New York State Twilight Salmon Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Twilight salmon fishing adventure using specialized glow equipmentDrift boat targeting fresh salmon at river mouthSmall group experience with maximum two guests
Picture this: the sun's dropping behind the treeline, casting long shadows across the water as you settle into our comfortable drift boat. This isn't your typical daytime fishing trip. We're talking about a specialized twilight adventure that takes full advantage of when salmon are most active – right at sunset and into the darkness. Our unique approach puts you right at the river mouth where hungry salmon are staging before their upstream journey. With just two anglers per trip, you'll get the personal attention and prime positioning that makes all the difference between a good story and an epic one.
This trip starts when most other guides are heading home. We launch as the sun begins its descent, positioning our drift boat at strategic spots where the river meets the lake. The real magic happens as darkness falls – that's when these salmon drop their guard and start feeding aggressively. You'll be fishing from a stable platform that lets you cover water efficiently while staying comfortable. The twilight hours create perfect conditions as the water temperature cools and baitfish movements trigger feeding responses. Don't worry about the darkness affecting your fishing – we've got that covered with specialized techniques that actually work better in low light conditions.
Here's where things get interesting. We're not using your standard daytime tackle. Our arsenal includes glow rods that help you track your line movement even in complete darkness, plus an assortment of crankbaits and spoons designed specifically for night fishing. These lures are charged with light before deployment, creating an irresistible glow underwater that salmon can't ignore. We'll be drift fishing and trolling depending on where the fish are holding. The techniques we use are time-tested for this specific fishery – we're talking about methods that have been refined over years of targeting salmon during their most vulnerable feeding periods.
Rainbow trout in these waters are absolute powerhouses, typically running 3-8 pounds with some pushing into double digits. They're most active during the cooler evening temperatures and will hit hard on our glow spoons. These fish are known for their spectacular jumps and long runs that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the best action, but our twilight timing gives you an edge when they're actively hunting baitfish near the surface.
Coho salmon are the acrobats of the group – expect fish in the 8-15 pound range that'll put on an aerial show you won't forget. These silver bullets are incredibly aggressive during their evening feeding frenzies, often taking lures with bone-jarring strikes. Late summer into early fall is prime time when they're stacking up at river mouths, exactly where we position our boat.
Chinook salmon are the kings for good reason. We're targeting fish that commonly weigh 15-25 pounds, with trophy specimens pushing 30-plus. These bruisers prefer deeper water during daylight but move shallow as darkness approaches. Their power is legendary – once hooked, they'll take you on runs that can peel line for what feels like forever. Peak season runs from mid-summer through early fall.
Brown trout round out our target species with fish ranging from 4-12 pounds. These are some of the wariest fish in the system during daylight, but our night tactics level the playing field completely. They're opportunistic predators that'll ambush prey in low light conditions, making them perfect targets for our glow presentations.
This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a specialized adventure that capitalizes on fish behavior most anglers never experience. With only two spots available per outing, you're guaranteed individualized instruction and prime fishing positioning. The combination of our unique timing, specialized gear, and intimate group size creates opportunities you simply won't find elsewhere. Secure your spot with our low-rate deposit system and get ready for action-packed fishing when these salmon and trout are at their most aggressive. The fish are there, the techniques are proven, and the setup is perfect – all that's missing is you.
Our 18-foot 2013 Hyde drift boat is your ticket to prime salmon fishing at the river mouth. With a reliable 9HP Mercury pushing us to 15 knots, we'll position perfectly where fresh salmon enter from the lake. The boat's fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps us on the productive spots. An onboard livewell ensures your catch stays fresh, and the icebox keeps drinks cold during those long twilight sessions. Built for three anglers but limited to two guests for maximum comfort and fishing room, this drift boat handles the current beautifully while you work glow rods and spoons in low light conditions. The stable platform gives you solid footing when battling salmon, and the open layout means no tangled lines when the action heats up after dark.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest trout in the river, and that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. They average 8-24 inches but can grow much larger, living up to 20 years in good habitat. These golden-brown fish with black spots are masters of cover - look for them under cut banks, fallen trees, and deep pools. They prefer 54-65°F water and get most active during low-light periods. Fall is prime time when they feed aggressively before winter. What hooks guests? Browns are incredibly wary and fight with both power and cunning. They'll use every piece of structure to break you off. The eating quality is outstanding too - firm, sweet meat. Local secret: browns often hold tight to structure during the day, so get your fly or lure right into their face. They won't move far to eat, but they'll ambush prey that comes within striking distance.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their name - these are the heavyweights, running 12-39 inches and 7-15+ pounds, with some monsters hitting 30+. They're light-sensitive fish that hug the bottom during daylight, making our twilight trips perfect timing. Look for them in deeper holes and current seams where rivers meet the lake. Fall migration brings the best action when they're staging before spawning runs. Kings are bucket-list fish - their power is unmatched, and that reddish-pink meat is prime table fare. The fight is less about jumps and more about raw strength and long runs. Here's the secret: these fish have black gums, unlike other salmon. When targeting them deep, use heavy presentations and work them slow. They'll often just stop your lure cold rather than slam it, so stay alert for subtle hits.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure adrenaline on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but can push over 30. They're called "silver" for good reason - bright chrome sides with a blue-green back. During our twilight runs, cohos stage in deeper water near river mouths before their spawning push. Fall is peak season when they're aggressive and feeding hard. What guests love most? These fish can jump 6 feet straight up and fight like nothing else. The bright orange meat is top-shelf eating too. Pro tip for our night fishing: when using glow spoons, let them sink deep first - cohos often hit on the drop rather than the retrieve. They're drawn to that falling action, especially in low light. Keep your drag loose; their initial runs are powerful and sudden.
Oncorhynchus MykissThese beauties run 8-24 inches and average 2-8 pounds, with that signature pink stripe along their silvery sides. You'll find them in clean, cool water around 55-64°F - they're picky about water quality, which is good news for us. They love gravelly areas with good cover and current breaks. Spring through fall are prime time, but early morning and late evening fish best. What makes rainbows special? They're scrappy fighters that'll jump and run when hooked. Plus, their mild, nutty flavor makes for great eating. Here's a local tip: when the water's murky from rain, switch to brighter lures or flies - chartreuse and pink work magic. These fish respond well to presentation changes, so don't be afraid to adjust your retrieve speed until you find what they want.
Oswego County