King Salmon & Steelhead Action on 37ft Viking Vessel
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
37ft Viking vessel offers fully enclosed comfort for fishingTarget king salmon and steelhead during 5hour tripsSpacious back deck accommodates parties up to 6 guests
Nothing beats a day on the water targeting some of the most prized fish in freshwater angling. Our custom 5-hour charter aboard Redemption Charters' 37-foot Viking gives you and your crew the perfect setup for landing king salmon, steelhead, and other trophy species. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a chance to experience world-class angling in comfort while chasing fish that'll have you talking for years. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want to feel that rod bend with a powerful fish on the other end, this charter delivers the goods.
Step aboard our fully enclosed 37-foot Viking and you'll immediately notice the difference quality makes. The spacious back deck gives everyone room to fish without bumping elbows, while the enclosed cabin means you can stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. This vessel was built for serious fishing, with all the electronics and safety gear you'd expect from a top-rated charter operation. Your captain knows these waters inside and out, reading conditions and adjusting techniques throughout the day to keep you on fish. The 5-hour timeframe hits that sweet spot – long enough to really get into the action but not so long that you're worn out by the end. You'll cover productive water, try different approaches, and have plenty of opportunities to hook into something special. The boat's layout makes it easy to move around when fighting fish, and there's enough space for everyone to stay engaged whether they're actively fishing or cheering on a teammate battling a big one.
Lake fishing for salmon and steelhead requires a different approach than river angling, and that's where our experience really shines. We'll be running a combination of downriggers, lead core, and planer boards depending on conditions and what the fish are telling us. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels that can handle everything from scrappy coho to heavyweight chinooks. Trolling is the name of the game here, covering water efficiently while presenting lures at the right depth and speed. We'll adjust our spread based on fish finder readings, water temperature, and recent bite reports. Expect to run everything from spoons and plugs to cut bait rigs, switching up colors and presentations until we dial in what's working. The captain will handle boat positioning and downrigger adjustments while coaching you through the fight when fish hit. It's hands-on fishing that keeps everyone involved, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The enclosed cabin means we can fish effectively in any weather, and the spacious deck layout ensures everyone has room to work when multiple lines go off at once.
Atlantic salmon are the newcomers making waves in many lake systems, and these fish fight like they've got something to prove. Running anywhere from 8 to 15 pounds on average, Atlantics are acrobatic fighters that'll jump, run, and test your drag system. They're most active during cooler parts of the day and respond well to smaller spoons and flies trolled at moderate speeds. What makes them special is their willingness to feed aggressively once you locate a school – it's not uncommon to boat several in quick succession when you hit them right.
Coho salmon bring that famous silver bullet energy to every fight. These 5 to 12-pound rockets are pure adrenaline, known for spectacular aerial displays that'll get everyone on the boat cheering. Cohos prefer the upper water column and are suckers for bright, flashy presentations. They're most cooperative during dawn and dusk periods, though overcast days can keep them active throughout the day. Landing a hot coho is like wrestling with a fish that's 90% muscle and 10% attitude.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate prize for many anglers, and for good reason. These chrome-bright fighters combine size, strength, and stamina in ways that'll test your skills and equipment. Lake-run steelhead can push well into the teens weight-wise and fight with a determination that borders on stubborn. They're notorious for long, powerful runs that'll strip line off your reel in a hurry. Steelhead can be finicky feeders, but when conditions line up, they'll hammer presentations with authority that leaves no doubt about what just happened.
Chinook salmon are the kings for a reason – these are the fish that dreams are made of. Mature kings can exceed 20 pounds and fight with a bulldogging power that's completely different from their smaller cousins. They prefer deeper water and cooler temperatures, making downrigger presentations essential for consistent success. When a big chinook decides to make a run, it's like being connected to a freight train. The combination of size, strength, and sheer stubbornness makes every king salmon a trophy worth celebrating.
Lake trout round out our target species list with their unique fighting characteristics and impressive size potential. These deep-water dwellers can live for decades and grow to impressive proportions. Lakers fight differently than salmon – less aerial acrobatics, more steady, determined pulling that tests your endurance. They're structure-oriented fish that often relate to specific depth ranges and bottom features. Landing a big lake trout is like winning a tug-of-war contest that can last 15 minutes or more, especially when you're pulling them up from significant depths.
The combination of comfort, capability, and fish-catching potential keeps customers booking return trips season after season. Our 37-foot Viking isn't just a fishing platform – it's a mobile base camp that lets you fish effectively regardless of conditions. The fully enclosed design means weather doesn't dictate your fishing plans, while the spacious layout ensures everyone stays comfortable throughout the 5-hour adventure. What really sets this charter apart is the variety of species available on any given trip. You might start the morning targeting kings in deeper water, then shift to coho salmon as they move shallow during an overcast
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are the ocean-going giants of the salmon world, averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. Unlike their Pacific cousins, these fish can survive spawning and return to sea multiple times. They're anadromous, spending years in saltwater before returning to freshwater rivers. You'll find them in deeper coastal waters during their ocean phase, often following baitfish schools. Their silver bodies turn bronze when they enter rivers to spawn from November through January. What makes them special is their incredible leaping ability and sustained fight - they're acrobatic and powerful. The meat is premium quality with that rich, orange-pink color everyone loves. Best fishing happens during their river runs in fall and early winter. One key tip: when they're jumping, don't try to horse them in - let them tire themselves out and they'll come to the net much easier.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the line. They average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, but their acrobatic jumps - up to 6 feet high - make them feel much bigger. These bright silver fish have dark blue-green backs with black spots on their tails. You'll find them in calmer areas near debris and structure, especially around river mouths and estuaries. They spend their juvenile years in freshwater before heading to the ocean for 2-3 years. Fall runs offer the best action as they return to spawn. What guests love most is their aerial show - coho will jump repeatedly when hooked, putting on a real spectacle. The bright orange meat is excellent eating too. For consistently hooking them, try bright chartreuse or pink lures in slightly stained water. When they're jumping, keep steady pressure but don't overdo it.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their royal name - they're the biggest salmon species, averaging 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but often pushing 20-30 pounds or more. These blue-green backed fish with silver sides have black spots everywhere, even inside their mouths and on their gums. They're deep-water lovers, staying near the bottom where it's darker since they're sensitive to light. Early morning and evening fishing produces the best results. Kings spend most of their adult life in the ocean before returning to rivers to spawn from ages 2-7. What draws anglers is their size and the serious fight they put up - plus that rich, reddish-pink meat is top-shelf eating. They're smart fish that require heavier tackle and weighted baits to reach them in deeper water. Pro tip: when trolling, vary your speed occasionally - kings often hit when you change pace, thinking the bait is trying to escape.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of cold, deep water - the largest char species that can hit 15-40 pounds and 24-36 inches regularly. These grey-green fish with cream-colored spots love the deep basins of northern lakes where the water stays cold and oxygen-rich year-round. You'll find them suspended in mid-water or hugging bottom structure in depths that would surprise you, sometimes 60-100 feet down in summer. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallower, but they're catchable year-round if you go deep enough. What makes them special is their size potential - trophy fish over 30 pounds aren't uncommon in the right waters. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Jigging is your best bet in deep water using lures that imitate wounded baitfish. Here's the key: don't overwork your presentation - lake trout prefer a subtle, slow-moving bait over aggressive action.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that decided to live the saltwater life, and it makes them absolute bruisers. These sea-run rainbows average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches and 55 pounds in rare cases. They're streamlined and silvery with black spots across their backs, built for speed and stamina. You'll find them in deeper pools and current seams, using cover like boulders and logs. They spend 2-3 years in the ocean before returning to rivers to spawn. Mid-fall through spring offers the best fishing when they're running upstream. What sets steelhead apart is their legendary fighting ability - long runs, powerful jumps, and they never give up easily. They can spawn multiple times unlike salmon, so they fight like their lives depend on it. The key is presenting your bait or lure naturally in the current - they're spooky and won't chase anything that looks off.
Lake Ontario