Full Day Salmon Run on Salmon River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Sevenhour guided salmon fishing adventure on Salmon RiverTarget Chinook and Coho salmon during prime October seasonAll fishing gear provided for up to two guests
Captain Jason knows the Salmon River like the back of his hand, and October is when this water absolutely lights up with salmon activity. This 7-hour drift boat adventure puts you right in the heart of the fall salmon run, targeting both Chinook and Coho salmon during their peak migration period. Starting at 5:00 AM from Pineville Pool Parking in Altmar, you'll have the entire day to work the best pools and runs while the fish are most active. Jay's Sportfishing keeps groups small at just 2 anglers, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably in the drift boat.
The Salmon River in October is prime time for salmon fishing, and Captain Jason positions his drift boat in all the right spots where these fish stage up during their spawning run. You'll start early to beat the crowds and take advantage of the morning bite when salmon are most aggressive. The drift boat setup allows you to cover serious water throughout the day, hitting multiple pools and runs that hold fish. Jason provides all the gear you need - rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait - so beginners can focus on learning proper techniques without worrying about equipment. The river runs clear and cold this time of year, perfect conditions for sight fishing when salmon are holding in the deeper pools. Expect to spend the day drifting through classic salmon water, learning to read the river and understand where these fish like to hang out during their upstream journey.
Drift boat fishing on the Salmon River is all about presentation and boat positioning. Captain Jason uses the boat's mobility to work different depths and current seams where salmon travel upstream. You'll learn bottom bouncing techniques with spawn sacs and egg patterns that trigger strikes from aggressive fish. The drift boat allows for precise anchor positioning in productive pools, giving you time to thoroughly work water that holds fish. Jason teaches proper line control and how to detect the subtle takes that salmon often give when they're not in full feeding mode. Rod handling becomes crucial when fighting these powerful fish in current - you'll learn to use the boat's position to your advantage when battling a hot salmon. The setup includes spinning gear that's forgiving for beginners but still has the backbone to handle big Chinook salmon that can easily top 20 pounds during the fall run.
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Salmon River, and October brings the biggest fish of the year upstream. These bruisers average 15-25 pounds and fight like freight trains once hooked, using the river current to their advantage. Chinook stage in the deeper pools during daylight hours and become more active in low-light conditions, which is why the early start pays off. They're incredibly strong fish that will test your drag system and arm strength during long battles. What makes Chinook so exciting is their unpredictability - they might take your bait gently or absolutely slam it, and either way you're in for a serious fight that could last 15-20 minutes in heavy current.
Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table with their aerial acrobatics and lightning-fast runs. These silver bullets typically run 8-12 pounds but make up for their smaller size with pure athleticism and jumping ability. Coho are often more aggressive than Chinook, willing to chase bait and strike with authority. They're notorious for their jumping displays once hooked, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. October Coho are bright silver fresh from the lake, and they fight clean and hard before tiring. Many anglers actually prefer targeting Coho because they're more active during daylight hours and provide non-stop action once you locate a school moving through the system.
The October salmon run on the Salmon River is legendary among Great Lakes anglers, and Captain Jason's drift boat puts you in the best position to capitalize on this world-class fishery. With only 2 spots available per trip, you get the personalized instruction and prime fishing position that makes the difference between watching fish and catching them. The 7-hour format gives you enough time to really learn the techniques and enjoy multiple hookups throughout the day. All gear is included, so beginners can jump right in without any equipment investment, while experienced anglers appreciate the quality tackle and local knowledge. This beginner-friendly approach combined with top-rated guiding makes it the perfect introduction to salmon fishing or a great refresher for anglers wanting to improve their river techniques. Book now for October dates - the fall salmon run waits for no one, and these prime fishing days fill up fast with both local anglers and visitors who return year after year.
Captain Jason's 17-foot drift boat is built for serious salmon fishing on the Salmon River. This 2000 sportfishing vessel handles the currents and rocky sections perfectly while giving you and one other angler plenty of room to work your lines. The GPS navigation keeps us positioned over the best salmon holds, especially important during the October runs when Chinook and Coho are moving upstream. At 17 feet, she's got the stability you need for fighting big fish while staying nimble enough to drift through the prime fishing spots most boats can't reach. The layout gives both guests clear casting lanes and easy access to the action. Perfect for beginners who want to learn proper river fishing techniques without worrying about boat handling - just focus on your rod and let the boat do the work.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the Salmon River, typically running 12-20 pounds with some bruisers pushing 30+ pounds. These silver-sided fighters with black-spotted backs prefer the deeper pools and runs, especially during our October season when they're moving upstream to spawn. What makes them special is that raw power - once hooked, they'll make long runs and test your drag like no other fish in the river. The meat is that rich, orange-pink color that's perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: they're light-sensitive, so focus your efforts in the deeper water early morning or evening. Use weighted presentations to get down to them, and be ready for a battle when one decides your offering looks good.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure dynamite on the Salmon River - smaller than kings at 8-12 pounds, but twice as acrobatic. These chrome-bright fish love the faster water and aren't shy about launching themselves clear out of the river when hooked. That's what makes them so popular with guests - the aerial show is something else. During our October runs, look for them in the current seams and tailouts where they stage before moving upstream. The meat is that bright orange-red color that tastes fantastic. Pro tip for cohos: they're aggressive biters, so don't be afraid to work your presentation with some action. A twitched jig or swung spinner often triggers strikes when they're being finicky. Just keep that rod tip up once they're on!
Pulaski, NY