgettable day on the water with Captain Jay and first mate Matt. While nothing’s ever guaranteed in fishing, having ...
Pulaski, NY