Get ready for the fishing trip of a lifetime aboard our 37-foot Viking vessel! This custom charter is perfect for groups of up to 6 looking to reel in some serious action on the lake. With a spacious, fully enclosed cabin and a wide-open back deck, you've got the best of both worlds for comfort and prime fishing spots. Whether you're after trophy salmon or hard-fighting steelhead, this 5-hour trip is packed with opportunities to make memories and land the big one.
As soon as you step aboard our Viking beauty, you'll feel right at home. The enclosed cabin means you can escape the elements if needed, but trust me, you'll want to be out on that roomy back deck where all the action happens. We've got plenty of space for everyone to cast lines without getting tangled up. Our experienced crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll put you right on top of the hotspots where kings and steelies love to hang out. Bring your A-game, because when these fish hit, it's go-time!
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of trolling and casting techniques, depending on what's biting and where. For salmon, we often troll with downriggers, using flashers and cut-plug herring or spoons to entice those big kings. When we're after steelhead, we might switch it up with some drift fishing or back-trolling with roe bags or yarn flies. Don't sweat the gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all set up and ready to go. Just bring your lucky hat and maybe some snacks for the ride.
Atlantic Salmon: These silver bullets are known for their acrobatic fights and delicious taste. Typically weighing 8-12 pounds, with some monsters pushing 30+, Atlantics are a prized catch. They're most active in the cooler months, so fall and spring trips can be dynamite. When an Atlantic hits your line, hold on tight – they're known for spectacular leaps and long runs that'll test your skills.
Coho Salmon: Also called silvers, these feisty fish are a blast to catch. Averaging 6-12 pounds, Cohos are known for their aggressive strikes and tasty flesh. They typically run in the late summer and fall, often found closer to the surface. Watching a Coho chase down and slam your lure is a sight you won't forget!
Steelhead Trout: The rock stars of the salmonid world, steelhead are essentially sea-run rainbow trout that return to freshwater at massive sizes. Known for their incredible fighting ability, landing a steelhead is often a battle of wills. They can range from 5-20 pounds and are available year-round, with peak seasons in spring and fall. Hooking into one of these chrome rockets will get your heart pounding!
Chinook Salmon: The kings of the lake, Chinooks are the heavyweights everyone dreams of catching. These bruisers can tip the scales at 20-40 pounds, with some real giants out there. They're most active in the summer and early fall, often hanging out in deeper water. When a king decides to take your bait, you'd better be ready for a workout – these fish don't give up easily!
Lake Trout: The true natives of the big lakes, lake trout (or "lakers") are a favorite for many anglers. They prefer cooler, deeper waters and can grow to impressive sizes, with 15-30 pounders not uncommon. Spring and fall are prime times for lakers, as they move into shallower waters. Their fight might not be as spectacular as a salmon's, but the steady, powerful pull of a big lake trout is something special.
Folks, let me tell you – there's nothing quite like the rush of battling a monster salmon or steelhead on our custom charters. Our repeat customers rave about the variety of fish they catch and the sheer number of hookups they get in just five hours. The Viking's comfort means you can bring the whole family or a group of buddies without anyone feeling cramped or left out of the action. Plus, our crew's local knowledge means we're always on top of the latest hotspots and patterns, maximizing your chances for a cooler full of fish and a phone full of brag-worthy photos.
Listen, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some world-class fish, this is the trip for you. With our custom 5-hour charter, you're getting the perfect mix of comfort, expertise, and prime fishing action. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some trophies to your list or a newbie wanting to learn the ropes, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call at Redemption Charters, and let's get you out there where the big ones are biting. Trust me, once you feel that first hit on your line, you'll be hooked for life!
Atlantic salmon are prized for their size and fight, typically reaching 28-30 inches and 8-12 pounds. You'll find them in cold, deep rivers and lakes. Unlike Pacific salmon, these fish can spawn multiple times. The best season is usually fall as they return to freshwater. Anglers love the challenge - these acrobatic fish put up an epic battle when hooked. To improve your chances, try swinging flies across current seams or drifting egg patterns near spawning beds. Just remember, wild Atlantic salmon populations are endangered in the U.S., so stick to stocked waters or catch-and-release only. Their rich, flavorful meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table too, when harvesting is allowed.
Coho salmon are hard-fighting fish that'll test your skills. Averaging 8-12 pounds, these acrobatic "silvers" are known for their spectacular leaps when hooked. You'll find them in coastal rivers and streams, especially in fall as they return from the ocean to spawn. Cohos prefer cooler, oxygen-rich waters and often hang around woody debris or deep pools. For the best action, hit the water early morning or late evening. These fish strike aggressively, so be ready for explosive takes. Try swinging bright-colored flies or twitching jigs in traveling water. My go-to trick is using a cut-plug herring on a sliding sinker rig - deadly effective when they're keyed in on bait. The tasty orange flesh makes coho a favorite for the grill too.
Chinook salmon, aka kings, are the giants of the Pacific salmon world. These brutes average 10-50 pounds but can top 100 in some places. You'll find them in big rivers and coastal waters, often holding in deep pools or near structure. Kings are light-sensitive, so target them early morning or evening. Spring and fall runs offer the best action. Anglers love kings for their sheer power - hooking one feels like you've snagged a submarine. For best results, get your bait or lure down deep. Try back-bouncing roe or pulling plugs in holes. My secret weapon is a large flasher followed by a herring cut-plug, trolled slowly along bottom contours. The firm, rich meat makes kings prized eating too. Just be ready for an arm-wrenching fight when you hook into one of these monsters.
Lake trout are the bulldogs of coldwater fishing. These deep-dwelling giants can top 20-30 pounds in big lakes. You'll find them suspended over deep basins or cruising underwater structure. Lakers prefer frigid, highly oxygenated waters, so focus on depths of 30-100 feet most of the year. Spring and fall offer the best shallow-water action. Anglers love the challenge of finding and fooling these often-finicky fish. Jigging is key - try large spoons or soft plastics worked slowly near bottom. My go-to tactic is trolling big crankbaits or spoons behind downriggers. For a real thrill, target lakers through the ice in winter. The firm, orange flesh makes great eating too. Just remember, these slow-growing fish are vulnerable to overfishing, so practice selective harvest.
Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout, known for their powerful fights and acrobatic leaps. Typically 24-30 inches long, these silver bullets can reach over 20 pounds. You'll find them in coastal rivers, often near cover like boulders or fallen trees. Prime time is usually fall through spring as they return from the ocean. Steelhead fishing is challenging, but the reward is an unmatched battle on light tackle. These fish are wary, so presentation is key. Try swinging flies on a spey rod or drifting roe under a float. My top tip: downsize your gear and go stealthy in clear water conditions. Focus on deeper runs and tail-outs where fish rest on their upstream journey. The satisfaction of landing a wild steelhead is hard to beat.