Guided smallmouth bass
The smallmouth bass may be the best freshwater fly rod fish on the planet for its willingness to attack flies under a wide variety of conditions, and for its ferocity when hooked. We are fortunate to have excellent angling opportunities for smallmouth in our region, and we can target them in a variety of ways. Wade and float trips are available in the late spring, summer, and fall for both fly and gear fishing.
Lake-Run Smallmouth
In the spring, thousands of Lake Erie smallmouth enter the Great Lakes tributaries throughout steelhead alley to spawn. These are truly special fishing windows, as these big lake fish come within range of our flies - but they also share the streams with populations of steelhead that remain in the systems. When it all comes together we can have truly unforgettable days with a mixed bag of steelhead and smallmouth in addition to a variety of other fish that frequent the lower rivers that time of year.
Lake Erie Fishing
Shallow bays and flats in Lake Erie are highly productive in the spring, as fish converge to spawn. We can wade these shallows for big pre-spawn smallmouth in a big-water environment. These trips often produce largemouth bass, northern pike, perch, freshwater drum, and rock bass as well. Just like the rivers, these opportunities are fleeting, as the fish pull off the shallows when the temps go up.
Inland and Resident Fish
Our region is rife with inland waters as well, where we can also find excellent populations of smallmouth. River smallmouth in particular, strengthened by their ever-present battle with current, tend to fight like fish twice their size when hooked.
Wading for resident smallmouth is where I got my start in fly fishing, and its one of my favorite ways to spend a day. It allows us to really slow things down and thoroughly cover shorter stretches of river with more finesse-oriented techniques.
Gear
Floating and intermediate lines on 6 to 8-weight rods are ideal for any of these smallmouth excursions. I can provide all the gear necessary, but feel free to bring your own as well.
*Gear fishing is also available for all smallmouth trips
Guided Great Lakes Steelhead
SWINGING FLIES FOR Lake Erie Steelhead
Swinging flies for steelhead is an extraordinary way to spend a day. These fish violently strike swung flies throughout the fall, winter, and spring -as long as the river isn’t iced over, we can swing flies! I’ll show you how we tactfully present flies to fish in different water conditions to increase our odds of hooking up.
We employ switch rods in lengths between 11 and 12 feet paired with short skagit heads and sink tips, and carry a range of battle-tested fly patterns to entice the most aggressive fish in the system. Single hand rods can also be used to swing flies when preferred or when conditions dictate.
Wade trips for steelhead are available in the late fall, winter, and spring across the many tributaries of Steelhead Alley. Never done it before? No problem - it doesn’t take long to get in the game for these big, aggressive fish.
Guided Freshwater Drum
Freshwater drum, while historically overlooked, have grown in popularity in the fly fishing community in recent years. They are big, aggressive, and plentiful in our local waters. These brutes can be effectively targeted in a number of ways. Dense, sinking lines and shooting heads help us access these brutes in the main lake, but they also appear in the lower rivers at times. Trips for freshwater drum are available in the mid and late summer months.
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My program is largely executed from the many breakwalls and jetties along Lake Erie, using a variety of flies on sinking lines. This style of fishing is unique, requiring no waders or watercraft. Half and full days are available.
Gear fishing for drum is also available, and it can be incredibly effective.
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There are many worthwhile species prowling our waterways besides smallmouth, steelhead, and drum.
Interested in targeting a fish not listed above? More customized outings for additional species are available upon request.
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Fly casting is one of the greatest barriers of entry to fly fishing, but it doesn’t have to be. A one-hour lesson will introduce you to the physics behind the cast and cover the basic elements of single-handed casting to get you in the game. We’ve worked with casters young and old, and we are ready to help you in any way we can.
During this time we can also deliver a “crash course” in fly fishing, covering everything you need to know about rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, and strategies to get you started on your journey.
We’re happy to provide all the necessary equipment, but customers are also welcome to bring their own. We offer single sessions and two-session packages.
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Guided Smallmouth Bass
Full Day Walk / Wade - $400
Half Day Walk / Wade - $250
Guided Steelhead
Full Day Walk / Wade - $400
Half Day Walk / Wade - $300
Guided Freshwater Drum
Full Day - $400
Half Day - $225
Fly Casting Instruction:
Single 1-Hour Session - $60
Two 1-Hour Session Package - $110