Half Day Lake Fishing Trip in St. Johns River
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour guided trip targeting lake trout and Atlantic salmonPrivate charter accommodates up to two guests aboard equipped LundAll fishing equipment provided, valid Maine license required
Looking for some solid action on one of Maine's premier fishing waters? This half-day guided trip on St. Johns River puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking about a focused 4-hour session targeting some of the Northeast's most sought-after species - lake trout and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in on productive local waters, this private charter delivers the goods. You'll fish from a well-equipped 20' Lund that's set up for whatever the conditions call for, and I'll make sure you're on fish from the moment we hit the water.
St. Johns River offers some of the most consistent fishing in central Maine, and this trip takes full advantage of that reputation. We'll launch early to beat the crowds and target the prime feeding windows when these fish are most active. The beauty of this water is its structure - deep holes, rocky ledges, and temperature breaks that hold fish year-round. You'll be fishing from a spacious 20-footer that gives us the mobility to chase schools and the stability to work those deeper spots where the big ones hang out. The boat's equipped with quality electronics, so we can mark fish and structure as we move. This isn't a numbers game - we're after quality fish in prime habitat, and the St. Johns delivers exactly that. Expect to cover water efficiently while spending quality time on productive spots that have been producing fish for decades.
Depending on what the fish are telling us, we'll adjust our approach between trolling and vertical jigging - two proven techniques that consistently produce on this water. When we're trolling, we'll run a spread of spoons and streamers at varying depths, covering water systematically until we find where the fish are holding. The key is reading the electronics and understanding the thermal layers where these cold-water species concentrate. If fish are tight to structure or we're marking them in specific depths, we'll switch to vertical jigging with heavy spoons and jigs that get down fast and trigger aggressive strikes. All the tackle is provided - from the rods and reels to the terminal gear that's proven on this water. You'll learn to work both presentations effectively, and I'll explain what's happening below so you understand why we're fishing certain areas and depths. It's hands-on fishing education that makes you a better angler, not just a passenger along for the ride.
Atlantic salmon in the St. Johns system are landlocked beauties that fight like they're still connected to the ocean. These fish typically run 2-4 pounds with occasional larger specimens pushing 6-8 pounds. They're most active during the cooler months and early morning periods when water temperatures favor their feeding patterns. What makes these salmon special is their aggressive nature - they'll chase down a well-presented streamer or hit a jigged spoon with authority that'll test your drag settings. The fight is spectacular, with multiple jumps and long runs that showcase why Atlantic salmon are considered one of the premier gamefish. They're also excellent table fare if you choose to keep a few within regulations.
Lake trout are the deep-water bruisers that provide the backbone fishing on St. Johns River. These fish range from 3-8 pounds on average, with trophy specimens exceeding 15 pounds lurking in the deeper holes. Lakers are active year-round but fishing peaks during spring and fall when they move into more accessible depths. They're structure-oriented fish that relate to rocky points, drop-offs, and underwater humps where baitfish concentrate. The fight is different from salmon - more of a bulldogging battle with powerful runs toward deep water. Lake trout have an almost prehistoric appearance with their spotted flanks and large mouths, and they're incredibly satisfying to catch on both light tackle and heavier jigging gear. They're also known for their longevity, so releasing larger fish helps maintain the quality fishery that St. Johns is known for.
This half-day trip offers everything you need for a productive morning on one of Maine's top-rated fishing destinations. With all tackle provided and a focus on putting you on fish rather than just burning gas, it's the kind of guided experience that both teaches and delivers results. The private charter format means we fish at your pace, targeting the species you're most excited about while adapting to conditions for the best possible action. St. Johns River has built its reputation on consistent fishing and quality fish, and this trip taps directly into that resource with local knowledge and proven techniques. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to the sport or add another productive water to your rotation, this is Maine lake fishing at its finest. Just grab your Maine fishing license, dress for the weather, and get ready for some serious fishing on water that continues to produce year after year.
Hit the waters of St. Johns River aboard this reliable 20' Lund motorboat, powered by a smooth 115HP Honda engine that gets you to the fish quickly and quietly. This sturdy boat handles Maine's big water with ease while staying nimble enough to work tight structure and shallow spots where the lake trout and landlocked salmon like to hang out. The spacious layout gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work whether you're trolling the deeper sections or vertical jigging over drop-offs. Built specifically for inland lake fishing, this Lund cuts through chop like butter and provides a stable platform for landing those hard-fighting salmon. The reliable Honda outboard means more time with lines in the water and less time worrying about getting back to the dock.
Salmo SalarOur landlocked Atlantic salmon here on St. Johns River are absolute gems to target. These silver beauties average 8-12 pounds and stretch 28-30 inches, with that classic streamlined build and forked tail. They're closely related to brown trout but fight like nothing else - explosive jumps and long runs that'll test your drag. We find them suspended in mid-water during warmer months, but they move shallower in spring and fall when water temps drop. Trolling works great, but vertical jigging can be deadly when you mark fish on the finder. Unlike sea-run salmon, these landlocked fish stick around year-round, feeding heavily on smelt and other baitfish. Here's a tip: when jigging, let your lure fall on slack line - they often hit on the drop, and you'll miss it if you're too tight.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the bruisers of our cold Maine waters, and St. Johns River holds some solid fish. These char family members run 24-36 inches and can easily hit 15-40 pounds - they're built heavy and fight deep. You'll find them suspended over the deepest parts of the lake during summer, but right after ice-out in spring they'll come surprisingly shallow. Cold water is key for these fish, so overcast days often fish better than bright sunny ones. They're ambush predators that love wounded baitfish presentations. Vertical jigging with paddle-tail swimbaits or jigging spoons is my go-to method. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find - firm, white, and mild. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tick on the bottom of your jig stroke, set the hook - lake trout often just mouth the bait before committing.
St. Johns River