Just think of that fishing trip you had with your grandfather when you were still at school. Remember the warm sun, clear waters, how you would learn which lure is good for Salmon and how to spot Trout? Well, this is the exact feeling you have when you go on your first Oswego fishing charter.

Oswego fishing is a game of two halves. The first half is the almighty Lake Ontario, which borders the ‘Port City of Central New York’ in the north. In turn, the Great Lake is fed by various rivers and streams. These are two halves put together.

For hundreds of local guides and captains, a day in the water is a good one in their books. There are so many streams, lakes, and rivers to go to and such a great variety of species to catch, that captains can’t help being busy. It’s very likely that no fishery in the country has stood out with more abundant resources than Oswego.

On a quest to catch legendary Salmon, think of a full-day trip! Most captains on the Lake and guides in the rivers would recommend staying for longer than 5 hours. The more you spend on the water, the more memories you’ll create. Plus, it’s pretty affordable. Prices vary between $600 and $700 for a group of four enthusiastic fishermen willing to explore Lake Ontario. A full-day adventure for two on a drift boat would be something around $400.

It’s all about Lake Ontario during the warm summer months and its tributaries the rest of the year. The lake’s sunsets are hard to resist. The rivers’ pulse-pounding adrenaline rushes are unbeatable. Choose wisely or choose both!

Go out aboard a big offshore sport fisher boat. Your captain will most likely take you out on a boat with downriggers or use divers. Salmon is the prize catch, leave deep, and can swim twelve miles per hour. If they want, they will catch your lures in no time! Use silver spoons and eggs or cut bait. The most common trolling speed is two miles per hour.

Freelining can be effective when targeting Lake Trout. However,  jigging is the method of choice for winter guides that chase the aggressive Trout in the rivers and streams.

Aside from the traditional trolling method, many river anglers employ float fishing and bottom drifting. Chinook Salmon are the biggest draw, but the occasional Atlantic Salmon and Steelhead are often mixed in the catches.

If you are willing to think outside the box, the lake’s tributaries are the place to be. Say the first snow flies and you feel a sudden urge to wet a line. Pack your waders and discover the waters of Salmon River. Some of its stretches are designated as premier fly fishing destination.
Ask Salmon River guides and they will tell you that it’s an Angler’s Mecca. There are twelve miles of pools, runs, and riffs that are easy to reach for those who want to test it with rod and reel.

Book a guide to float Oswego River. Just like Salmon River, it is situated in the eastern basin of Lake Ontario. But it’s not the main thing that defines the small, narrow, and shallow river. It is magnet for Salmon!

Hop on a drift boat to go to the Salmon and Oswego Rivers in upstate New York. Wade with a Salmon River guide. Catch trophy Brown Trout and Steelhead. A lot of guides switch to float fishing with spinning gear and backtrolling.

While these rivers are evidently the big draw for both anglers and fish in the autumn months, there are also a few lakes, ponds, and rivers that deserve your attention. The southeastern corner of Oswego county is home to Oneida Lake, which is considered the ‘Walleye Capital of NY state’ and the prime ice fishing destination. Be careful near tributary mouths though - it’s great to have a guide by your side who knows the area. And finally, Bass-lovers will find good numbers of Smallmouth and Largemouth hanging around Sandy Pond.