Everything "Steelhead Alley" all in one place... Stream Reports, Flow Gauges, Stream Maps, Guides, Fly Shops, Bait Shops, Online Tackle shops, Hotels, campgrounds, vineyards, area attractions, Fly Fishing Schools, plus so much more....

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

 

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

"Booking now"

Spring 2017

March 17,18, and 19th

Often imitated but never duplicated.  We have over 200 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 1.5 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 $375 per angler and included in the price is two nights lodging double occupancy. Single rooms add $50.  Contact Don at 330-565-5457 for more info.

 

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.

 

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 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

 

Capt Larry Todd runs his 600 H.P. 33' Maxum out of Sima Marina on the Chagrin river. He offers Walleye and Perch Charters. PLUS..  They offer private dinners cruises.  Give them a call at 440-487-2349

 

Capt Bill Goble runs a 30 foot Baha the "No Woes" on eries central basin. He also owns Chagrin River bait and tackle in Eastlake.  Bill has 30 years of experience and his rates are some of the best around. He is a pleasant knowledgeable Capt. Give Bill a call for a first class Lake Erie Walleye or Perch trip. 440-942-3570

 

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. 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome To

SteelheadSchool.com

Want to experience the thrill of steelhead fishing on the world famous "Steelhead Alley"?

Your at the right place now..!! We invite our to browse our web site. We have maintained Steelheadschool.com and the dfishinfool.com reports page for almost fifteen years now for your enjoyment.  So have fun reading about our past adventures on Steelhead Alley but please ignore all the bad spelling.  We have assembled a bunch of information for you here but were always learning and updating things with the times. So feel free to call or drop us a line anytime.  We want to hear from you. Have Fun..!! Don

UPDATE : February 15 2017

I will be back in Ohio Monday 2-20.  I had a blast fishing the Florida gulf coast the last couple months BUT now I have steelhead on the brain. There has already been some good fishin weather and Billy and Jeff have been doing very good both in Ohio and Pa on the days they have gotten out. They tell me that there is a good push is in the streams now.
I will only have a few days to fish then its off to one of my favorite shows the Jaffa Sports Show in Altoona Pa.  It runs Feb 23rd thru 26th.  I will be doing seminars on both salmon and Steelhead and we will have a booth.  Stop in and say hi.

Next is the Firelands Flyfishers meeting on March 8th held at the French Creek reservation in Sheffield Lake. I will be doing my steelhead presentation with a little on the Garden River at the end. I am looking forward to this meeting, many club members are long time steelheaders.

On March 11 and 12th we will be at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Warren Michigan.  This is the BIG fly show for the midwest and it brings in all the big retailers in fly fishing.  Last year was our first year and it is a awesome show. If your into flyfishing the Great lakes its the best show to attend.

It is almost steelheadschool time.  This spring the school will be March 17,18, and 19th. We still have two openings. Its three days of non stop steelhead.  The class is tailored for the beginning to intermediate skilled steelhead angler wanting to expand his knowledge. The school price includes two nights lodging.

This spring it will be Myself, Guide Jeff Novak, Guide Jason Heinbaugh, and Guide Billy Brown on the streams full time seven days a week.  Kurt Bitikoffer will be helping out on some weekends. What a great group of veteran steelhead guides to network with.  A team with over 60 years of experience guiding steelhead anglers. These guys never cease to amaze me at their ability to catch fish. Even on the tough days. I cant stress enough how much we network and depend on each other in following these migratory fish around.

 We do have prime spring dates still available but the busier weekends are booked solid. Personally, I am booked solid for the entire spring. I got insane this winter and just couldnt say no. Basically I will fish seven days a week most of the spring. Feel free to call, text or email me anytime to reserve a date with one of our guides 330-565-5457

I will be floating the Grand this spring in my 17 pro aluminum high side drifter.  Billy will be doing floats on the Grand and some of the smaller streams with his 14' toon.  Due to the popularity of the small stream floats we are negotiating on a couple new rafts.

GOT A GROUP..  I have a landowner who will rent his house that sleeps 10 on a all private section of a nice NE Ohio steelhead stream.  Included in the very reasonable price is private access to over a mile of private riverbank. A sweet setup.  We would love to guide your group there. Perfect for a corporate retreat. Call Don Mathews for more info.

Want to fish in Paradise? Check out our September Garden River salmon trip. Our group gets PRIVATE ACCESS to over 20 miles of the best salmon stream in the Great Lakes region. All Wild fish with less than one angler per river mile. Our native american outfitter provides us with access to the private reservation lands. He sets up a very nice streamside camp on the most productive section of river. Hot showers, heated tents, and good grub are nice BUT the big draw is the  Pink, Chinook, Coho, Pinook, and Atlantic salmon plus steelhead, resident bows and trophy brookies.  This will be our 13th year of hosting the Garden River trip. Located near Sault Ste Marie in Ontario Canada. Openings remain on all five legs of this years trip. Call Don Mathews for more info.

330-565-5457

 

What is Steelhead Alley ?

Where have you been man..!! Steelhead Alley is giving anglers the hottest steelhead fishing on the planet.  Steelhead Alley is the nickname given to the 30 or so tributary streams that flow into Lake Erie's southern shoreline.  It's a man made steelheading bonanza created by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York .

 

Where is Steelhead Alley ?

The East side of Steelhead Alley starts near Buffalo NY and follows the Lake Erie shoreline west all the way to Michigan.  I call Erie Pennsylvania the heart of Steelhead Alley. This is where the heaviest concentrations of fish are stocked. All of the streams that flow into Lake Erie receive a run of Steelhead Trout.

 

What is a steelhead trout?

Basically a steelhead is a strain of a rainbow trout.  The State's fish commissions raise the fish in hatcheries for their first year.  Then each spring they stock the 6-9 inch fish in select streams.  As summer approaches the water in the stream gets too warm for the fish to survive.  Their instincts take over and the migrate to the cool deep waters of Lake Erie.  There the feast of a variety of food sources and live the good life.  The Steelhead reach sexual maturity at three years old.  They now average 23 inches in length and are very strong and full of vigor. Their instincts take over and the migrate back to their home stream to carry on the spawning ritual. They show up in the fall and stay in the stream until they finish spawning in the spring. Many of our steelhead survive the spawning run and return to lake Erie to grow even bigger.  We call these fish repeat spawners.

 

Where is the secret hotspot on "Steelhead Alley"?

In all honesty Steelhead are migratory.  We fish water that is open to the public to fish.  We move streams daily chasing fresh runs of fish and prime water conditions.  To be successful every day of the season you must be willing to drive a little.  Most die hard steelhead fishermen watch the weather very closely.  They know that when the stream levels are dropping it is the best time to steelhead fish. The guy that fishes the same spot every day, has many a slow day here on the Alley.

 

Noodle Rods, Switch Rods, Tube Flies, Center Pins, Spey rods, Steelhead fishing sounds really complicated.

Steelhead fishing isn't difficult at all.  Different methods are used than most typical types of fishing employ.  Most of the time it comes down to a bobber and baited hook or fly.  Simple ultra light tackle is all that is usually required to be successful but steelheading is trendy. Sometimes steelheaders choose methods or styles of fishing that they enjoy.  Even though these may not be the most effective way to catch fish on that given day.  Some steelheaders are very loyal to their particular style of fishing.  The good thing is no mater the method, the fishing is great here on "Steelhead Alley"

 

Do I need to buy a bunch of expensive gear to catch steelhead?

Not at all.  Most of the best steelhead fishermen I know, are not wealthy people.  As with any sport or hobby you can spend a fortune if you want, but it doesn't guarantee your success to do so.  Basically you need light spin or fly equipment with a reliable drag system.

 

Should I go online and research the new latest and greatest gear before buying anything?

Buying steelhead gear isn't like buying a new laptop. A good Rod and Reel will serve you for years and years.  As with any sport there are lots of choices in gear.  I read some of the tackle reviews once in awhile and most sound like a used car salesman wrote them.   No one gives any of us anything for free to say how good their product is.  That's not my cup of tea.  A few manufacturers provide us gear at a discount price to use on our guide trips but I'm not obligated to advertise their stuff in any way. I put my gear though the ringer day after day and I know what lasts.  I invite you to call me or any of my guides for some free advise on equipment to buy or to just talk fishing. 

 

OK I am hooked now..I want to give steelheading a try.  So I'm heading down to the  W-mart  to pick up the tackle.  What do I need to get?

Stop..!! Don't make the mistake I see so many others make. The mart stores just don't carry real steelheading gear.  Bobbers, flies, and hooks aren't real expensive but you must get the right ones to make it all work. The bubble packed flies you buy there might entice a fish to bite but the hooks will straighten out. The rods they sell will work but for the same money you can buy a specialized steelhead rod at one of our local shops.  You will save a bundle in the long run. Just go into one of the local flyshop's we have listed here.  Swallow our pride, tell them your a beginner and ask for some help. Trust me they want your repeat business and they will not steer you wrong.  For the online shoppers there's the FishUSA website.  They have the best selection of steelhead gear I have seen anywhere.

 

Now I have the gear where do I go from here?

Do your homework.  Research the web. Ask for advise at the Bait Shop.  There are a lot of great links on this website to point you in the right direction but no steelheader in his right mind is going to tell you where he's going to be tomorrow. That's all part of the game. If your a first timer.  Print out a map a drive the streams.   Look where the cars are parked and the guys are fishing.  Look at the water if it looks like chocolate milk don't waste your time there.  Move to anther stream. Always obey the number one rule and don't enter posted property without permission.  Whatever you do don't crowd another angler on the stream or wade thru the water he is fishing.  A little politeness goes a long way. Tangling up in another anglers line will make you look like a real rookie. Instead of crowding out other anglers pay attention to the types of water they are having success in.  Then do some walking and find similar sections of stream. Unpressured fish are always better customers.

 

What is steelheadschool.com ?

Whether you are a spin or fly fisherman, Steelhead School is your one stop source for  Everything "Steelhead Alley" Fishing Reports Stream conditions Area weather Info Stream flows, maps area lodging, where to eat, Fly Patterns, Spin Fishing, Camping, local fly shops, bait to use and everything else you will need to make your trip a successful one.  My name is Don Mathews and I am the webmaster here but we are a team of seven  steelhead guides who network together on the stream daily.  We fish steelhead alley but these same tactics can be applied anywhere steelhead swim.

 

Why would anyone in their right mind give out so much information for free?

Our hope is that you consider attending one of our Bi-Annual Steelhead Schools or consider a guided trip with one of our team member guides. At SteelheadSchool.com we consider ourselves instructors as opposed to guides.  We are so confident of our ability to put you on the fish we offer the "You Catch Fish Or You Fish Free" policy on our guided Steelhead fishing trips.

 

Want to learn more?

Feel free to browse our website. Even if you never attend one of our schools or go on a guided trips. We want you to be informed of the rules of the game.  River access, ethics and landowner issues are critical to the success of the fishery.  There are a lot of great tips on the pages of this site and the other sites we link too.  Learning to steelhead fish is so much easier these days.  If you really want to shorten the steelheaders learning curve then consider attending our next class

 

 We are the original Steelhead School. We have been offering classes since since 2001.  we have over 300 graduates of our bi annual schools. Often imitated but never duplicated. Come learn the secrets to becoming a successful angler. Three days of instructional steelheading with the areas best LOCAL guides. Plus a 9 hour tour of the fishing hot spots on our streams. Value priced at $375 per angler with two nights lodging included in the price.

If your thinking about  a guided trip.  Please consider one of our team member guides.

How do I book a trip with a team member guide?

    We use Steelheadschool.com as our central booking source for our team  of five self employed local professional steelhead guides.  Of course you can call your guide at anytime to check on availability or to answer any questions you might have.  We think our prices are very reasonable, as low as $140 per angler in groups of three or more.

 

If I come on a guided trip, what would I need to bring?

We provide all the rods, reels, tackle, flies, bait, Coffee, and a streamside lunch with desert.  Our trips are all inclusive there are no hidden costs..  All you will need are waders and a fishing license.  We are centrally located in North Eastern Ohio.  A short drive from over twenty different streams. We are licensed to guide in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. "We fish without borders!" Simply put we go where the fish are!

 

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

My name is Don Mathews,

 I am the webmaster at Steelheadschool.com.  I also have been an instructor at the Steelhead School for the last fourteen years. I grew up fishing Lake Erie,  and the streams along her southern shoreline.  I caught my first steelhead forty some odd years ago and I have been hooked from that moment on. I have been guiding steelhead anglers since 1997. My favorite place is my home state and the Ohio streams. They offer the opportunity for today's steelhead angler to escape the crowds that  "Steelhead Alley" is known for. Most of our streams are relatively small and most of the time boats are not a option. When conditions are right the Grand River in Ohio offer's the rare chance to do a float trip on steelhead alley. In addition to wade trips. December thru April we offer Grand River trips in our Hyde Pro-Guide aluminum McKenzie style drift boat. We don't typically fish from the boat but it is a awesome tool to reach remote sections of stream and un-pressured fish. I have a intimate knowledge of over twenty different watersheds. Our team of guides are on the stream daily. We network with each other to stay on top of the fish.  Don't forget Steelhead are migratory. This gives us a big advantage over any other guide service on the Alley.   The Manistee fish Ohio stocks are from wild brood-stock and they average over 24" in length. We take Trophy Ohio fish over 15 lbs every year. Our season runs from October thru May! Lets go fishin!

Welcome to SteelheadSchool.Com....Your one stop source for info on fishing "Steelhead Alley"    Guides, River Reports, Stream Flows, Tips, Tactics, Fly PattLinkserns, Fly Shops, Maps, Lodging, Camping, Weather Reports, .....

A awsome fall fish from the Catt in Western NY. Our guides are fully licensed to fish all of the streams on "Steelhead Alley"

Due to aggressive stocking programs, Lake Erie's southern shoreline is becoming known as one of the best steelhead fisheries in the world. The numerous tributaries in this area have been nick-named "Steelhead Alley". Our team of local professional guides are on the stream guiding more than 150 days per year. We know where the fish are and we can put you on them !! We guarantee it.!!!!!

 

A nice Elk Creek Pennysylvania Steelhead caught while fly fishing on a November guided trip

Whether your floating down the Grand River in Ohio with Hyde boat pro-staff guide Don Mathews for spring steelhead or casting streamers at aggressive cruising early fall chromers with Travis. You can rest assured you will get your fish. We have assembled a team of the best Steelhead Fishing Guides out there. These guys are the cream of the crop and they will go that extra yard for you. You can be sure you are getting the best possible Great Lakes fishing adventure available!

 

Photographer Al Carter caught this awsome Manistee on a Grand River Ohio float trip

The area coined "Steelhead Alley" stretches along Lake Erie's southern shoreline from Buffalo New York to Western Ohio. Virtually every watershed that flows ito Lake Ere gets a run of steelhead. With many streams to choose from. Traveling anglers staying in either Pittsburg, Erie, Cleveland, Painesville, Ashtabula, Youngstown, or Buffalo are just a short drive from the action. Excellent accommodations are available at a very reasonable cost.

 

  Our staff only uses the finest equipment available from names like Scott, Hardy, Orvis, Fenwick, and Penn

Many unlicensed part time guides have opened up shop on "Steelhead Alley"  Some are excellent fishermen but beware.  A part time guide only fishing a couple of streams is severely handicapped on the "Alley".  Many of the guides don't even own quality equipment they expect you to bring your own specialized steelhead gear.  Plus they charge you extra for flies, tippets and even pictures.  We don't do business like that. There are NO HIDDEN COSTS on our guided Steelhead Trips. Our costs are very reasonable.  A full day of all inclusive guided fishing for $125 per angler in groups of three or more. Our guides are licensed full time professionals who do hundreds of guide trips a year.  They are locals who live in the heart of steelhead alley. Do you really want to book a trip with a guide who lives hundreds of miles from the streams and needs a GPS to find his way around?   Our team of guides are available seven days a week.  Can you afford to go with anyone else..??

Domonick caught this nice Ohio steelhead in Conneaut Creek in early May on one of our spring guide trips

For our Fly Fishing Guests we provide quality Scott fly rods and Orvis reels! You will use beautiful hand tied flies. We spare no expense in giving you the Great Lakes Steelhead experience of a lifetime! There are no hidden costs as with many other outfitters! All you will need are waders and a fishing license.  Your guide will be professional and will have all of the licenses required by the state to guide. He will  have training in CPR, first aid, and water safety. He will be well versed in fly casting and beginning fly casters and fishermen are welcome. Our guides dedicate their time to instructing you the angler, they do not fish! We welcome first time fly fishers and children..!!

 

Fighting steelhead is hard work but once you start you will not want to stop! That's why we will bring lunch to the fish. Included on all guided trips is a streamside lunch with desert and beverages.  We will have a warm cup of coffee or coco to warm you in the morning and bottled water or soft drinks throughout the day. All of this is included in the cost of your trip. No hidden charges.

 

 

Ohio Steelhead Fishing

History in the Making

By:  Don Dfishinfool Mathews

 In my younger days there were very few steelhead to be had for a kid living in Ohio.  Pennsylvania had been stocking a few steelhead since the early 60's.  Ohio was still experimenting with Salmon and hadn't started stocking steelhead yet.

  Steelhead are not Native to the Great Lakes. They were first stocked into Lake Erie around 1900.  Since then there has been a small population of wild fish.  Most of these wild fish reside in the cooler Canadian streams on the North side of the Lake.  A few of these wild  Canadian fish stray to our streams, but not many.  

 My first Ohio steelhead came from Conneaut Creek. You see Conneaut creeks head waters are in Pennsylvania.  They stock put and take trout in the upper stretches of Conneaut creek.  When the stream warms up in June these stocked trout are forced to migrate to Lake Erie in search of cooler water.  Three years later these put and take trout reached sexual maturity and come back to spawn.  To beat the odds they faced and make it back to spawn meant these fish were true survivors.  They are few and far between.  In my youth we knew them as Lake run bows.  Every one was a trophy..!!

In the late 70's I was a young teenager who spent my summers in the Conneaut and Ashtabula areas.  On occasion I found work first mating, cleaning fish and puke on the areas Walleye Charter Boats.  My uncle Pete Mathews ran the charter boat "Sin or Swim" and I spent a lot of my time on his boat.  This was the good old days of our Erie Walleye fishery.  Limits were easy and the guests were always smiling. 

  I have always loved fishing Lake Erie's waters but I have a thing for our area streams.  In those days I spent my winters trapping the Grand, Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, and Conneaut creek watersheds.  Muskrat, Mink, Coon and Beavers all fetched a good price and I did well for a kid.  I loved the streams and spent all the time I could on them.  In the fall you could often find me and my buddies floating the Grand or Conneaut in our Canoes.  We hunted ducks, deer,  squirrels and whatever else we could find along the riverbanks. 

  If you would have told me then that one day I would make my living fishing these streams.  I would have looked at you like you were crazy.!    You see there were very few fish in our streams back then.  If I caught a Lake run bow it was cause for celebration.  I would string it up and show it off all over town.   The state was experimenting with stocking Salmon in those days.  We did catch a few Salmon in the fall but the returns were poor.  Lake Erie didn't have the Alewives baitfish like the other great lakes.  Salmon just never did well in Erie.  For the most part we caught Catfish, Smallmouth and Suckers.  On rare occasion the Grand would give up a walleye or two if you were lucky. 

One fall day myself and a couple of buddies were fishing under the High Trestle Bridge in Lower Conneaut in hopes of tangling with a big King salmon.  As usual we were catching nothing.   Along comes old Curtis Knightlinger.  He sets up directly across the river from us.  Even in those days Kurt was old.  Especially to a kid who didn't have his drivers license yet.  Kurt owned the local bait shop in town.   Old Kurt had a slow methodical way about him.   He never hurried anything.  That day after about 30 minutes of fussing with his gear he makes a cast.  The ripples from the splash hadn't even disappeared when suddenly the water erupts in Silver.   Old Kurt fights the the silver trout in and reaches down and unhooks it.  I watched in disbelief as he let it go.  Surely this old man has went crazy letting a fish like that go.   I watched with amazement as he repeated this five more times.  Six lake run bows in one day,  heck that was more than I had caught in all of the previous year.  I just had to know what he was using for bait.  So we talked my buddy Rich into casting across old Kurts line to discover what the magic bait was.   Of course this pissed off Kurt who knew what we were up to.   He yells out  You little Sons of !@#$@,  don't you dare tangle up my line again,  come on over here if you want to find out how to catch them.  That afternoon I sat and listened.  I learned about light line, floats, black jigs and maggots.  Soon after I was fighting a big silver hen.  Kurt also told us how these fish didn't die after spawning like the Salmon.  I learned the importance of letting them go.

Sure I had caught steelhead before, but it was on this day that I became a Steelheader.   Kurt passed away about three years ago and he is missed by many.  The knowledge he shared with me and many others lives on.  In my youth, I spent many days just hanging out at his bait shop.   It was there that I learned about,  curing eggs, tying egg sacs, salting shiners and all the other odd tricks Kurt had up his sleeve.  Little did I know Ohio steelheading was in for a big change.

Ohio is the new kid on the block when it comes to trout fishing.  They started to stock fishable numbers of Steelhead in the Early 80's. Trout fishing has a long heritage in Pennsylvania but in Ohio we lack the cold water streams necessary for a year round trout fishery.   People definitely do not associate Ohio with trout fishing, even though our steelhead fishery is booming..!!  

The reason for our success is the wisdom of the Ohio DNR and the abundant forage in our shallowest of the great lakes.  It is my honest belief that Ohio will soon be known as the premiere Steelhead destination in the Great Lakes region. 

You see Ohio has something that Pennsylvania lacks.   ACCESS.... We have lots and lots of miles of river flowing into Lake Erie.  Our forefathers here in Ohio were very wise.  Thanks to a large network of State and local parks we have many miles of public access to our streams.  In Ohio we have more unobstructed river miles flowing into Lake Erie than Pa, and Michigan combined.   Pennsylvania on the other hand has a small handful of very short streams that are almost entirely privately owned.  Angler crowding is becoming a big problem in Pennsylvania. So far the landowners in all of the states have been very tolerant of the crowds of anglers but I fear it is reaching a breaking point in Pa.  Already we have groups leasing the streams in an attempt to privatize the fishery.  It seems like every day I hear about another section of stream being posted or closed to fishing.  The situation in Pennsylvania worries me.  I find each year I do fewer and fewer guide trips in Pennsylvania.  BUT

The steelhead fishery in Ohio is coming of age.  We trade Channel Catfish fingerlings to Michigan for Steelhead smolts and eggs.  Michigan gets these eggs from the Little Manistee River Weir.  The fish in the Little Manistee are a self sustaining wild population.  The Michigan streams are cold enough year round to support natural reproduction. 

 Unfortunately here in Ohio our stream temperatures do not allow the fish to successfully reproduce.  Our fish do spawn but the fry die shortly after hatching due in large part to our stream temperatures.  Virtually all of our fish in Ohio and Pa are stocked by the states. 

Our streams are some of the most densely stocked streams in the world. Pennsylvania stocks close to 1.5 million 6-9 inch long smolts each spring.  Ohio stocks 400,000 in her streams.  The survival rate of these implanted smolts is very good.  It is considered a success If 10% of the smolts reach adulthood and return to the stream.  One Pennsylvania study had close to 50% of the fish returning.  This is almost unbelievable and shows how well Pennsylvania understands the Steelhead game.  Of course Pennsylvania has over 100 years experience raising trout.

  Ohio is making great progress with their steelhead program.  Our DNR  seems genuinely committed to making continuous improvements to our steelhead program.  Stocking steelhead is a costly and the states have appx $1 in each stocked smolt.

Once a steelhead reaches maturity it returns to the stream it was implanted in to spawn.   They locate their home stream by smell.  Our steelhead smolts do not have a long time to acclimate to the stream before warming spring water temperatures chase them to the lake.  It is my belief that this is why so many of our Ohio fish stray.  This is a good thing in my opinion.   It helps to spread the fish out  to un-stocked streams. 

 When I say our fish stray, what I mean they make a mistake and run up  different river than the one they were implanted in. Simply put some of our smolts do not spend enough time in the stream to acclimate.  This seems to be especially true in Ohio.  Pennsylvania has figured out that stocking fish in the upper sections of the stream helps prevent straying. 

Many of the Pennsylvania smolts are stocked in the far upper sections of the streams.  In Conneaut Creek the Pa smolts are stocked about 45 miles from the Lake.   Ohio on the other hand stocks their fish near the stream mouths.  This does help keep the smolts from becoming unintentionally caught by anglers in the upper river.  It is my belief this is the reason several of our our un-stocked Ohio streams get such a prolific runs. 

Year after year I track where the trucks dump the smolts into the streams.  Let me tell you the majority of fish comeback to the exact spot they were implanted in.  On the Pennsylvania streams there are noticeably less fish upstream of the point the trucks put them in at.  Its a sure bet there will be a good pod of fish near where the trucks stock the fish.  This is why I so carefully keep track of where the fish are being stocked. 

Our Manistee Strain Ohio fish tend to run much later than their Pa and NY cousins do.  This is because of their Genetic lineage.  Their parents are from the little Manistee River in Michigan.  It stays a cool temperature year round.  Most fish in the Little Man  tend to spawn in Late April or Early May.  It only makes sense that their offspring will tend to spawn at the same time.  This is why most steelhead veterans consider the Manistee to be a spring run fish. 

 Our Ohio fish will start to enter the streams in Late November. They will continue to run and will holdover all winter.  The bulk of the Ohio run will happen in Early March most years.  The fight of our wild Manistee strain fish is terrific.

 Years ago Ohio used to stock London Strain fish.   They were a fall run fish.   There were several problems with the London's so Ohio decided to stock 200,000 Manistee Strain Fish in 1996.   Ohio soon discovered that  the return rate was much better with the Manistee strain.  Now have switched to a Manistee only program. 

At first I was upset.  I feared the fall fishery would disappear in Ohio.  As I predicted the catch rate for the Fall month's in Ohio went down.   I discovered that there were enough fall run strays from Pa and Early run Manistee to make fall fishing Good for most of the fall.  It also helps that Pennsylvania is stocking Conneaut Creek with it's fall run fish.   I will admit the more I get to know the Manistee the more I like them.  Its nice having fresh fish around in the spring, plus their wild genes show in the fight they give on the line.  The mighty Manistee has earned my respect.

Ohio stocks five of it's streams with Steelhead.  Conneaut, Grand, Chagrin, Rocky, and Vermillion.   All of these streams receive appx 65,000 smolts each spring.   Conneaut  Creek also receives 75,000 fish from Pennsylvania.  This makes Conneaut unique, it gets both spring and fall run fish.  Many Ohio streams that do not get stocked get good runs of fish each year.   Ashtabula, Cowels, Wheeler, Arcola, Euclid, Cuyahoga, Black,  Portgage,  and the Huron River all receive runs of Steelhead strays.  There are dozens of smaller streams or ditches that are worth mentioning also but I will not for obvious reasons.

If one were to compare the number of fish stocked per stream mile between Ohio and Pennsylvania, it would seem like Pa is the place to fish.  This can be true, at times there are unbelievable numbers of fish in Pa.  This is why I continue to shell out the $400 non resident guide license fee each year. There are several other factors to consider though. 

 Angler crowding in much worse in Pa.  Unless there is a blizzard you can forget the weekends.  On the other hand one willing to do a little walking in Ohio can always find a section of stream to himself. 

A recent study done in Pa shows one in three steelhead that is caught is kept.   This is bad news for steelhead.  Believe it or not most fish are caught repeatedly through the season.  Some winter holdover fish are caught and released dozens of times. Sooner or later most Pa steelhead end up that one out of three.  This means all these kept fish will not survive to become a repeat spawner.  Less repeat spawners is not a good thing.  We will get back to that later.

 In Ohio on the other hand far fewer fish are kept.  The limits are lower but that doesn't seem to matter.  I really can't explain why this holds true.  I honestly believe that people in Ohio just don't have a taste for trout like they do in Pa.  Maybe its because of the abundance of Erie caught perch and walleye in my freezer.  I personally never eat steelhead.  Most locals around here don't have much trouble catching perch.  If you have never ate Lake Erie perch your missing out.

 Another reason few fish are creeled in Ohio might be because of the work involved.  If your hiking miles into the Grand River in Ohio who in their right mind is going to lug a adult steelhead out of there?   In all honesty I don't know why less fish are kept in Ohio.  The fact that less fish are kept means there are more repeat spawners in Ohio than in Pennsylvania.  If your into big steelhead that's a good thing, trust me..!! 

A steelhead reaches maturity at three years of age.  They spend their first year in the stream as fry and then fingerlings. At one year old they migrate out to Lake Erie.   They spend their time in lake Erie gorging on Shiners, Smelt, Shad, Gobies, Mayflies, spinney water fleas and other high protein food sources.  Their growth rate is far faster than a stream trout living on a diet of nymphs. 

 When they return to the stream as three yr olds they are 22-24 inches long.  If they are lucky enough not to end up on a rope or a fatality of weather they return to the Lake.  We call them drop backs as they hobble back to he Lake after the rigors of the spawn.   They are dark and beat up with wounds from fighting and digging in the gravel.

After spawning the hens quickly return to the Lake.   Most male fish remain in the river until late spring waiting for more hens to show up.  This is why there are almost always more male fish than female fish in the streams. Eventually the water temperature will warm to the point the Males will be forced to return to the Lake also.  Once the fish return to Lake Erie they will rejuvenate.  They will loose their spawning colors and turn silver again.  The Males Kype will shrink and their battle wounds quickly heal in the cool Lake waters.  By the fourth of July they are completely transformed back into Chromers.  They will spend yet another summer in Lake Erie feasting on its abundant forage until the urge to spawn draws them back to the stream.

The larger fish in the stream are repeat spawners.  Meaning they have survived a previous spawn and have returned to spawn again.  Being fishermen most of us want to catch the biggest fish possible.  On Steelhead Alley this means finding repeat spawners.   I fish sections of the Grand River from my drift boat that I have never seen another soul fishing.  The odds of anyone keeping a fish there are slim. Logic tells us that the odds of finding repeat spawners in such places is far greater.  The average size of the fish is much larger on the Grand River than most streams on the Alley. 

A friend of mine named Jimmy Dallas has been involved with 3 CU's and the Pennsylvania steelhead program since it's beginning in the early 60's.  Jimmy has forgotten more about steelhead than most of us will ever know.   One theory of Jimmy's is that the larger fish generally come from the lower sections of stream.  He believes that the biggest of big fish do not run very far up the streams instead they quickly spawn in the lower rivers then head immediately back to the Lake. I totally agree with this theory.  I see far more large repeat spawners in the lower river than the upper sections of stream.  Jimmy's reasoning for this phenomenon is that the fish remember from previous runs that there are lots of anglers upstream and little good spawning gravel.  I personally have seen about twenty fish over 15 lbs caught.  All but one came from the first three miles of the stream.  If your targeting big fish this is something to keep in mind.

What will the future bring to our fishery?   Stream Access, Pollution, VHS infections,  Zebra mussels,  Gobies,  Many real threats to our steelhead program exist right now.   I have faith in our current Ohio DNR leadership.   I think they are on the right track.  With a little luck our children will get to catch more steelhead in Ohio than I did as a youth.

 

Let's Go Fishin..!!

 

 

Northeast Ohio Steelhead FishingOH Steelhead Fishing GuideOH Steelhead Salmon Fishing | Lake Erie Fishing Guide | Steelhead Alley Guided Fishing |   Steelhead Fishing Guide | Steelhead Fishing Reports Ohio  | Link Resources

 

Welcome to our Home page.  Here you will find Links to Everything Steelhead Alley..!!  Up to date fishing reports from our team of guides, Plus stream maps, flow gauges, area fly shops, online tackle shops, Bait shops, taxidermist, area hotels, camp grounds,

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

 

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

330-475-9906

 

 Guide Billy Brown

814-746-0225

 

Guide Jason Heinbaugh

www.ohiosteelheadguide.com

440-536-1391

 

Guide Kurt Bitikoferr

717-496-1290717-

A

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

 

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
Ramada Inn is our recommended North Eastern Ohio hotel and home of our SteelheadSchool Mention your fishing with us for a discount rate.

Ramada 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
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

 
 

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 slide show and have all of our own equipment. We offer this presentation at a very minimal cost, and your audience will learn from it. So Please contact us....

 

All Images Watermarked for Identification

Copyright© 2015 by [ Steelheadschool.com® and dfishinfool.com®  ] all rights are strictly reserved. All images and content may not be copied, and or reproduced without our express written consent.

eXTReMe Tracker