Full Day Lake Fishing Trip in St. Johns River
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day guided fishing adventure targeting lake trout and salmonPrivate charter accommodates up to two guests aboard 20' LundAll fishing equipment provided with multiple techniques available
Get ready for eight solid hours of fishing action on one of Maine's most productive waters. The St. Johns River system offers some of the best coldwater fishing in the state, and this guided trip puts you right in the heart of it all. You'll be working these waters from a spacious 20-foot Lund that's rigged for serious fishing – whether you're a first-timer looking to learn the ropes or a seasoned angler chasing your personal best. With lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon as your primary targets, this private charter gives you the flexibility to fish your way while I handle the navigation and put you on the fish.
This isn't your typical pond fishing – the St. Johns River system is a complex network of deep holes, current breaks, and structure that holds quality fish year-round. We'll launch early to make the most of our eight hours, and I'll adjust our approach based on what the fish are telling us. Some days they're stacked up in the deeper pockets where we'll work them with downriggers and lead core. Other times they're cruising the shallows, and we'll switch to lighter tackle for sight fishing or casting to active schools. The beauty of a full-day trip is we're not rushed – if we find a hot bite, we can work it properly. If things are slow in one area, we've got time to move and find more cooperative fish. The boat's equipped with all the electronics you need to locate fish and stay on them, plus a comfortable setup that makes those long hours fly by.
Maine's coldwater species respond to different presentations depending on season, weather, and their feeding patterns. We'll typically start with trolling to cover water and locate active fish – running everything from small spoons and streamers to larger swimbaits behind downriggers or lead core line. Once we mark fish or find structure holding them, we might switch to vertical jigging with tube jigs or soft plastics worked right in their faces. When conditions are right and fish are up shallow, casting becomes incredibly productive. We'll throw everything from small spinners and spoons to larger streamers, matching our presentation to what the fish want that day. All the rods, reels, and tackle are provided, but if you've got favorite lures or techniques you want to try, bring them along. Part of the fun is experimenting and seeing what triggers the most strikes under current conditions.
Lake trout are the backbone fishery here, and these fish fight like freight trains once you hook into them. Most of our lakers run between 2-5 pounds, but don't be surprised when something in the 8-10 pound range grabs your line and heads for deep water. They're most active during the cooler months and early season, often holding in 30-60 feet of water near drop-offs and rocky structure. What makes lake trout so appealing is their willingness to hit a variety of lures – they're not overly picky, but they'll test your drag when hooked. The fight is typically a strong, steady pull rather than the acrobatics you get from other species, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon are the real prize in these waters, and when you hook one, you'll understand why anglers travel from across New England to target them. These fish average 14-18 inches but can push well over 20 inches, and they fight with the fury you'd expect from their ocean-going cousins. Salmon are more selective feeders than lake trout, often keying in on specific baitfish or insect hatches, which makes catching them more rewarding. They're most active during spring and fall when water temperatures are in their comfort zone, typically found in the upper water column or near thermoclines in summer. When a salmon hits, expect jumps, runs, and everything in between – they'll use every trick to throw your hook and test your skills as an angler.
Eight hours on productive water with all the gear provided and a guide who knows where the fish are – that's what separates a good fishing day from a great one. The St. Johns River consistently produces quality fish for anglers willing to adapt their techniques and work the water properly. Whether you're looking to introduce family members to coldwater fishing, improve your trolling game, or just spend a solid day pursuing some of Maine's top gamefish, this trip delivers the goods. Remember to grab your Maine fishing license before we meet up, pack some snacks and drinks for the day, and dress for changing weather conditions. The fish are there – now it's time to come get them.
This 20' Lund motorboat is your ticket to serious lake fishing on St. Johns River. Powered by a reliable 115HP Honda engine, she's built to handle the big water while still getting you into those tight spots where the fish like to hide. The stable hull design means you can focus on your fishing instead of fighting the boat, whether you're trolling the deep channels for lake trout or working structure for those feisty landlocked salmon. With room for two anglers, there's plenty of space to move around without getting tangled up in each other's lines. The Lund's proven design gives you confidence in changing conditions, and the Honda outboard gets you to the hot spots quickly and quietly. Perfect for covering water when the fish are scattered or holding steady over productive areas when they're biting.
Salmo SalarThese landlocked salmon average 8-12 pounds and 28-30 inches, making them serious fighters with impressive jumps once hooked. In St. Johns River, they cruise mid-water depths around 15-30 feet, often near drop-offs and structure. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll test your drag and skills. The silver sides and forked tail make them easy to identify, and they're excellent table fare with that famous pink meat. My go-to tip: troll slowly with downriggers using spoons that mimic smelt, their favorite forage. Change speeds every few minutes to trigger strikes from followers.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the heavyweights here, averaging 15-40 pounds and growing much larger in our deep, cold waters. They hang out in 40-80+ feet during summer, hugging the thermocline where temps stay cool. Early spring right after ice-out is prime time when they move shallow to feed. These fish fight deep and strong - no jumping but pure bulldogging power that'll wear you out. They're the largest char species and make excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. The grey-green coloring with cream spots makes them beautiful fish. Pro tip: vertical jig with paddle-tail swimbaits right on bottom. Drop it fast, then work it slow with subtle hops. They often hit on the fall.
St. Johns River