Taking Reservations now for PA, Ohio Steelhead fishing for Fall 2011 and Spring 2012

Experience has given us the insight that each clients reason to get a guided Steelhead trip varies. It ranges from being new to the area, just visiting and wanting to enjoy a day out on the water or trying to cut the learning curve. Our trips are designed to be inspiring, educational and enjoyable.

We do what it takes to make your Steelhead trip the absolute best!

Steelhead Alley boasts the largest Steelhead Runs per mile in the world and is truly a world class fishery. Our Steelhead spend most of their life in the Great Lakes Fattening up on a variety of morsels, such as Emerald Shiners, Goby's, Water Fleas and other aquatic insects and baitfish until the urge to spawn takes over.

Fall Steelhead Runs

By the end of August the Steelhead start to stage at the tributary mouths and start their migration upstream as the air and water temperature cools, periods of daylight changes and the Fall rains start to raise water levels. The larger runs of Steelhead generally start to make their migratory runs in mid October considering all of the conditions are favorable. Lack of rainfall causing low gin clear stream conditions will hold fish from migrating until a good rainfall and send a fresh run upstream. Mid October thru the first week of December is the prime of the Fall Steelhead Season then slowly relaxes into the onset of Winter Steelheading but most rivers continue to produce decent numbers of Steelhead until the rivers start to freeze over, which generally happens some time in January. Some Steelhead will winter in the deeper holes until Spring.

Here is a sneak peak of our Fall 2011 Pennsylvania/Ohio Steelhead fishing. For more info on how to book a trip for Spring or Fall runs, contact us at 724-317-8582 or mark@defranksflies.com.

Spring Steelhead Runs

With the Winter thaw comes the new smells of the fresh Spring air, and this means one thing for the hardcore Steelheader...it's time to bust out the rods and blow some of the cabin fever gloom away. Spring Steelhead Fishing - anticipating the runs is the opposite to Fall Steelhead Fishing, speaking of the air and water temperature starting to rise as the grip of winter subsides and gives way to March and April. These two months are prime Spring Steelhead Fishing which personally is my favorite time to Steelhead Fish.

Attributes of a Steelhead

Basically our Steelhead are a lake run Rainbow with alot of attitude! Once the hook is set a the fight is ON with the start of an explosive run up or downstream with head thrashing acrobatic leaps then a sudden turn in the opposite direction, then the moment you think you have him under control...wrong, another mind blowing run, a few more leaps, a couple direction changes and another bounding leap and you think to yourself...ok I have this fish under control now. But you're wrong, the fish spots the net and it's on again. I have literally had Steelhead run so hard leap out on the stream bank wiggle back in and continue to fight, I also had them turn directly at me and go airborn into my body.

I still enjoy the look on a clients face on their first Steelhead fishing experience and the first hookup. Words could not describe as well as the very moment it happens. The transformation of the anglers facial expressions display volumes of emotion, speechless disbelief of raw unexpected power at hand transferred thru the rod.

Still curious or did I peak your interest?

Once a Steelhead Angler always a Steelhead Angler. I promise you, if you give Steelhead Fishing a try and hook into one you are hooked for life. You will want more...it's like an addiction you can't get rid of.

If you are interested in booking a trip contact Mark at 724-317-8582 or e-mail me at mark@defranksflies.com.

Feel free to call or email me with any questions or help with reserving your trip date(s).

We are Licensed, CPR/first aid certified and fully insured Full Time Steelhead Fishing Guides.

Trip Packages

All trip packages include the use of high quality rods & reels such as Sage, Hardy, Orvis, Redington & of course our Signature Flies. Coffee, soda and water provided. Lunch is provided on all full day trips. A CD with the days experience will be handed to you by your guide at the end of the day for you to share with your friends and loved ones and cherish forever. ( Gratuity not included in price...not required but appreciated )

Full Day

(9 hrs of fishing)

1 Angler $280.00
2 Anglers $320.00
3 Anglers $375.00
each additional angler $125.00

(lunch included)

Private Waters Trip

(9 hrs of fishing)

1 Angler $345.00
2 Anglers $450.00
3 Anglers $570.00
each additional angler $190.00

(grilled lunch included)

Half Day

(4 1/2 hrs of fishing)

1 Angler $160.00
2 Anglers $200.00
3 Anglers $295.00

(lunch not included)

Tired of the golf outings and want a change of scenery? We have guided many individuals that wanted to treat a valued client or have a corporate retreat.

Large groups & clubs welcome!

Contact Mark at 724-317-8582 or e-mail him at mark@defranksflies.com for more information.

Registration/Payment Terms

Open the registration form by clicking on the picture to the right. (Adobe Reader is required to view, print or email the form. Get the free Adobe Reader by clicking the icon below.)

You must complete one form per group. Everyone must fill out the printable registration form and mail it in, regardless of form of payment. Fill out the form and either mail it to the address below or email it by clicking the "Submit" button found on the form. If you are paying by check or money order please mail your deposit to:

Mark Defrank
702 Duck Hollow Rd. Ext.
Uniontown, PA 15401

Only $25.00 (non refundable unless canceled due to weather) will reserve your spot to fish the Great Lakes Steelhead Alley, the worlds largest run of Steelhead!

In the event that we have to cancel due to weather or unsuitable stream conditions , we will make arrangements to reschedule another day available or refund the deposit.

If you are unable to make the date and have to cancel we will reschedule a new date for you.

I accept major credit cards and personal checks/money order for deposits (you can pay now through PayPal). Balance due in cash at the end of your trip.

What you need to bring

License for the state you will be fishing (guides preference for best fishing conditions)
Chest waders (felt sole boots with cleats are preferred and are a major plus traversing the shale bottom which can be slick in areas. Wearing rubber lug sole boots is like walking on ice on the flat shale areas!)
Polorized sun glasses
Hat and Rain Jacket
Clothing appropriate for weather conditions (dress in layers)

Please let us know of any special medical conditions that need accommodated in advance.

Meeting on the day of your trip

No later than two days before your scheduled trip date your guide will contact you to set up a meeting place and time, discuss weather and water conditions and answer any last minute questions. Normally, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel. (See the Steelhead Alley Attractions page for Fisherman friendly lodging!)