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Thanks from Dr. Kris |
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Dear Doc Wally,
I want to thank you for a memorable first steelhead trip. I had never caught a steelhead before, and have only recently over the last several years taken up fly fishing. I must say that in my short time as a fly angler, I have been fortunate to have fished places like Alaska for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, Pyramid Lake for giant Lahontan cutthroat trout, and the Sierras for various trout species.
This trip stands out among all. I had a down day between work commitments that brought me to Ohio, then off to Philadelphia. Rather than travel back home to California, I remembered someone mentioning a steelhead fishery in Pennsylvania. I located your website on the Internet, and knew when we started emailing, then later talking by phone, that I had found the right guide!
You have an obvious enthusiasm and enjoyment for catching-and releasing these fine fish. I recall many years ago a friend told me that "luck" is important in many of life's endeavors. In my experience, especially so with fishing...He clarified that "luck" is Labor Under Correct Knowledge. You certainly embodied that during this trip-from where to fish, type of tackle, fly selection, and technique. You even taught me how to roll cast!
Your patience, skill, and kindness were fortunately rewarded with my first of many nice steelhead-and as many lost by me! The awesome power and acrobatics of these fish was amazing and I am now completely hooked! I am grateful for what I learned, and the experience. I am thankful to consider you not only a guide but also a new friend.
I will be back for more!
Kris Mohandie
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Dad and I thank you! |
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Doc Wally: I highly encourage people of all skill levels to use Doc Wally`s for your steelhead fishing experience. My father and I thank you for your guidance during our trip with you! We were both novice (first time) steelhead anglers, and bagged our limits both days! Excellent advice, teaching, experience, "hot spots (locations)" and friendship were shared. I landed a 31 inch - 9.5 lb. steelhead the first day! I feel everyone should experience this wonderful learning experience with Doc Wally. I am now a skilled steelhead angler. I could have NEVER done this without you. Thank you for all!!
Tom |
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A day with the doctor |
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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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Thanks from both of us! |
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Doc,
I just wanted to write to you and thank you for all of the great times on the river. My brother and I have never met a guy with more knowledge and fishing expertise. We really appreciate your tips about the environment, life cyles of fish and fly hatches as well as your respect for other wildlife. Your skill as a guide and fisherman are unmatched and we always have a great day stalking fish with you guiding the way. We'll never fish with anyone but Doc Wally! Thanks again for your friendship - we'll see you during the next Steelhead run.
Tim and Mike Heffernan
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Wally guided them |
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I have known Doc Wally for many years. We first came to know one another through our working together as physicians at the same hospital. I am an emergency physician and worked closely with Doc Wally who was a general surgeon. Besides medicine, we also shared a passion for the outdoors and particularly fishing. Following his retirement from medicine, Wally introduced me to fly fishing for Erie steelhead. Although I had done a variety of fishing all of my life, nothing matched the exhilaration and excitement of that first run of a steelhead hooked on a fly rod. I became instantly hooked! Wally has years and years of experience fishing the Erie tributaries, long before it attained it's present notoriety. His gifted hands and surgical skills are now put to use making flies, tying on tippets and removing hooks from the mighty steelhead. Wally has also introduced my teenage son and a retired priest friend of mine to the adventure of steelhead fishing. Despite their lack of experience, Wally guided them in hooking, fighting, and landing this awesome gamefish. I eagerly await the changing of the seasons as it means another trip to Erie.
John Kolonich, M.D. |
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Classy, Dignified...By far the Best |
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Thanks for some incredible stories, scenery and monster fishing over the years. You are a fantastic guide whose deep respect for the fish and their habitat is evident in the way you conduct yourself on the river --- classy, dignified and interested in improving the quality of the sport on a one-to-one basis. You are by far the best Steelhead guide around - your record year in, year out for great fishing and great fish-catching proves it! I am a more skilled, more conscientious fisherman because of your help. Most importantly, I love the sport because I was introduced to it through your perspective, guidance, tenacity and patience. Mike Heffernan |
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In Doc Wally, you got a keeper |
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They don't come any better than Doc Wally as a guide to Steelhead fishing. I've done a lot of salt water and fresh water fishing but going out with Doc Wally was the tops. He knows where to go, what flies and was so patient with a newcomer at Steelhead fishing like myself. With his expert mentoring I caught two 5lb Steelheads and had the thrill of my life playing and landing them with Doc Wally's lead. If you go with Doc Wally, you got a keeper! Joe Sedley, c.p.
Pittsburgh PA |
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Thank you |
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Chris and I wish to thank you again for a truly memorable Steelhead fish trip! The tips and tricks will be of great help in the future. Well done! We had a blast. We hope to get back to Erie as soon as possible. But for now I guess we will have to settle for the brookies and browns from our area. Thanks again and Good Luck. Mike Gillis |
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We had a great time, thanks! |
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I just wanted to tell you how much fun Amy had. You are a true professional. She learned more from you in one day than I could teach her in two years...not only how to catch steelies, but where to look for them, how to fish for them, etiquette, etc. Thanks again. I'll spread the word about your services. We had a great time, and thanks again!!! John Rutter |
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Thanks Doc Wally! |
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I feel most fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Doc Wally and spend some time with him out on the river. Some guides are more concerned with getting fish than teaching you how. Doc Wally gave me the tools & instruction so I now may have a lifetime of fun & fulfillment on the rivers. A boatload of knowledge, years of experience & a great big heart are what set Doc Wally apart form the other guides out there. After introducing me to the excitement of “chasing steel” Doc Wally then took my then 13 year- old daughter out & showed her the art & beauty of fly fishing … today, my daughter casts a much more beautiful & graceful fly loop than I due to the proper instruction from the start from Doc Wally. I am forever indebted to Doc Wally for teaching us the tools of the trade, along with showing us a deep respect for nature, the river, the fish & the environment (…not to mention my indebtedness for all the fish we caught!!!). Thanks Doc Wally! Doctor Dave Silk |
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Testimonials 
