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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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

Nov 6th, 7th, and 8th 2009

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. 

 

More great websites by local steelheaders

If your from Cleveland you know who D'Arcy Egan is.  They have a great website and TV show.

 

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"

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

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

 

4-09-09 Steelhead Alley Fishing report for Ohio and Pennsylvania. Another tough day in Ohio.  Thank goodness for Pennsylvania and Elk Creek.  We gave it a try on Conneaut Creek in Ohio this morning but the water was rising too fast from snowmelt and we had no luck. We took the drive over to Elk Creek and found a few nice fresh fish. A couple of the guys stuck it out on the small un-stocked Ohio streams.  Everybody got fish in Ohio but it was far from a banner day. Hard saying what the forecasted 1/2 inch of rain tomorrow will arrive, given the recent accuracy of the weather reports.  If we do get the rain it will blow everything out for Easter weekend.

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4-08-09 Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report   Snowmelt dropped the water temp today.  At least that's my excuse for the low numbers my group put in the net today.  But what we didn't get in quantity we made up for with quality. See pictures below.   This was 15 yr old Phillips first steelhead.  What a way to start..!! We moved around to find a few chromers when my ace in the hole didn't work out as planned this morning.  The snow is gone now and things should be much better tomorrow now that the water temp has stabilized.  Jeff and Duane's groups had a slow day in Ohio as well but everyone got fish.  Jeff found them in the afternoon once things warmed up.  Actually the fishing got much better at the end of the day.  Mark, Dick, Travis, Greg and Myself are all out tomorrow.  I'll post a report in the evening. Good Fishin..!! Don

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4-07-09 Steelhead Alley Fishing Report   Below is a picture of JJ just hours before his flight back to Utah.  He was here for a week with his buddy Mark for some Steelhead Alley fly fishing action.  Jeff showed them around and they sore mouthed almost every fish in Ohio and Pa during their stay.  They rushed from the river today so they could make their flight home... I found a nice cooler and net in the back of my truck after they left.  I guess they couldn't take them on the plane.  What makes it better was the ice cold Labatts Blue they left in the cooler.. Thanks JJ..


4-07-09  JJ minutes before he raced out of the river to catch his flight home.

4-07-09  It was 27* this morning when I left the house.  The roads were icey and accidents had sections of State Rd and Rt 87 closed.  Our guys braved it out and were rewarded for their efforts.  No Sally's on the stream today.  It was a tough day to fish. Wind made casting and mending difficult at times and snow fall dropped the water temp quickly.  All of our groups fly fished today.  Most of the stream levels raised a little  from the wet melting snow that fell all day. After I got off the water I drove over to Erie Pa to pick up some much needed flies from my fly tier Duane.  Elk looked murky but fishable and Crooked was muddy. Good Fishin..!!  Don

4-07-09

Jim C. and the Yonkers NY guys are saying at the Fairport Harbor Beach house.  They tell me it first class accommodations.  If you are bringing up a club or large group in might be right up your alley. 

4-07-09 Greg Lums huge fresh Ohio hen

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4-06-09 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report   Last night it was the western half of Ohio's turn to get the rain.  The Vermillion was perfect yesterday but the flow gauge went straight up today. The Eastern Ohio streams dropped overnight.  Careful weather watching paid off and some nice fish were put in the net on Ohio Skinny water today.   Conneaut gave up fish today but she was still on the murky side.  Grand and Chagrin are still to high but people were fishing them today.  Snow is forecasted for tonight and tomorrow.  Yes SNOW..!!  There talking about 6-8 inches, big flakes are coming down now but none has stuck yet.  Two of our groups for tomorrow said the heck with the snow.  So were going to bundle up and give it a try in the morning.  If you do venture out please be careful there isn't any salt on the roads and its going to be slick. Good Fishin..!! Don

4-05-09 Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report   The rain that pounded eastern Ohio Friday didn't seem to hit the west half of the state as hard. So I headed west to the Vermillion River this morning.  Greg Lum was on the Rocky this morning and he hit a few.  He's on vacation steelheading all week and the fish are in trouble. The rest of he guys headed to Pennsylvania this morning.  Most of the Ohio streams were still to high to fish good today. The Vermillion was a nice green color today and we did good but we had to work a little finding them.  The -V- didn't fish very good over the winter compared to the other streams but I have only been over there 4 or 5 times this year.  It was nice to get into a few on this beautiful stream.  We were rewarded with some nice quality fish for our efforts. The guy's in Pa did good but they had to move around a little to find numbers.  We did best high sticking nymph rigs today but we hit a few swinging flies on short tips. The weatherman is calling for a half inch tonight and that will surely blow things out if we get it.  There is a cold front coming with the rain and they are predicting accumulations along the lake shore on Tuesday. Were going to give it a try tomorrow and I'll post a report when I get in.. Good Fishin..!! Don

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4-04-09 Steelhead Alley fishing report   Got to keep it short. Lots of fresh fish moving into the Eastern Pennsylvania mile streams today. Some real nice fresh hens were taken today.  I'm sure there are fish on the move everywhere.  Most of the streams on the Alley are still blown out.  Elk will fish tomorrow but it will be awhile for the larger streams. Cold weather is blowing in for the next few days and there is even snow in the forecast.  We have several groups out tomorrow and I'll post a update.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

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You have to check out John Nagy's new web site at www.johnnagysteelheadguide.com   It's packed with lots of good info. John has a way of explaining things that seems simplify complicated subjects.  His new website is great..!!

4-03-09 Steelhead Alley Fishing Update  A bizarre day of steelheading.  The guys got to witness a car crash in the parking lot along the stream this morning. Seems like the parking lot was a perfect oval for a race track for a few local kids. That was until the kid lost it on a corner and slammed into a big Oak tree.  That's the price you pay sometimes when your a parking lot racer.  It doesn't end there.  We had 12 hungry guys waiting for lunch when Jeff discovered that his truck was broken into and the cooler was stolen.  We just rolled with it and we had a hot lunch at a local place. 

4-03-09

Today we were joined by the Darby City Fly Fishing Club from Louisville KY.  We have hosted club outings for their group several times over the years.  I have fished with many of the guys before and I always set up a booth at their Fly Fishing Show in January. It's always a fun day on the river with this group of experienced fly fishers and I wanted today to go good but mother nature was throwing a curve ball at me today. The weather radar showed a big yellow bob headed straight at us.  I was up at 3:30 this morning.  I had to scout several streams in the dark to be sure what the overnight rains had done to them.  I was pleasantly surprised to find the ditches still crystal clear and our ditch of choice much clearer than the day before.  The water level had dropped about 2 1/2 inches overnight. At breakfast at the hotel, It was explained to the guests that today was going to be a monsoon and conditions would get worse as the day went on.  They had drove 7 hours to get here and didn't want to waste a day of their trip sitting inside. So we went fishin..  Trout had two guys from Pa who also buckled up the rain gear and hit the water.  Needless to say the crowds were non-existent today. BUT the fishing was good.  Not a banner day but lots of quality fish were landed and many more were lost fighting them in the strong current.  Many of the fish we caught were fresh but we also caught quite a few spawned out hens.  Water temps were still to low to draw the fish to gravel and we got them out of the holes high stick nymphing. My best fly today was a #14 Catt nymph but I unhooked quite a few on #14 orange Sucker spawn as well.

Speaking of Sucker Spawn.. Our fly shop inventory of egg patterns got wiped out at the Mayville N.Y. show.  My good friend Dwane from BAC bait and tackle is tying me a large order of sucker spawn flies for me right now.  This will help bail us out.  We are also running low on the hand knotted leaders. We should have everything back in stock by the end of the week. 

4-03-09

The rain we received today will blow things out for the weekend.  Forget about the Grand, Chagrin, and Conneaut for a few days at least.  Elk blew out and may start to fish Sunday if the rains let up.  We will be out tomorrow and I'll post a report when I know more. Good Fishin..!!!  Don

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The Shangra_La area of Elk Creek has a new name...  Were now calling it... Paradise Lost.. Grinning ear to ear.!!  Brook Tolbert the Erie County Pa WCO has the new signs up on the west bank of the Elk Valley area of Elk Creek. The landowner has signed an easement with the state.  So Donny Beaver and the Spring Ridge Club's Shanga_La is now open to the public to fish.  Remember you MUST not go on posted property,  stay on the public Easement side of the Creek ONLY.  The spring Ridge guys will film you for prosecution if they see you on their side of the stream. BUT do say hi from the public side of the stream when you see them out fishing in their Paradise Lost...  This is great news for steelhead anglers.  Your license dollars and wise people at the Pa Fish Commission are making sure our Grandchildren get to enjoy steelheading.  I just wish we could get Ohio on board to the idea of lifetime stream easements.

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4-02-09  Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report  Yesterday mornings rain finally caught up with us.  The Eastern Ohio streams rose all day yesterday but the heaviest rains hit south of the lake shore and it took awhile for the water to wash down.  Last night the stream levels rose considerably.  This left Conneaut and the Grand too high to fish today.  Jeff took his guests and headed for Elk Creek in Pennsylvania. Jeff is one of our five Pa licensed guides. Remember all Pa guides should be displaying their guide license, beware of guides who don't.  I choose to stick it out on an un-stocked Ohio stream.  We did good today despite the high water.  We did loose quite a few fish in the strong current and just crossing the stream was an adventure.  For their efforts the Tennessee boys were rewarded with some real nice fish. Nymphs were the ticket today.  There was a carpet of black stones on the water today and some of the fish caught today had black stoneflies stuck all over the inside of their mouths.  After I got done fishing today I decided to take a walk up a small un named ditch in Ohio.  It's real skinny water and private property, I will not guide there.  I ran into a couple of Captains seining shiners at the mouth and they told me the steelhead were on the move. I couldn't believe all the fish I found in the small stream.  Every bend had a half dozen fresh fish in it.  At one spot I could see at least 30 black cigars in the stream. This confirmed my thoughts that the Manistees are running in the high water right now.   Keep your eye on the weather.  We have some bad storms blowing up from the south. If we get the forecasted rain things will probably be flooded out for the weekend.  Were going to give it a try in the morning and I'll post a report when I get in. Good Fishin..!!  Don

4-02-09 Day 2 of JJ from Utah's adventure

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4-02-09 Day 2 of Al from Tennessee's adventure

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4-02-09  Ohio Bonefish

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http://www.steelheadschool.com

For More "steelhead Alley" Fishing reports Click here

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contact us

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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

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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.

 

Gary and his wife Dot run a great baitshop 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.

 

Bruce an Terry have run the Grand River Tackle shop for years.   They have a great selection of Steelhead gear as well as lake fishing tackle and live bait.  Bruce is a steelheading pioneer.  They are located near Painsville on your way out to the Fairport Harbor boat ramp

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. 

 

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

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. 

 

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

 

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.

 

 

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

 

NEW YORK TRIPS

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

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

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
Geneva
Howard Johnson's Geneva Ohio Exit#218; 440-466-1168
State Park Lodge Geneva Ohio Exit #218; 866-806-8066
Ashtabula  Austinburg
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
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

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