Custom Lake Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Fishing
37ft Viking vessel targets king salmon and steelheadFully enclosed boat with spacious back deck fishing areaFive-hour charter accommodates groups of six guests
Picture this: you and your crew stepping aboard a pristine 37-foot Viking, coffee steaming in your hands as the morning mist rolls off the water. That's exactly what you'll get with Redemption Charters' custom lake fishing experience. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat situation – we're talking about a spacious, fully enclosed vessel designed for serious anglers who want comfort without sacrificing the authentic fishing experience. Whether you're chasing that trophy king salmon or hoping to feel the electric fight of a steelhead, this 5-hour adventure gives you and up to 5 other anglers the perfect platform to make it happen.
The 37-foot Viking isn't just a boat – it's your floating fishing headquarters for the day. The fully enclosed cabin means you can fish comfortably regardless of weather conditions, while the spacious back deck gives everyone room to work without stepping on each other's lines. You'll have plenty of space to move around when that big fish decides to make a run for it. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position you over the most productive structure and thermoclines where the fish are actively feeding. Expect to cover different depths and areas throughout the trip, from shallow nearshore zones where aggressive steelhead patrol to deeper waters where those heavyweight kings cruise. The 5-hour timeframe gives you enough time to really dial in the bite and adjust tactics as conditions change throughout the day.
This operation runs primarily on trolling techniques, which is hands-down the most effective way to cover water and locate active fish in these lake systems. The boat comes rigged with top-quality downriggers and planer boards that let you present lures at precise depths and spread your lines wide to maximize coverage. You'll be running everything from flasher-and-spoon combinations to cut-plug herring setups, depending on what the fish are showing preference for that day. The captain adjusts trolling speeds based on water temperature and fish activity – typically anywhere from 1.8 to 3.2 mph for salmon and steelhead. Don't worry if you've never worked downriggers before; the crew will walk you through setting depths, reading the fishfinder, and most importantly, how to clear lines quickly when someone hooks up. The Viking's stable platform makes fighting fish much easier than smaller boats, especially when you're dealing with a hot steelhead that wants to jump and run.
The species mix here is what keeps anglers coming back trip after trip. Atlantic salmon have become the bread-and-butter fish, with most ranging from 8 to 15 pounds and known for their acrobatic fights once hooked. These fish tend to be most active during early morning and late afternoon periods, often found suspended in 40 to 80 feet of water following baitfish schools. What makes atlantics special is their willingness to hit a variety of presentations – from bright spoons to subtle cut bait – and their tendency to fight all the way to the boat. Coho salmon bring a different energy entirely. These silver rockets typically run smaller at 6 to 12 pounds but make up for size with pure attitude. They're notorious for long runs and multiple jumps, often clearing the water completely in spectacular fashion. Cohos prefer slightly shallower water than atlantics and respond well to erratic lure action and faster trolling speeds.
Steelhead trout are the wildcard species that can turn any ordinary day into something legendary. These lake-run fish average 8 to 20 pounds but fight like they're twice that size. Steelhead are famous for their unpredictable behavior – one minute they're hugging bottom structure, the next they're suspended mid-column chasing emerald shiners. When you hook a steelhead, expect multiple runs, spectacular jumps, and a fight that can last 15 minutes or more. They're most active during cooler water periods and overcast conditions. Chinook salmon represent the heavyweight division here, with fish regularly pushing 20 to 35 pounds and occasional monsters exceeding 40. These kings prefer deeper, cooler water and are often found near underwater points and drop-offs. Lake trout round out the target species as the deep-water specialists. These native fish can live for decades and reach impressive sizes, with 15 to 25-pound fish being common and true giants pushing 30-plus pounds lurking in the depths.
Here's the bottom line: this custom fishing experience gives you everything you need for a world-class day on the water without any of the typical charter boat hassles. The spacious Viking provides comfort and fishability that smaller boats simply can't match, while the 5-hour duration gives you real time to get into fish and dial in productive patterns. With five different target species and water that holds fish year-round, you're looking at legitimate trophy potential every time you wet a line. The captain's local knowledge combined with quality equipment and a proven approach means you'll be fishing, not just riding around hoping for the best. Whether you're an experienced angler looking to upgrade your lake fishing game or someone wanting to experience what these waters are really capable of producing, this trip delivers the goods. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons when all these species are active and feeding aggressively.
Salmo SalarAtlantic salmon are stunning fish averaging 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with sleek silver bodies that turn bronze in spawning colors. These are the ocean's only salmon species, spending years at sea before returning to rivers. What makes them special is they can spawn multiple times unlike their Pacific cousins. They're found in deeper coastal waters and river mouths, preferring cooler temps. Best fishing happens during their spawning runs in fall and spring when they're most active. Guests love the challenge - these fish are legendary fighters with serious jumping ability. The meat is top-notch eating too, that rich orange flesh commands premium prices. Pro tip: match your fly color to the water conditions and don't forget black patterns on overcast days.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are pure dynamite on the line. These acrobatic fighters average 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver body and black-spotted tail. They can jump straight up 6 feet when hooked - always gets the adrenaline pumping. You'll find them in calmer areas near debris and structure, moving between rivers and ocean during their lifecycle. Best action comes during their fall spawning runs when they're aggressive and hitting lures hard. What guests really love is the nonstop action and those aerial shows when you hook up. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. Here's a local trick: in fast water, swing bright spinners like chartreuse or pink, but in holding pools, try twitching jigs with long tails for better movement.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon earn their name - they're the biggest of all salmon species, averaging 12-39 inches and 7-15 pounds, but can easily hit 20-30 pounds in good water. These silver and blue-green beauties have black spots everywhere and distinctive black mouths. They're light-sensitive so they hang deep most of the day, making weighted gear essential. Best fishing happens early morning or evening when they move up from the depths. What guests love is the sheer power - these fish make screaming runs and test your drag like nothing else. The rich, reddish-pink meat is restaurant quality. Kings are picky about conditions, so they're a good challenge for serious anglers. Pro tip: troll deep with downriggers during bright days, or try fresh herring near bottom structure where they like to hide.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of the char family, commonly running 15-40 pounds and 24-36 inches in our cold, deep waters. These grey-green fish with cream markings are built for the depths - they need cold, oxygen-rich water to thrive. You'll find them suspended in mid-water or hugging bottom structure in 60-150+ feet. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they come shallow, but summer means going deep. What makes lakers special is their size potential and the challenge of deep-water fishing. They're slow growers that live long, so every big one is a trophy. The firm, flaky meat is excellent table fare too. Here's the key: jig vertically with paddle-tail swimbaits or spoons that imitate wounded baitfish - these predators can't resist easy meals.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that went to sea and came back stronger. These chrome-bright fighters average 24 inches but can hit 45 inches and pack serious muscle from their ocean time. They're the same species as rainbows but ocean living makes them streamlined silver rockets with black spots. You'll find them in deeper pools and runs, using boulders and structure for cover. Peak season runs mid-fall through spring when they're pushing into rivers. What makes steelhead special is their legendary fight - they can live 11 years and spawn multiple times, so they're experienced battlers. The challenge and prestige of landing one keeps guests coming back. Best advice: use a 13.5-foot spey rod for better line control and swing your flies at a 45-degree angle downstream.
Lake Ontario