<h4>WHY BOOK WITH WHAT THAT VISE DO?</h4>At What That Vise Do we understand it can be a difficult decision whether or not to book a guide for your next fishing trip. With numerous guides and outfitters spanning our territory from Eastern Ohio to Eastern Pennsylvania, the overall market’s congestion can feel overwhelming. So what separates us from the pack?With over ten plus years of fly fishing experience combined with graduating in 2020 from Sweetwater Travel Co.’s premier guide school, What That Vise Do has built a sturdy foundation for lasting success in the industry. Additionally, our unique, hand tied flies give us an advantage when guiding on pressured water.Most importantly, we are here to create meaningful relationships bonded over a shared passion for fly fishing. Our trips are designed to not only catch fish, but improve your overall angling ability. Here at What That Vise Do, we feel very fortunate to have friends all across our territory getting after it and providing real-time fishing reports. This information combined with our experience maximizes our changes to have an unforgettable day on the water. <h4>DO I HAVE TO HAVE ANY FLY FISHING EXPERIENCE?</h4>You do not! However, we do offer instructional courses for the novice angler looking to refine their skills. We will work with you at any experience level and put you in positions to catch fish. Your first fish on the fly will be a memorable one! <h4>ESSENTIAL ITEMS</h4>Communicate with your guide and keep an eye on the weather to ensure you bring all essential items applicable to your trip…Essential items include but aren’t limited to: Rain jacket, additional cold-weather layers, sun screen, polarized sunglasses, waders / wading boots, wading belt, and all necessary medications. <h4>CAN CHANGING WEATHER AFFECT OUR TRIP?</h4>In most instances, changing weather will not affect our trip. All fish species can be caught in a variety of weather and river conditions. We are here to pivot and rely on our knowledge of these rivers to locate and catch fish. Please reach out in the days leading up to our trip so we can advise on all essential items you will need. In rare instances, trips or classes may be canceled at the discretion of the guide. Trips and classes may be rescheduled, but not refunded.

Rainbow Trout

Trout Fishing 2023!

Lake Erie is one of the most popular fishing destinations in the United States. The lake spans over 9,900 square miles and is home to numerous fish species, including trout. Trout fishing in Lake Erie has become a favorite pastime for anglers from all over the country.

There are several ways to target trout in Lake Erie. One popular method is trolling with spoons or crankbaits. Anglers can also drift or cast with live bait such as minnows or worms. Another effective technique is fly fishing using streamers and nymphs.

Trout populations vary throughout the year, but anglers can typically find them near deep water structures such as drop-offs and ledges. Spring and fall tend to be the best times for trout fishing in Lake Erie, but they can be caught year-round with proper techniques and equipment.

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead Alley Fishing Report 

Up to Date Flows for Steelhead Alley

20 Mile Creek: With Elk at 10 - should be in good shape
Walnut Creek: 100cfs - good flow, will fish 
Elk Creek: 10cfs - a little high, will still fish
Conneaut Creek: 300cfs - good flow, will fish
Ashtabula River: With Conneaut at 300cfs, Ashtabula will have a good flow
Grand River: 1590cfs - high, fish the tribs 
Chagrin River: 396cfs - a little high, great option rest of week 
Rocky River: 310cfs - great flow will fish

Most rivers are in great shape. The mild showers and warmer temps this week should keep the creeks at good flows and give anglers an ability to spread out and find fresh fish. 

September 7th Steelhead Fishing Report

Lake Erie Tributary water temps remain in the 60-70 degree F range - still not cool enough to begin the fall run. However there are reports of some fish in the streams and fish being caught at the tributary mouths / shorelines of Lake Erie. For those practicing catch and release - please remember trout / steelhead become highly stressed with water temperatures over 65 degrees F. If you’re going to fish please use higher test line (12-15lb) in order to land the fish as quickly as possible and released immediately. This is not the time to take pictures with these precious resources - save that fun for the fall!

Trout & Fall Steelhead Fishing

Brown Trout

Captain Lucas Smith will take you Fly fishing on the freshwater spots in Pittsburgh, PA. You’ll be able to chase species such as Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Rainbow Trout. The waters of Pennsylvania are well-known for their diverse fishing grounds and there’s a little bit of something for everyone!
We are also booking fall steelhead trips for 2022!
Have plenty of availability in November and December. Let’s get out there and have some fun! 


EPSG:4269

Premier Fly Fishing Guide and Fly Tying Expert. Contact us for Guided Trips, classes, Weekend events, and custom flies!

Professional Fy Fisherman and Guide- What that Vise Do

Avid fly fisherman and fly tier, Lucas Carter Smith, is based out of Eastern Ohio and Pennsylvania. In 2013, he attended West Virginia University where he was an original member of the fly fishing club. After graduating college in 2017, he spent four months working as a fly shop attendant and fish filleter for Kenai Cache Outfitters in Cooper Landing, AK. Three years of avid angling and constant fly-tying led to the creation of What That Vise Do, LLC, established in February 2020. In March of the same year, Lucas attended Sweetwater Travel Co’s premier fly fishing guiding school where he received thorough training from an array of experienced guides. As of May 2022, Lucas is a current full-time wade and float guide for Blue Quill Angler (BQA) in Evergreen, CO where he’s gained experience and knowledge from Colorado Guide legends such as Bob Dye and Pat Dorsey. Lucas began to fly tying in 2016, and through constant trial and error, he’s designed unique, durable, and effective flies for Steelhead Alley. Drawing inspiration from Steelhead Alley legends like Greg Senyo and Jeff Blood, he too hopes his fly patterns can reach similar success. With a dedication to conservation, Lucas commits himself to the delicate ecosystems he guides to ensure future generations have the same opportunities. A patient teacher, he loves sharing his passion for fly fishing and fly tying with new and experienced anglers all the same. He is currently affiliated with What That Vise Do. A company that has over ten-plus years of fly fishing experience combined with graduating in 2020 from Sweetwater Travel Co.’s premier guide school, What That Vise Do has built a sturdy foundation for lasting success in the industry. Additionally, their unique, hand-tied flies give anglers an advantage when guiding on pressured water. The company’s goal is to create meaningful relationships bonded over a shared passion for fly fishing. The trips offered are designed to not only catch fish but improve your overall angling ability. The company feels very fortunate to have friends all across the territory getting after it and providing real-time fishing reports. This information combined with their experience maximizes the chances to have an unforgettable day on the water. He will take you out on his 13 feet Stealthcraft Hooligan raft boat that can accommodate up to 3 guests. This boat offers a great ride, especially to shallow parts of the waters.&nbsp; You don't need to be an experienced angler to join a trip because Lucas helps his client in every way he can to maximize their time in the water. However, he also offers instructional courses for novice anglers looking to refine their skills. He will work with you at any experience level and put you in positions to catch fish. Your first fish on the fly will be a memorable one and Lucas will help you make it happen.

Get Reelin' With An Expert Fly Fishing Guide Lucas Smith and His 18' Hooligan Raft Boat

Want specialized instruction on European Nymphing or

Spey techniques? 6 hour clinics offered

on theory and application of fly casting!

Fly Fishing Instruction Clinic

COMMON QUESTIONS: What part of Lake Erie has the best fishing? East Harbor State ParkSandusky RiverRocky RiverKelleys Island State Park What is the most common fish in Lake Erie? Brown Trout (Also Called Salmo Trutta), Rainbow Trout&nbsp;(Also Called Coast Range Trout, Hardhead, Kamloops, Redband, Salmon Trout, Steelhead), Smallmouth Bass&nbsp;(Also Called Black Bass, Bronzeback, Brownie, Gold Bass, Green Bass, Jumper), Steelhead Trout (Also Called ). How deep to fish in Lake Erie? ﻿Post-spawn smallmouths go to deeper water zones when Lake Erie waters warm, where they will remain during the summer months (late June through August). The bass bite is often strongest in 20 to 40 feet of water, but bass can be found deeper.

Fly Fish The Rivers and Streams of Eastern, OH and Pennsylvania

Get Ready For Your Fly Fishing Experience

<h4>WHY BOOK WITH WHAT THAT VISE DO?</h4>At What That Vise Do we understand it can be a difficult decision whether or not to book a guide for your next fishing trip. With numerous guides and outfitters spanning our territory from Eastern Ohio to Eastern Pennsylvania, the overall market’s congestion can feel overwhelming. So what separates us from the pack?With over ten plus years of fly fishing experience combined with graduating in 2020 from Sweetwater Travel Co.’s premier guide school, What That Vise Do has built a sturdy foundation for lasting success in the industry. Additionally, our unique, hand tied flies give us an advantage when guiding on pressured water.Most importantly, we are here to create meaningful relationships bonded over a shared passion for fly fishing. Our trips are designed to not only catch fish, but improve your overall angling ability. Here at What That Vise Do, we feel very fortunate to have friends all across our territory getting after it and providing real-time fishing reports. This information combined with our experience maximizes our changes to have an unforgettable day on the water.

<h4>DO I HAVE TO HAVE ANY FLY FISHING EXPERIENCE?</h4>You do not! However, we do offer instructional courses for the novice angler looking to refine their skills. We will work with you at any experience level and put you in positions to catch fish. Your first fish on the fly will be a memorable one!

<h4>ESSENTIAL ITEMS</h4>Communicate with your guide and keep an eye on the weather to ensure you bring all essential items applicable to your trip…Essential items include but aren’t limited to: Rain jacket, additional cold-weather layers, sun screen, polarized sunglasses, waders / wading boots, wading belt, and all necessary medications.<h4>WHAT TIME OF YEAR SHOULD I SCHEDULE?</h4>Please see our Fish Species Calendar to determine the correct time of year for your desired fish species.

<ul><li>Deposit of 20% due upon booking, deposits are non-refundable within two weeks of the charter date.</li><li>Payment Types: Cash and All Credit Cards accepted. Remaining Balance due upon trip</li><li>Gratuity Not included in your rate and much appreciated.</li></ul>

Your Upcoming Trip

Erie

Cleveland

McKean

Chagrin Falls

Painesville

Lorain

Edgewood

Conneaut

North East

Bait Fee

Mate's Fee

Full day wade trips include 8 dedicated hours of guided fishing, while half day wade trips include 4 dedicated hour of guided fishing, lunch, flies and gear. Waders can be provided on case by case basis. Gratuity not included. 



Smallmouth Bass

4 hrs 

8 hrs 

Steelhead Fishing Erie PA

Join streamer junkie and head guide, Lucas Smith, chasing wild brown and smallmouth in Pennsylvania. Streamer fishing is not for the faint of heart - it’s constant casting, stripping, twitching and repeat. The harder you work, the more likely you’re to get rewarded, however this is a low numbers game designed to target some of the larger fish in the river systems. Lucas brought home techniques and strategies from Colorado River legend, Bob Dye..

Trips will start in the evenings and will be around 6 hours. Dinner and all gear will be provided. Waders provided on case by case basis. 

Hooligan

6 hrs 

Streamer Fly Fishing Pennsylvania

Never picked up a fly rod?  Looking to improve your cast? What That Vise Do offers tailor-made fly fishing instruction clinics to fit your needs. In this clinic we cover necessary equipment, knot tying, fish habitat and behavior, insect hatches and fly selection., and most importanlty, casting. 

6 Hours

PA Fly Fishing Guide

Full day float trips include 8 dedicated hours of guided fishing, lunch, flies and gear. Waders are not provided. Gratuity not included. 

PA Guided Fishing Trips

Great Guide

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

What That Vise Do, Learn about Erie, Pennsylvania Fly Fishing and Ohio Fly Fishing, Fishing Schools, Guided Trips and more. Lake Run Steelhead, Steelhead Fly Fishing

What That Vise Do Available Trips

Steelhead Fishing Erie PA

Streamer Fly Fishing Pennsylvania

PA Fly Fishing Guide

PA Guided Fishing Trips

Erie Fishing with What That Vise Do

Fly Fishing for Lake Run Steelhead

Meet the Guide

Guide Lucas Smith

Erie Guided Trip

Erie Fishing Near Me

Guided Trip Locations on Erie

Erie Fishing Locations

The map shows where we fish. The red area is our primary fishing area depending on time of year and fishing conditions. The pins represent guest meeting locations.

Fly Tying Lessons Available

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