Full Day Salmon Fishing with Captain Jason
Private Trip
River Fishing
Seven-hour guided salmon fishing trip on Salmon RiverTarget Chinook and Coho salmon during peak October seasonAll gear provided for maximum two guests per trip
The Salmon River in October is pure magic for salmon fishing, and Captain Jason knows exactly where to find them. This 7-hour guided drift boat trip puts you right in the thick of the fall salmon run, when massive Chinook and feisty Coho are pushing upstream in serious numbers. Starting at 5:00 AM from Pineville Pool, you'll cover prime water that most shore anglers never see. Jay's Sportfishing has been guiding these waters for years, and Captain Jason's local knowledge makes all the difference when fish are finicky. Whether you've never held a rod or you're looking to dial in your river techniques, this trip is designed to put fish in the boat while keeping things relaxed and educational.
Your day kicks off early at Pineville Pool Parking in Altmar, where you'll meet Captain Jason and get your first look at the drift boat that'll be your floating platform for the next seven hours. The Salmon River runs cold and clear in October, perfect conditions for salmon moving upstream to spawn. You'll drift through pools and runs that hold fish, with Captain Jason reading the water and positioning the boat for optimal presentations. The beauty of drift boat fishing is mobility – if one spot isn't producing, you're already moving to the next honey hole. Expect to cover several miles of prime salmon water, hitting classic spots like the DSR (Douglaston Salmon Run) area and productive pools upstream. Captain Jason provides all the gear you need, from rods rigged with the right terminal tackle to a selection of proven baits and lures. The boat comfortably handles two anglers, so you won't be crowded or fighting for casting room. Plan to dress in layers since October mornings start chilly but warm up as the sun climbs. The river can be busy with other anglers, but being in the drift boat gives you access to water that shore fishermen can't reach.
Salmon River fishing is all about presentation and timing, and Captain Jason will walk you through the techniques that consistently produce fish. You'll primarily be drift fishing with bait rigs, letting your offering tumble naturally through pools and runs where salmon hold. The key is getting your bait down to the fish level while maintaining a drag-free drift that looks natural. Captain Jason sets up the rods with the right amount of weight for current conditions and teaches you how to read your line for strikes. Salmon don't always slam the bait – sometimes it's just a slight tick or the line goes tight. You'll learn to set the hook properly and fight fish from the boat, which requires different techniques than shore fishing. The drift boat allows Captain Jason to follow fish downstream if needed, giving you the best chance to land that fish of a lifetime. He'll also show you how to work different water types, from deep pools where fish rest to shallow gravel beds where they spawn. Bait selection varies based on conditions, but expect to fish with skein (salmon eggs), spawn sacs, and proven lures like spoons and plugs. The captain adjusts techniques throughout the day based on fish behavior and water conditions.
Captain Jason's guests have been connecting with some serious fish this fall run. The Chinook salmon, also called Kings, have been running larger than average this season, with fish in the 20 to 30-pound range showing up regularly. These powerful fish test your tackle and fighting skills, often making long runs downstream before you can turn them. The Coho salmon, or Silver salmon, have been equally cooperative, providing fast action and acrobatic fights that get your heart pumping. What makes this trip special is Captain Jason's ability to put you on fish consistently – it's not just about getting lucky. His knowledge of seasonal patterns, water conditions, and fish behavior means you're fishing the right spots with the right techniques at the right time. Recent trips have seen multiple hookups per day, with guests landing their personal best salmon. The drift boat advantage really shows when you're fighting a big King – Captain Jason can maneuver the boat to help you land fish that might be impossible from shore. October is peak season on the Salmon River, and this year's run has been particularly strong.
Chinook salmon are the true kings of the Salmon River, and October is prime time to tangle with these powerful fish. These Pacific salmon can exceed 30 pounds and are known for their incredible strength and determination. When hooked, a King will often make multiple long runs, testing your drag and fighting skills to the limit. They're creatures of habit, holding in specific pools and runs during their upstream migration. What makes Chinook so exciting is their unpredictability – they might slam your bait aggressively or just mouth it gently, requiring you to stay alert and ready to set the hook. The best fishing happens early morning and late afternoon when these fish are most active. Their silver sides and dark backs make them easy to identify, and their sheer size is always impressive when you finally get one to the boat.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to your day on the Salmon River. These acrobatic fighters are smaller than Chinook, typically ranging from 8 to 15 pounds, but they make up for it with aerial displays and lightning-fast runs. Coho are aggressive feeders and will often hit lures and baits with authority, giving you that heart-stopping strike you dream about. They're more likely to jump when hooked, sometimes clearing the water completely in spectacular fashion. October Coho are bright silver with excellent table quality, making them a favorite target for anglers who like to keep fish. They tend to move through the system quickly, so timing is crucial. Captain Jason knows where Coho stage during their migration and can put you on schools of these exciting fish. Their fighting style is different from Chinook – more erratic and unpredictable, keeping you on your toes throughout the fight.
The October salmon run on the Salmon River doesn't
Jay's 17-foot drift boat puts you right in the action on Salmon River's productive waters. Built in 2000 and designed specifically for river fishing, this sportfishing vessel handles the currents with ease while keeping you and one other angler comfortable during those long October salmon runs. The GPS navigation helps Captain Jason position you over the best holding spots where Chinook and Coho salmon stage up. With plenty of rod storage and room to move around when fighting fish, this drift boat lets you focus on what matters – getting your line in the water and landing salmon. The shallow draft design gets you into spots bigger boats can't reach, putting you on fish that haven't seen much pressure. Perfect for covering water efficiently while staying stable enough for beginners to learn proper techniques.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the giants of the salmon world, typically running 12-30 pounds here on the Salmon River during our October season. These silver-sided beauties with blue-green backs pack serious muscle and will test your drag system with powerful runs. They prefer the deeper holes and slower current breaks, often hugging bottom structure where the water's 4-8 feet deep. October is prime time as they're fresh from Lake Ontario and still chrome bright. What makes them special is that incredible fight combined with some of the best eating you'll find - that rich, orange-pink meat is restaurant quality. Local tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap on your egg sac, don't set the hook right away. Let them take it and start to move off before you lift that rod tip.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are the acrobats of our October runs, averaging 8-12 pounds of pure energy that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked. They're called "silvers" for good reason - that chrome finish with dark backs makes them beautiful fish. You'll find them in the faster water and tail-outs where they like to stage before moving upstream. These fish are famous for their aerial shows and never-give-up attitude once hooked. The meat is top-notch with that bright orange color that tastes as good as it looks. During our fall season, they're aggressive and willing to hit both roe and hardware. Pro tip: when a coho jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water - keeps that hook from popping out during their wild gymnastics.
Pulaski, NY