Private Morning Charter on Androscoggin River
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 4hour morning charter targeting Smallmouth BassLight tackle spinning and fly fishing options availableCatch and release policy preserves river ecosystem
Picture yourself casting a line into one of Maine's most productive fishing waters at first light, with the whole river practically to yourself. That's exactly what you get with our private 4-hour morning charter on the Androscoggin River. Starting at 8 AM when the fish are most active, this solo adventure puts you right in the sweet spot for some serious angling action. With 9 years of guiding experience on these waters, I know exactly where the fish hang out and how to put you on them fast.
This isn't your typical crowded fishing trip – you're getting the boat all to yourself for four solid hours of fishing. We'll launch early to beat the crowds and take advantage of that prime morning bite when the water's cool and the fish are hungry. The Androscoggin runs clear and steady through this stretch, creating perfect conditions for both spinning and fly fishing. You'll have your choice of techniques, and I'll adjust our approach based on what's working that day. The river's got plenty of structure – rocky ledges, deep pools, and current breaks where fish love to hold. We practice strict catch-and-release here, so every fish goes back healthy to fight another day. Don't worry about bringing anything except yourself – I've got all the gear, tackle, and local knowledge you'll need to make this morning count.
We fish light tackle exclusively on the Androscoggin, which means every hookup feels like you're connected to a freight train. Whether you're more comfortable with spinning gear or want to try your hand at fly fishing, I'll set you up with the right setup for the conditions. For spin fishing, we'll use 6-7 weight rods paired with quality reels loaded with 8-10 lb test. The lighter line gives these fish every advantage, making each battle that much more exciting. Fly anglers will love working the deeper runs with streamers or dead-drifting nymphs through the prime holding water. I tie most of my own flies specifically for this river, using patterns that have proven themselves over years of trial and error. The key here is reading the water and adjusting your presentation as conditions change throughout the morning. I'll coach you through different techniques and help you develop the confidence to work these waters like a pro.
Shad are the stars of the show on the Androscoggin, and for good reason – these silvery fighters put up an absolutely wild battle that'll test your skills and your tackle. American Shad typically run 2-4 pounds in this stretch, but don't let their size fool you. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll ever hook, with a tendency to make long, powerful runs that'll have your drag screaming. They move into the river system during their spring spawning run, usually peaking from late May through June, though we see good numbers well into summer. What makes shad fishing so addictive is their aggressive feeding behavior – when you find a school, the action can be absolutely non-stop. They'll hit small spoons, jigs, and flies with surprising violence, often jumping multiple times during the fight. The best part about targeting shad here is their numbers – it's not uncommon to land a dozen or more during a good morning session. These fish are pure adrenaline on a line, and once you've felt that first powerful run, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over New England just to tangle with Androscoggin shad.
Morning slots on the Androscoggin fill up fast, especially during prime shad season when word gets out about the hot bite. This top-rated charter experience gives you exclusive access to my best fishing spots without having to share the water with other anglers. At just one guest per trip, you're getting personalized instruction and the kind of hands-on coaching that turns good days into great ones. The 8 AM start time puts us right in the prime feeding window, and four hours gives us plenty of time to work different sections of river until we find where the fish are stacked up. Remember, this is a non-refundable deposit situation, so make sure your schedule's locked in before booking. The combination of light tackle, cooperative fish, and experienced guidance makes this one of the best fishing values in Maine. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, try a new species, or just get some serious rod-bending action, this private charter delivers the goods. Don't wait too long to secure your date – the calendar fills up quick once anglers discover what the Androscoggin has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our 2020 17' Pavati drift boat, designed specifically for navigating the Androscoggin River's currents and eddies. This nimble craft gets you into those hard-to-reach pools where smallmouth bass love to hide. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. The shallow draft design lets us slip into skinny water where bigger fish cruise, while the stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're working a spinner or laying out fly line. Built tough for river conditions, this boat handles everything from gentle glides through calm stretches to maneuvering around rocky shoals. The open layout means easy access to all your gear and plenty of room for landing fish. Perfect for families too - kids can fish safely while learning the ropes from our experienced captain who knows every bend and productive spot along this productive stretch of water.
Androscoggin River