6 Hour Bass/Pike/Walleye Trip in Carthage, NY
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target walleye, northern pike, and bass in Carthage watersLearn multiple fishing techniques during this 6hour guided tripAccommodates up to 4 guests on lakes and rivers
Six hours on the water chasing three of the most popular gamefish in northern New York – that's what you get when you book with River Valley Charters. We're talking serious fishing time in some of the best multi-species waters around Carthage, where bass, northern pike, and walleye all call the same lakes and rivers home. This isn't your typical half-day rush job. With a full six hours, we can hit multiple spots, switch up techniques, and really dial in what's working. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some variety to your fishing or someone who wants to learn different approaches, this trip covers all the bases.
River Valley Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you on fish using proven techniques that work year-round in the Carthage area. You're looking at a mix of casting, trolling, and maybe some jigging depending on what the fish are telling us. The beauty of targeting three different species is that there's always something biting – when the walleye get finicky, the bass might be crushing topwater, or those toothy pike could be lurking in the weeds waiting to hammer your lure. We keep it moving and keep it interesting. The boat accommodates up to four anglers, so you've got plenty of room to fish without getting tangled up in each other's lines. Just bring your New York fishing license, some snacks and drinks for the day, and don't forget the sunscreen – six hours goes by fast when the fish are cooperating, but that sun can sneak up on you.
This is where things get fun. We're not just dragging the same lure behind the boat for six hours. River Valley Charters will walk you through different presentations depending on what we're targeting and where we find them. For walleye, expect to work jigs and live bait along structure, maybe some trolling with spinners or crankbaits if we're covering water. Bass fishing might have us flipping jigs into heavy cover, throwing spinnerbaits around weed lines, or working topwater when conditions are right. Pike fishing is a whole different game – we're talking bigger baits, wire leaders, and getting ready for some serious fights. The guide provides the boat, electronics to find fish, and knows exactly where to position you for the best shots. You'll learn how to read the water, understand why certain techniques work in specific situations, and pick up tips that'll make you a better angler long after this trip ends.
Northern Pike are the bullies of these waters, and they're exactly why pike fishing gets people hooked. These aggressive predators can stretch over 30 inches and fight like they're twice that size. They love ambush spots – weed edges, drop-offs, anywhere they can surprise their next meal. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active, but they'll hit hard all season long in the right spots. What makes pike special is their attitude – they'll crush a lure with zero hesitation, then proceed to jump, thrash, and generally try to destroy everything in sight. Plus, those teeth make for some great photos.
Walleye are the dinner table champions, but don't let their reputation as eating fish fool you – these guys can put up a solid fight and they're tricky to pattern. In Carthage waters, walleye typically run 14 to 20 inches, with bigger fish always possible. They're structure-oriented fish that love rocky points, drop-offs, and underwater humps. Low-light periods are prime time – early morning, evening, or overcast days. What anglers love about walleye is the challenge of finding them and the reward of that distinctive bite. They don't always hammer your lure like a pike, but when you feel that steady weight and head shake, you know you've got one.
Smallmouth Bass in northern New York waters are scrappy fighters that punch way above their weight class. These bronze-backed battlers love rocky structure, and the Carthage area has plenty of that. They'll hit hard, jump high, and make multiple runs before you get them to the net. Most smallies here run 12 to 16 inches, but the big girls over 18 inches are swimming around for those who know where to look. Summer is peak time when they're aggressive and active, but they'll bite year-round if you adjust your approach. Smallmouth are pure fun – they fight clean, they're beautiful fish, and they're willing to hit a variety of lures from topwater to deep-diving cranks.
Six hours targeting three different species with a guide who knows exactly where to find them – that's the kind of fishing day that reminds you why you love being on the water. River Valley Charters puts together a trip that works for everyone, whether you're trying to learn new techniques or just want to catch some fish in beautiful Carthage, NY waters. The variety keeps things interesting, the scenery is top-notch, and you'll head home with a cooler full of stories and hopefully some fillets for dinner. Don't wait around – good fishing days and experienced guides book up fast, especially during prime season. Get your license sorted, grab your gear, and let's go make it happen.
Hit the waters of Carthage aboard this well-equipped 26' Penn Yan that's built for serious angling. With a powerful 405 HP V8 engine, you'll cruise efficiently between the best walleye, northern pike, and bass spots on local lakes and rivers. The boat's fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation keeps you on track to productive fishing grounds. A live bait well ensures your minnows and leeches stay fresh throughout the 6-hour trip. The onboard toilet means no cutting fishing time short, and there's plenty of deck space for up to 4 anglers to work different techniques. Whether you're jigging for walleye in deeper channels, casting spoons for aggressive pike, or working structure for bass, this setup handles it all. River Valley Charters knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching for fish.
Esox LuciusNorthern pike are the aggressive predators of our local waters - think freshwater sharks with attitude. These fish average around 2 feet and 3-4 pounds, but we see plenty pushing 30+ inches. They love shallow, weedy areas in spring and fall, then move to deeper drop-offs when summer heats up. Pike are ambush hunters that'll slam just about any lure that moves past their hiding spots. What makes them special? That explosive strike and the fight they put up - pure power with jumps and runs that'll test your drag. They're also great eating when prepared right. My go-to tip: use a steel leader and work your lure slow near weed edges. When you feel that first hit, don't set the hook immediately - let them turn and run with it first.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the hardest fighting fish in our waters. These bronze fighters typically run 12-16 inches and 2-4 pounds, but they fight like fish twice their size. Look for them around rocky points, drop-offs, and boulder fields in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are peak times when they're aggressive and shallow, though early morning and evening always produce. What makes smallmouth special is their acrobatic fight - jumps, runs, and that stubborn determination right to the boat. They're also excellent eating with firm, mild meat. Here's a local secret: match your lure to the bottom color. In our rocky areas, use browns and greens. Tube jigs and soft plastics work great, but don't overlook topwater early and late in the day.
Sander VitreusWalleye are the gold standard for eating fish around here, and they put up a solid fight too. Most run 14-18 inches and 2-3 pounds, with those distinctive glassy eyes that help them hunt in low light. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually 10-20 feet deep during the day. They move shallow at dusk and dawn to feed. Spring and fall are prime time when they're more active, but summer evenings can be magic. What guests love most is the combination - good sport and great table fare with that mild, flaky white meat. The key trick here is fishing slow and keeping your bait near bottom. Jigs tipped with minnows or crawlers work best, and don't be afraid to barely crawl them along structure.
Henderson