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

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Look for this symbol to make sure your fishing with a "Steelhead Alley" Pro

Honesty is our number one priority at Steelheadschool.com 

We know most people are smart enough to spot a fake or a liar.  Before you book a trip with any Steelhead Alley Guide ask them how many years they have been fishing Ohio. If they are honest you might be surprised by the answer. Anybody can be a internet hero and since you don't need a license to guide Ohio.  Out of state guides are flocking to the area to make a quick buck. Our team of guides have been fishing Ohio and the rest of Steelhead alley our whole lives.  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.

 

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.

www.inthedrift.blogspot.com/

Mike Engelhardt's Blog

 

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

 

We are 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.

 

We are proud members of the Lake County Visitors Bureau

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

 

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

 

DeFranks Fles 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

 

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.

 

A neat new concept in floats. 

 

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

 

Guides We Recommend

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

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.

 

 

"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

Debonne Vineyards 440-466-3485

Emerine Estates 440-293-8199

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

Grand River Cellars 440-298-9838

Harpersfield Vineyard 440-466-4739

Laurello Vineyard 440-415-0661

Markko Vineyard 440-593-3197

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

 

Our Favorite Lake Erie Charter Boats

My Time Too

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

1-12-09   Slush and Ice have most everything locked up.  We are froze out folks.  Tie some flies,  re-line the reels, clean out the truck, spend some time with the family,  come see me at a show,  in short get ready for the spring run.  This is Ohio and our weather is un predictable. BUT my prediction is the winter lockup is here to stay for awhile.  There's a pocket or two of open water here and there (warm water discharges, waterfalls, springs, sewage plants, Jet de icer runoff, ect)  but its brutal just being out there in single digit weather. Keep checking back here and I'll let you know when were fishin again.  Until that time.. Stay warm..  Good Fishin..!!  Don

I went over to Cabelas in Michigan yesterday morning to drop off some taxidermy work with master taxidermist  Bill Rusinko. On my way back home I met up with my good friend Rich from Perrysburg and we headed to a warm water discharge to wet a line.  Greg had been there since day light with a couple of buddies and they had done pretty good with shiners on their center pins.  We were only there a couple of minutes and Rich hooks and lands a silver little chromer. Dinner.. I end up loosing two and Rich also lost a couple before my frozen fingers made it a short day.  The fish we had on were amazing.  Chromers jumping like its still fall in the warm water.  Too bad the schedule is unpredictable of when they will releasing the warm water. Because the bite is on when they do.  Warm water doesn't necessarily mean warm fingers lesson learned.  If your going to fish the Lake Erie shoreline in January's winds get a good pair of gloves.

1-11-09 Rich with a chrome winter steelhead in Ohio

1-10-09  I was supposed to go to Detroit this morning.  I woke up at 5:00 and looked out the window, that was enough for me. We received about 12 inches of snow in the last 24 hours and its still coming down.  Later in the afternoon I get a call from Greg.  He asks where ya fishin.  I explain that I have been playing with website banners and snow blowers all morning and didn't give going fishing a thought.  Believe it or not Greg was out fishin today and they had a great day (double digits).  They were fishing the lake at a warm water discharge.  What a steelhead junky that guy is.  Interstates are closed and were having a blizzard and he's out catchin fish.  Well Greg talked me into it and I'm going to give it a try tomorrow if the roads are ok.   As for the streams forget it. Be careful there is a salt shortage and the roads are dangerous..!!  This snow will slush and freeze everything up.  This may be the start of our winter freeze. I'll keep you posted. Sorry the website was down yesterday.  Looks like I'm going to have to bump up the bandwidth again. Good Fishin..!! Don

1-10-09 Picture of the end of my driveway.  Yesterday at this time there was no snow.  Be careful the area roads are terrible today

1-07-09  I didn't make it out this morning I figured it would be too slushy.  Travis went fishing today and did OK.  He said it was slushy n the bigger streams but he went to a ditch in Ohio and got a nice 10lber for his efforts.  Weather forecast isn't looking good and fishing will undoubtedly be very tough the next few days. Good Fishin..!!  Don

1--05-09 Steelhead Alley Fishing Report  Ohio Streams update   Hit the Grand River this morning with Trout and Greg, We didn't have a guide trip today so it was play time.  I took a two handed rod, a single hand rod and my spinning out fit.  I also carried a bucket of bait and a big thermos. My hands were full and my pack was loaded so full the zippers almost burst.  This was my first day of fishing on my own, without guiding, in quite awhile and I wanted to be prepared.  Grand was at 425 CFM this morning so crossing was possible in a few places.  PLEASE be careful crossing the Grand river at flows above 300 CFM  and never attempt it alone. No fish is worth dying for..!!  My thermometer had the air at 25,6* and the water at 33.5*.  Slush wasn't a problem but rod icing gave us fits until the afternoon.  My day started off with a nice swim in dead mans rapids. I was plowing across the river loaded down like a pack mule and all it took was one little slip. Dam, it was cold but I stuck it out all day with wet frozen sleeves and no gloves.  This was probably a stupid thing to do and it's why I'm still shivering now. It was a great day of fishing for Greg and Trout, they landed a bunch of real nice fish. Easy double digits and some were surprisingly bright.  I took a lot of pictures and drank a lot of coffee sitting on he bank BUT I never wrapped my hand around a tail all day long.  I practiced my long line release techniques today. Crowds were slim and we walked a lot today and only saw a few other anglers. Hot bait was fresh egg sacs.  Trout stuck with the fly rod all day and he did his best with buggers dead drifted. I didn't get to see any other streams but I suspect everything is locking up fast.  Most streams are probably getting a lot of side ice. Grand River has some side ice but its not too bad yet.  They are calling for snow and rain tomorrow and it's a real tough call on what's going to happen to the streams. Grand river will still fish tomorrow morning. I'm off tomorrow but some of the guys are heading out. I will be out again on Wednesday weather permitting and I'll post an update when we get in.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

Just had a schedule change.  April 5th and 6th are now open for Grand River float trips in the drift boat.  If conditions are right April 5, 6, 14, 15, and 16th are still available for floats.  Our March and April schedule for walk and wade trips is filling up fast. We are taking reservations now.

 1-05-09 Trout with a Ohio Steelhead caught fly fishing

1-05-09  Greg with a Grand River Ohio Steelhead Hen

1-05-09 A fresh Ohio Hen on the Grand River

1-05-09  Greg with one of many today on the Grand River in Ohio

1-05-09  Nice sunny winter day on the Grand River in Ohio

1-05-09 A winter Ohio steelie who was fooled by Trouts wooley bugger

Crossing the Grand can be tricky  PLEASE be careful

1-05-09  Greg with a nice colored Ohio Buck Steelhead

1-04-09 Ohio Steelhead Stream report   I spent the weekend in Central Pa so I didn't do any steelheading and it looks like I missed out.  Greg and a couple of buddies had about 40 on Saturday and 16 today.  WOW. In January never the less.  Those center pins and Bait are deadly on un educated fish. They fished the Grand both days. Some of the mid sized streams are icing over but several of the spring fed ditches in Ohio are open with nice flow and color. Didn't talk to anyone who saw Elk today but my guess is that it was starting to freeze over. Greg said the Grand was even a little slushy with some bottom slushing as well.  He crossed the Chagrin on his way home and he said it was open and slush free. Do expect some side icing at a minimum everywhere you go. I sure hope it warms up or it may be over soon.  We have guides available every day until we lock up. Fly, Spin or Pin. Myself, Travis and Greg will all be on the water tomorrow and I'll post a report in the evening.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

1-02-09   Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report  Knowing that the smaller streams more than likely be slushy we decided to fish the Grand at 500CFM this morning. I would have brought the boat but my guest Serge was up from Hunington W.V. for a few days and wanted to learn as many spots to fish as possible. We had a great day on the streams and caught good numbers of fish. Grand River was hot for us this morning. Serge fly fished and we did our best on Sucker Spawn in #14.   We were going to swing flies on the long rod this morning until I snapped the tip off of my Scott Rod de-Icing the tip. Rod's did Ice up a little bit today but it wasn't very bad. After a morning workout with the Grand River Steelhead and lunch at the Beef and Beer we hit Conneaut.  We tried a few of my favorite holes.  There was a little side Ice I had to break out.  We gave it an hour and a half with nothing for our efforts.  Trout was downstream from us with a couple of buddies and he had only hit one all morning.  He said it was real slushy earlier. We all loaded up and went ditch jumping. I had noticed on the ride that the smallest of streams were running slush free.. Probably due to springs. Serge ended up getting a couple more there and learned a half a dozen spots to fish the next couple of days.   Trout and Company hit a honey hole that was loaded and hit quite a few. After dropping Serge off I headed out and checked out the other ditches.  All were wide open and fishing with the exception of one estuary pond at the lakefront that was now frozen over. The Weekend should fish but slush may be a problem. Good Fishin..!!  Don

1-02-09 Serge with a nice Grand River Ohio Steelhead

1-01-09  My family would like to wish you and yours a Happy New Year and a safe and prosperous 2009.  I didn't make it out this morning.  Grinning..   But the guys were our chasin steel around the Alley.  Greg and a couple of buddies hit the Grand and did very good in the 650 CFM flow with pins and bait.  Double digits several times over.  Greg was a true buddy and gave me a call instructing me to grab my rod and get my but up there. No slush on the Grand today.  Elk was slushy early and although I didn't see Conneaut a friend said it was slushy early as well. I would bet it is going to be slushy tomorrow morning n the smaller streams. 

1-02-02 Serge show off a fat Ohio winter steelhead

12-31-08  HAPPY NEW YEAR...!! Well it's actually still new years eve. There will be no trip to times square this year. Were staying home and having friends over.  Wife is busy in the kitchen so I have a little while to look back on 2008.  FYI most of the streams were open and fished today,  I'm betting on slush in the morning on most of the streams. So go ahead and sleep in before heading out tomorrow,  Now back to the year 2008. I would like to start by thanking all the guests, landowners, friends, my family and especially the team of guides for making 2008 such a great year for me.  I can't thank you enough for all you have done and how much I appreciate all you do.

12-30-08  George shows off a nice Ohio Steelhead Buck

2008   Wow they say time goes faster the older you get.  This year was a blurr to me.  Lots of changes in my life this year and  I'm betting there will be many more in 2009.  I have big plans for 2009.  Looking back the spring of 2008 found steelheadschool.com  with a smaller but more experienced team of guides. We had some hard choices to make but we listened to our guests feedback. We knew a smaller team would leave us short handed in April.  Then I get word from Jason Gregory that he wouldn't be guiding with us.  Jason is a first rate guide and we sure miss him here at steelheadschool. We wish him well knowing he will do good where ever he goe. Despite the chaos we managed to pull it off.  Our spring season went well and we did more trips and landed more fish than ever before but we all looked like zombies with the load of trips we carried.  Another problem was we had turned away far too many trips because of the lack of available days due to the smaller team of guides.  We vowed not to turn anyone away in the fall, so we turned to old friends and went on the hunt for new talent to help us out.  We needed some QUALIFIED new guides.  I'm sure some of you are familiar with Mark DeFrank.  Mark started helping me with guide trips in the late 90's.  Running his flyshop in central Pa always limited the amount of time he could get away to guide.  Although he lives several hours from the stream and he's not a local he knows the water well and never has let us down on a guide trip.  Mark has since closed his flyshop and now is making a go of it tying flies commercially and guiding.  When we explained our situation he agreed to come up and help us out on our busier times on the Alley.  He is a welcome addition to have back on the team.  We couldn't have pulled off the Fall run without his help. He will be helping us out this spring with the school and guide trips.

12-30-08  Rich with a nice fish he caught fishing with Dick

We held two steelheadschools last year.  Its been my honor to be a part of the steelheadschool  from the beginning.  I consider many of the schools 150+ graduates as friends now. That doesn't surprise me. I find most steelhead fishermen are good people who share a common interest with me. I get calls and tips all the time from past students.  Nothing makes my day more than to hear about  a successful outing from a past student.  We are going to take 15 guests at this springs school and we have 9 signed up as of today.  It will be held on March 27th, 28th, and 29th.  We try to keep it reasonably priced and it is a three day adventure in the world of "Steelhead Alley"

Rich caught this nice buck in Ohio yesterday

Then comes Trout. Last summer a friend of mine kept telling me about her son, Travis.  She tells me that he is a hardcore fishing addict who has a knack for catching fish when no one else does. He also has been playing around guiding for the last couple of years.  I have heard the story before but decided to go fishing with Travis.  When he comes pulling up I immediately recognize the Green Jeep.  I see it daily on the streams. Out comes a familiar face, hey this guy has beat me to the hole before. Now I can put a face to the name "Trout" Travis is driving so I load my gear into his Jeep. When I open the door, out comes that all too familiar egg sac aroma. Its littered with exactly the same junk and fishing gear that my truck is.  On the ride up to Conneaut, he's excited as a kid the night before Christmas, telling me about spots he's been catching them the last couple of days.  Were not talking parking lots, were talking details like, behind the bolder by the pine tree.  I casually mention places like the titty bar hole, meadows flats, and the face dam and he knows exactly where I mean. Before we even reach the river I had my mind made up.  This guy had to be working with us.  After he did his first trip I knew Trout was going to work out just fine.  He's young and full of energy  BUT most importantly  he knows where to go and how to do it. The kind of guy I would want to hire if I was booking a guided trip.  Guiding with him this fall has been a pleasure.   He's full of confidence.  He doesn't call me 10 times a day asking me where to go.  Most importantly everyone that fished with him gave me great feedback about their trip. He's available to guide almost every day and he is a welcome addition to the team.

I'm sure you have noticed many changes to the website here at Steelheadschool.com.   This was just the beginning.  In the coming year watch for many more changes.  Our goal  at steelheadschool.com is to provide the public with honest no BS stream reports and information on our steelhead fishery, while promoting the fishery as well as our Bi-Annual steelheadschool and guide trips with team member guides.    Planned additions to the website for 2009 include River Maps, Stream description pages, tips on rigging your spinning and fly rod,  Spey fishing tricks and tips, hot new flies, fly tying tutorials, and much much more. Also in 2009 we will be publishing stream reports daily here from area tackle shops, friends and former guests plus our team of local guides. 

The Garden River Ontario Canada trip in September was spectacular if I do say so myself.   Cooking for 15 guys for 11 days was a bit challenging and gave me a new respect for short order cooks. I think most of the guys who went would agree after four years in a row we have it down. The riverside camp was very comfortable with two hot showers and almost 1200 sq ft of safely heated bone dry tents. Everybody raved about how good the fishing and food was. The fishing was great but the overall experience is what made the trip. Many new friends were made.  I'm still processing almost 2,000 photos that the group took during the trip if that tells you anything.  Sorry it took so long guys..   The fall foliage was breath taking.  The trip was so successful that we have added five more days this fall.  Ben and his staff wish everyone well and are looking forward to seeing you again in 2009.  We have reserved Sept 14-29 for the 2009 season.  We are taking deposits now.

I'm getting the kinks worked out of the online flyshop. I got a bad batch of flies from a African supplier and had hook breaking issues. Some bad flies did manage to get out I apologize for this and will gladly offer  a refund  to anyone who had broken hook issues. Once we figured out the problem, I was about ready to throw in the towel on the flyshop.  I pitched close to 90 dozen flies in the trash. I knew it just wasn't going to work out with my African Fly Tiers.  Seems like the Africans ripped off others also.  I find it comical to go into local flyshops in the area and see the EXACT same flies from the EXACT same company in Africa with a made in the usa logo on them.  Who's foolin who here.. So without a dependable supplier of my patterns I'm about ready to quit selling flies. Then on a guided trip this spring a guest recommends a fly tyer he uses in Maine.  Their workmanship was great and their volume pricing was reasonable.  With this new made in USA supplier and the local tiers that are helping me out, the flies I'm getting are better than ever now.  I'm going to be adding many new patterns this year and the price isn't going to change. 

Our fall season went well and I'm dam proud of the guys and the success we had.  It started out tough with low water and crowded conditions on most of the streams. While the water was low I saw things you just can't imagine on Elk creek this fall. Shoulder to shoulder conditions seem to bring out the worst in people.  Thank goodness I wasn't forced to fish that mess often. Our ace in the hole ("The Catt") on low water years didn't fish very good for us. Basically we were saved by Ohio's fall run.  We spent most of October in Ohio and caught good numbers of fish. Then finally the rains came, and they never stopped until it started snowing.  I had six inches of snow at my house and the leaves were still on most of my trees. The fishing has been good ever since but its been challenging at times with the weather.  Many of the larger streams have been high and unfishable since Thanksgiving. 

Our winter  season  started last January   We did get in a little fishing before spring.  Then it resumes again for the last few weeks of December.  This December was good to us.  We haven't had to cancel a whole lot of trips in December.  The weather can be tough to predict in the winter and some days it can be like a puzzle putting the pieces together.  To have consistent success daily in the winter months there are a lot of variables flow, water and air temperature, snow, slush, side ice, and wind.  The weather forecast can't always be trusted. There no real way to know what the river looks like without being there and you can't be everywhere.   This is when working with a network of local friends and guides makes all the difference in the world. I'm lucky enough to get a report of the streams conditions almost every day even if I'm not out myself.  You wouldn't believe how much easier this makes my job and how much I appreciate the people who help us out.  Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen. It's paid off for us this winter.

  Well I better get the snow blower out before our guests arrive. In closing, I am looking forward to another great spring and seeing many of you on the water once again. Feel free to contact me anytime by phone 330-565-5457 or e-mail.  We want your input and value your business. 

Happy New Year, God Bless, and Good Fishin..!! Don

For More "steelhead Alley" Fishing reports Click here

contact us

dfishinfool@aol.com

330-565-5457

Save Time and buy your fishing license online.  Please check with your guide on what state you will be fishing.

\OHIO LICENSE

\PA ONLINE LICENSE

\NY FISH LICENSE

Welcome to our Steelhead Fishing Reports page.  Here you will find, Ohio fishing reports and Pennsylvania fishing reports, compliments of Ohio Steelhead fishing guide, Don Mathews and the team of guides at

SteelheadSchool

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

330-984-7406

Guide  Dick Keagy

330-646-8150

Guide Travis McAllister

330-399-2746

Guide Mark DeFrank

724-317-8582

Guide Bob Williams

440-487-8111

Guide Kurt Bittenoffer

Greg Lum

He's usually too busy fishing to be bothered guiding BUT on occasion I can talk him into helping me out. If your looking for a guided trip with the center pin give me a call and I'll hook you two up

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

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

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

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.  Call 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

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