Private Guided Fishing in Western NY
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 6hour guided trips targeting Brown and Steelhead TroutExpert local guides provide all equipment and tackle includedLake Erie tributaries and Chautauqua Lake fishing locations available
Western New York's rivers and tributaries offer some of the best trout fishing you'll find anywhere in the Great Lakes region. Our private guided trips put you right in the heart of the action, targeting hard-fighting steelhead and beautiful brown trout across Lake Erie tributaries, local rivers, and even Chautauqua Lake during ice season. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone who's ready to step up their freshwater game, these 6-hour adventures deliver the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back for more.
Your day starts early at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active and the water's still quiet. We keep our trips intimate with just 1-3 anglers per boat, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work. The beauty of fishing Western NY is the variety – one day we might be working deep pools on a Lake Erie tributary where fresh steelhead are pushing upstream, and the next we're targeting browns in quieter stretches where these smart fish like to hold. During winter months, we switch gears entirely and head out on Chautauqua Lake for some top-rated ice fishing action. All trips include rods, reels, and tackle, plus we provide all the ice fishing gear when the hard water season hits. The only thing you need to bring for steelhead trips is your own waders and boots – trust me, you'll want gear that fits you perfectly when you're standing in flowing water for hours.
We fish these waters year-round using techniques that match the conditions and the fish we're after. For steelhead, we're often drift fishing with spawn bags, beads, or jigs in the deeper runs and pools where these chrome rockets like to stage. Brown trout fishing is more finesse work – we might be swinging streamers through undercut banks or dead-drifting nymphs in slower water. The Lake Erie tributaries are world-class fisheries, with creeks that see multiple runs throughout the year. Each stream has its own personality, from fast boulder-strewn runs to long glides where you can really work your presentation. When we're ice fishing on Chautauqua Lake, we're targeting different species entirely, using jigging techniques and tip-ups to cover water efficiently. The lake consistently produces quality fish, and there's something special about being out on the ice when it's crystal clear and you can see fish moving below.
Steelhead trout are the crown jewel of Great Lakes fishing, and Western New York gets multiple runs throughout the year. These fish typically range from 5 to 15 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 20-plus. Fall and spring offer the best action when fresh fish are moving up from Lake Erie, but don't sleep on winter fishing when the crowds thin out and the fish are often more concentrated. What makes steelhead special isn't just their size – it's their attitude. These fish fight like they're twice their weight, making long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag and your nerves. The tributaries here see fish from September through April, giving us an incredibly long season to target them.
Brown trout are the thinking angler's fish, and the ones in our local waters are some smart cookies. Most run between 12 and 20 inches, but we see plenty in the 3 to 5-pound range, especially during their fall spawning period. Browns are notorious for being spooky and selective, which makes landing one even more satisfying. They're most active during low-light periods, so early morning trips give you the best shot at fooling these beauties. Unlike steelhead that are often focused on migration, browns are year-round residents that know every rock and hiding spot in their home water. They'll test your presentation skills and reward clean drifts and subtle techniques. The fight is different too – less aerial acrobatics, more bulldogging power and head-shaking determination.
At $300 for up to 3 anglers, this private guided trip delivers serious value for a full day on some of the region's best water. You're not just getting access to prime fishing spots – you're getting years of local knowledge about when to fish where, what techniques work best in different conditions, and how to read water like a pro. Don't forget to grab your NYS fishing license before the trip, and pack weather-appropriate clothing, rain gear, sunglasses, and whatever food and drinks you'll want for the day. These private dates fill up fast, especially during peak steelhead season, so reach out soon to lock in your preferred timing. Whether you're looking to land your first steelhead, improve your drift fishing technique, or just spend a day on the water with friends, this trip puts you exactly where you need to be.
Tylosurus AcusBrowns are the smart ones – they didn't get their reputation as "old school" trout for nothing. These European natives average 12-18 inches in our waters, with occasional monsters pushing 24+ inches hiding in the deeper holes. They're homebodies that love structure: fallen logs, undercut banks, and rocky ledges in cooler water. Fall nights are prime time when they get aggressive before spawn, but they'll feed year-round if you're patient. What makes them special is the challenge – they're spooky and selective, so landing one feels earned. Plus, they're excellent table fare. Pro tip: in our tributaries, try drifting a woolly bugger tight to the bank structure.
Oncorhynchus mykissThese Lake Erie chrome bullets are basically rainbow trout that spend most of their time in the big lake, making them stronger and more aggressive than their river cousins. Expect fish running 24-30 inches that'll test your drag system. We target them in the tributaries from October through April when they're staging or spawning. They love deeper pools with current breaks, especially below fallen timber or undercut banks. The fight is what keeps people coming back – pure silver lightning that jumps and runs like nothing else in freshwater. Here's the key: when the water's cold and clear, downsize your presentation and fish it slow near the bottom.
Chautauqua Lake