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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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10-21-08 RAIN finally came! Just under one inch of the precious stuff fell the evening of October 15'th. Although the creeks were blown out on Thursday, they were perfect Friday and Saturday. A new client had just decided on these days after our communicating for one year. Fish were many and large, but Doc John will not forget the 15 # class he fought for nearly 15 minutes before the hook pulled. Saturday he could fish until only 10 AM. Despite the limited time, we did photograph and release 12 beauties. His best fly was my baby emerald shiner, second, the black stone # 10, switching to pearl crystal meth # 14 on Saturday. His best fish was near 12 #. Since then we have been back to "low and clear" with many fruitless hours spent coaxing a strike. Although we had some rain last night elk looked the same. 11-11-08 Although the creeks have remained low and clear for the most part since my last posting, fish have been cooperating most days with frequent hook-ups and landings. Some of the best fishing was during the last few days of October and the first full week of November. The largest fish was a 12.5 # male hooked on my baby emerald shiner imitation, fought and brought to net by Howard of Fresno, CA. He has fished the steelhead streams of Northern California and Alaska, but greatly prefers our fishery. Many others in the 10 to 12 # class have been caught each week. Our worst day, however, was yesterday, as the blowing snow accumulated 6 inches, and the water temp fell to 35 degrees by 3 PM. |
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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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