Doc Wally takes great pride in ensuring you get the most out of your day. Below are a number of questions that get asked.
Take a moment to prepare yourself and ensure that you maximize the opportunity to spend a day hunting your fish of a lifetime.
Fly and Bait shop Numbers
Elk Creek Sports 814-774-8755
Folley’s End Fly Shop 814-474-5730
Poor Richard’s West 814-474-5623
CALL ONE OF THE ABOVE FOR CURRENT CREEK CONDITIONS WITH FOLLY’S BEING THE ONLY ONE RIGHT ON ELK CREEK.
Lake Erie Ultimate Angler 814-456-303
Fish USA 814-459-7800
Rates
FULL 8+ hr day includes all appropriate fly fishing gear as needed, snacks, water, and digital images of your experiences**
1 angler $285
2 anglers $325
3 anglers $375
Additional anglers $125 each.
** Partial or multi-day packages available with approporiate price reduction; children 16 and under free with paying adult**
Deposit: $100 at booking; refundable up to 14 days prior to date.
Contact Doc Wally by email: DocWally@PASteelheadGuide.com or Doc.Wally@PASteelheadGuide.com or DocWally@SteelieGuide.com
or call 724-837-2200 (message) or CELL: 724-309-7501
What are the best fly patterns?
Since each run is all about spawning, and spawning takes energy and results in eggs and subsequent young, my fly choices obviously fall into three basic groups.
First are minnow imitations including various versions of marabou’s, wooly bugger/marabou combinations such as my “wally-bugger”, Clousers, and emerald shiner look-alikes, tied on # 10 thru 6 hooks. My favorite colors are white, olive to chartreuse, and black. These offer the most “calories” to the fish, as well as sometimes offering a challenge to the male’s dominance.
Second are sucker spawn and egg imitations tied on # 18 thru # 10 hooks. Light and bright colors are the rule, and blood spots are preferred.
Third comprise the large group of natural nymphs, terrestrials, tiny minnow imitations such as picket pins, etc. These may include any or all of your trout flies, or none. Usually sizes in the high teens are best, especially in clear water.
What to bring?
In addition to the obvious cold weather clothing, rain gear and sun protection, amber polarized glasses are a must. Although hip boots are adequate for most conditions, chest waders are recommended. Felt bottoms are also preferred.
Appropriate licenses may be obtained online through the PA Fish and Boat Commission, or at various fly shops on arrival. Tips on the preferred motels are available by email or phone.
Although all flies are provided, tips on patterns to tie yourself will be gladly provided. Fly rods are also supplied, but if you bring your own, the preferred rod is #7 weight in the 9 to 10 foot class. A # 6 weight may suffice, but the reel must have a smooth, reliable drag.
Various camera gear is also an option, as I’ll provide digital images of your trip.
Snacks, and various drinks are also provided.
When is Spring’s optimal time?
Although fine steelheading exists all winter long, comfort of the fisherman as well as fighting strength of the fish are minimized especially in the month of January. Overcoming difficult conditions greatly moderates the joy of the entire process. Once water temperatures reach the 40′s, however, fish activity including feeding and spawning increases significantly. This may occur as early as mid February, but certainly by mid March!
When is Fall’s optimal time?
The earliest steelhead enter the lower reaches of the streams in late August, but increased numbers aren’t seen until mid September. By mid October, significant runs are seen most years. Each run is enhanced by stream clouding rains; conversly, delayed by low and clear conditions. The traditional optimal time falls between mid October and late November.