Carthage, NY 6 Hour Salmon & Trout Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour fishing adventure targeting salmon and trout speciesAccommodates up to four guests with River Valley ChartersInshore trip suitable for all angling experience levels
If you're looking for some serious fishing action in upstate New York, this 6-hour charter out of Carthage is where you want to be. River Valley Charters has been putting anglers onto some of the best salmon and trout fishing the region has to offer, and this trip delivers exactly what you'd hope for – multiple species, consistent action, and the kind of day on the water that keeps you talking about it for months. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain and crew know how to put you on fish and make sure everyone has a blast doing it.
This isn't your typical pond fishing trip – we're talking about targeting some of the most sought-after cold-water species in New York's waters. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas, adjust tactics as conditions change, and really dial in on what the fish are doing that day. You'll be fishing prime salmon and trout habitat where these fish cruise, feed, and stage throughout the season. The boat accommodates up to 4 anglers, so you've got room to spread out and fish comfortably without bumping elbows. Captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting best – could be working structure for lake trout, hitting the thermocline for salmon, or finding active rainbow trout in the shallows.
You'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what species we're targeting and where they're holding. Downriggers are the bread and butter for getting deep where the big lake trout and salmon like to hang out, especially during warmer months when they're down in the cooler water. We'll also run leadcore and copper lines to cover different depths in the water column. Spoons, plugs, and cut bait all have their place depending on what the fish are keyed in on. The captain provides all the gear you need – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – so you don't have to worry about bringing anything except your fishing license. If you've got your own lucky lures or favorite setup, feel free to bring them along. The boat's rigged with quality fish finders and GPS so we can mark productive spots and stay on the fish throughout the day.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of these waters and for good reason – these bruisers can push 20-30 pounds and will test your drag system like nothing else. They hit hard, run deep, and jump like crazy when hooked. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall when they're feeding heavily and building up for their spawning runs. The fight alone makes them worth targeting, but they're also fantastic eating if you want to keep a few for the dinner table.
Coho Salmon might be smaller than their chinook cousins, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure athleticism. These silver bullets are absolute acrobats – expect multiple jumps and screaming runs that'll have your reel singing. They typically run 5-15 pounds and are super aggressive, often hitting lures with authority. Cohos are active throughout the warmer months and tend to feed closer to the surface, making them a blast on lighter tackle.
Rainbow Trout are the crowd pleasers on this trip. They're colorful, fight well for their size, and can be caught consistently throughout the season. Most rainbows here run 2-8 pounds, though the occasional big female can surprise you. They're opportunistic feeders and will hit everything from small spoons to egg patterns. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other species might be finicky – they're often the fish that save the day when conditions get tough.
Steelhead Trout are basically rainbow trout on steroids. These lake-run fish are silver, strong, and absolutely explosive when hooked. They're known for their long runs and aerial displays, often clearing the water multiple times during a fight. Steelhead can range from 5-15 pounds and are considered by many to be pound-for-pound the strongest freshwater fish you can hook. They're most active during cooler months and love to feed in areas with current and structure.
Lake Trout are the deep-water specialists and can grow to impressive sizes in these waters. While they might not jump like salmon, they make up for it with pure power and endurance. Lakers love cold, deep water and are often found near bottom structure. They can live for decades and reach weights of 20+ pounds. The key to success is getting your bait down to where they live – often 60+ feet deep – and being patient. When a big lake trout decides to bite, you'll know it.
This 6-hour salmon and trout charter offers some of the most diverse fishing you'll find in upstate New York. With five different species to target and a captain who knows how to find them, you're looking at a day that could produce anything from acrobatic coho salmon to trophy lake trout. The trip works great for groups of friends, family outings, or anyone wanting to experience world-class coldwater fishing. River Valley Charters has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great time doing it. Don't wait around – spots fill up fast during peak season, and the best fishing days book out weeks in advance. Grab your fishing license, bring your camera, and get ready for some serious action on the water.
Get ready to hit the waters of Carthage, NY aboard this well-equipped 26' Penn Yan motorboat! With a powerful 405 HP V8 engine, you'll cruise comfortably to the best salmon and trout fishing spots on the lake. This boat handles up to 4 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS navigation to find the hotspots, a fish finder to locate schools of Chinook and Coho Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Lake Trout, and Steelhead, plus a live bait well to keep your bait fresh. The onboard toilet means you can stay out longer chasing those big catches. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this 6-hour adventure gives you plenty of time to land some serious fish while enjoying Lake Ontario's productive waters with family and friends.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon are the kings of our waters - the biggest salmon species you can target. These bruisers run 12-39 inches and typically weigh 7-15 pounds, though 20-30 pounders aren't uncommon. They've got silver sides, blue-green backs, and black spots everywhere including their mouth and gums. Chinooks are light-sensitive, so they hang deep during bright days and move up to feed at dawn and dusk. Fall is prime time when they're running thick. The meat is rich, reddish-pink, and some of the best table fare around. What guests love is the raw power - these fish make long, determined runs that'll test your drag. They're also smart, so you need to be patient. My advice: fish deep with weighted baits during the day, and don't be afraid to go heavy on your tackle.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silver salmon, average 12-30 inches and typically weigh 8-12 pounds. These are some of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook - they can jump six feet straight up when hooked. They're fighters that'll give you a real workout. Cohos prefer deeper, calmer waters during the day but move shallower to feed. Fall runs are your best bet when they're moving through our area. The meat is bright orange-red and tastes fantastic - some of the best eating you'll find. They feed on smaller fish, squid, and crustaceans. What guests love most is that explosive first run when you hook one. My tip: use bright colors like chartreuse or pink in your lures. These salmon are aggressive and those flashy colors really trigger strikes.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights of the char family, running 24-36 inches and averaging 15-40 pounds. They're grey-green with cream-colored spots and live their whole lives in deep, cold water. During summer, you'll find them suspended in the deepest parts of the lake where it stays cold. Spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow to feed. These fish grow slowly and live a long time, making every one special. The meat is excellent - rich and flaky when prepared right. What makes lakers fun is they're pure power on the rod, no fancy jumps, just bulldogging runs. They prefer low-light conditions, so overcast days are perfect. Here's my trick: jig vertically in deep water with spoons or swimbaits - let it flutter down and work it slow.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout run 8-24 inches and typically weigh 2-8 pounds around here. You'll find them in cooler waters near gravelly areas and around structure like fallen trees. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, so spring and fall fishing is prime time. These fish are scrappy fighters with those signature pink stripes and spotted backs. They taste great too - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. What makes them special is they're active feeders, going after insects, small fish, and even other trout eggs. Best fishing is usually at dusk when they're feeding heavily. Here's a local tip: keep your bait moving slightly off the bottom - rainbows like action and won't usually hit something sitting still.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that have spent time in big water - they're the same species but built like athletes. These fish average 24 inches but can push 45 inches and weigh up to 55 pounds. They're silvery with black spots and incredibly strong from their time in open water. You'll find them in deeper channels and current breaks, especially around structure. Fall through spring is your prime window when they're running. What makes steelhead special is their power - pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish swimming. They can live up to 11 years and spawn multiple times. The fight is legendary, with long runs and aerial displays. Here's what works: focus on drifting through deeper holes and use heavier tackle than you'd think - these fish will test your equipment.
Henderson