Expert Buffalo Night King Salmon Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Buffalo, NY
$350 - $500 price range
Updated Date: October 10, 2025

Summary

Get ready for some serious night fishing action on Lake Erie! This 5-hour guided trip targets monster Chinook Salmon, also known as Kings. You'll be casting spoons with light tackle, which is a blast when these powerful fish hit. The charter runs from October 20 to November 14, kicking off at 9 PM - perfect timing to catch these predators when they're most active. Don't worry if you're new to this kind of fishing; the expert guides at Just Fish Guide Service will show you the ropes and provide all the gear you need. More experienced anglers will love the challenge too. It's a great chance to land one of the biggest freshwater fish around. The boat takes up to two guests, so you'll get plenty of attention and opportunities to hook up. Remember to put down a deposit to lock in your spot. Fall nights on Lake Erie can be chilly, so layer up and get ready for some hard-fighting salmon!

Expert Buffalo Night King Salmon Fishing Trip

Night Kings on Erie

Angler with a rainbow trout in North Tonawanda

Trout fishing on Western New York’s scenic tributaries

Angler reeling in a trophy Trout in WNY waters

Western New York stream fishing for Brown and Rainbow Trout

A rainbow trout caught while fishing in North Tonawanda

Fresh catch of the day Trout fishing in Western New York

Night Fishing for Monster Salmon in Buffalo

Ready for some heart-pounding action after dark? Just Fish Guide Service's nighttime salmon charter on Lake Erie is your ticket to hooking into some of the biggest, baddest fish swimming in Buffalo's waters. From mid-October to mid-November, we hit the lake when the sun goes down and the big kings come out to play. This 5-hour trip is all about battling trophy Chinook salmon using light tackle and glow-in-the-dark spoons. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on the fish and show you the ropes of productive night fishing.

Moonlit Madness on Lake Erie

Picture this: You're out on the calm waters of Lake Erie, the city lights of Buffalo twinkling in the distance. The air is crisp, and there's a buzz of anticipation as you cast your line into the inky blackness. Suddenly, your rod doubles over – you're into a freight train with fins! This is the thrill of nighttime salmon fishing, and it's what keeps anglers coming back year after year. Our 5-hour charters kick off at 9 PM, prime time for big kings to be on the prowl. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the latest in light-up lures. Just bring your game face and be ready for some serious fish-fighting action.

Spoons and Glow Sticks

Night fishing for salmon is a whole different ball game, and we've got it dialed in. We use light tackle setups paired with glow-in-the-dark spoons that drive the kings wild. It's a finesse game out there – you'll learn to feel for the subtlest of strikes and set the hook like a pro. Our guides will show you how to work your lures, read the water, and play big fish in the dark. We'll be targeting areas where salmon stack up to feed, using our boat's electronics and years of local knowledge to put you in the strike zone. It's not uncommon to hook into multiple 20+ pound fish in a single trip. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the rush of battling a monster Chinook by moonlight!

Target Species

Chinook Salmon, also known as King Salmon, are the crown jewels of Lake Erie's fishery. These bruisers can tip the scales at over 30 pounds and are known for their blistering runs and acrobatic fights. In the fall, mature Chinooks move into shallower waters to feed aggressively before their spawning run. This makes October and early November prime time for hooking into the fish of a lifetime. Chinooks are ambush predators, often striking lures with explosive force. Their large size and powerful fights make them a top target for anglers looking for a real challenge. The thrill of battling a big king in the dark, when your other senses are heightened, is an experience you won't soon forget.

Why Night Owls Catch More

Ever wonder why we hit the water when most folks are winding down for the day? It's simple – that's when the big boys come out to play. Salmon are most active during low-light periods, and nighttime offers the perfect cover for these predators to hunt. The darkness also means less boat traffic and a more peaceful experience on the water. Plus, there's something magical about being out on the lake under a starry sky, with only the glow of your lures and the sound of water lapping against the boat. It's a totally different vibe from daytime fishing, and once you try it, you might just get hooked on the night bite.

Gear Up for Success

No need to raid the tackle shop before your trip – we've got you covered with top-notch gear that's perfect for nighttime salmon fishing. We use medium-heavy spinning rods paired with reels spooled with 20-pound test line. This setup gives you the sensitivity to detect strikes and the backbone to handle big fish. Our arsenal of glow spoons comes in various colors and sizes to match what the salmon are keyed in on. We also provide headlamps and warm gear to keep you comfortable throughout the night. Just remember to dress in layers – Lake Erie can get chilly after dark, even in the fall. And don't forget your camera – you'll want proof when you're telling tales of the monster you battled in the moonlight!

Book Your Nocturnal Adventure

Ready to test your skills against Lake Erie's nighttime heavyweights? Our Nighttime Salmon Fishing Charter in Buffalo, NY is calling your name. With a max capacity of 2 anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of rod time and personalized attention from our seasoned guides. The season is short – we only run from October 20 to November 14 – so don't wait to lock in your spot. A non-refundable deposit secures your reservation, and trust me, it's worth every penny. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch after work or want to experience the unique rush of night fishing, this trip delivers the goods. So grab a buddy, pack some snacks, and get ready for an unforgettable night on the water. The salmon are waiting, and the bite is hot – let's go fishing!

Learn more about the animal

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.

About the Just Fish Guide Service

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury Pro XS

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an exciting night on Lake Erie? Join us for some prime salmon fishing under the stars in Buffalo. Our 5-hour guided trip runs from October 20 to November 14, kicking off at 9 PM. We'll be targeting hefty Chinook (King) Salmon using light tackle and spoons - a technique that's both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, our expert guides will help you make the most of the evening bite. We provide all the gear you'll need, so just bring yourself and be prepared for some action. To lock in your spot, we require a non-refundable deposit. Come experience the unique thrill of nighttime fishing and the rush of battling one of Lake Erie's top predators. It's a great way to cap off your day or start your night in Buffalo!

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