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....................... 

Call 330-565-5457 

e-mail us at info@dfishinfool.com

Dfishinfool's fly shop click here

Honesty is our number one priority at Dfishinfool's Guide Service. 

We know most people are smart enough to spot a fake or a liar.  Before you book a trip with any Steelhead Alley Guide ask them how many years they have been fishing Ohio. If they are honest you might be surprised by the answer. Anybody can be a internet hero and since you don't need a license to guide Ohio.  Out of state guides are flocking to the area to make a quick buck. Our team of guides have been fishing Ohio and the rest of Steelhead alley our whole lives.  We want lifelong customers. We strive to exceed our guests expectations.  My guarantee is simple. If your not 100% satisfied with anything we do contact me.  If I can't make it right. I will give you a full refund. No questions asked.

Don Mathews

The original

"Steelhead School" 

 Since 2001

March 27, 28, and 29th  2009

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

 

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 Dfishinfool' Guide Service.

4-22-05 Friday We fished a Ohio Trib today and did very good. Water was very low and clear but we managed to find plenty of fish. We got on a nice pod of silver fish that were in a pool and they were hungry.!! We fly fished and we used a wide variety of flies. Hot patterns were my Crystal minnow and the Dave Schmiser Shiner pattern. We also did good on Gregs extended body stones. Fish were super active and we got lots of awesome jumps and more long line releases than any of us would like to admit. When we came off the stream this evening it was starting to rain but the river was still flowing low and clear.

4-21-05 Julie on her first day of fly fishing and her first day of steelheading

Here is another e-mail I received last week. Thanks for the kind words..!! Don Mathews and Greg Senyo,

Here are the pictures that Greg took with my camera. Please send these on to Greg since I do not have his email address. I also wanted to take this opportunity to let you, Greg and Jeff know that the Steelhead Fishing School surpassed all of my expectations of what I wanted to experience or expected to learn. You, Greg and Jeff Novak did an incredible job in the class room components of the school and the day spent traveling to river access points is information that would take a life time to compile. Finally the day I spent with Greg fishing was an experience beyond belief. To think that you three made the decision on where to fish the evening before based on what you saw during the day of traveling to the rivers demonstrates that you truly know your business. I also think it is amazing that Greg was able to take myself who had only fly fished for trout and teach me how to identify and spot where the steelhead were holding and running and catch steelhead in one day is incredible. Greg made me feel comfortable and at ease as he was teaching me about all the aspects of steelhead fishing, man is he good!!!! For the record I landed 10 steelhead and hooked and played but unfortunately lost 17 others. Like I said the weekend was beyond my wildest expectations I have truly been spoiled. I will never fish Steelhead alley with any other guide service of course I will ask for Greg but would feel confident with you since I saw your clients landing steelhead too. You can bet that I am telling all my friends how good DFISHINGFOOL’S Guide Service really is. Thank You for a great experience!

James Pagoaga

4-22-05  Sarge on his first day of steelheading and fly fishing

4-21-05 Thursday We fished a Ohio stream today. I had husband and wife Julie and Jason. They were quick learners and did very good. We caught lots of chrome silver fish. We ran into Greg AKA Uncle Goober www.steelheading101.com  and he was on a hot pod of fish. When he found out Julie was a first time steelheader he hooked his rod up and gave her his prime spot. Thanks Greg your a class act and it sure made her day to land that nice fish there..!!  We used the fly rods today and hot fly was my crystal minnow and fools gold articulated nymphs. Water temp was 58*and the stream was a nice color with about 24 inches if visibility. There were lots of fish on gravel but the fresher fish were holed up. Should be a great weekend if we don't get too much rain..!!  GOOD FISHIN..!!  Don

4-22-05 Dave with one of many on his first day of steelheading

4-22-05 Derek on his first day of steelheading and fly fishing

4-20-05 Wednesday Fishing has been good on the Ohio tribs but the quickly warming water has me worried. I found a 68* reading today in the current.This warm water puts a lot of stress on the fish. If you are fishing PLEASE take the time to revive the fish. Today’s fish are tomorrow’s trophies. We are receiving a light rain this evening. I don't think we will get enough rain to blow the streams out.  More rain is in the forecast thru Friday. I'll keep you posted. ALL of the streams are receiving small spurts of fresh fish.Most of the fresh fish are Manistee hens and in the warm water they are wasting no time in heading to gravel. I have been fishing the Ohio tribs but Jason called yesterday and said a fresh push of fish had come up Elk Creek as well. Best bet is to get out and do some walking. Fish are spread out and with the warm temps they are seeking out cool water. Under bridges and near cold flowing feeders is a good bet to intercept a pod of fresh fish.

4-19-05 Mike with a nice Ohio hen on the fly 

On a positive note it was in Tuesdays Cleveland Plain Dealer that Lake County Metro parks has acquired 20 acres of land along Big Creek. The park district paid $205,000 for the property. Big Creek is a Grand River Tributary. This was a very valuable acquisition because it will provide access to the 98-acre parcel of land that has been inaccessible to most fishermen. In today’s troubled economic times it is nice to see that Lake County Metro parks is still able to come up with the funds to preserve yet another piece of the outdoors for future generations. 

4-17-05  Jim with a Ohio trophy steelhead 

On a less positive note. SHAME on the Cleveland Plain Dealer for publishing a picture of a Rocky River Angler holding a Female Steelhead by the Gills while stripping her of her eggs. The caption read the fish was released.  Why bother releasing a fish you have killed by lifting it by its gills?

4-19-05 Mike with a colorful buck 

PLEASE remember that you should NEVER lift a steelhead or any trout by the Gills unless you plan to keep it. To do so is irresponsible as was publishing a picture of an angler mishandling a fish.

Guide Greg Senyo with a huge 13 1/2 lb male 

I have been busy fishing and am swamped with E-Mail. It was nice to open some of these e-mails and read the kind things people have been writing me. Below I have pasted some of the comments I have received in the last week. 

4-17-05 Jim with a nice Ohio steely

Don, Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know how much we enjoyed our Ohio float trip last week. It was the best day of fishing I have ever had. My father can’t wait to come back.  On the way up I had it in my mind that if I caught one fish the day would be a success. To catch 16 in one day was simply unbelievable. I have fished with guides all over the country and have never met anyone who puts forth an effort like you do. Smelling those strip steaks cooking while fighting huge fish is forever etched in my mind. We are looking forward to fishing the Cat with you next fall.

Thank You, Steve

4-17-05  Art with a silver hen on the fly

Hi Don, I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this past weekend with you and your and all those other "fishin fools" at your Steelhead Fishin' School. Of course the best part was landing all those Steelhead on Sunday...it was nice to loose count but I know I must have landed at least 20 of them...and I lost another 4...Like a true fisherman I remember distinctly the ones that got away! Thanks for everything!   Doug  

4-17-05  Doug is now hooked on steelhead   

Don...
Just wanted to say, I thought the school was great. The time you and Greg, and Jeff spent with us was invaluable in my mind. I learned so much and caught fish too. Keep me in mind for the Fall school, I'd like to see and learn about the winter side of Steelhead fishing.
Art

4-18-05  Me and 12 lbs of steelhead 

Don, Thank you for a memorable fishing trip. We never dreamed Northern Ohio was so scenic. We were impressed at your skill in threading the boat between the boulder fields but what impressed us more was your ability to spot those fish. Next time I will have better glasses. Rodger has decided to have a replica made of his 32” trophy. We are looking forward to the pictures and getting the chance to fish with you again. Fred 

Don, I know I speak for all of us Toledo boys when I say that our trip with you last week was definitely the best guided trip we have every had.  We are now officially hooked on steelhead and started talking about our next trip the minute we started traveling back home.  Please pass on our appreciation to Jason for his fine work in providing you assistance. Thanks for a Wonderful Time,  Daryl

Don, I wanted to tell you how great a day I had with Jason yesterday.  We fished the XXXXXXX and landed four out of ten hooked. I learned a lot - he is a solid teacher with an easy personality. He is also a great fishing companion. The day was definitely worth the fee and the tip – Jason earned it!! Thanks again.  I’ll be back.  Brent

Don, Just a quick note to say thanks to you and to Jeff for a memorable trip. It was Dick's and my first steelhead adventure but I'm certain it won't be our last. A ten pound fish of any kind is fun to catch but a 20+ minute fight with this rascal on a fly rod was really special. A picture is attached. Regards, Steve

4-18-05 Monday Sorry for the lag in reports. We have been very busy..!! Catching Fish..!! Big Fish..!! The streams are super low and clear but we are still catching them. It has been two weeks without rain the skies have been blue for a week and a half. All of the guys are sporting a sunburned face. Water temps on the Ohio streams are 51-59*. There are fresh run Manistee's to be had but you have to be on top of things. Networking with my guides Jeff, Greg and Jason has been paying off this spring. It seems like most anglers are struggling with the current low water conditions.

4-17-05 Jim with a Ohio trophy steelhead 

There are fish in all of the streams but the low flow in the smaller streams is making it very tough. We have been concentrating our efforts on the bigger streams. This means lots of hiking and floating. The west side seems to be hotter this spring so far. I sure hope we get the forecasted cool down and rain.

4-18-05  Dick with a Ohio Chromer 

The fish have been shooting upriver in spurts and we have been chasing them.  It’s a here today gone tomorrow thing.  The fish aren’t holding long in the warm water and are moving to gravel quickly.  We have got some tight hens the last few days though.

4-17-05  Doug is now hooked on steelhead 

I sent out a big stack of picture CD’s today. What a spring it has been so far.  I will be burning the rest of the CD’s this week so if you haven’t received your pictures yet look for them shortly. If you have pictures from a trip with Jeff, Jason or Greg that you have not received yet give them a call.

4-17-05  Doubles 

Last weekend was our 7^th  Steelhead School. We had it at the Best Western Sterretania in their conference room.  It went very good and we had a great group of guys up.  They all hung tough through the grueling weekend and everybody landed a Steelhead. A few of the guys made the double digits club. The road tour of Steelhead Alley was 237 miles and lasted 9 ½ hours. I think I gave everybody a few spots to check out.  Remember guys-SHHH..!!  LOL!!

4-17-05  Beau with a nice Ohio steelie 

I have been swinging flies on my homemade sink tips. Changing flies often is the key.  One cast it takes a huge purple Marabou Metallica Spey . Next cast they want a #16 glo bug. We have been getting out the 12’6” two handed spey rods when were on the bigger stretches of water and carrying a 10’ rod set up for high stick nymphing the pockets.

4-17-05  Sheldon with a chromer 

 I had Mike and Dick out for a Grand River float last Wednesday in the Driftboat and it was a memory maker.  We could do no wrong and our number of hookups was in Triple digits. Yesterday a group of friends of mine floated the same section and said it was dead and they had trouble just finding a few.  These fish are on the move.

4-18-05  Me and 12 lbs of steelhead

4-17-05  John with a nice Conneaut hen 

4-13-05 Swinging on the Grand

4-13-05  Sorry for the lack of reports.  I'll let the pictures tell the story..!!  C YA!!  Don

4-13-05 Spey and Steel

4-13-05 Greg on the -V-

4-13-05 Ohio float trip hog

4-13-05 Lunch and steel

4-13-05  Mike loving his Spey rod

Uncle Goober with a nice Chromer

Sorry for the lack of reports. I'll let the pictures tell the story..!! Good Fishin..!! Don

4-12-05 Floating the Grand

4-12-05 The above fishes twin

4-12-05 Dad gets in on the action

4-12-05 A picture to remember

4-10-05 Justin with a Chromer

4-8-05 Conneaut

4-08-05 Conneaut steel

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

\OHIO LICENSE

\PA ONLINE LICENSE

\NY FISH LICENSE

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

Webmaster - Guide Don Mathews

330-565-5457

All guides listed below are self employed.  but 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 them at anytime to check on availability or to just talk fishin.  They are your true local steelhead pro's

Guide  Jeff Novak

330-984-7406

Guide  Dick Keagy

330-646-8150

Guide Travis McAllister

330-399-2746

Guide Mark DeFrank

724-317-8582

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

"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.