Serving  all of "Steelhead Alley" in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York     Turkey Creek Oh, Conneaut Creek Oh, Grand River Oh, Chagrin River Oh,  Rocky River Oh,  Vermillion River Oh,  Twenty mile Creek Pa,  16 mile Creek Pa,  12 Mile Creek Pa,  7 Miile Creek  Pa,  Walnut Creek Pa,  Elk Creek Pa,  Crooked Creek Pa,  Racoon Creek Pa,   Cattaraugus Creek NY,   Zoar Valley south branch,  Clear Creek NY,   Canadaway Creek NY,  Silver Creek NY,  Chataqua Creek NY,                      WE GO WHERE THE FISH ARE....................... 

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Call 330-565-5457 

e-mail us at

dfishinfool@aol.com

Dfishinfool's fly shop click here

Western Steelhead alley Map

Google Map of Cleveland Ohio

Central Steelhead Alley Map

Google Map of  North East Ohio

Eastern Steelhead Alley Map

Look for this symbol

make sure your fishing with a Steelhead Alley Pro

Honesty is our number one priority at Steelheadschool.com  We want lifelong customers. We strive to exceed our guests expectations.  Our guarantee is simple. If your not 100% satisfied with anything we do contact us.  If we can't make it right. We will give you a full refund. No questions asked.

The original

"Steelhead School" 

 Since 2001

Two Spring Classes

March 26th, 27th, and 28th 2010

April 9th, 10th, and 11th 2010

Often imitated but never duplicated.  We have over 150 satisfied Graduates thru the years. It is a three day adventure into the world of fishing Steelhead Alley.  Our team of local steelhead pro's teach you everything you need to know to be a successful steelhead angler. It also includes a nine hour tour of the hot spots on the streams. We will cover, When to fish where, knots, rigging terminal tackle, leader construction, fly selection, reading water, fighting fish,  spin, fly, spey and cenerpinn techniques plus thee hours of hands on fly tying.  All you will need are an Ohio fishing license and a pair of chest high waders. . The weekend is value priced at $350 per angler and included in the price is two nights lodging. Contact Don at 330-565-5457 for more nfo.

 

Bill Rusinko at Realistics Taxidermy is the only one I will trust with my trophy fish,  He lives in Michigan's UP and he is an expert at correctly painting our great lakes species.

 

Blog's from the Alley's  Steelheader's

 

This link takes you to Greg Lum's blog.  Greg is a good friend of mine and an expert with the center pin.  He is on the river almost every day and his reports are funny but accurate.

 

Bob Williams blog is full of good info and stream reports.

 

Joe Montello is a local steelhead expert.   Check out his blog.

 

www.inthedrift.blogspot.com/

Mike Engelhardt's Blog is packed with great photography and stories of his adventures.

 

Ohio DNR Info

OH Fishing Report

Ohio Steelhead Fishing

Ohio Steelhead Info

 

 

The Best informational book on fishing "Steelhead Alley"

 

John Nagy has updated his great book on Lake Erie Steelhead fishing.

Tube flies are all the rage on the alley.  If your interested in tubes you gotta check out Tony DiBenedetto's web site tubeflytech.com

 

County Visitors Bureau's

Dfishinfool's Guide Service is a proud members of the Ashtabula County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Their website lists local attractions, the areas fine wineries, hotels and other information on the area.

 

Our Team of Guides have the required permits to Guide on Lorain County Metro-Parks property. Lorain County is host to some beautiful well appointed parks.

 

Dfishinfool's Guide Service is a proud members of the Lake County Visitors Bureau

 

 

Helpful links on rigging your spinning outfit for Steelhead

We trust quality RedWing floats and terminal tackle on our guided trips

Here is a great link from Redwing Tackle on rigging up your Spin or Pin outfit

 

 

Team Member Guide Websites

DDon Mathews and Dfishinfool.com have been your Source for Steelhead Alley info since 1997

 

www.extremesteelheading.com

Jeff Novak's website.  Jeff travels the Great Lakes Guiding Anglers.

 

Guide and Commercial fly tier Mark DeFranks website. Mark will tie your custom flies.  From Trout to Tarpon their the place to call.

 

Guide Dick Keagy is a true OhioSteelheader check out his website

 

www.fishwithtrout.com

Guide Travis McAllisters website. 

 

 

Ben's Bait and Tackle Garden River Ontario

 

ATTN:  Clubs, Trout Unlimited Chapters, Sports Shops

We have put together a great Power Point Presentation on Fishing "steelhead Alley" its not just a bragging guide with a bunch of big fish pictures.  We have put together an informative lesson on steelheading.  It contains many tips we have learned in our 10 year history of Guiding Steelhead Alley.   The principals we show you can be applied to many other fisheries. We offer this presentation at a very reasonable cost of $100 plus our fuel expenses.  We have a high Definition Power Point projector all we need is a screen or blank wall and a group of fishermen.  Feel free to contact Don at 330-565-5457 to set up a date for your club meeting.

 

Area Fishing Clubs

Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders

Pennsylvania Steelhead Association

3 c u Trout Association

North West Pa Trout Unlimited

SONS of Lake Erie Club (save our native species)

Neshannock Trout Unlimited

Emerald Necklace Trout unlimited Cleveland OHF

Firelands Fly Fishers

North Branch Boys Fly Fishing Club Toledo Oh

North Coast Fly Fishers

Tri County Trout Club

 

Other Great Clubs

Buckeye United Fly Fishermen

Derby City Fly Fishers

Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers

Bluegrass Trout Unlimited

Louisville Trout Unlimited

 

"Steelhead Alley"

Steelhead Facts

All of our streams in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York hold fish during the winter months December- March 

MOST YEARS ALL OF OUR STREAMS FREEZE OVER IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

New York Steelhead fishing is best in October thru December but most years the Cattaraugus Creek s the first stream to get a run of fish

Pennsylvania Steelhead fishing peaks in November and December but gets runs as early as September.  They are the most heavily stocked streams on "Steelhead Alley" and hold the most fish per square mile.

Ohio Steelhead fishing starts in October and lasts until early May.  Ohio streams are usually fish the best in the spring.

After Fishing

Biscotti Family Winery 440-593-5403

Buccia Vineyards 440-593-5976

Popular local winery..!!Debonne Vineyards 440-466-3485

Emerine Estates 440-293-8199

**Fool's Favorite Great food**  Ferrante Winery 440-466-8466

Fools wife's Favorite Grand River Cellars 440-298-9838

Harpersfield Vineyard 440-466-4739

Laurello Vineyard 440-415-0661

Markko Vineyard 440-593-3197

Great place..!!  Old Firehouse Winery 440-466-9300

** Great Wine live music **  Old Mill Winery 440-466-5560

  **  My Favorite wines **  South River Vineyard 440-466-6676

Tarsito Winery 440-224-2444

Lakehouse Winery 440-466-8668

Variant Family Winery 440-466-1314

 

Area Rental Homes

Conneaut

Orange Street Rentals in Conneaut Ohio rents out a nice home in a quite neighborhood minutes from Conneaut Creek. 440-593-4546

Painesville Area

Fairport Harbor Rental Home for very large Groups. 8 BR Sleeps 20.  Vey Nice views of lake 440-773-2741

Fairport Harbor Cottage Sleeps 6 with nice Lakefront views. 440-773-2741

 

Our Favorite Lake Erie Charter Boats

If you want to catch a bunch of Perch without spending a bundle.  Check out the Edward John head boat out of Erie Pa. Just $28 for adults..!! Call 814-883-7622

My Time Too Charters

Capt George Neil runs a 30' Baha out of Ashtabula Harbor  He will put you on the fish 330-637-0989

 

Capt Don  lives right on the water in Fairport Harbor.  His boat an gear are first class 216-337-1208

 

Capt Ray Clark runs out of Ashtabula Ohio in a 30' Baha Give him a call for some hog eyes and perch. 440-241-2214

 

Procaster Charters

Everybody tells me Capt Gary Raymond catches fish when no one else does 440-964-7594

 

Lake Ontario Charters

If your looking for some huge Lake Ontario Browns and Salmon I would call Capt Brian Edwards and Fatal Attraction Charters out of Sodus Bay in Fair Haven NY   315-754-8914

Guides We Recommend

If your ever fishing in central Kentucky look up are friends at Cumberland Drifters for a great float trip

 

If your looking for a guided trip on the Mighty Muskegon or the surrounding Michigan Streams give Chad Betts a call at 231-652-3189

John Valk runs Grindstone Angling .  They are located in South Central Ontario Canada. I have used John as a guide in the past.  He is pleasant and nice to fish with. I highly recommend John as your guide if you travel to the area.  Grindstone Angling also has a very nice flyshop.

 

A neat new concept in floats. 

Quality eggs straight from Alaska to your door

 

More great websites by local steelheaders

www.content-angler.com

The Great Lakes Steelhead Chronicles: A Guide's Eye View of a World Class Fishery

The Great Lakes Steelhead Chronicles provides an overview of the developing Great Lakes steelhead fishery through the eyes of local outfitters and guides.

Topics include:

• The Lakes, Fish, and Rivers

• Fly Fishing Heritage

• Steelhead Culture

• Fishing Techniques and Flies

• Economic Value

• Environmental Issues

Featuring top Great Lakes area anglers Jerry Darkes, Kevin Feenstra, Rick Kustich, Bob Linsenman, Ray Schmidt

 

 

 

 

 

 

No B.S. Ohio fishing reports and Pennsylvania fishing reports compliments of licensed professional Steelhead fishing guide, Don Mathews and the team of guides at Steelheadschool.com

Here at Steelhead School our primary focus is on steelhead fishing on Steelhead Alley in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York. Our team of guides have guided thousands of successful steelhead anglers since 1998. During the summer months our team of guides keep on fishing and guiding for Trout and warm water species.   I invite you to check back here often to view current river reports and pictures of our adventures.  Plus you can check out  years of old report archives.

12-27-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  The Pennsylvania streams cleared up considerably today.  Our guys did real good fly fishing Elk creek today despite the heavy crowds. Visibility improved dramatically overnight and the creek started out a nice green color this morning.  Not a lot of fresh fish but still landed good numbers offish in decent shape.   All of the larger Ohio streams are still high and muddy but the smaller streams will fish tomorrow if they aren't slushed up from the snow were going to get tonight.  Problem is the air temp is only supposed to be a high of 24* tomorrow so any snow slush we do get may not burn off.  The long term forecast isn't looking too good and we may be locked up before the weekend if things don't warm up. Good Fishin..!!  Don

PS My cell phone took a dunk..!!  It may be Tuesday before they mail me a replacement.  If you need to reach me before then.. Please leave me a voice message and I'll return your call from a land line.. 330-565-5457

12-26-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  Well the rain didn't stop at midnight like it was supposed to..  Small fronts continued to bring a icy Lake effect mix to the East side of the alley all night and most of the day.  I spent the morning driving around in the darkness looking at flooded streams.  I had to call Bob at 7:00 AM with the bad news.  We decided to give it a go in the high water anyhow.  I had fished with Bob and his sons in cold weather before and they knew what they were getting into.  It turned out to be a fairly warm day so the cold wasn't the problem.  The problem was the continuing rain had even the mile streams flowing hard.   We managed to have several on but only could get one to he net in the strong flows.  We tried several streams but the flow was strong everywhere and I didn't see anybody else hook a fish.  I talked to a landowner friend who confirmed there were a bunch of fish around before the high water. So I look for tomorrow to be a good day in Pa when the streams come down to a fishable level. With the stream temp slushing will not be a problem.  I would forget about most of the Ohio streams, even the ditches will probably still be to high tomorrow.

I want to thank Denny Malloy and the Ohio Outdoor Icon for having us on his radio show this morning.  Denny interviewed our guide  Travis "Trout" McAllister  about steelheading in Ohio.  I missed the interview but from the response I got Travis must have done a good job. Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-26-09 Bob with a nice Mile Creek Steelie

12-25-09 Steelhead Alley Fishing Report  Merry Christmas..!! I hope everybody gets to enjoy some family time today. Christmas is a very special time of year for us.  A time for family and to reflect on all that is good in our lives.  We have much to be thankful for.  I know it has been a very tough year for many American families.  You would have to be blind to miss the effects the economy has had on the American way of life. Our prayers are with those good people that have fell on tough times.  Hopefully 2010 will be remembered as the year America came back to life. God Bless.. Don

It's 11:55 and I only got a couple of minutes before I have to jump in the shower.  I wouldn't want to be late for the great feast my mother in law has prepared..  It's raining hard now.  Big stream flooding drops.  We still have a couple of inches of icy snow on the ground but I doubt it will make it through the day.  I checked the stream flow gauges and they really haven't started up yet BUT the small Grand River feeder in my back yard is already ripping.  The radar shows a big blob just starting over us and it looks like it will take four or five hours to pass. My guess is that were going to flood out tonight.  The bigger streams may or may not fish in the morning before they blow out but I would bet by tomorrow afternoon everything will be flooded.   The Grand river gauge is acting funny and it may be icing up, so I don't know if it can be trusted.  It seems like the rain is hitting the west side of the alley the hardest.  It looks like much of what is falling in Pa is still snow.  So in a nutshell tomorrow is going to be a real tough call and my hopes aren't high.   I have a couple of buddies out there fishing today but they haven't called me yet.  I haven't fished for a few days but the guys have been hitting them in both Ohio and Pa. Slush has been  problem all week but now that it has warmed up slushing shouldn't be a problem for the next few days.  I'll try to post an update latter this evening.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-20-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  Tough morning with lots of slush on the streams.  We got about 2 inches of snow last night and it got cold.   Even the Grand had quite a bit of slush and it didn't burn off until 11:00.  Greg L was still out on the Grand and he had four last time I talked to him.  I haven't heard anything from Travis yet but I would bet he found the East side streams slushy this morning too. It's not supposed to go above freezing until Thursday and to make it worse its going to be cloudy until Wednesday.  My best guess is its going to be slushy the next few mornings and lock up isn't to far away.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-19-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  Dam weathermen.  Last Monday there calling for a low Thursday night of 18 and a high Friday of 28*.  We cancelled three groups of guys on Friday and four groups on Saturday.  Both days ended up being cold but decent fishing.  One group of guys from Texas already had there plane tickets so they said the heck with the weather- were coming fishing.  Funny thing is the same guys fly fished in worse conditions last winter, so I was more worried about river slushing than frozen guests. As it ended up we had some slushing  Friday Morning but it wasn't very bad and it burned off by 10:00.  We fly fished a couple of different Ohio streams but the only place we found anything fresh was on Conneaut Creek.  Chris ended up with a 12 lb Manistee for his efforts in the cold.  Fish wanted small sucker spawn in white, chartreuse, and orange.   This morning I met a buddy at daylight on Conneaut Creek in Ohio. The drive over was scary on the icy roads and I saw 7 accidents on I-90 between Madison and Conneaut.  We got about 3 inches of snow but the heavier snowfall fell South of the Lake for a change.  I was worried about slushing  but the river was in beautiful shape with no slushing. The fish cooperated and I had seven to the bank by 10:00.  I had to call it an early day and headed home.  I had to detour at the wine store to pick up some Christmas gifts and couldn't resist driving down to the Grand.  It looked perfect so I decided to give it a try. Bingo first cast fish on,  recast and another fish on.  Just then Bubba and Dick from Cleveland show up.  These guys are no rookies.  When they are out with their centerpinns the fish are in trouble.  They too had done well on Conneaut in the morning.  They joined me in the run and proceeded to school them real good.  Dam Centerpinners with Marabou jigs. LOL..!! They had to have 10 of them on in the next 45 minutes. No fresh fish but some big Ohio repeat spawners.  I had to cut it short and they were sill fighting fish when I left.  So there are fish around but the weather is touch and go.  I would expect slushing to get worse the next few days as the temp is supposed to stay below freezing.  Sunshine in the mornings will burn it off some days. As I have often said before careful weather watching is the key to success. Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-18-09

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12-18-09

NOTE:  We are taking reservations NOW for our spring steelhead school on March 26th, 27th, and 28th 2010.  We have assembled a team of the best local guides and fly tyer's to help with our School this spring.  With over 200 past graduates since 1999, you can rest assured that we can teach you the in's and out's of Steelhead Fishing.   We have made the room reservations at the Comfort Inn located in Austinburg Ohio.  We must limit the class size to 15 anglers.  As of today we still have five openings. So if you want to attend please call soon to reserve your spot early.  Our previous three classes have sold out.

12-16-09 Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report   Most of the Ohio streams are starting to shape up as far as river levels go.  Conneaut will fish tomorrow and the Grand should fish by the weekend. The Vermillion will be OK tomorrow and the Chagrin fished today.  The past few days its been a far east or far west thing.  Elk creek in pa has fished well and there are a few fresh ones around.  The hot spot has been the west side of the Alley with the 38* Rocky staying slush free and the guys did very well there.  Tonight is supposed to be the coldest night of the week with a low of 15*.  I would bet on slush everywhere tomorrow except for sections of the Rocky.  We have cancelled all of our trips for tomorrow due to the cold weather. Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-14-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead fishing Report We cancelled all of our trips today due to high water.  Gave it a valiant effort yesterday on the Grand River but came up empty handed.  We floated in the driftboat and I had high expectations as we shoved off.  The river looked nice in the 500CFMS, slush free, with two foot of vis but the freezing rain we started in made for a very cold day. By lunchtime it was pouring, everybody was drenched and chilled so we called it an early day.  We had the river to ourselves and we fished bait through all the best spots but we couldn't buy a hit.  Everybody I talked to struggled yesterday. The fish just wouldn't cooperate.  The morning was very slushy everywhere except for the Grand and Rocky.  Some of the smaller streams didn't open up until late afternoon.  The best report I heard all day was Greg Lum got three on the Rocky.  The news doesn't get much better.  The heavy rain we fished in all day melted the slush but it also blew everything out. The Grand is at 1500 CFM and all the streams in Ohio are high and muddy today.  Its in the upper 40's today but there isn't anywhere to fish. If the weather forecast holds true just as the streams come down to a fishable level latter in the week were going to get blasted with another cold front and possible slush. Careful weather watching may pay off with some fishing windows mid-week.. I'll keep you posted.. Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-12-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing report Slush, slush and more slush.  thats how today went.  I called it an early day when I saw the streams this morning. Conneaut was so slushed over there wasn't even a channel down the middle.  Travis spent the day driving around looking for open water and he never found any.  About 2:00 some skinny water in Ohio became somewhat fishable and trout was rewarded with a couple of fish for his efforts.  There calling for it to get into the upper 40's tomorrow with rain.  I would look for slush early but it should burn off quickly on most of the streams. At least I'm hoping so..!!  We have three groups who are going to give it a try tomorrows and I'll post a report when we get in. Good Fishin..!!  Don

12-11-09 Ohio and Pa Steelhead Alley update  BRRR... Right now. Its 10* on my thermometer and it's -6 with the chill factor....  Last night was a very good night at my house, despite the heavy Lake effect snows.  Go Browns..!!!  How sweet it is.... Most of the Lake shore counties in Ohio and western Erie county in Pa got about a foot of snow.  The worst hit section of the Alley is between Buffalo NY and Erie Pa. They have three feet in places and drifting snow due to heavy winds is a big problem.  Interstate 90 is closed East of Erie and it is supposed to re-open tomorrow.  A buddy of mine is on the water right now in Pa and catching fish  BUT  slush was a big problem this morning.  They are calling for more lake effect snow tonight then a slight warming trend through the weekend.   The Grand is at 1200 CFM now so she may shape up by early next week.  The V is at 300cfm and on the drop so it should shape up tomorrow. The Chagrin and Elk are fishing now as is the skinny water.  We decided to cancel all of our trips for tomorrow due to the temperatures and road conditions but I am fishing with a couple of buddies tomorrow and I'll try to post a report. If you do decide to give it a try tomorrow dress warm and be prepared for slushing.

The big news around here is that Grand River Tackle in Painsville Ohio is closing. The local charter captains had been telling me rumors all summer that GRT was going to close.  In today's modern world it seems to me internet shopping is making it very difficult for small shops to prosper.  As far as local bait shops go GRT always had good bait, lots of Erie tackle and the best selection of steelhead gear East of Cleveland.  They are having a 50% clearance sale right now, so its a good time to stock up.   Bruce Dickerson and his store gave back a lot to our steelhead fishery and will be missed.  Bruce was always willing to share his knowledge and he helped me out when I was first starting to fly fish.  The closing of Grand River Tackle saddens me but I do wish Bruce and his family well. Good Fishin..!!  Don

Check this out.  I ran across this great article by friend a fellow steelhead guide John Nagy. Steelhead Technique, Equipment and Fly Selection by John Nagy.  I got a chuckle from it because he talks about carrying multiple fly rods when out fishing. I almost always carry multiple fly rods rigged different ways.  I often get strange looks from my two guests when I scoop up six rods out of my truck for a day of steelheading.  Any guide will tell you it's a real timesaver to have multiple rods rigged for different situations.  This is how Jeff got the nick name Steelheadcaddy.  Anyhow check out Johns article..

I will be working with Guide Mark DeFrank at his Spring Trout Fishing School in Western Maryland on May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.  Most years this is spring striped bass season out at Cape Cod for me but Mark has put together such a great program that I wanted to be part of it. So I'm going to delay my Cape Cod trip for a week this spring.  Four of our team member guides will have a Maryland guide license.  We have been kicking the trout fishing school idea around for some time but we needed the right place to do it. Somewhere where the fishing is relatively easy with good public access. We found it, the Casselman River is the perfect place. Located about a hour and a half south east of Pittsburg Pa just feet from the water lies Mesach Brownings Cabins.  They have brand new cabins with all the amenities.  We will hold our school sessions in the lodge.  The Casselman is rich in bug life, easy to wade, and being delayed harvest stream it is full of fish.  The school will be a little different than our steelhead school.  It will be fly fishing only and will focus on matching the hatch.  Check out Marks website for a complete itinerary.  We will also be doing daily guide trips on the Casselman and surrounding streams.  Please call Guide Mark DeFrank for more info 724-317-8582

12-09-09  Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I had a few scheduled days off and I got a chance to head down to the Yutican Peninsula in Mexico on short notice over the weekend. The flats were beautiful and I had a great time but it looks  like I missed out on some great steelhead fishing the last few days.  Trout's group put over twenty chromers in the net yesterday and our guides spanked the hard in Pa over the weekend. The Grand fished good yesterday.. Now for the bad news.  It's pouring here. So hard of rain that in places I saw cars pulled over along the interstate this morning.  The Grand is already blown as is Elk and  everything in between.  The Vermillion is at 200 and on the rise so it will blow out today too.  Most of the streams including the Vermillion did get a nice push of fish from last weeks rain. So its steelhead time..!!  It's supposed to get real cold the next couple of days and most streams are going to be to high to fish. So we cancelled our trips until the weekend when it's supposed to warm back up. I'll post again when I see how all this rain is going to affect the streams. We have guides available most days on short notice.  So if your up for some winter steelheading give me a call.. 330-565-5457  Good Fishin..!!  Don

11-30-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report Our guides got blown off the water today.  Finally we got a decent amount of rain.  It poured hard for about four hours last night.. I had the day of from fishing today.  Our guides were hitting fresh chromers in Ohio this morning before things blew out. There are lots of fish in the Pa tribs and that's where most of our guides ran their trips last week. Our executive trips on the Elk Creek private water yielded lots of  quality fish for our guests. With the rain we just received it looks like December will be the hot month of the fall. At least I hope so..!!    Lets just hope the weather stays warm enough to keep the streams open. This past week our trips in Ohio were hit or miss and lots of walking was required to find unpressured fish but many of the fish we are getting are very large..   I had two guys who were double digits on the Grand River Wednesday. One of our guides went back to the same stretch the next day and could only rustle up two fish.  Pennsylvania was fantastic for us on Friday and Saturday.  The light rain brought the stream up to a nice color.  I ended up with 66 fish pictures with my two fly fishing guests.  Not too bad...  But I look for some of the best fishing of the season the next couple of weeks.  We do still have guides open too.  Just give me a call at 330-565-5457 and we will set up a trip for you.  Thank You and Good Fishin..!!  Don

11-28-09

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11-27-09

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11-26-09 Happy Thanksgiving  Enjoy time with your family No guide trips today but some of our guides got out in Ohio.  They got a few but it was a tough day in the buckeye.

11-25-09

11-25-09

11-25-09 Grand River Ohio Hog

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11-24-09

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11-23-09

11-22-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report A very tough day on the streams here in Ohio.  Low water and pressured fish are causing ulcers in our team of guides.  Long walks and light presentations are the key to success. The weather man is calling for rain Monday night and Tuesday.  I look for a big run to come in with the next rain we get.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

11-22-09

11-22-09

11-21-09 Steelhead alley report Late update We had a good day and everybody caught fish.  Myself, Jeff, Mark, Travis, and Kurt were on the water today.  Rivers came up only slightly from the rain but most streams did get a little color.  We didn't see any big pushes of fish but we did get several fresh ones today despite the tough conditions n the Alley.

11-21-09

11-21-09

11-21-09

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11-21-09 What a Ohio Hog

11-21-09 Double in Ohio on the fly

11-21-09 Kurt with a nice Ohio hen

11-21-09 Mr Big Kype

11-21-09

11-21-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania steelhead alley report  Thank goodness for anti-locks, I just missed two deer by inches.  It's 6:05 AM. I only have a few minutes to type before the guys show up.  Live from the river...  Yesterday we had myself, Mark, Jeff, Travis and Kurt out on the water.  We all headed different ways and everybody caught fish.  The Catt blew out but the rain didn't impact any of the other streams much. There are fish in all of the streams but they are tough customers.  Most have seen it all the last couple of weeks. Our team did well yesterday despite the conditions.  Mark and my group was a no show so we spent the day scouting and fishing and talking to landowners. I probably walked  or 8 miles of river and only saw a few anglers.  I guess when it gets a little tough everybody gives up.  I guess were all getting a little spoiled.. Well it's been beautiful weather to fish in even if the streams are low. Were not giving up... were still fishin and we were rewarded well for our efforts yesterday. Well I gotta run.  Good Fishin..!! Don

click for 11-20-09 report

http://www.steelheadschool.com

For More "steelhead Alley" Fishing reports Click here

We want to hear from you

contact us

dfishinfool@aol.com

330-565-5457

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Online Fishing License

Save valuable stream time, buy your fishing license online the day before your trip.

\OHIO LICENSE

\PA ONLINE LICENSE

\NY FISH LICENSE

Webmaster - Guide Don Mathews

330-565-5457

All guides listed below are self employed.  We have joined forces.  We believe that by networking together on the stream our group of local guides can give the best steelheading experience possible.  We guarantee it.. Feel free to call any of us at anytime to check on availability or to just talk fishin..   Don't be fooled by the NEW wave of guides in Ohio.  These guys are your true local steelhead pro's

Guide  Jeff Novak

www.extremesteelheading.com

330-984-7406

Guide  Dick Keagy

www.ohiosteelheader.com

330-646-8150

Guide Travis McAllister

www.fishwithtrout.com

330-399-2746

Guide Mark DeFrank

www.defranksflies.com

724-317-8582

Guide Bob Williams

www.screamingreels.net

440-487-8111

Guide Kurt Bitikofer

A

Greg Lum

TTo book a trip with any of the above guides please call Don Mathews at 330-565-5457 .  He handles the website and our central booking calendar at steelheadschool.com  You may also call your guide of choice at anytime with questions or to check on availability.

Stream Maps

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Best Area Bait and Tackle Shops

Anglers who travel to the area are in luck.  Dan, Eric and the team at FishUSA are there for you.  They stock what you will need.  Don't waste your money at the marts. FishUSA will have your order to you very quickly.  They also have a storefront in Erie Pa. with everything they stock available there.   You can stop there and get online prices on the spot.  Tell them I sent you.

Elk Creek Sports

 I have known Dan Seaman since I started guiding in Pa.  his shop Elk Creek Sports is open early has licenses, shiners, bait and everything else the Steelheader needs.  He is located on Rt.5 right at Elk Creek.  He keeps his river reports page up to date and the info is good.

BAC Bait and Tackle has Several stores with a great selection of fly tying materials, bait, tackle, rods, reels and waders. Located around the Erie Pennsylvania area

Gary and his wife Dot run a great bait shop located on Rt 5 near Walnut Creek in PA  called Poor Richards  I have been a customer there since Gary bought the place many years ago.   The prices are good.  The selection is great, with everything you need to catch fish, fly or spin.  They clean fish and will exchange your fresh caught steelhead for a smoked fish on the spot.  Check them out..!!

Jim runs Folly's End fly shop and campground.  Jim bought the shop a few years ago from my good friend Larry.  Jim has done a great job of keeping the shop well supplied for steelhead fishermen and done some nice improvements to the campground.  Clyde Murray has worked at the shop for years.  He is a steelheading icon. Clyde's friendly advise has caused the demise of countless steelhead.  The shop is located on the banks of Elk Creek in one of the most productive sections of stream. You can park on the left side of the driveway going down to the shop. From there you can access the stream to fish. Please stop in the shop and let them know though.

Barcelona Market is located just a half mile ease of Chautauqua Creek on Lake Rd.  The have NY fishing licenses, bait and steelhead tackle.

Stop in and see Frank at TMF Orvis if your ever near Ravenna Ohio.  Frank is about as good natured and friendly as anybody you will ever meet.  He runs a very neat and tidy shop that has a great selection of fly fishing gear for the steelheader, trout fisherman or saltwater angler. His fly tying material selection is great.  They also have lots of quality rods and reels. 

KMD Tackle

Located at 263 Liberty st in Painsville Ohio. Minutes from some of the best stretches of the Grand River.  Kevin has the best fly fishing selection in the area.

Chagrin River Bait and Tackle

Located in Eastlake Ohio selling fishing licenses bat and some steelhead tackle. 440-942-9716

Erie Shore General Store

Some bait and tackle located in Eastlake Ohio 440-942-3470

Karran Shop

Karan Shop has bait and steelhead tackle plus a selection of Lake Erie Tackle. Located at 413 South Ridge  Geneva, Ohio (440) 466-3561

Neshannock Creek Fly Shop is located on a nice trout stream about an hour or so south of Erie they have a great fly fishing selection

Erie Outfitters

Craig Lewis runs Erie Outfitters Located in Sheffield Lake Ohio.  They have a great selection for the steelheader as well as lake fishermen.  There is a nice launch down the street that puts you about 6 miles from the sandbar. A lake Erie fishing hot spot in recent years. Erie outfitters has shiners, bait and licenses.

StudioEoutdoors

Online store carrying a variety of fly tying supplies at discount prices.

CustomFishingTackle.com

John DeMartino owns the online store CustomFishingTackle.com  out of Rochester NY.  He is a Great Lakes pioneer of using Centerpins for steelhead.  He also builds custom Rods and sells a wide selection of gear for the centerpin enthusiast online

Area Camp Grounds Open year round

Jim and Clyde at Folly's End have a great fly shop on site at their riverfront campground. You can access one of the best sections of Elk Creek from their campground.  They offer daily stream parking and camping. As well as seasonal camping.  If your near Elk Creek stop in. They will hook you up.

Uncle John's Elk Creek Campground is located right on the stream near the mouth of Elk Creek.  Fishing is very good on their property.  John is a great guy and he let me hold my Boy Scout Merit Badge Classes in one of his cabins for free.  The cabins are for rent they are new and are very nice.  The showers and restrooms are great The place is always clean and well kept.  It is very angler friendly. He offers daily stream front parking for a small fee.

Indian Creek Campground Geneva Oh  Phone 440-466-8191

Best Area Chow

Cleveland, Willoughby, Mentor, Painsville

If you can' find something you like to eat in Cleveland  your in trouble.  I'm not going to waste your time trying to list hotels or restaurants in the Cleveland or the burbs.

Geneva

Best Friends Restaurant Located right at Exit #218  Good Breakfast and reasonable prices. 440-466-0041

Chops is located right at Exit #218 On Rt 534.  They have a nice dinner menu and serve some local wines

Ferrante Winery is my favorite place.  Don't wear your waders. Good Italian food.  Meals are $10-$20.  Located 5 minutes from Exit #218 call 440-466-8466

Ashtabula

Crows Nest Restaurant Follow Rt 11 north and you will dead end in their parking lot. Good choices lots of selections reasonable prices.  The monster bowl of Chili will warm you up.  440-964-2696

Conneaut

Beef and Beer Great food for the money.  Home cooked meals.  Daily specials, Hearty burgers.  Bottled beer your real likely to run into one of us there. They Even have a fish tank table. Located Right at I-90 Exit #241 Right near the state line.  440.593.3667
 

Biscotti's Restaurant  186 Park Ave Conneaut  Local favorite Pizza and Italian food Call 440-593-6766

 Fairview Pa

Crowleys is just 2 1/2 miles south of I-90 on Rt 18. Great food but don't wear your waders. They have a grill in the center of the place and you can cook your own steaks if you want. Call 814-774-8450

Avonia Pa

It's hard for me to drive by Avonia Tavern Just West of Walnut Creek on Rt 5. Great Wings and Burgers all the food is great and they have reasonable prices.

Erie Pa

Teresa's Deli is located at 5360 West Lake Rd.  Just a short drive from walnut creek.  The subs are fantastic and a big hit with the area fishermen all 814-833-6913

Follow I-90 to Peach Street and there are a lot of choices.  Quaker steak and lube wings are a local favorite.  Or jump on I-79 North to Mill Creek Mall.  All the big chains are in town. 

NorthEast Pa

Lighthouse Inn 3704 East Lake Rd is our favorite over that way. 814-899-9300

Plummers is located East of 20 mile Creek on Lake Rd just across the NY state line.  They have good burgers and cold beer