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TESTIMONIALS

Chris Grzecki - Toledo, OH

US Lumber Representative

"The guides at Steelhead Alley Outfitters have been phenomenal! Aside from putting us on some great fish, they're always upbeat and positive - you can tell they love doing what they do. It doesn't matter what your experience level is, they make it so easy to learn how to fly fish that you'll wonder why you waited so long. We've put together a handful of trips recently to entertain groups of customers and the feedback has been tremendous. These guys take care of every detail for a really enjoyable day. Can't wait for the next one."

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Ed Sullivan - Charlestown, RI

"I spent the last few days of October with Dan Bennett, a guide with SAO. Dan was very knowledgeable, personable and just an overall great guide. I had two very enjoyable days with Dan and caught many fish. Probably one of the best fishing experiences I have ever had. I will definitely be booking with Dan again."

Win Huffman - Washington D.C.

"We fished with Josh and Cole and couldn't have had a better experience.  Josh's main goal is to put you on fish and he does an excellent job putting all the pieces in place to make that happen. He isn't going to chit chat your ear off and is hyper-focused on making sure you catch fish, which is why you go through Steelhead Alley Outfitters so we couldn't have been happier.  Cole was extremely helpful, very friendly, and put up with the banter of our group like a champ. I couldn't recommend Josh and Cole more highly if your goal is to catch Steelhead...and Justin (owner) of Steelhead Alley Outfitters is friendly, responsive, and dedicated to making sure their clients have an excellent experience."

Owner - Norvise Fly Tying Systems

Tim O'Neill - Hockessin, DE

"From the start, one word comes to mind when talking about SAO and that is professionalism!   I have been running destination trips to the Alley for years with groups ranging from 4-12 anglers. Being the owner of companies in the fly fishing industry, I must be sure I partner with other quality, like minded companies. Greg, Patrick, Justin, and the rest of the crew have my complete trust that they will provide myself and my clients and friends with a quality day on the water. If you are looking for a quality experience do yourself a favor and give Steelhead Alley Outfitters a call, at the end of your trip you will be glad you did. "

Robert Pales - South Bend, IN

"We booked a trip with SAO, and it was the most productive guided trip I’ve ever taken on many levels.  Our guide Justin Schillaci contacted us a week out to formulate a game plan.  But, we completely changed gears the day of, based on changing weather conditions.  Boy, did he nail it!  We were into fish before sunrise and had action all day!  Justin made it a point to teach us many things that will be useful on both our respective home waters in Michigan and New York. We will definitely be back for years to come, and I would not hesitate to recommend Steelhead Alley Outfitters.  They don't just adhere to the gold standard:  they set it."

Bill Harsha - Circleville, OH

"I've been fishing with SAO for many seasons with on the Alley and several unforgettable trips to Alaska.  I continue to fish with them because of their expertise, client friendly approach, and their outstanding value.  They are true experts who are on the water more days in a season than guys like me are in a decade.  Anyone can put you on fish when conditions are right – it’s when conditions are marginal that these guys really shine.  The quality of their service and the willingness to share detailed information when I plan on fishing on my own make them a great value.  I recommend them without hesitation. "

Tim Kight - Dublin, OH

"I have had the privilege of fishing with many guides on many waters around the country.  Patrick Robinson is among the best.  His knowledge of the rivers and Steelhead is unsurpassed.  I have fished with Patrick in both the Spring and Fall seasons under a variety of conditions, and he has consistently put me on fish I simply would not have found on my own.  Patrick’s approach to a day on the river is terrific:  he instructs, encourages, guides, and even takes world-class pictures.  He is even gracious enough to laugh at some of my jokes!  I look forward to many years of fishing with Patrick and highly recommend he and Steelhead Alley Outfitters to those who want a first-class guide. " 

Patti Beasley - Indianapolis, IN

"Fishing with Steelhead Alley Outfitters has restored my passion for TRUE steelhead fly fishing!  Whether its targeting fish and swinging streamers or nymphing you can be assured that you will have the most authentic fly fishing experience available.

 

The Lake Erie tributaries are producing some of the hottest Steelhead fishing possible and Steelhead Alley Outfitters is the most professional team around. Their expertise combined with superb client service and genuine love for the sport is what makes this team number one!"

Jeff Romine - Tulsa, OK

"... I fished with Ben and Patrick over two days never beating the same water to death. I had multiple opportunities each day, but these were big fish, and an abundance of adrenaline worked against me. Finally, Patrick who has the eyes of an eagle, spotted a dark spot in a slot about three feet deep.  I made one cast and the fight was on.  I had caught my first steelhead (pictured).  If one measures the quality of a trip by the fish caught, then my picture speaks volumes about Patrick and Ben’s guiding skills. Of course, my idea of a quality guided trip includes successful fishing among other things. Therefore, I look forward to fishing with Patrick and Ben again next year."

Kyle Beverly - Harriman, TN

"...everybody seemed to be catching fish, except me...Patrick pointed out a spot that held fish, so I decided to give it a shot.  The first drift got me snagged and the "kangaroo court" started asking if I was rock fishing.  Patrick said, “Just catch the big fish and they’ll all shut up!”  I gave it a second drift and thought I had snagged again when Patrick shouted, “Set the hook!”...and all of a sudden my line took off!   It was a monster! My Steelhead was bigger than any of the others caught that day...and even that year!  My experience with the Patrick and the guides at SAO was wonderful!  God is good and as I found out that day, he also has a great sense of humor!!!"

The Mroz Family - Derby, NY

"...Justin Schillaci was our guide, and was top notch from start to finish.  Communications were clear and easy and our goals for the trip were simple; to see fish, learn some new techniques, and for me to net my first steelhead.  Justin’s passion for catching steelhead was infectious, and despite the conditions, we had numerous hook-ups and saw many amazing fish.  Not only did I net my first steelhead, but I was able to release three beautiful fish.   Justin embodied the spirit and energy that we’ve admired in Greg and his operation over these many years, and we highly recommend SAO to anyone, of any age or experience level!"

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Greg Talbot - Signal Mountain, TN

"I wanted a special trip for my daughter's 24th birthday and SAO made it one to remember!  The trip was outstanding! These guys definitely do their homework as we were consistently on fish.    I had warned my girl that steelies would rock her fishing world and her eyes were as big as saucers the first time one lit up her drag.  This was the second time I've fished with SAO and they have always been exceptionally professional. The guides quickly figure out your fishing goals and skills and offer helpful coaching for hooking and landing these zippy fish. My daughter is now a true steelhead addict---This was the perfect "Daddy-Daughter" trip!"

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Devon & Emily Crane - Erie, PA

"My husband and I received this trip as a gift, but had never had the opportunity to fly fish for steelhead. Our guide was Justin Schillaci and he was great about contacting us and reassuring us that he had everything we would need.  He knew we were beginners but that didn't seem to intimidate him one bit. We were out on the water hooking and landing fish as soon as the sun came up.  Whatever these guys are doing, they are doing it right.  Go with Steelhead Alley Outfitters for your guides and we guarantee you won’t regret it."

J.B. Howard - Gambier, OH

"I had been searching for Steelhead for many years without yielding these elusive fish.  That changed drastically since placing my faith in the team at Steelhead Alley Outfitters.  I am grateful for all the help, advice and professional service we consistently receive from the their team.  SAO has proven to be incredibly knowledgeable, possessing an exceptional work ethic and almost immeasurable passion for fly fishing.  For these reasons we have been blessed with many Steelhead in the net. Patrick and all the guys at SAO are also patient which is something that I truly appreciate...and their lunches are great!!"

Jim Savage - Dublin, OH

"I've been fly fishing for trout for over 20 years, but despite a number of tries, had never been able to get a steelhead in the net.  That changed thanks to Steelhead Alley Outfitters. I was able to experience fourteen hookups and seven fish to net in one morning, and that will forever be embedded in my memory as a very special day on the water. Justin Schillaci explained every aspect of steelheading in a way that was easily understood -- from how to set your rig, to how to land a fish.  He also helped with advanced casting tricks, which will pay dividends the next time I get a chance to fly fish.  He did so in a patient, polite manner that I greatly appreciated! I will definitely be back!  Thanks again!"

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Frank Snyder - Athens, TN

"My first experience fishing for Steelhead was an amazing day! At the end of the day I had fifteen fish in the net, and many other missed or lost opportunities!  Patrick was an amazing guide. He was not only knowledgeable about the rivers, but the fish, their habitat and the techniques to maximize my success and enjoyment. He is a student of the art and a successful fly tier whose flies were all but impossible for those Steelhead to resist! I learned many new skills and have memories that will last a lifetime. The experience was fantastic and I can't wait for my next visit!"

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Dan Chovan - Steamboat Springs, CO

"...I made the trip and brought two rods with me from Colorado, one being an 8'9" 7 wt bamboo that I had refinished a year earlier. I was encouraged to fish my bamboo rod as our guide had never guided anybody fishing cane, and I was very happy to oblige, as I prefer cane for all my freshwater fishing.  Our guide did an excellent job getting us both into fish, letting me try my own patterns, and providing his more effective ones after I wasn't getting hookups on mine.  He was genuinely excited to see me land steelhead on my cane rod, and for me, catching steelhead on bamboo was way more satisfying than it would have been on a graphite rod. All in all, an excellent trip!"

Court Durkalski - Cleveland, OH

"...I had done some "trout club" fly fishing previously, but had never been on a river.  Patrick was patient, insightful and very willing to and adept at teaching us the foundational aspects of fly fishing. While his knowledge of the sport was vast, he was able to communicate very effectively the basics of the sport so that we all were able to both hook and land Steelhead.  It was truly an awesome experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in starting to fly fish. SAO has taken their love of a sport and put it to its greatest use; that of developing and inspiring that love and passion in others. " 

Duane Riddle - Indianapolis, IN

"I've known the guys at SAO for about 5 yrs fishing Fall and Spring every year.  I've fished with 4-5 different guides and have been highly satisfied with all of them. They are without exception both professional and personable.   As an example of their integrity, they have cancelled our fishing because the fishing conditions were too poor to warrant the effort and expense.  While this might have cost them guide fees, they have won my loyalty for their honesty and client consideration. I'm a lifetime client of Steelhead Alley Outfitters. It's like fishing with good friends."

Jim Savage - Dublin, OH

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Craig & Eric Schwarz - New Britain, PA

"We have fished for 5 years with Steelhead Alley Outfitters. The service they provide has been a real eye opener for us personally.  Having fished with many guides over the years, we had no idea what we were really missing out on. We have fished with Greg and other SAO guides and have had some of the best fly fishing of our lives!  They're friendly, patient, and full of knowledge. Every guide gives 110% in providing you with an outstanding fly fishing experience!  We would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.   The simple details are what make our trips so memorable."

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Dave Thathcer - Hellertown, PA

"After booking a trip with Greg Senyo and Steelhead Alley Outfitters on the advice of a friend, I was well pleased with the knowledge that both Greg and John Miller had of Steelhead and the streams they fish! Several times I have fished with them, the weather was less than ideal, with cold temperatures and high water, yet they were able to locate fish and we had productive days. I would highly recommend booking a trip with Steelhead Alley Outfitters."

Lyman Kerkhof Jr. - Indianapolis, IN

"Steelhead Alley Outfitters definitely lived up to their well-deserved reputation! You provided my son and I with a great 2 day outing and also several firsts! Thanks to Patrick Robinson's patience, I caught my first steelhead. His expertise at dealing with my numerous knots and "flat" learning curve was great.  I was most impressed with how the guides moved from hole to hole working in a tag team effort always doing their best for us.  Some guides, rather than work so hard with a novice fly fisherman, would simply leave you casting away all day long at the same few empty pools--But not Patrick and SAO guides! Thanks again for a great 2 days of father & son fly fishing!"

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