World Class 10 Hour Salmon and Trout Adventure
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target large salmon and trout in Carthage watersAll fishing gear provided for groups up to fourTenhour offshore charter with River Valley Charters
Looking for a full-day fishing adventure that'll test your skills against some of the Northeast's most prized gamefish? River Valley Charters has you covered with this epic 10-hour salmon and trout expedition in the productive waters around Carthage, NY. This isn't your typical half-day outing – we're talking about a serious angling experience where you'll have plenty of time to dial in your technique and chase after trophy-sized Chinook salmon, feisty steelhead, and crafty brown trout. With all your fishing gear provided and room for up to 4 anglers, you just need to bring your A-game, some snacks, and your valid New York fishing license.
When you step aboard with River Valley Charters, you're in for a world-class fishing experience that takes full advantage of the Lake Ontario tributary system and the rich waters surrounding Carthage. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll position you right where the fish are staging. The 10-hour format gives you real flexibility – we can chase early morning salmon runs, work the mid-day structure for lake trout, and finish strong during the evening bite when steelhead get aggressive. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat with professional-grade electronics, downriggers, and all the terminal tackle you need. The boat comfortably handles 4 anglers, so there's plenty of room to fight fish without getting tangled up. Weather can change quickly on the big water, so pack layers and don't forget that sun protection – you'll be grateful for it during those long stretches when the fish are cooperating.
River Valley Charters runs a tight operation with gear that's specifically dialed in for the species we're targeting. We'll be trolling with downriggers most of the day, running spoons, plugs, and cut bait at various depths depending on where the fish are holding. The captain uses quality fish finders and GPS to locate productive structure and temperature breaks where salmon and trout congregate. Expect to fish with medium to heavy action rods paired with line counter reels – essential for getting your lures down to the strike zone and keeping track of productive depths. When we mark fish, we might switch to casting tactics with spinners or drift fishing with spawn bags, especially when working the river mouths where steelhead stage up. The crew handles all the rigging and net work, but don't be surprised if they put you to work fighting your own fish – that's half the fun. Lead core lines, copper setups, and traditional monofilament spreads all have their place depending on conditions and target species.
Coho salmon are absolute rockets when they hit your lure, known for their acrobatic fights and blistering runs. These silver bullets typically range from 8 to 15 pounds in these waters and are most active during late summer and early fall. What makes coho so special is their tendency to jump repeatedly when hooked – you'll get a show along with your workout. They prefer cooler water temperatures and often hold in the upper water column, making them perfect targets for shallow trolling presentations.
Steelhead trout are the marathon runners of the salmonid world, combining raw power with incredible stamina. These lake-run rainbows average 6 to 12 pounds but can push well into the teens. Spring and fall see the best steelhead action as they move in and out of tributary systems. Steelhead are famous for their long, drag-screaming runs and their ability to change direction on a dime. They're also notorious for throwing hooks, so keeping steady pressure without over-fighting them is key to landing these chrome-bright beauties.
Chinook salmon are the undisputed heavyweights, with mature fish commonly weighing 15 to 25 pounds and occasional monsters pushing 30-plus. These king salmon prefer deeper, cooler water and are typically targeted with downriggers and heavy tackle. Late summer through early fall brings the best Chinook fishing as they stage near river mouths before spawning runs. When a big king grabs your offering, you'll know it immediately – their initial run can strip 100 yards of line before you can blink.
Brown trout are the craftiest predators in these waters, known for their wariness and selective feeding habits. These golden-flanked beauties average 3 to 8 pounds but can grow much larger in the nutrient-rich waters around Carthage. Browns are most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making them perfect targets for early morning and evening fishing. Their fight is more bulldogging than acrobatic, but their tendency to head straight for structure keeps you on your toes.
Lake trout are the deep-water specialists, typically found in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake structure. These char can live for decades and reach impressive sizes – 10 to 20-pound lakers are common, with true giants exceeding 30 pounds. Lake trout fishing requires patience and precise depth control, as these fish rarely venture far from their preferred temperature zones. Their fight is steady and powerful, more like wrestling with a submarine than battling a typical gamefish.
This top-rated 10-hour charter with River Valley Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for – quality time on productive water with professional guidance and top-notch equipment. Whether you're after your first salmon, looking to upgrade your personal best, or just want to spend a full day doing what you love most, this trip has it all. The combination of multiple target species, proven fishing grounds, and a full day on the water means you're virtually guaranteed shot after shot at quality fish. Don't let another season pass without experiencing some of the best salmon and trout fishing the Northeast has to offer. Grab your fishing license, pack those sn
Hit the waters of Carthage aboard this reliable 26' Penn Yan that's built for serious salmon and trout fishing. With a powerful 405 HP V8 engine, this motorboat cuts through the water smoothly to get you to the prime fishing spots on these productive northern New York lakes and rivers. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures you never miss those honey holes. Up to 4 anglers can fish comfortably with plenty of deck space to land those big lake trout and salmon. The live bait well keeps your minnows and bait fresh all day, and there's a toilet onboard for those long 10-hour trips. River Valley Charters provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you need - just bring your fishing license, snacks, drinks, and be ready to battle some serious fish in these legendary Carthage waters.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are the smart guys of the trout family - they didn't earn their reputation for being wary without reason. These golden-brown beauties with black spots typically run 8-24 inches and 1-9 pounds, though our local waters produce some nice fish pushing 30+ inches. They prefer cool, clear water around 54-65°F and love cover like overhanging vegetation, undercut banks, and rocky structure. Fall is when they really turn on, feeding aggressively before winter, especially at night. What makes browns special is they're both challenging to catch and fantastic eating. They're incredibly cautious, which makes landing one feel like a real achievement. The meat has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's perfect grilled or pan-fried. Here's my best advice: during fall evenings, work the deeper pools with crawfish imitations or woolly buggers. Browns often hold tight to structure, so get your presentation right against cover where other anglers won't risk their tackle.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of our local waters - literally. These bruisers are the largest salmon species, running 12-39 inches and typically weighing 7-15 pounds, though 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon here. They've got silver sides, blue-green backs, and distinctive black spots covering their head, back, and all fins. Being light-sensitive, they stick to deeper water during the day, making early morning and evening your best bets. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. What draws anglers back is the combination of size, fight, and that rich reddish-orange meat that's hard to beat at the dinner table. These fish can live up to 7 years, so you might hook into a real trophy. Pro tip: since they hug the bottom in deeper water, use weighted baits or downriggers. Try trolling with spoons or plugs, keeping your presentation near the thermocline where the water temperature drops.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, are scrappy fighters that'll give you a real workout. These acrobatic fish typically run 12-30 inches and weigh 8-12 pounds, with their distinctive silver sides and dark blue-green backs spotted with black. They love the cooler, deeper waters of our local lakes and connected river systems. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're most active and aggressive. What makes coho special is their incredible jumping ability - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water when hooked. The fight is worth it too, as their bright orange-red meat makes for excellent eating. My go-to tip: when you're working deeper water, try bright colored spoons or spinners in chartreuse or pink. These fish respond well to flashy presentations, especially in overcast conditions when they're feeding more actively near the surface.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of our cold lakes - the largest of the char family and built for the long haul. These grey-green fish with cream-colored markings average 24-36 inches and 15-40 pounds, making them serious trophies. They live in the coldest, deepest parts of our lakes, often suspended in open water at 60+ feet during summer. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What makes lakers special is their size potential and the challenge of finding them in deep water. They're slow-growing fish that can live decades, so a big one represents years of survival. The firm, flaky meat is excellent smoked or grilled. My key tip: invest in good electronics and learn to read your sonar. Lakers often show as single marks suspended over deep basins. Vertical jigging with paddle-tail swimbaits or jigging spoons is deadly - work them with sharp lifts and long pauses to trigger strikes.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that've spent time in the big water - they're the same species but steelhead are built for power. These silver bullets average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and pack serious muscle from their lake-dwelling lifestyle. You'll find them in deeper, cooler waters during summer, moving shallower in fall and spring. They use cover like boulders, fallen trees, and vegetation as staging areas. Mid-fall through spring gives you the best shot at landing one. What makes steelhead special is their raw strength - pound for pound, they're one of the hardest fighting fish in our waters. The streamlined, silvery body and black-spotted back make them easy to identify. Here's a local trick: focus on current breaks and structure in 15-25 feet of water. Use a drift rig with spawn or a small jig, and keep your drag loose - these fish will test every knot you've tied.
Henderson