Full Day Advanced Salmon And Trout Fishing
Private Trip
River Fishing
8hour advanced salmon and trout fishing on Oswego RiverExpert plugging techniques during high water conditionsMaximum 2 guests with all equipment provided
When you're ready to move beyond weekend warrior status and test your skills against some of Lake Ontario's most challenging fish, Captain John Brooks has the trip for you. This isn't your typical charter—we're talking 8 hours of intense fishing action on the Oswego River, where high water levels and aggressive fish create conditions that separate the pros from the pretenders. With only 2 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention and prime fishing positions that make all the difference when you're targeting trophy-class salmon and trout.
Captain John knows the Oswego River like the back of his hand, and he's designed this advanced trip for anglers who want to push their limits. You'll spend the day working high-water conditions that bring out the aggressive feeding behavior in chinook salmon, browns, and rainbows. The river runs fast and cold here, creating perfect habitat for these hard-fighting fish. We'll hit multiple productive zones throughout the day, from the deeper pools where big kings lurk to the swift runs that rainbows love to patrol. The small group size means you're not competing for the best spots—everyone gets premium water time. All your gear is provided, including the specialized tackle needed for advanced plugging techniques. Just bring your fishing license and be ready to work for every fish. This isn't a relaxing float trip; it's 8 hours of focused, high-level fishing where every cast counts.
The heart of this trip revolves around mastering plugging techniques that most weekend anglers never learn. Captain John will walk you through reading water conditions, selecting the right plug for current speed and depth, and working your presentation to trigger strikes from pressured fish. We use heavy-duty spinning and casting setups capable of handling 20-pound-plus salmon in fast current. The plugs we run aren't your typical hardware store offerings—these are proven fish-catchers specifically chosen for Oswego's unique conditions. You'll learn to work both stationary positions and controlled drifts, adjusting your technique as water levels and fish behavior change throughout the day. The key is understanding how salmon and trout react to plugs in different situations. Sometimes they want aggressive retrieves that mimic fleeing baitfish, other times a subtle wobble is what triggers the strike. Captain John has spent years perfecting these methods, and he'll share the subtle details that turn good anglers into great ones.
The Oswego River system produces some of Lake Ontario's most impressive salmon and trout, and this advanced trip puts you in position to tangle with the biggest fish of the year. Chinook salmon are the undisputed kings here, with mature fish pushing 30 pounds and showing the kind of power that tests both angler skill and tackle strength. These aren't hatchery fish—they're wild, aggressive predators that have spent years feeding in the deep, cold waters of Lake Ontario. Brown trout run large too, with fish over 10 pounds common during peak seasons. They're incredibly smart and selective, making them the perfect target for advanced techniques. Rainbow trout round out the trio, and while they might be smaller on average, they make up for it with acrobatic fights that'll leave your arms burning. The high water conditions we fish create ideal hunting grounds for all three species, concentrating them in predictable areas where experienced anglers can capitalize on feeding opportunities.
Chinook salmon represent the ultimate test for any serious angler visiting the Oswego River. These massive fish typically run from late summer through fall, with the biggest specimens often exceeding 25 pounds. They're incredibly aggressive during their spawning runs, striking plugs with bone-jarring force that can catch even experienced anglers off guard. The key to success is heavy tackle and quick reflexes—once a big king grabs your plug, you're in for a battle that can last 20 minutes or more. Their size and power make them the most sought-after species on the river, and landing one on plugging gear is a badge of honor among Great Lakes anglers.
Brown trout in the Oswego system are legendary for their size and wariness. These fish can live for over a decade, growing to impressive proportions while developing an almost supernatural ability to avoid poorly presented lures. The largest browns often feed at dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets for our full-day format. They prefer deeper water during bright conditions but will move shallow to hunt when light levels drop. A 15-pound brown trout is a fish of a lifetime for most anglers, and the Oswego River produces them regularly for those who understand their behavior and habitat preferences.
Rainbow trout bring non-stop action and aerial displays that never get old, no matter how many you've caught. They're typically the most active species throughout the day, providing steady fishing when salmon and browns are being finicky. Oswego rainbows average 5-8 pounds but can reach double digits during peak runs. They're suckers for properly presented plugs, especially in the faster water where they feel comfortable feeding. Their acrobatic fights make them crowd pleasers, and they're often the species that save slow days when the bigger fish are being difficult.
This advanced fishing trip represents everything serious anglers love about the Oswego River—challenging conditions, world-class fish, and techniques that separate the dedicated from the casual. Captain John's expertise combined with the river's legendary productivity creates opportunities you simply won't find elsewhere. The small group size ensures personal instruction and premium fishing time, while the 8-hour format gives you enough time to really dial in your technique and capitalize on changing conditions. Whether you're looking to land your personal best salmon, outsmart a trophy brown trout, or simply spend a day fishing at the highest level, this trip delivers. Spots fill fast during peak season, especially with only 2 anglers per trip. Don't wait—book your advanced Oswego River fishing experience today and find out why
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smartest fish in the Oswego system, averaging 8-15 inches but with some real monsters pushing 24+ inches hiding in the deeper holes. These golden-brown beauties with dark spots love structure - fallen logs, undercut banks, and rocky ledges where they ambush prey. They feed most aggressively at dawn and dusk, especially during fall when water temps drop into their comfort zone. What makes browns special is their wariness and hard fighting ability once hooked. They'll make sudden runs and try every trick to throw your hook. The meat is excellent eating with a mild, sweet flavor. Local secret: target the deeper pools below the dam where browns stack up in cooler water during summer heat.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of the Oswego River, typically running 12-20 pounds but giants over 30 pounds show up regularly. These silver-sided bruisers with black-spotted backs stay deep in the water column, especially during bright conditions. They hit hard and fight harder, making long powerful runs that'll test your drag. Fall runs from September through November offer the best action when they're pushing upstream to spawn. The meat is that beautiful orange-pink color that makes for prime table fare. Pro tip: when plugging the deeper pools, let your lure work the bottom third of the water column - that's where the big kings cruise and where they'll crush your presentation with authority.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbows are the acrobats of the river, usually running 8-16 inches with that distinctive pink stripe along their silver sides. They prefer the faster water and gravelly runs where they can dart up to grab insects and small baitfish. Spring through early summer is prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot around 55-65 degrees. These fish are pure energy - they'll jump, run, and put on a real show once you hook them. The pink flesh is fantastic on the table too. They're indicators of clean water, so when you find rainbows, you know you're fishing quality habitat. Best tip for Oswego rainbows: work your lures through the current seams where fast water meets slower pools - they love to sit in those feeding lanes.
Oswego