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

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

Call 330-565-5457 

e-mail us at

dfishinfool@aol.com

Dfishinfool's fly shop click here

Western Steelhead alley Map

Google Map of Cleveland Ohio

Central Steelhead Alley Map

Google Map of  North East Ohio

Eastern Steelhead Alley Map

Look for this symbol

make sure your fishing with a Steelhead Alley Pro

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

The original

"Steelhead School" 

 Since 2001

Two Spring Classes

March 26th, 27th, and 28th 2010

April 9th, 10th, and 11th 2010

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

 

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

 

Blog's from the Alley's  Steelheader's

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

www.inthedrift.blogspot.com/

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

 

Ohio DNR Info

OH Fishing Report

Ohio Steelhead Fishing

Ohio Steelhead Info

 

 

The Best informational book on fishing "Steelhead Alley"

 

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

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

 

County Visitors Bureau's

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Helpful links on rigging your spinning outfit for Steelhead

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

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

 

 

Team Member Guide Websites

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

 

www.extremesteelheading.com

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

 

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

 

Guide Dick Keagy is a true OhioSteelheader check out his website

 

www.fishwithtrout.com

Guide Travis McAllisters website. 

 

 

Ben's Bait and Tackle Garden River Ontario

 

ATTN:  Clubs, Trout Unlimited Chapters, Sports Shops

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

 

Area Fishing Clubs

Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders

Western Reserve Fly Anglers

Pennsylvania Steelhead Association

3 c u Trout Association

North West Pa Trout Unlimited

SONS of Lake Erie Club (save our native species)

Neshannock Trout Unlimited

Emerald Necklace Trout unlimited Cleveland OHF

Firelands Fly Fishers

North Branch Boys Fly Fishing Club Toledo Oh

North Coast Fly Fishers

Tri County Trout Club

 

Other Great Clubs

Buckeye United Fly Fishermen

Derby City Fly Fishers

Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers

Bluegrass Trout Unlimited

Louisville Trout Unlimited

 

"Steelhead Alley"

Steelhead Facts

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

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

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

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

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

After Fishing

Biscotti Family Winery 440-593-5403

Buccia Vineyards 440-593-5976

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

Emerine Estates 440-293-8199

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

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

Harpersfield Vineyard 440-466-4739

Laurello Vineyard 440-415-0661

Markko Vineyard 440-593-3197

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

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

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

Tarsito Winery 440-224-2444

Lakehouse Winery 440-466-8668

Variant Family Winery 440-466-1314

 

Area Rental Homes

Conneaut

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

Painesville Area

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

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

 

Our Favorite Lake Erie Charter Boats

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

My Time Too Charters

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

 

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

 

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

 

Procaster Charters

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

 

Lake Ontario Charters

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

Guides We Recommend

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

 

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

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

 

A neat new concept in floats. 

Quality eggs straight from Alaska to your door

 

More great websites by local steelheaders

www.content-angler.com

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

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

Topics include:

• The Lakes, Fish, and Rivers

• Fly Fishing Heritage

• Steelhead Culture

• Fishing Techniques and Flies

• Economic Value

• Environmental Issues

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

3-23-10 Steelhead Alley Fishing Report  Sorry I haven't had much time to post reports.  It can get hectic once the spring runs start.  I'll let the pictures tell the story. The fishing has been good for us and I still haven't got Dick or Marks pictures so there will be more pics to come soon.

 I had the pleasure of speaking at the Western Reserve fly anglers meeting last night.  I recognized many faces from the streams and had a good time talking steelhead with some local fly guys.  On the streams it was a banner day yesterday despite the heavy rains.  Mark Defranks had some diehards who stood out in it all day long.  They were rewarded with 41 fish in the net on flies in Ohio.  WOW..!!  Most of the other guys called it a early day due to the rain but all had a bunch of fish before they quit.  The streams were blowing out fast last night and all of us cancelled our trips for today.  Looks like the larger streams will be high for awhile . We have had guides on all of the big five in Ohio last weekend and we found fish on all of the streams but they are spread out.  Working together paid off and we were successful at hitting a few pushes of fresh fish in Ohio and we teamed up and chased them up the river with great success. We floated several times and the Grand gave up some real Repeat Spawning hogs.   I love my new Hardy Swift switch Rods.  I have Hardy Anglel's on them and they cast like a dream.   We are going to be out tomorrow and I'll try to post a report. Good Fishin..!!  Don

3-21-10

3-21-10

3-21-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-20-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-19-10

3-18-10

3-18-10

3-18-10

3-18-10

3-18-10

3-14-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania steelhead fishing report  High and Muddy about sums up the streams of Steelhead Alley today.  Most of the snow is gone now so the streams should shape up this week. We got in a couple of guide trips last week but we cancelled the bulk of our trips so far this spring. We did see a nice push of fish in a couple of the Ohio ditches before the rain blew things out but overall the numbers of holdovers seems to be way down.  Don't shoot the messenger.  Hopefully last weeks rain drew in some fresh Manistees.  The weather is looking up for this week and we will be fishing every day.  The Pa stream's and the Ohio ditches will fish first.  Forget the Grand and the larger streams until later in the week at the earliest. 

 It was nice seeing so many people at last weeks Niles sports show.   I had a blast and it was by far our most productive show ever.  Its apparent that many locals are getting the bug to do some steelheading.   Rick and Judy worked hard to make it such a success and I hope I can pay Rick back with a good day of steelheading this week.

Our team member Guide Mark DeFrank is at it again.  As you may know Mark was crowned the State champion fly tyer for Pennsylvania last month.  Now he has taken First Place in the wet/emerger class in the prestigious National FTF competition.  He also placed 2nd in the Nymph class.  He was at the Niles show last week with us and he had a crowd the whole weekend watching him crank out the tube flies.

We had another boat and guide lined up to help us with some of our Grand River float trips this spring.  The deal fell through leaving me overbooked for Grand River float trips.  We decided to put another boat on the water this spring so we didn't have to cancel any trips. Mark, Chris and Jeff will be pulling the oars.  I have had a custom built 14' three man pontoon boat in my barn for years. It is unused but it was covered in dust.  Its a $4000 craft built in Oregon for the west coast streams.  It cleaned up good and it will be right at home on our Ohio streams this spring.  Mark DeFrank and myself spent most of last week working on the boat and trailer and we have it all ready to go.  The inflatable pontoon design is much lighter than my full size aluminum drift boat making it much more portable.  We have secured several private access points to launch on the Chagrin, Conneaut, and the Grand River this spring. The big advantage is no boat ramp is needed to launch the toon.

Since there was little in the way of fishing last week Mark and Myself were out scouting the streams, visiting landowners, and touring the local fly shops.  We are very excited that Appalachian Outfitters in Penninsula Ohio has added a NEW fly department to there impressive selection of outdoor gear.  I have been on the Hardy Guide Program for over 10 years now but no local shops on the Alley carried the line. Now we have a local Hardy dealer..!!   Appalachian Outfitters has some of the best fly fishing equipment made. Names like Hardy, Grey, Ross, Filson, and Winston.  Plus they have the areas best selection of Kayaks, and outerwear by Patagonia, North Face, and Columbia. We are planning a fly tying class over there once our hectic spring steelhead season ends.

Joe has the Harpersfield Bait and Tackle open at the Harpersfield Dam near Geneva Ohio. He tells me they should be open for the rest of the spring. They have bait, tackle, snacks, and a selection of flies tied by Ashtabula County steelheaders. Give them a shout at 440-983-9500.

We also stopped at the NEW steelhead fishing shop in Painsville. It was my first time at KMD Tackle and as soon as I walked in I knew a veteran steelheader had chosen the shops inventory. Kevin and Melissa stocked their shop with the right gear and I think they will do good.  It wouldn't be fair to call it a fly shop although they do have a excellent selection of fly tying supplies. They also had bait and the complete blackbird lineup..YES>>!!  The shop is large with lots of room to expand and very close to the Grand River.   Its got basically everything you need to fish the Alley. So I would call it a Steelhead shop instead of a fly shop.

We also stopped to see Dan at Chagrin River Outfitters.  Although CRO is a little bit off the Alley in Chagrin Falls Ohio they have the areas best selection of quality fly fishing gear and its worth the drive.  Their fly tying supply selection is probably the best around and they have a quite a bit of tube fly supplies.  They carry Orvis and several other quality brands.   What I like best about CRO is the fly shop atmosphere.  The guys working the shop are fishermen not clothes salesmen.

NOTE:  The area below the Rt 82 dam on the Cuyahoga is closed to all fishing and wading while the bald eagles are nesting..

Sorry but our Spring Schools are full.  Our next scheduled Class is Nov 5th, 6th, and 7th.  We are taking reservations now.

We are booking spring trips now with our team member guides. Call don at 330-565-5457 for more info

3-07-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  I'm sorry that my voice mailbox got full and I'm behind on my e-mail. I'm back in the states now and I'm working hard to get caught up. The streams are starting to open up and we will be out all week. Conneaut is open in the upper stretches but the lower river is locked up tight. The Grand is open but the water level is a bit too high and runoff will probably bring her up more.  Much of the Chagrin and Rocky are open but expect heavy slushing in the mornings if night time lows get into the teens. Runoff from snowmelt could become a problem today. Some of the guys did catch a few yesterday but the crowds were heavy where there is open water.  I'll post another report tomorrow so stay tuned. Good Fishin..!!  Don

 Had a blast down in the Dominican Republic. Went out of Cabeza Del Toro trolling last Tuesday and within minutes of getting the lines in the water we got a nice White Marlin. It was a great day and we also boated some real nice Bull Dolphins.  Mike's Marine never fails to put me on the fish when I'm in the DR.  BUT trolling just ain't my ball of wax.  Through the years I have found very little in the way of inshore fishing in the DR.  Once you get away from the resorts there are very few fishing charters. Last week I went Scuba diving one afternoon.  My dive master (Jr) was Dominican and very fluent in English. He told me of a warm water discharge area he dives that held massive schools of Tarpon () all through the winter. I guess since there not good to eat the locals don't even fish for them.  It turns out Jr is quite the fisherman himself and he was a wealth of knowledge on the island's inshore fisheries. I can't wait to get back down there.  My next trip down good friend Cesar from Puerta Plata and Jr are going to take me on a road trip into the undiscovered parts of the island. 

Cabeza Del Toro, Dominican Republic White Marlin...Yea baby... Normally Released Marlin are not brought onto the boat but this fish was deep hooked and required a little care before release.

Mahi-Mahi, Bull Dolphin, Dorado what ever you call these brutes they are a blast to catch.

Whales were everywhere

2-22-09 Ohio and Pa steelhead fishing report  Warm temps have things melting here on steelhead alley.  There are a few open water spots on the streams but there are ice dams and many frozen sections of stream to deal with. Fishing is still tough.  Most of the lower sections of stream are locked up tight. Some of the guys have been getting out and catching a few.  It will take a good week of warm weather to really open things up. 

Like a true fisherman I'm going to duck out on all of my responsibilities and go fishin..   My buddy Capt Mike in the Dominican Republic tells me the fishing is good and he has availability.  So I'm going to give this Marlin fishing another chance. We are leaving tomorrow for Cap Cana Resort and Mikes big Bertram.  I went out to the pond and practiced a little casting with my 12 weight this morning and I can't wait to finally catch a fish on this pool stick of a flyrod.  So to make a long story short I'll be out of town until March 6th.  In the DR cell phone coverage is bad and its harder to get on the internet. I will do my best to check my e-mail while down there but I'm not positive I'll be able to get online.

While I'm out of town our Guide Jeff Novak will be answering questions and booking trips for our team of guides. You can reach Jeff at 330-984-7406 or by e-mail at steelheadcaddy@aol.com   We still have many prime spring dates open but we are filling up fast.

I will be back for the Niles sports show at the Eastwood expo center on march 5th, 6th, and 7th.  We will have our booth set up and Pa state fly tying champion Mark DeFrank will be there tying flies. I will be putting on Steelhead fishing seminars on both Saturday and Sunday of the show.  Rick also set aside a area for FREE..!!  Fly Casting lessons.  So stop in and let one of our guides show you how easy fly casting can be.  We will have many quality steelhead rods from Scott, Orvis, and Hardy on hand for you to try.  Our expert team of guides will have you casting in no time.  So if you always wanted to give fly fishing a try stop in and see us..!!

Good Fishin..!!  Don

2-14-10 Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report  CONGRATULATIONS to our guide Mark DeFrank.   He has one FIRST PLACE..!!  in the Pennsylvania state fly tying championship in Harrisburg Pa yesterday..!!!  The competition included the best fly tiers in the state.  Way to go Mark..!!!

I was at the Cleveland Sport show yesterday and it was nice seeing so many friends who made it out to the show.  It was the shows first year in Euclid and the turnout was good.   The Ohio streams are very frozen now.  I wouldn't waste my time fishing them.  Most have a narrow channel of open water down the middle and the side ice is very dangerous.  There were guys fishing on the ice on the lower Chagrin yesterday.  Sounds like a good way to drown to me.  The warm water discharges into the lake have fished very good the past few weeks. Last week at one spot everybody was in the double digits using bait. One fellow tells me he landed 32 fat chromers. WOW..!! There are quite a few of these discharges along the lake shore but access is limited at many of them. Most of them draw in bait when the discharge water is warm. The steelhead follow the bait. Do your homework and dress very warm as a North Wind coming across the Lake can freeze you in a hurry. I'll let you in on a secret. The word is getting out about the Cuyahoga River.  It received a good push of strays last fall probably due to the dry weather we had. It has fished well and kept rods bent for many local anglers this winter.  The Cuyahoga doesn't freeze as easily as the rest of the streams so it has been open most of time so far this winter.  There is a plan in the works to remove the dam at Rt. 82.  I'm betting you will be hearing a whole lot more about the Cuyahoga in the coming years.

UPDATE: The S.A.F swimming heads are in stock now. We have packaged 12 heads and all the tubing you will need to tie a dozen streamers in one convenient kit for $12.  Available in five different colors. So go ahead and "Tie One On"  with S.A.F.    Call Don to order yours today. 330-565-5457

Award winning tier Mark Defrank has beautiful tank tested patterns tied with the SAF Swimming Heads in stock now. www.greatlakestubeflies.com

Also Note:  The line came in and Jeff cranked out 100 hand tied leaders for me. So we now have the hand tied steelhead leaders back in stock..!!

2-11-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania steelhead fishing report I attended a class today at the Ohio Division of Wildlife district 3 office. I was getting certified to be a Youth Fishing Instructor under the ODOW Passport to fishing program. I was very impressed by the number of people who attended the seven hour class. It's nice to see people volunteering their time to such a good cause and the ODOW taking such an active role in getting kids hooked on fishing. The future of fishing lies in our children's hands.  We are blessed to have so many good fishing opportunities here in Ohio. Why not spend some time introducing a youth to fishing this spring?

2-8-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  We had a great weekend at the Akron show despite the weather conditions. The crowd was enthusiastic and I even got to do a hook removal demonstration on a poor fellow who got hooked at the trout pond.  I happy to report that he survived the incident.  I am surprised anybody ventured out this weekend,  Friday night we got 15 inches of snow at my house.  The roads were a mess and we are just getting dug out now.  I haven't been fishing in awhile but the guys have been trying to find open water.  Most of the streams are froze over and open water is very limited.  They got a few last week out of the Rocky, Grand, and warm water discharges in the lake but overall it's real tough.  The weather man is calling for a foot or more of snow on Tuesday night so things are looking bleak.  It's time to fill the fly boxes and patch the waders.

It was nice working with Rick and Judy Henninger at the Akron show. They run the Fish and field report magazine here in NE Ohio.  Its a well put together publication and it is a very popular read to the areas sportsmen. I read it religiously.   Rick used to own the Rainbow Bay Camp in Quebec.   I helped out running the bear baits there in the early 90's and we had a good time reminiscing about the great times and good fishing the Canadian bush provided us.  I scheduled a day to take Rick out fishing this spring and I can't wait to get on the stream with him.  One thing I noticed this weekend was the number of people who want to try fly fishing but don't know where to start.  I'm used to doing fly fishing shows where most of the attendees already know how to fly fish.  With this in mind we talked Rick into letting us give free fly casting lessons at his upcoming Niles Sportsman show.  He said he had the space and we felt this would be a great way to introduce people to fly fishing. I'll post more when the details are finalized.  Our professional fly fishing guides Jeff, Mark, Dick, Travis, and Chris will be there with all the gear offering free casting lessons.  So if you want to give fly fishing a try stop in and see us..!!

 I have about twenty things going on at once.  Just like usual for me.  A show every weekend has kept me busy but so have the calls.  Our schedule is filling up fast and many days this spring all six guides are booked.  Kurt has been helping out on weekends but we needed a qualified individual who can guide seven days a week.  It takes a real passion for fishing to be a full time guide.  Not every good fisherman knows how to share that passion with others.  The list of qualified candidates is actually very small.  After very careful consideration we voted in two new team member guides to work with us this spring. I'm happy to announce that Jason Heinbaugh and Chris Kazulen  will be working with us this spring.  I have known Jason for years.  He works for Jack at Snug Harbor bait shop in Conneaut, doing shows, working the counter, and cleaning fish.  This guy is a fisherman.  He lives to fish.  He knows the NE Ohio streams as well as I do. Although Jason has only been guiding part time for a few years now I know he will do well guiding full time.  He is a personable guy who knows how to catch fish.  Chris "The Bug Man" Kazulen is a Pa resident who is going to move up to Austinburg Ohio for March and April this spring.  Chris is an experienced fly fishing guide and commercial fly tyer with 17 years of experience. I hired Chris to teach fly tying at our School last fall and his fly tying skills are impressive. He will be teaching fly tying at this springs schools also.  He is licensed to guide in Pa and Maryland and guides year round.  He is full of energy and enthusiasm.  He spent much of last fall up here learning the streams.  He brings years of  fly fishing experience to the team.

With a few shows under our belt its obvious that the SAF Swimming Head is going to be a hit. The machine shop we hired to CNC turn the heads required a 5,000 pc minimum order so I wanted to be sure I had it right before they went into production.  We bought a nice powder coating system and will be offering the heads in five different colors. Our first limited 500 pc run are all gone now.  Last week I sent out a bunch of heads to various dealers and fly tyers as samples.  The rest sold like hot cakes at the shows. I  should have the big order in some time next week and will have heads available for sale soon after. Please call for availability.  Everybody wants to know where to buy the flys we have been displaying in the tanks at the shows.  Mark DeFrank has the flies in stock check out his new tube fly website greatlakestubeflies.com to buy them.  If you haven't tried tube flies yet Its time to "Tie One On" with SAF..!!

CONGRATULATIONS..!!!  Our team member guide Mark DeFrank has made the finals at the Pennsylvania State Fly trying Championship in Harrisburg. Good Luck this weekend Mark..!!!

SORRY BUT BOTH OF OUR SPRING STEELHEAD SCHOOLS ARE NOW FULL.   We will be having two more classes in the fall.  If you can't attend one of our schools why don't you consider a guided trip? Our guides are experts at teaching their craft and our trips are very instructional as well as fun.

2-03-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  It's winter here in North Eastern Ohio and the cold has limited the fishing to a select few open water spots.  The guys have been out battling the cold.  there was a flurry of lake shore activity last week at a warm water discharge but its been tough on the streams.  Major side ice is setting in quickly and slush is the story most days. Even Travis has been avoiding the Erie tribs because of slush and ice.  He has been doing good at a local tail water on a variety of species to pass the time. I have been staying real busy but haven't been out fishing in awhile.  I met up with fellow guide Dick Keagy today and we spent the afternoon dying  Kid goat hair patches for our crystal minnow patterns.  Every time I dye a batch I have been tweaking the colors and I must say I have it down now. Getting the perfect shade can be challenging.  The trick is keeping the bath a perfect even 185* and timing the soak for consistent results.  Kid Goat hair has been almost impossible to find but we were lucky enough to find a farmer that raises the goats.  He has been supplying enough hair to keep up with what we use for our fly orders.  Its a real pain in the but dying the hair but I believe the results are worth the effort.  Just wish the fly suppliers would start to carry Kid Goat Hair again.  Good Fishin..!!  Don

2-01-10 Ohio and Steelhead Fishing Report  DAM that Groundhog anyhow....Punxatawny Phil sucks... Looks like were doomed for six more weeks of snow.!!  We had a blast at the Derby City Show over the weekend.  Like usual the weather turned terrible on the day of the show. This year it was 8 inches of snow on Friday night.  That didn't keep the fly fishermen away.  We were talking fishing all day long and the seminar drew a good crowd.  Over the years the Derby City Fly Fishers Club have supported us well.  Many  of our guests are now friends and its just plain fun getting together with them.  They had some good tiers on hand showing off their talents.  Our team member guide  Mark DeFrank was a featured tyer and he worked his magic on tubes.

I hope to see you at one of our upcoming shows.  Got a favorite fly you want to see in our testing tank?  Bring it along.. Good Fishin..!! Don

Jan 16th NCFF Fly Fishing Show at Lakeland Community college in Kirkland Ohio  With Don, Mark, Jeff, and Chris

Jan 23rd Cleveland Home and Garden Show I will be set up in the Lake County Visitors Bureau booth.  The show is at 1200 Babbit Rd in Euclid Ohio.  Don will be at this one.

Jan 30th Kentuckiana Fly Fishing Show In Louisville Ky.  We will have a booth and Jeff Novak will be there.  Don will be putting on a presentation on Steelhead Alley.  Mark DeFrank is a featured tier and will be doing a presentation on Tube flies

Feb 1st Dunbar Club Tying class with Mark DeFrank  course runs 8 consecutive weeks. Class is one hour long. Three levels of instruction each night. Beginner 5:00 Novice 6:00 and Intermediate 7:00 pm. Cost is $6 per night. Contact Mark for more info 724-317-8582

Feb 5th, 6th, and 7th Akron Sportsman Super Show  At the Summit County Fairgrounds.  We will have a booth all three days of the show.  Don, Chris and Jeff will be helping out.  Mark DeFrank will be on hand tying tube flies. Don will be putting on his Steelhead Alley presentation.

Feb 9th Mark will be holding a class for one night only at Braddocks Inn  from 7 pm - 10 pm. The cost is only $15 per student. Patterns will focus on Spring Steelhead and Trout flies. Student requirements are vise and tools only, I supply all materials. complimentary pizza and chips will be served, the lounge will be open to purchase refreshments. $5 dollar deposit will hold your spot, balance due the night of the class.  Contact Mark at 724-317-8582

Feb 14th Cleveland Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show Booth #1101 Located at 1200 Babbitt Rd Euclid Ohio.  Don will be at this one.

March 5th, 6th, and 7th  Niles Sportsman Show   At the Eastwood Expo Center in Niles Ohio.  We will have a booth all three days of the show.  Travis, Dick, Mark, and Jeff, will be helping me in the booth.  Don will be doing his power point presentation on "Steelhead Alley"

March 22nd   Western Reserve Fly Anglers in Brimfield Ohio at Field High School   Don will be putting on his power point presentation

March 26th, 27th, and 28th Spring Steelhead School at the Comfort Inn In Austinburg-Ashtabula Ohio  "Sorry no openings"

April 9th, 10th and 11th  STEELHEAD SCHOOL  spring session #2 ...  at the Comfort Inn Austinburg-Ashtabula "Sorry No openings"

May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd  Trout fishing school  Casselman River Maryland  Neshock Brownings Cabins  "Taking Reservations Now" Contact Mark at 724-317-8582

More To Come

1-24-10  It rained hard here today.  Most of the snow melted but some places still have a couple of inches of icy snow left. The streams are all flooded out now. I talked to a friend on Elk creek and a tree was going by as we were talking. This is a good thing.  The high water will wash out some of the ice at the stream mouths. It will be a couple of days before anything but the shortest of ditches will fish. We didn't have any guide trips yesterday but the guys fished on the Conneaut, Grand, and Rocky and it sucked.  They didn't do very good even dunking bait.  We caught a few  during the week over in Pa but no numbers and the fish were dark.  It's supposed to get cold again but there will be a window to fish (open water wise). I didn't make it out yesterday but I had a good time at the home and garden show.  I was in the booth with Capt Don and the show turnout was great. 

We are booking trips for Spring Steelhead in Ohio now.  Many good weekday and weekend dates are available. Call or e-mail me and we will put some excitement in your spring.  We also have a few prime March weekend and weekday dates reserved at the private Elk creek Pa property  for executive trips.  It a great way to experience steelheading and the fly fishing is terrific. The scenery is some of the nicest on the alley.

Garden River trip is filling up fast..!! Middle Leg is now full but still have some openings  Sept 14-19th and Sept 24-29th

330-565-5457  Good Fishin..!!  Don

1-18-10 Ohio and Pennsylvania Steelhead Fishing Report  Great news..! Warm temps have broken up some of the ice on the streams.  I got out yesterday and landed four out of eight on flies.  I started in Ohio but everything was blown out.  Grand was roaring but Ice free in the upper sections.  Most of the ditches were still froze as was lower Connie but she was  wide open where I saw her above the Kingsville loop. I would say it was 18" above where I start fishing her but it was not that muddy because the high water is from snowmelt.  About 12 inches of packed wet snow is still on the ground along most of the Lake Shore from Painsville to Erie. With everything in NE Ohio unfishable, I headed to the Elk.  She was locked up at Follies and so was the fly shop so I headed out to Trout Run.  A lot of fish in the stream but the lake was too rough to fish for me. There was no ice at all on Erie.  Headed over to Elk Creek Sports ad Dan gave me a heads up that lower Elk was open.  Water was a bit high but busted a couple there before heading to a smaller Pa unmentionable that was prime. Due to spring flows it was wide open with just a little side Ice. Great thing about it was there was almost nobody out and it was a pleasant 40*. Small #14 Tellico's fooled the holdovers that I found under cut banks. Walking in the snow was difficult and the fish were dark but I got my fix..   Runoff will continue and I don't look for the Ohio streams to drop right away because of continued snow melt. For now I would stick to Pa. but latter this week some of the Ohio streams my fish. I haven't heard anything from the west side. So I might go exploring that way tomorrow. Good Fishin..!!  Don

1-07-10 Ohio stream conditions  Frozen..... that about sums it up.  It looks like winter is here for awhile.  For a steelhead guide its "show time".  We have booked nine shows this year.  We tried to choose new venues this year and I'm looking forward to it.  Here are a few of the shows we will be at.  Hope to see you there..

April 9th, 10th and 11th SECOND STEELHEAD SCHOOL CLASS ANNOUNCED ...  at the Comfort Inn Austinburg-Ashtabula "taking reservations now"

WOW the steelhead school booked up in a week. I still have a few deposits out but for now its full. Due to demand we decided to hold a second class this spring.  In addition to our March 26th, 27th, and 28th class we will also be holding a class on April 9th,10th and 11th.  So for now the first class is full at 15 but some of them may want to switch to the latter date. I'll post if we get any openings.  It took some major doing to bring this all together quickly but its a go.  It will be held at the same place.  The Comfort Inn at the Ashtabula-Austinburg exit #223 off of interstate 90.   The same value price of $350 per angler dbl. room.  Includes your hotel room for two nights and a weekend of steelheading. Friday night is class time with pizza and chips. The hotel provides a good complimentary Breakfast each morning. I'm bringing in some of the areas best commercial fly tiers to teach the fly tying session on Saturday evening at both classes.  A nine hour tour of the Ohio and Pa streams Saturday morning and a full day of instructional guided fishing on Sunday. Give me a call if your interested in joining us. 330-565-5457

1-17-10 Ohio Steelhead Fishing Report  Warm temperatures have things thawing out here on steelhead alley.  Good news is the stream levels are rising and that will bust out the ice. There are a few open places now but the stream levels are too high from runoff.  It is supposed to rain here today but we haven't got anything to speak of yet. Rain would be a very good thing.  It's going to take some high water to wash out the ice that has built up in places. This week they are calling for daytime highs in the mid thirty's and lows in the upper twenty's.  I hoping it gets a little warmer than that.  The areas of alley that got the heaviest snow accumulations will take longer to melt.  Some places in NE Ohio had over 3' on the ground while others had less than a foot. My predictions are the Rocky will fish first.  Pennsylvania will probably have some fishable areas this week but in all honesty I haven't been over that way in a couple of weeks.  I'm going to head out tomorrow and I'll let you know what I find.

Don, Jeff, and Mark in the Steelheadschool.com booth at the NCFF Show

  Yesterday was the NCFF Show in Cleveland.  We did the first couple of shows he NCFF did years ago but have missed out since due to schedule conflicts.  I really had a blast at yesterdays show.  We saw many old friends there.  I had Jeff, Mark, and Chris along to help me out.  It was a fly fishing only show and the steelhead knowledge in the room was huge.  Many excellent fly tiers were on hand showing off their talents. Local Fly tier Andrea Scott is the reason our Crystal Minnows look so good these days, she was also one of the great tiers at yesterdays show.  Mark tied dozens of tube flies on our new "swimming heads" and dazzled the crowd when he put them to life in the testing tank I brought along.

I got to hang out a bit with good friend Karl Weixelman.  He has a new book out on steelhead alley and I can't wait to read it.   Karl is a high energy fisherman and he knows what he is doing. He also has a way of elegantly putting his thoughts into words.  Karl and I have fished Steelhead Alley, Lake Erie, the Salmon River, Cape Cod Bay, Monomoy, Captiva Island, Boca Grande Florida and various other places over the years.  We didn't always catch fish but we always had a good time. He is a veteran Steelhead guide and one of my few competitors I would refer someone too. I wish him all the best with his new book.  It can be ordered at www.stackpolebooks.com

SAF Swimming Heads on a Mark DeFrank tie come to life in the tank

I found out more great news at the show.  Painesville is getting a new fly shop. Kevin at KMD Tackle has decided to open a store. It will be open in Mid-February.  Located at 263 Liberty St. they will be close to some great fishing spots on the Grand. This is great news for local steelheaders.

I also met Larry from Studio E Outdoors located in Chardon.  They sell a variety of fly tying supplies on their online store. I bought three vises from him yesterday and the price was great.

GARDEN RIVER 2010   I talked to Ben the other day and our dates are set for our fall 2010 trip.  Ben is our native Ojibaway guide and outfitter we use on our Garden River Canada trip. Ben has assured me that this year he will guide only our group on the reservation during the peak of the September Salmon run.  This assures our group solitude in one of the best Salmon fisheries in the great lakes chain. The Garden River is an amazing place very few white men have ever had the chance to fish..!!  The fall foliage is spectacular during our stay.  It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The high bluff rock formations rival our nicest national parks.  You will see lots of eagles and last year we saw Black Bear, Wolves and Moose almost every day.  What a neat experience it is to hear wolves howling while you sit around the evening fire. Every year the camp gets better and better and to be honest our scouting efforts have paid off with some awesome new sections of river to fish.  I kept a journal of last years trip and I'll put it up on the web when I get the time. This is a on year for the Pink Salmon cycle and we are expecting a great run.  The river gets big runs of Pink and Chinook salmon but is a true muti-species fishery. Last year our group caught Pink Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, and resident rainbows during our stay.  All are wild un-stocked fish..!!. It is an amazing fishery and the river has nice flows for fly fishing. The Garden River is just six hours north of Detroit and there are two nearby airports you can fly into.  We have secured the same dates for our group of anglers this year.  The trip will be divided into three five day legs. Sept 14th-19th, Sept 19th-24th, and Sept 24th-29th.   I look for open spots to fill up fast. We will start taking deposits on January 1st.  Feel free to call me for the details 330-565-5457

1-05-10 Ohio and Pa stream conditions Lake effect snow has been hit or miss around here.  Parts of Ashtabula have well over 2 foot of snow while parts of Cleveland only have inches.  I have 20 inches at my house. This along with the cold weather has locked up most of the streams.  there are a few places to fish but in this type of weather we don't do any guide trips.   A few of the guys have been getting out but for the most part its over for awhile.  We have been tying a lot of fly's.  Mark and Chris are tying every time I call.  I don't know how he does it. I have been testing patterns in a tank I built and have been learning a lot about streamers.  I'm still waiting or line to come in for leaders but other than that every thing is in stock at the online fly shop.  Check back for stream updates as the weather conditions change. Good Fishin..!!  Don

1-01-10 Report Page

http://www.steelheadschool.com

For More "steelhead Alley" Fishing reports Click here

We want to hear from you

contact us

dfishinfool@aol.com

330-565-5457

Tackle we depend on..!!

Online Fishing License

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

\OHIO LICENSE

\PA ONLINE LICENSE

\NY FISH LICENSE

Webmaster - Guide Don Mathews

330-565-5457

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

Guide  Jeff Novak

www.extremesteelheading.com

330-984-7406

Guide  Dick Keagy

www.ohiosteelheader.com

330-646-8150

Guide Travis McAllister

www.fishwithtrout.com

330-399-2746

Guide Mark DeFrank

www.defranksflies.com

724-317-8582

Guide Bob Williams

www.screamingreels.net

440-487-8111

Guide Kurt Bitikofer

A

Greg Lum

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

Stream Maps

Ohio

Pennsylvania

New York

Best Area Bait and Tackle Shops

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

Elk Creek Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

KMD Tackle

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

Chagrin River Bait and Tackle

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

Erie Shore General Store

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

Karran Shop

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

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

Erie Outfitters

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

StudioEoutdoors

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

CustomFishingTackle.com

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

Area Camp Grounds Open year round

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

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

Indian Creek Campground Geneva Oh  Phone 440-466-8191

Best Area Chow

Cleveland, Willoughby, Mentor, Painsville

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

Geneva

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

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

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

Ashtabula

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

Conneaut

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

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

 Fairview Pa

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

Avonia Pa

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

Erie Pa

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

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

NorthEast Pa

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

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