Founded by lifelong angler William Watkins, A Will 2 Fish is the culmination of decades spent navigating the pristine waters of the St. Lawrence and Salmon Rivers. What began as a childhood passion at a family campsite has evolved into a professional career spanning over 12 years of expert guiding. Driven by a deep-rooted connection to New York’s aquatic heritage, William transitioned to full-time guiding to share his intimate knowledge of the region's diverse ecosystems with fellow enthusiasts and families alike. Our specialty lies in delivering world-class Lake Ontario fishing charters, where we target a massive variety of trophy species. Whether you are hunting for aggressive King and Coho Salmon or elusive Lake Trout and Walleye, our excursions cover the most productive spots on Lake Ontario, Cayuga, and Oneida Lakes. We pride ourselves on our technical versatility, adapting our methods to ensure every guest—from seasoned pros to first-time anglers—experiences the thrill of a successful hook-up. For those seeking the rhythmic beauty of river angling, we offer unrivaled Guided Salmon River drift boat fishing trips. Navigating the famous currents of the Salmon River, we provide a front-row seat to some of the best Steelhead and Brown Trout fishing in the country. Our brand-new 2025 custom 21.5-foot drift boat is designed specifically for these waters, offering a stable and stealthy platform that allows up to three guests to fish effectively in the river's most secluded honey holes. At A Will 2 Fish, inclusivity and personalized service are the cornerstones of our business. We are dedicated to making the water accessible to everyone, maintaining a special focus on providing a supportive environment for women, children, and anglers with special needs. Our commitment is best highlighted by our partnership with New York State to provide specialized guiding for autistic clients, ensuring that every trip is tailored with patience, detail, and care to meet the unique requirements of our guests. When you book a charter with us, we provide all the essential gear, including high-quality rods, reels, tackle, and live bait. For offshore adventures, our 27-foot Sportcraft "Big Boat" handles Lake Ontario with ease, accommodating groups of up to six. Simply bring your New York fishing license, weather-appropriate gear, and snacks, and let Captain William Watkins guide you through a legendary day on the water.

EPSG:4269

<div>Salmon river fishing report for January 18,2026</div>

<div>on todays trip we were utilizing float fishing with beads egg sacs and other various baits. Beads were the most productuve in various colors. </div>

Matt and Mike striking salmon river steel

The Salmon River is currently delivering the high-action fishing that New York’s North Country is famous for. Water flows have remained steady, providing ideal conditions for fresh fish to push through the lower sections and settle into the deeper holding pools. As we navigate the 14 miles of river in our custom drift boat, we are seeing a healthy mix of silver fish and aggressive resident trout, making this an incredible window for both fly and light-tackle anglers.

King & Coho Salmon: The lower river sections from Pulaski up to the Pineville Pool are seeing consistent movement. Large Kings are holding in the faster water, while Cohos are responding well to bright streamers and egg patterns in the tail-outs.

Steelhead & Brown Trout: The "chrome" is here. We are landing acrobatic Steelhead and trophy-sized Brown Trout behind the spawning beds. These fish are energetic and providing a world-class fight for our guests.

Best Techniques: Currently, "beading" and drifting egg sacs have been the most productive methods. In the early morning hours, swinging flies through the deeper runs has also triggered some explosive strikes.

What to Expect This Week
As we move into the next few days, the weather forecast suggests cool mornings followed by overcast skies—classic "fishing weather." These conditions typically keep the fish from being "spooked" by the sun, extending the bite well into the afternoon. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a family looking for a guided fishing trip, the river is currently in peak form.

Primary Spots: The Compactor and Pineville pools are currently fishing hotspots.

Gear Tip: Ensure your leaders are fresh; these fish are strong and the river bottom can be abrasive.

Two people enjoying a fishing tour in Mexico

Current River Conditions and Angler Success with A Will 2 Fish

Chinook salmon caught during fishing trip in NY

Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing in NY

Rainbow Trout caught while fishing in Mexico

Group of 5 people enjoying fishing in Mexico

Don’t let the trophy of a lifetime swim away—secure your spot with A Will 2 Fish and experience the heart-pounding thrill of the Salmon River today! Feel the power of the current and the weight of a giant on your line by booking your legendary New York adventure right now!

Experience the pinnacle of New York angling with A Will 2 Fish, where we specialize in world-class Salmon River fishing charters and high-action lake excursions. Captain William Watkins leverages over 12 years of professional expertise to guide you through 14 miles of the scenic Salmon River or the productive currents of the Oswego River. Whether you are searching for a private Lake Ontario salmon fishing charter to battle massive Kings or a tranquil drift boat trip targeting acrobatic Steelhead and Brown Trout, our services are tailored to your goals. By combining deep-rooted local knowledge with state-of-the-art equipment, we ensure that every guest—from seasoned trophy hunters to those holding a rod for the first time—enjoys a premier, results-driven adventure on New York’s most legendary waterways. Beyond the thrill of the catch, we take immense pride in providing family-friendly trips that make the water accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Our charters on Cayuga Lake and Oneida Lake are perfect for targeting Walleye and Lake Trout in a safe, supportive environment designed for women, children, and anglers with special needs. We believe that a great fishing trip is built on patience, expert instruction, and unforgettable memories, which is why we provide all the high-quality gear and tackle you need for a stress-free day. Don't miss out on the peak seasonal runs; book your fishing trip today and let an expert local guide lead you to the trophy of a lifetime.

Find the answers to your most common questions about Salmon River drift boat trips and Lake Ontario charters, ensuring you have all the details needed to book your New York fishing adventure with confidence.

For Captain William Watkins, fishing isn't just a career; it’s a heritage rooted in the early mornings of his childhood near the St. Lawrence River. While other kids were occupied with typical activities, William was often found on the water, developing an instinct for the currents and a deep respect for New York’s aquatic ecosystems. This lifelong obsession transitioned into a professional guiding career over 12 years ago. Initially balancing guiding with other roles, the overwhelming demand for his expertise and his undeniable passion for the sport led him to commit to the water full-time. Today, he channels that decades-long experience into every trip, ensuring guests benefit from an intimate, second-nature understanding of the region's diverse fisheries. William’s expertise spans a wide geography, from the powerful Salmon River to the expansive depths of Lake Ontario, Oneida, and Cayuga Lakes. His approach is defined by technical versatility and an incredible depth of local knowledge regarding species like King and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Walleye. Because he has spent his life studying these migrations, he can adapt his techniques—whether trolling offshore or drifting a river bend—to match the specific behavior of the fish on any given day. This level of insight allows him to provide more than just a boat ride; he offers an educational experience where guests learn the "why" behind every cast and hook-up. What truly distinguishes Captain William is his unwavering commitment to inclusive guiding. He believes the joy of fishing should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level or physical need. This dedication is reflected in his specialized work with women, children, and his contract with New York State to guide autistic clients. With a patient, detail-oriented demeanor, William tailors each excursion to the specific needs of his guests, whether they are chasing a personal best trophy or simply enjoying a scenic day on the river. His goal is to build a supportive environment where every angler feels confident, safe, and empowered to enjoy the best of New York’s natural beauty. The Fleet: Specialized Vessels for River and LakeTo provide the ultimate experience across varied terrains, Captain William operates two distinct, high-performance vessels. For offshore Lake Ontario fishing charters, guests step aboard a 27-foot Sportcraft "Big Boat," powered by a 300HP Mercury engine. This spacious vessel is designed for stability and comfort, accommodating up to six guests as it cruises at 21mph to the lake's most productive spots. For the more intimate Guided Salmon River drift boat fishing trips, William utilizes a brand-new 2025 custom 21.5-foot drift boat. This state-of-the-art boat is engineered for stealth and precision, allowing up to three guests to navigate the river's 14 miles of secluded honey holes with ease. Both boats come fully equipped with premium rods, reels, and tackle, ensuring you have the best tools available for a world-class day on the water.

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Common Questions: What is included in an A Will 2 Fish guided trip on the Salmon River?When you book a Salmon River drift boat fishing trip with us, we provide everything you need for a successful day on the water. This includes high-quality rods, reels, specialized tackle, and all bait (such as fresh egg sacs or beads). We also provide coffee and donuts to kick off your morning. Our goal is to ensure you can simply step onto the boat and focus on the fishing while Captain William handles all the technical details. What is the best time of year to fish the Salmon River in New York?The "best" time depends on your target species. For legendary King Salmon and Coho Salmon, the peak run typically occurs from mid-September through mid-October. If you are after the world-class Steelhead action, the season starts in late October and remains excellent through the winter until April. Brown Trout are also a frequent highlight during the fall and spring months. How much does a full-day fishing charter cost with A Will 2 Fish?Our rates are competitive for the region and vary based on the type of trip. For our Lake Ontario morning fishing charters, the base price is $700 for up to six guests for a 6-hour trip, with the option to add extra hours for $100 per hour. For our specialized Salmon River drift boat trips, we offer personalized pricing based on the season and group size. Please visit our rates page for the most up-to-date information. Do I need to bring my own fishing gear for the trip?No, you do not need to bring your own gear. A Will 2 Fish provides professional-grade equipment specifically chosen for the local New York river and lake conditions. Whether we are trolling on Lake Ontario with downriggers or drifting 14 miles of the Salmon River, we supply the rods, reels, and tackle. However, if you have a favorite lucky rod you’d like to use, you are more than welcome to bring it along! Is fish cleaning and filleting included in my Lake Ontario charter?Yes! On our Lake Ontario fishing charters, we provide professional fish cleaning and filleting as part of the service. We want you to go home with fresh, ready-to-cook fillets of Salmon, Trout, or Walleye. Please bring a cooler with ice to keep your catch fresh during the drive home. Note that for river drift boat trips, we focus primarily on the fishing experience, but we can provide guidance on local cleaning stations. What should I bring for a day on the drift boat or lake boat?The most important thing to bring is a valid New York State fishing license. Beyond that, we recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures on the Salmon River and Lake Ontario can change rapidly. Bring rain gear, polarized sunglasses, and any snacks or drinks you’d like to enjoy. For our 14-mile river drifts, comfortable waterproof boots or waders are highly recommended. Does A Will 2 Fish offer trips on the Oswego River or Finger Lakes?Yes, Captain William Watkins offers a versatile range of trips beyond the Salmon River. We provide expert guiding on the Oswego River, as well as specialized charters on Cayuga Lake and Oneida Lake for Walleye and Trout. This allows us to follow the best bite throughout New York State across different seasons, ensuring our guests always have the best chance at a trophy catch. Are the trips with A Will 2 Fish family-friendly for young children?Absolutely. We pride ourselves on offering family-friendly fishing adventures. Captain William is an expert at teaching children and beginners the basics of fishing in a safe, patient, and fun environment. Our 27-foot Sportcraft "Big Boat" on Lake Ontario is particularly well-suited for families, providing a stable and comfortable platform for kids to experience the excitement of their first big catch. How many people can fit on the drift boat vs. the lake boat?Our custom 21.5-foot Salmon River drift boat is designed for an intimate and stealthy experience, comfortably accommodating up to three guests plus the captain. For larger groups, our 27-foot Lake Ontario vessel can handle up to six guests. If you have a larger party, feel free to contact us so we can coordinate the best vessel or multiple boats to accommodate your group. How do I book a trip to target Salmon or Steelhead with A Will 2 Fish?Booking your New York fishing adventure is easy! You can contact Captain William Watkins directly through our website or use our online booking calendar to check for seasonal availability. Because the Salmon and Steelhead runs are highly sought after, we recommend booking your Salmon River fishing charter several weeks in advance to secure your preferred dates during the peak migration.

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