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For those of you who may not know, Doc Wally is a retired surgeon. I would like to say, he has not retired at all, but rather, has simply chosen a new location for his office, a new operating room. His hands may perform their magic with a different set of instruments, but those fortunate enough to make his acquaintance will know they have just received the best of care, from the best of doctors. His office is now the river. He has traded in his scrubs for waders, a fishing vest and polarized sun glasses. His instruments are now a fly rod, fishing line, hooks, split shots, indicators and flies, flies and more flies. And his trusty hemostats still get plenty of use. Like a surgeon, Doc Wally shares his gift selflessly. The knowledge of his craft is displayed with kindness, enthusiasm and patience. Not only does he offer expert guidance, instruction and great stories, his respect and love for nature, the river, and the beautiful, spirited steelhead are truly infectious. Not to mention, he packs a tasty lunch complete with Butterfingers. A day with Doc Wally is truly a healing experience, and a day you will never forget. Christina, Cleveland, OH.
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3-19-09 The best spring run in at least the last decade continues. The Majeski brothers, Ted and Ed, and I had a banner day Tuesday. The weather was sunny and in the mid 60's. Fish were mostly over redds in pairs, with others on the move especially un-mated males. Our hottest pattern was my white emerald shiner # 10. Other fish came on black stones and PT's, with a few on light colored SS. Although not true "fish counters", Mark and Ed insisted our catch and release numbers closely approximated the outside temperature. Wednesday was even better! Due to a "no-show" I fished alone. An 8 # female full of eggs offered the most spirited fight. After several specticular jumps and line burning runs, she was beached. The white streamer lodged in the corner of her moulth, remained tightly attached to the PT dropper hooked painfully to her ripely prolapsed anus. Removing both hooks with due care, I sent her on her way, reassuring her that her experience was, indeed, unique, and behind her. 3-26-09 Since my last posting, the streams have become extremely low and clear. Although difficult, fish have been enticed by small, slow presentations accompanied by precise casts. A father and son team from the eastern part of the state had a great day Monday despite the conditions, although the bite was great only between 12:30 and 2:30 PM. Light colored SS especially peach, orange, and gold, as well as my baby emerald shiner brought the most fish, two of which were in the 10-11 # class. Tuesday was more of the same with two medical colleagues. Orange and red eggs, and bead headed PT's were the ticket. All three of us caught at least one in the 11 to 12 # class! Today's rain should improve the conditions. |
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Doc Wally "The PA Steelhead Guide" |
 Doc Wally with Prize Winning Steelhead Doc Wally is a full time guide / fly fisherman, offering one-on-one guided trips to some of the most prolific Steelhead rivers in Erie county, PA. This area is so consistently productive that it has become affectionately known as "Steelhead Alley." You will find throughout this site many happy customers who have benefited from Doc's local knowledge and expert guidance and have landed the fish of a lifetime. Guided trips on Elk, Walnut creek, or even both, will provide the backdrop to a tantalizing battle of the human species vs. the wise old nomadic Steelhead. Doc guides experts and first timers alike through the presentation, hook up, fight, catch and release. This experience has every chance of hooking you as well as enabling you to hook that fish of a lifetime. |
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