Carthage NY 6 Hour Trophy Trout Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour trophy trout fishing adventure on premium watersAccess to Lake Ontario, Black River, and Indian RiverAccommodates up to four guests with experienced charter service
Want to land some serious trout in the heart of New York's legendary fishing waters? River Valley Charters knows exactly where the big ones are hiding. This 6-hour guided trip takes you to the best trout spots around Carthage - whether that's the mighty Lake Ontario, the productive Black River, or the hidden gems along Indian River. Captain and crew have been working these waters for years, and they're ready to put you on fish that'll make your day. Bring up to three buddies or family members for a top-rated fishing experience that locals have been raving about.
Your morning starts early - that's when the trout are most active and feeding. The captain will pick the best spot based on current conditions, water temperature, and recent fish activity. Could be drifting the deep holes of Lake Ontario where lake trout cruise, working the runs and pools of Black River where rainbows stack up, or hitting the productive stretches of Indian River where steelhead move through. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from rods and reels to tackle and nets. Weather can change quick up here, so dress in layers and bring a rain jacket just in case. The captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan throughout the day to keep you on active fish.
River Valley Charters mixes up techniques depending on where the fish are holding. On Lake Ontario, you'll likely be trolling with downriggers and planer boards, covering water to find schools of lake trout and rainbows in 40 to 120 feet of water. The captain runs spoons, plugs, and cut bait at different depths until you find the zone where fish are feeding. On the rivers, it's all about reading the water - drifting spawn bags and live bait through deep holes, working the current seams where trout wait for food to drift by, and hitting the tailouts where fish rest after fighting upstream. The guide provides all tackle, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. These waters can be tricky to navigate, with rocks and changing depths, but that's exactly why having an experienced local captain makes all the difference.
Rainbow trout are the bread and butter of this fishery, and they fight like nothing else. These chrome-bright beauties average 3 to 8 pounds, with some bruisers pushing into double digits. Spring through fall they're most active, but the best action often comes in cooler water when they're feeding heavy. Rainbows jump, run, and test your drag - that's why anglers get addicted to chasing them. They hit everything from spawn bags to small spoons, and when you hook one in current, you'll know it immediately.
Lake trout are the giants of these waters, and landing one is a real achievement. These deep-water predators can live for decades and grow massive - 10 to 20 pounders aren't uncommon, and the occasional 30-plus fish gets everyone talking. They prefer the cooler depths of Lake Ontario, especially in summer when surface temps climb. Lakers are strong, steady fighters that use their weight and the deep water to their advantage. Best fishing is often spring and fall when they move to shallower water, but the captain knows the deep structure where they hold year-round.
Steelhead trout are the ultimate prize for many anglers - basically rainbow trout that have lived in the Great Lakes and grown huge and strong. These fish are pure muscle and aggression, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. Fall through spring brings the best steelhead action when they're moving into river systems. A 15-pound steelhead will test every bit of your tackle and skill. They're notoriously moody and can be tough to pattern, but when you connect with one, it's a fishing memory that lasts forever.
Six hours on the water with River Valley Charters gives you the best shot at landing your trophy trout. The captain's local knowledge, combined with quality gear and prime fishing locations, sets you up for success whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started. These Carthage waters have been producing world-class trout fishing for generations, and there's no better way to experience it than with a guide who knows every hole, current, and structure. Pack some snacks and drinks for the day, bring your camera for the grip-and-grin shots, and get ready for some of the best trout fishing New York has to offer. Book your trip today and see why anglers keep coming back to these legendary waters.
You'll be fishing aboard a solid 26-foot Penn Yan motorboat that's built for serious trout action on these Northern New York waters. This boat packs a powerful 405 HP V8 engine that'll get you to the hot spots on Lake Ontario, Black River, or Indian River without wasting time. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate where the trout are holding. There's a live bait well to keep your bait fresh and active, plus an onboard toilet for convenience during those longer fishing sessions. With space for up to 6 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to work your lines and land those trophy fish. The boat's designed for these waters and weather conditions, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the giants of our deep, cold waters - we're talking 15-40 pounders that live in the depths of Lake Ontario. These silvery-grey bruisers with cream markings stay deep most of the year, often suspended 60-100 feet down where it's cold. Spring right after ice-out and fall are your best shots when they move shallower. What makes them special? The fight is just different - long, powerful runs that'll test your drag and your patience. Plus, they're some of the best eating trout you'll find. Since they live so deep, jigging is usually the way to go with heavy spoons or jigs that imitate baitfish. Pro tip: when you're marking fish on the sonar, drop your jig 10 feet below them - lakers often feed upward.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of our local waters, running 12-20 inches with that classic pink stripe and spotted back. You'll find them in the cooler, well-oxygenated sections of Black River and Indian River, especially around rocky areas and deeper pools. They prefer water temps between 55-64°F, making spring through early summer prime time. These fish are scrappy fighters - they'll jump and run when hooked, which keeps things exciting for the whole family. The meat is excellent eating with that mild, slightly nutty flavor. Here's a local tip: when the water's running a bit murky after rain, try drifting nightcrawlers or salmon eggs just off the bottom in the deeper holes. Rainbow trout can't resist them.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout that spent time in the Great Lakes, returning to our rivers to spawn - think of them as rainbows on steroids. These chrome-sided rockets average 24 inches but can push 45, and they fight like nothing else in freshwater. You'll find them in Lake Ontario and staging in the mouths of Black River and Indian River during their runs. Fall through spring is when they're most active, especially during overcast days or low-light conditions. What sets them apart is that aerial show - they'll jump, tail-walk, and make blistering runs that'll have you questioning your knots. The meat is top-notch too. My advice: focus on deeper pools and current seams, and don't be afraid to fish heavy - these fish have seen it all.
Henderson