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Beginner Salmon Fishing in Altmar, NY
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Salmon River
- $350 price range
Summary
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Salmon River Action Shots
Reel in Your First Salmon on the Salmon River
Hey there, rookie angler! Ready to chase some big fish without the hassle? You're in for a treat with this full-day drift boat trip on the legendary Salmon River. Marcus McGivney, your seasoned guide, will show you the ropes as you float past the shoreline crowds to find those sweet, secluded spots where the salmon are biting. Whether you're dreaming of landing a chunky Chinook or a spirited Coho, this beginner-friendly adventure is your ticket to salmon fishing success. No gear? No problem! Marcus has got you covered with everything you need (except waders - don't forget those!). So grab a buddy, or fly solo, and get ready for 8 hours of world-class fishing action in beautiful Altmar, NY.
What's the Deal on the Water?
Picture this: You're kicking back in a roomy 17-foot drift boat, gliding down the Salmon River with the fall colors all around. Your guide, Marcus, is at the oars, pointing out prime fishing spots and sharing local intel that only comes from years on these waters. You'll be targeting three powerhouse salmon species - Chinook, Coho, and Atlantic - using techniques tailored for beginners. No need to worry about tangling with shoreline trees or getting your feet wet; drift boat fishing lets you access those hard-to-reach honey holes where the big boys like to hang out. And the best part? Marcus is a pro at making newbies feel like old pros. He'll have you casting, drifting, and hopefully landing fish before you know it.
Fishing 101: Salmon River Style
Alright, let's break down how we'll be chasing these silver bullets. Drift boat fishing is a game-changer for beginners. Instead of standing in cold water all day, you'll be seated comfortably as Marcus rows you into position. We typically use a mix of techniques, from bouncing roe bags off the bottom to swinging flashy flies through likely holding spots. You'll learn to read the water, spotting those dark shapes that could be your next trophy fish. The gear is all set up for easy learning - think sensitive rods that telegraph every nibble and reels with smooth drags to help you during those heart-pounding runs. And don't sweat it if you've never held a rod before; Marcus has a knack for explaining things in a way that just clicks.
Why Anglers Get Hooked on This Trip
Look, I could tell you all day about why this trip rocks, but nothing beats hearing it straight from folks who've been there, done that. Unfortunately, we don't have any specific customer reviews to share for this particular trip just yet. But trust me, Marcus has a solid track record of turning fishing newbies into die-hard anglers. His patience, local knowledge, and ability to put clients on fish keep people coming back year after year. Plus, that veteran's discount? It's just one more way we show our appreciation for those who've served.
Salmon Lowdown: Know Your Target
Chinook Salmon: These bad boys are the kings of the river, and for good reason. Chinooks (also called Kings) can tip the scales at over 30 pounds, giving you the fight of your life. They start running in late summer, with peak action usually hitting in September and October. Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps - when one of these monsters takes your bait, hold on tight! Anglers love targeting Chinooks not just for their size, but for their rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for the smoker.
Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - Cohos (or Silvers) are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the river. These high-flying acrobats typically show up a bit later than Chinooks, with the best fishing often in October and November. Cohos are known for their sudden, blistering runs and tendency to throw hooks with wild head shakes. Landing a bright, chrome Coho is a thrill that'll have you grinning for days.
Atlantic Salmon: The gentlemen of the salmon world, Atlantics are prized for their elegance and fighting style. These fish are actually not native to the area but have established a small run thanks to stocking efforts. Atlantics tend to be fall runners, showing up when the leaves are changing. They're known for their stunning looks - spots on the gill plates and a more streamlined body than their Pacific cousins. Hook into an Atlantic, and you're in for a treat - they're famous for their aerial displays and dogged determination.
Time to Get Your Fish On!
Listen, if you've been on the fence about trying salmon fishing, this is your sign to jump in with both feet (or, in this case, both waders). Marcus's full-day trip is seriously the best way to cut your teeth on some world-class salmon action. You're getting personalized instruction, access to prime fishing spots, and a shot at landing a fish most people only dream about. And all this in the stunning fall scenery of upstate New York? It's a no-brainer. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're flying solo or bringing a buddy, this trip is your golden ticket to salmon fishing glory. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime!
Learn more about the species
Atlantic Salmon
Atlantic salmon are a real treat to catch around here. They average 8-12 pounds but can get much bigger. Look for them in faster-moving water, often near rocky areas or fallen trees. Spring and fall are your best bets as they migrate. These fish are known for their acrobatics - expect some spectacular jumps when you hook one. They're smart too, so you've got to outsmart them. Fly fishing with streamers or nymphs works well. If you're spin fishing, try small spoons or spinners. One tip: Atlantic salmon can be picky eaters. If they're not biting, try downsizing your lure and slowing your retrieve. Patience is key with these guys. When you do hook up, it's a thrill you won't forget. Just remember, catch and release is crucial for conserving this special species.
Chinook Salmon
# Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Chinook salmon is also known as King Salmon and is the largest of the Salmon species. It is a popular game and commercial fish. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha is similar to its brethren Coho salmon and Rainbow trout. King Salmon has silver sides and blue-green back. It has black spots on the head, back, tail, and all the fins. It also has a black mouth and gums. Wild salmon are well known for their hard fighting ability and excellent table fare. ## Chinook Salmon Size and Weight Chinook salmon is a large fish and it can grow from 12 to 39 inches and weighs around 7 to 15 pounds. But depending on the habitat, weight can exceed 20 - 30 pounds. ## Chinook Salmon Interesting Facts • They can live up to 7 years. • This specie is anadromous. They migrate to Seawater and later return to spawn in freshwater. • Oncorhynchus tshawytscha die soon after spawning. • King salmon have reddish-pink or orange meat. • Males are more colored than females and have a distinguished nose and upper jaw. • Chinook salmon leaves a water body if the habitat starts degrading, making it a good indicator of the water conditions. ## Chinook Salmon Habitat Young Chinook salmon can be found in freshwater and estuaries. Adults move into the open Ocean for better nutrition and food. The fish can also be found in cold streams, especially in hiding places such as tree roots. Snow melting into lakes and streams also helps their environment. ## Chinook Salmon Spawning Chinook salmon are ready to spawn from 2 to 7 years of age. Female makes redds or gravely nests and lays the eggs. Depending on spawning time and temperature, hatching takes place in early spring or late winter. ## Chinook Salmon Food Young Chinook salmons feed on plankton, insects, small fish, and invertebrates. Adult Salmon in Ocean also enjoy many organisms such as sand lance, pilchards, squids, herrings, and crustaceans. ## Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook salmon is sensitive to light so they stay at water bottom mostly. So, anglers should use weighted baits. The best time for fishing them is early morning or in the evening. Ship Creek in Anchorage, Alaska, and Lake Oahe in South Dakota are among the top spots to fish them. • Fly fishing King salmon is very exciting, but keep in mind to not swing too far and keep the fly swimming in water. • When Salmon fishing in lakes, down-rigging and trolling works best. • Anglers can also still fish in deep water using a herring. • Trolling is also an effective method using plugs, spoons, live or dead bait. ## Chinook Salmon Baits and Lures Fly Fishing: when selecting flies for king salmon, most of the time exact fly pattern is not overly important. However, depending on a bunch of variables (light, water levels, location, etc.) fly color can make a big difference. Some examples include rhea tube intruders, bunny leeches, marabou tubes, shanked intruders, minnows. On a bright day lean towards bright color combos like chartreuse/blue or pink/orange, and for cloudy/dark days blue/black and purple/black color combos. Other Fishing: Use of plugs, spoons, trolling flies, live or dead bait, sand shrimps ## Chinook Salmon Distribution Chinook can be found in the colder water of the Pacific Ocean from the coast of Alaska, Western Canada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington State, and Northern California. It has been introduced in Great Lakes of United States and can also be found in Japan and Russia.
Coho Salmon
Coho salmon, or silvers, are the acrobats of the salmon world. They typically run 8-12 pounds and are known for their spectacular fights, often leaping clear out of the water. You'll find them in calmer stretches of river, often near logjams or undercut banks. Fall is prime time as they run upriver. Coho are a blast to catch - they hit hard and fight even harder. Their meat is top-notch too, with a rich orange color. To land one, try casting spinners or twitching jigs in holding water. Fly anglers do well with bright streamers or egg patterns. Here's a local secret: on sunny days, try using UV-reactive lures. Coho seem to zero in on that extra flash. Just be ready when they hit - these fish can turn on a dime and run you right into a snag if you're not careful.
About the Starweld
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
