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....................... 

Home
River Reports
Meet The Guides
Reservation Form
Fly Shop
Best Time 2 Fish
Available Dates
prices and packages
lodging page
Garden River
Steelhead School
Preparation Tips
Ohio Steelhead Fishing
Winter Fishing
Fall Fishing
Western PA tribs
Cattaraugus Creek
NY Trophy Browns
NY Salmon River
Local Flyshops
Camping
stream_etiquette
bait_for_steelhead
extremesteelheading
megasteelhead
ohiosteelheader
fishthegarden
Online Photo Album
Spinning Tactic's
Steelhead Alley Links
for sale

 

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

In addition to our guided Ohio and Pennsylvania trips we offer a select number of trips each Fall to Western, NY and the Cattaraugus Creek. Steel headers often refer to the Catt as the "Crown Jewel" of our Great Lakes tributaries. We fish the Catt during the month of October. It is a beautiful stream and the early fall fishing is great. Give me a call and we will discuss a trip to the Catt. Don Mathews NY License #4348

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

Western Reserve Fly Anglers

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

We also have a presentation "Finding Fish on Steelhead Alley" available to put on at your seminar, event, or club meeting. We have assembled a awesome power point presentation and have all of our own equipment. We offer this presentation at a very minimal cost, $100 plus expenses. It is very educational and your audience will learn from it.  Please contact Don for more info 330-565-5457

"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

 

 

 

 

 

 

SteelheadSchool.com

Steelhead Fishing Reports

From "Steelhead Alley"

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.comHi I'm Don Mathews welcome to our Steelhead Alley reports page.

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.

4-06-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Alley fishing report  Unseasonably warm temperatures have made it a pleasure to fish the last week or so. All of our streams are at a fishable level today.  Most of the streams are on the low side now and the warm water is stressing the fish out.  PLEASE..!!  release your fish carefully.  Give them plenty of time to revive and wait till they swim off on their own.  We have been doing very good despite the lower than normal numbers of fish in the streams. Yes there are fish to be had you just have to work at it a little harder than usual.  Our team of guides did trips on the Vermillion, Rocky, Chagrin, Grand, Conneaut, Crooked and Elk and a few of the ditches last week and every one of our guests landed fish.  We caught fish in every  stream we fished but the fish are spread out. So pick your favorite stream and go have a blast. Walking a ways will pay off most of the time. We saw quite a few fish move to gravel to spawn the last few days but some of the Manistee strain hens aren't loose yet and are still holed up. The males are swarming any hen that moves up on the gravel.   I have been concentrating on the Grand River from the drift boat and we have been getting some real big repeat spawners on flies. My Battenkill Large arbor has had all the backing out several times this past week.  River traffic has been heavy and the kayak hatches can make fishing tough in the afternoon. Our guides have seen a lot of trespassing, littering,  and bad behavior this past week. Seems like the increased competition for less fish brings out the worst in people.   Remember NO motorized watercraft can be launched at the county metro parks along the Grand River.  Also you will be ticketed if you drive a vehicle or skid a boat across the lawn and cause damage to the park. People driving in the grass is the reason for all the locked gates this spring.  I am getting swarmed with e-mails from people wanting to know where to launch watercraft on the Grand and quite frankly this is a touchy subject but your safe at any metro park as long as you use common sense.  We have been mostly fly fishing and egg patterns have been hot but so have our biot stones and Marks grim reaper.  I have been bringing my new hardy Switch rods along on my Grand River trips and everybody is amazed at how light they are.  They are perfect for swinging my short custom sink tips on the Grand River.  After my trips I have been playing around pulling plugs from the boat and I will admit it is fun..!!  The hits are quite impressive when they smash a plug.  Looks like I have more gear to buy. LOL..!!  Go fishing, have fun and be safe..!!  Don

NOTE:  Our online Fly Shop ran out of olive crystal minnows today. Andrea is getting started tying them and I should have them back in stock next week. Everything else is in stock now.

4-06-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-05-10

4-04-10

4-04-10

4-04-10

4-04-10

4-04-10

4-04-10

4-04-10

4-03-10 No Fishing Today Happy Easter..!!

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-02-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

4-01-10

3-31-10

3-31-10

3-31-10

3-30-10

3-30-10

3-30-10

3-30-10

3-30-10 Steelhead Alley Fishing Report  Busy Busy Busy.  We have had five or six guys out most days. I have been leaving the house real early most mornings and night comes soon during the season, I can't get caught up on my e-mail. BUT life is good on the Alley..!! We have been catching quite a few fish even though the numbers aren't what were used to for spring in Ohio.  We have been chasing green water and have been putting the miles on our trucks canvassing the streams. It looks like we will be in for a nice Easter weekend and all of our steelhead streams will be at a fishable level.  Every stream has fish in them now but they are spread out and many sections of stream are holding few if any fish.  Many of the fall run holdovers spawned the last couple of weeks and are dropping back now and in all honesty we haven't been seeing big numbers of fresh fish in Ohio.  The Pa streams still have a few fish but the numbers are way off from what you would expect on a typical March. I was surprised to see that lake Erie still has ice near the shoreline in Pa.  Fly fishing has been producing best for us but the drop-backs are suckers for bait. As for hot flies, Mark DeFranks Grim Reaper has put a lot of fish in the net last week.  #14 White and Peach sucker spawn and Golden Nuggets have been producing fish as well.  Last Sunday our nine guides had 22 anglers out on the water and it was the OCBS Tourney date. A couple hundred experienced locals all staking out their secret spots it is a Guides worst nightmare..!! Plus we were faced with high water on many of the Ohio streams.  Our team of guides still managed to net more than a hundred fish and loose twice as many.  Every one of our guests landed an adult steelhead..!! WOW..!!  It is my pleasure to work with such a talented group of steelheaders. It's also testimate that there are plenty of steelhead to be caught if you know where to look. I'll keep adding pictures as I get them from the guys.. The proof is in the pictures..!!  Good Fishin..!!  Don

Steelhead Alley Fly Shop update  All fly orders on hand shipped out today..!!  I just picked up 5,000 indicators and everything is in stock.

3-29-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

 

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-28-10

3-27-10

3-27-10

3-27-10

3-27-10

3-27-10

3-27-10

3-27-10

3-26-10

3-26-10

3-26-10

3-26-10

3-26-10

3-26-10

3-25-10

3-25-10

3-24-10

3-24-10

3-24-10

3-24-10

3-23-10 River Report Page

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

Tackle we depend on..!!



 

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

 

Steelhead Alley Weather Central Links

Stream Gauges

OHIO USGS FLOW

Grand River
Chagrin River
Vermilion River
Rocky River Berea

 

PA USGS FLOW

Walnut Creek Pa
Brady Run(Elk trib)

 

NY USGS FLOW

Cattaraugus Creek

Salmon River

 

Area Weather Forecast

Click for Mentor, Ohio Forecast

NOAA Weather forecast Cleveland

Cleveland Area Radar

Ohio Road Conditions

Erie Pa Weather with precipitation totals for past 24 hours

Lake Erie Marine Forecasts

Near Shore marine

Off Shore Marine

Our Team of area Guides

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 Mark DeFrank

www.defranksflies.com

724-317-8582

 

Guide  Dick Keagy

www.ohiosteelheader.com

330-646-8150

 

Guide Travis McAllister

www.fishwithtrout.com

330-399-2746

 

Chris "The Bug Man" Kazulen

e-mail  ckaz_135@yahoo.com

724-322-4982

 

Guide Jason Heinbaugh

www.ohiosteelheadguide.com

440-536-1391

 

Guide Bob Williams

www.screamingreels.net

 

Guide Kurt Bitikofer

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.

 

Lake Erie Ultimate Angler is located at 3737 west 12th Street in Erie Pa.  They are a Orvis shop that carry's a nice line of upper end fly fishing equipment 814-833-4040

 

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

 

Appalachian Outfitters

Appalachian Outfitters is located at 60 Kendall Park Rd in Penninsula Ohio.  They are a full service outdoor shop with a nice fly fishing department.

 

Harpersfield Bait and Tackle

Harpersfield Bait and Tackle is located in the Ashtabula county metro-park at the Harpersfield Dam.  They are open seasonably and they have Bait, Tackle, Snacks, and flies tied by local tiers. Give Joe a call at 440-983-9500 for more info

 

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

 Cat Bill Goble is a seasoned veteran Erie charter Capt. who runs trips on his nice 30 foot Baha the "No Woes".  Bill also owns Chagrin River Bait and tackle located at 140 forest dr. in Eastlake Ohio. They sell fishing licenses, bait, and steelhead tackle.  Bill closes up for a few months in the winter but he offers fish cleaning during the summer. His BBQ Ribs and Fish dinners are a big hit with the locals.  They open at 6:00 am most mornings  440-942-9716

 

Dan Pribanic owns Chagrin River outfitters located at 100 North Main Street in Chagrin Falls Ohio 44022. They are a full service fly shop and they have one of the areas best selections of Steelhead Alley fly gear. Give Dan a call at 440-247-7110

 

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.

 

Gone Fishing Bait and Tackle

Bill Laughard owns Gone fishing Bait and tackle at 1027 Munroe Falls ave in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio.  The word is out on the steelhead runs the Cuyahoga has been getting the past couple of years. Plus it has some great bass and pike fishing.  Bill knows the river well and he knows where they are biting. 330-945-4590

 

Snug Harbor Bait and Tackle

Jack owns Snug Harbor Bait and tackle located at 1021 Broad Street in Conneaut Ohio. The shop sits on the bluff looking over the mouth of Conneaut creek and the Harbor. I'm in his shop daily in the summer because in my opinion Conneaut is the best fishing port on lake Erie. The perch fishing is consistent all summer and fall and the walleye fishery peaks in July and August. Snug Harbor has the right bait, tackle, and advise to make your trip a success. they also clean fish. Jack also maintains a river report line call 440-593-3755

 

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

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.

Mentor

Bravo! Cucina Italiana 7787 Reynolds Road Mentor 440-946-2090

Willoughby

Willoughby Brewing Company 4057 Erie Street Willoughby Try the Cheddar Ale Soup..!!

Painsville

Pickle Bills 101 River Street Grand River is located on the water and is a locals favorite for Crab Legs, Prime Rib and Shrimp. I highly recommend them.  440-352-6343

Brennans Fish House 102 River Street Grand River Excellent fresh fish and seafood 440-354-9785

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

Briquettes Smokehouse in Historic downtown Ashtabula harbor 440-964-2273

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

STEELHEAD ALLEY Motels

Comfort Inn Exit #241 Rt 45 Austinburg Ohio is the home of our Spring Steelhead School and offers convenient lodging for guests fishing Eastern Ohio. 440-275-2711

 

The Green Roof Inn is located Just 2 miles south of I-90 on rt 18 they are close to the action and very fishermen friendly.  Gene tells me the rooms are very clean.  They have reports on their web site.

 

WHERE TO STAY

Many lodging options exist along "Steelhead Alley" and Interstate I-90.  Here are a few lodging options located near to the streams that we fish.

LOCAL LODGING
We Recommend these hotels to our Guide trip guests.  They are all located close to I-90 and the fishing.  Please beware there are some real dives out there.
 
Elyria - Vermillion
Comfort Inn Elyria Ohio;  440-324-7676
EconoLodge Elyria Ohio; 440-324-3911
Mentor
Best Western Lawn Field 8434 Mentor Ave 440-205-7378
Geneva
Howard Johnson's Geneva Ohio Exit#218; 440-466-1168
State Park Lodge Geneva Ohio Exit #218; 866-806-8066
Ashtabula  Austinburg Exit #223 on  I-90
Comfort Inn is our recommended North Eastern Ohio hotel and home of our SteelheadSchool Mention your fishing with us for a discount rate.

Comfort Inn Ashtabula Ohio Exit #223; Call   440-275-2711

Hampton Inn Ashtabula Ohio Exit #223; Call   440-275-2000
America's Best Value Ohio Exit #223 call 440-275-2011
Holiday Inn Express Ohio Exit #223 Call 440-275-2020
Sleep Inn Ohio Exit #223 Call 440-275-6800
Comfort Inn Ashtabula Ohio Exit #223; Call   440-275-2711
Kingsville
Dav-Ed Motel Exit #235 Call 440-224-1094
Conneaut
Days Inn Conneaut Ohio Exit #241 Call 440-593-6000
Western Pa
Green Roof Inn Rt 18 South of I-90 call 814-774-7072
Erie Pa
Wingate by Wyndham 8060 Old Oliver Rd     814-860-3050
Best Western Erie Pa exit#18 814-838-7646

Clarion Inn Erie Pa Exit#18 814-833-1116

Western NY

Comfort Inn Dunkirk NY Exit#59 716-672-4450

White Inn Fredonia NY Exit#59 716-672-2103

Best Western Dunkirk NY Exit#59 716-366-7100

Contact Us

Caution all images are watermarked for identification

Copyright© 2009-2010 by [ steelheadschool.com® ] all rights are strictly reserved. All images and content may not be copied, and or reproduced without our express written consent. We will prosecute any violators to the full extent of the law.