Get ready for an action-packed day of drift fishing on the scenic Credit River. This 8-hour charter is your ticket to prime salmon and steelhead territory, far from the crowds. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on fish and help you hone your skills. We've got all the gear you need - just bring your enthusiasm and maybe a lucky hat. The Credit River's legendary runs are calling - let's get out there and make some fishing memories!
Picture this: You're gliding down the Credit River in a comfortable drift boat, fall colors blazing on the banks. Your guide's at the oars, navigating you to honey holes where chrome-bright salmon and steelhead are stacked up. We'll hit both fast-moving runs and deeper pools, giving you a chance to try different techniques. Don't worry if you're new to drift fishing - we'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. And for you experienced anglers, get ready to swap fish stories and maybe learn a new trick or two. We'll be out for a full 8 hours, so pack some snacks and get ready for a day of non-stop action on one of Ontario's best salmon rivers.
Drift fishing is all about presentation and covering water. We'll be using a mix of techniques, from bouncing roe bags along the bottom to swinging flies through likely holding spots. Our boats are set up with both centerpin and spinning gear, so you can try your hand at different styles. We'll show you how to read the water, identify prime lies, and make those picture-perfect drifts that trigger strikes. Expect to use a variety of lures and baits - salmon eggs, beads, yarn flies, and maybe even some hardware if conditions are right. The key is adapting to what the fish want on any given day, and that's where your guide's local knowledge comes into play. By the end of the day, you'll have a solid grasp of drift fishing techniques that'll serve you well on any river.
The Credit River's been on fire lately, with anglers pulling in some real beauties. Just last week, Jim from Toronto landed a 20-pound chinook that took him clear across the river before he could turn its head. Sarah and her dad were out with us and doubled up on a pair of fresh steelhead in the 8-10 pound range - talk about a father-daughter memory! And let's not forget about Mark, who'd never been salmon fishing before. He hooked into a chrome-bright coho on his third cast and was instantly hooked himself. These fish are big, strong, and ready to put on a show - you might want to hit the gym before your trip!
Chinook Salmon: The kings of the Credit River, these bruisers can top 30 pounds. They start showing up in late August, with the peak run usually hitting in September and October. Chinooks are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps - when one of these bad boys hits your line, hold on tight! They love to hang out in deeper pools and at the tail-outs of fast runs. Fresh chrome chinooks are great eating, but as they get closer to spawning, they turn dark and develop that distinctive hooked jaw.
Coho Salmon: Don't let their smaller size fool you - cohos are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the river. Averaging 5-10 pounds, these silver bullets are fast and furious fighters. They typically show up a bit later than chinooks, with the best action in October and early November. Cohos are known for their aggressive strikes and tendency to go airborne. They often hold in faster water than chinooks, so we'll target them in choppy runs and riffles. Fresh cohos are prized for their bright orange flesh and delicate flavor.
Steelhead Trout: The Credit River's steelhead are a year-round attraction, but fall is prime time as these sea-run rainbows follow the salmon upstream. Expect fish in the 5-15 pound range, with some real giants mixed in. Steelhead are famous for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics - hooking one is like tying your line to a runaway freight train. They can be found throughout the river, often holding in pocket water and seams behind boulders. The fall run tends to produce bright, aggressive fish that'll test both your gear and your skills.
There's something special about the Credit River that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the mist rises off the water on a crisp fall morning, or the heart-stopping moment when a big chinook crushes your bait. Could be the peaceful rhythm of casting and drifting, broken only by the occasional splash of a jumping salmon. Or perhaps it's the camaraderie that develops over a day on the water, sharing laughs and high-fives with your fishing buddies. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure - once you've experienced the Credit River's salmon and steelhead run, you'll be counting the days until you can do it again.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - the salmon aren't going to catch themselves, and prime dates fill up fast. This 8-hour drift fishing trip is your ticket to some of the best salmon and steelhead action Ontario has to offer. We've got the boat, the gear, and the know-how to put you on fish. All you need to bring is a sense of adventure and maybe a lucky lure or two. Whether you're looking to land your personal best, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on one of Canada's prettiest rivers, we've got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Give Bluewater Fishing Adventures a call and let's get your Credit River adventure on the calendar. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet them?
The king of salmon, Chinooks are the big boys of the river. These bruisers can top 30 pounds, with silvery sides and a blue-green back dotted with black spots. They're a prized catch, known for their hard-fighting spirit and rich, flavorful meat. You'll find them in deeper pools and runs, especially in the cooler months as they make their way upstream. Early mornings or evenings are prime time to hook into one. Chinooks are light-sensitive, so they tend to hug the bottom. A good trick is to use weighted baits and get them down deep. Whether you're fly fishing or using conventional gear, bright colors like chartreuse or pink often do the trick on sunny days. Landing a Chinook is a real accomplishment – they'll test your skills and your gear, but the payoff is worth it, both for the fight and the feast afterward.
Coho, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of the river. These feisty fish typically run 8-12 pounds but can surprise you with their strength. Look for their dark blue-green backs and silvery sides with black spots. Cohos love to put on a show, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in calmer areas, often hiding under debris or in deeper pools. They're most active in the fall as they make their run. What makes Cohos a blast to catch is their aggressive nature – they'll hit hard and fight all the way to the net. Try swinging bright-colored flies or twitching jigs in holding water. Here's a local tip: on overcast days, go with darker patterns like blue and black. The meat on these fish is bright orange and delicious, making them a favorite for both the fight and the table.
Steelhead are the sea-run cousins of rainbow trout, and they're a whole different ball game. These silver missiles average around 24 inches but can push past 30. They're built for speed and power, with a streamlined body that's more silver than their freshwater relatives. You'll find them in faster water, often near cover like boulders or logs. The best time to target them is from mid-fall through spring when they're making their spawning runs. Steelhead are prized for their incredible fights – they'll run, jump, and test every knot in your line. Fly anglers, try swinging wet flies like Skykomish Sunrise or Purple Peril. For gear fishermen, drifting or back-trolling can be deadly effective. Here's a pro tip: when the water's high and murky, go with larger, darker lures to help them see it. Landing a steelhead is a real achievement, and it's why anglers keep coming back for more.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mariner
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90