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Expert-Guided Full Day Fly Fishing in Western New York

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Lake Erie Watershed
  • Updated Date: December 15, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of fly fishing action in Western New York's scenic rivers. We'll be chasing trophy trout and lake-run steelhead, known for their hard-fighting nature. This walk-and-wade trip covers some challenging terrain, so come prepared for rocky areas and steep inclines as we access the best fishing spots. Don't worry about gear - we've got you covered with all the terminal tackle you'll need. Your guide from Around The Bend Fly Fishing will be there to offer expert advice and help you land those big fish. We'll pick you up from your hotel or Airbnb, provide lunch, and shuttle you to prime fishing locations. It's a physically demanding day, but the potential for hooking into some impressive fish makes it all worthwhile. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fly fishing, this immersive trip offers a great chance to test your skills against some of New York's most prized catches.
Expert-Guided Full Day Fly Fishing in Western New York

River Runs & Big Catches

Full-Day Trout & Steelhead Adventure in WNY

Get ready to hit some of Western New York's most productive waters on this full-day walk and wade trip. We'll be chasing trophy trout and lake-run steelhead in scenic rivers that offer world-class fly fishing opportunities. This isn't your average day on the water – we're talking about an action-packed experience that'll have you hooked from start to finish.

What to Expect on the Water

This full-day excursion is all about immersing yourself in the rivers of Western New York. We'll be covering ground, so come prepared for a workout as we navigate rocky terrain and steep banks to access the honey holes where the big fish hang out. I'll provide all the terminal tackle you need, plus expert guidance to help you dial in your technique. We'll break for a provided lunch to refuel, then it's right back to the action. And don't worry about transportation – I've got you covered with shuttle service from your hotel or Airbnb.

Wading into Prime Territory

Walk and wade fishing is the name of the game here. We'll be slipping into waders and carefully working our way through the river, reading the water and targeting likely holding spots. I'll show you how to approach different sections of the river, from fast riffles to deep pools. We'll use a variety of fly fishing techniques depending on conditions – nymphing, dry fly fishing, and swinging streamers are all on the menu. The rivers here can be challenging, with slippery rocks and strong currents, but that's part of what makes landing a big trout or steelhead so rewarding.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Tyler is a true professional and takes excellent care of his clients." - Bill "Great day on the water with Tyler! Can't wait to do it again!" - John "Tyler is an exceptionally competent guide who's fun to fish with. Had a great two days fishing with him and his dog Billy. Can't wait to go back again." - James "Tyler was an excellent guide who knew the best spots on all the streams. He also worked tirelessly to change locations, different flies, etc., to ensure a successful trip. Five stars!" - Steve

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth Bass: These hard-fighting fish are a summertime favorite in Western New York. They love fast water and structure, so we'll target them around boulders and in deep runs. Smallies are known for their acrobatic fights and aggressive strikes, making them a blast on the fly rod. Expect fish in the 1-3 pound range, with the occasional trophy pushing 4 or 5 pounds.

Rainbow Trout: Western New York's rivers are home to some beautiful wild rainbows. These fish are lightning-fast and love to leap when hooked. We'll find them in faster water, often hanging out in the seams between currents. Spring and fall are prime times for rainbows, but they can be caught year-round. Most fish will be in the 12-18 inch range, but don't be surprised if we hook into a 20+ incher.

Steelhead Trout: The crown jewel of Western New York fly fishing, steelhead provide some of the most exciting action you can experience on a fly rod. These lake-run rainbows enter the rivers in fall and stay through spring, offering anglers a chance at true trophy fish. Steelhead in the 5-10 pound range are common, with some giants pushing 15 pounds or more. They're known for blistering runs and spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Battling one of these chrome bullets in a narrow river is an experience you won't soon forget.

Time to Book Your Spot

This full-day walk and wade trip is your ticket to some of the best fly fishing Western New York has to offer. Whether you're swinging flies for steelhead, nymphing for rainbows, or tossing streamers for smallmouth, you're in for a day of non-stop action. I'll work hard to put you on fish and help you improve your skills along the way. With all gear provided and lunch included, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Don't miss out on this chance to tangle with some of the hardest-fighting fish in freshwater – book your trip now and let's make some memories on the water!

Customer Reviews

Pro Care for Clients

quotes

Tyler is a true professional and takes excellent care of his clients.

BK
Bill Kuzon

December 13, 2024

Water Fun with Tyler

quotes

Great day on the water with Tyler! Can't wait to do it again!

JM
John Munro

December 21, 2023

Tylers Fishing Magic

quotes

Tyler is an exceptionally competent guide who’s fun to fish with. Had a great two days fishing with him and his dog Billy. Can’t wait to go back again.

JP
James Pfendler

April 6, 2024

Tyler Knows Best

quotes

Tyler was an excellent guide who knew the best spots on all the streams. He also worked tirelessly to change locations, different flies, etc., to ensure a successful trip. Five stars!

SC
Steve Cook

April 9, 2024

Learn more about the species

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout are a favorite among fly anglers in Western New York. These colorful fish typically range from 1-5 pounds, with some trophy specimens reaching 10 pounds or more. You'll find them in cool, clear streams and rivers, often holding in riffles, pools, and near undercut banks. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they can be caught year-round. Rainbows are known for their spectacular fights, often leaping clear out of the water when hooked. They're also excellent table fare, with pink, flaky meat. Fly fishing with nymphs or dry flies is the go-to method, but spinners and small spoons work well too. A local secret: during summer, target the deeper, cooler pockets of water where rainbows seek refuge from the heat. Approach these spots carefully - these fish spook easily in low, clear water.

Rainbow Trout

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are a blast to target in Western New York. These bronze beauties average 2-4 pounds but can grow up to 8 pounds in our waters. You'll find them hanging around rocky areas, submerged logs, and drop-offs in rivers and lakes. They're most active in late spring through early fall when water temps are between 60-75°F. Smallies are known for their acrobatic fights - they'll leap out of the water and make strong runs that'll test your gear. They're also great eating fish with firm, white meat. When targeting smallmouth, I like to use tube jigs or crawfish imitations bounced along the bottom. A local tip: focus on current seams and eddies where smallies wait to ambush prey. These fish are wary, so a stealthy approach is key to getting more bites.

Smallmouth Bass

Steelhead Trout

Steelhead fishing in Western New York is some of the best you'll find anywhere. These lake-run rainbows average 5-10 pounds, with some monsters topping 15 pounds. They migrate into our tributaries from Lake Ontario in fall and spring, providing world-class fishing opportunities. Look for them in deeper pools, behind large boulders, and at the tailouts of runs. Fall through spring is prime time, with water temperature playing a crucial role in their behavior. Steelhead are prized for their incredible strength and acrobatic fights - hooking one is like tying into a freight train. Fly fishing with egg patterns, nymphs, or swinging streamers is highly effective. Centerpin fishing is also popular among locals. Here's a pro tip: focus on fishing the "transitional water" between fast and slow currents where steelhead often hold. Patience and persistence are key when targeting these silver bullets.

Steelhead Trout
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Book a charter with Angola's top fly fishing charter service, Around The Bend Fly Fishing with Guide Tyler Hageman for expert anglers or beginners alike! Lakes, River, and creek fishing, Tyler can bring you to his best Trout fishing spots!

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A group of hikers walking through a snowy, forested landscape with a partially frozen stream running through the center.

Hikers trek through the snow-covered forest, navigating the icy stream with caution as towering cliffs loom in the distance, creating a breathtaking winter landscape.

A group of people wading through a snow-covered, partially frozen river or stream in a heavily forested winter landscape.

A group of intrepid anglers navigates the snow-covered, partially frozen stream, undeterred by the wintry conditions as they pursue their next catch in this serene, forested landscape.

A snowy, frozen landscape with a partially ice-covered surface revealing the murky water beneath, showcasing the mottled, crystalline texture of the ice.

Crystalline ice patterns adorn the still, frozen surface, creating a tranquil winter scene.

A group of people wading through a snow-covered stream, surrounded by a wintery forest landscape with icicles hanging from the rocks.

Anglers explore the icy river, surrounded by a serene winter landscape of snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls.

A serene winter landscape with a snow-covered rocky hillside, bare trees, and a calm body of water in the foreground.

Tranquil winter wonderland: A serene snow-covered scene with a still body of water reflecting the surrounding bare trees and rocky outcrop.

A snowy winter landscape with a flowing stream and a fishing rod, conveying a sense of tranquility and the potential for an enjoyable fishing experience.

A peaceful winter scene, with a rushing stream cutting through the snow-covered forest, inviting the fly fisher to cast their line and enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

A snow-covered cliff face with long, icicle-draped rocks overlooking a frozen body of water in a serene winter landscape.

Majestic icicles cascade down the snow-capped cliff, transforming the winter landscape into a breathtaking natural wonder.

A group of hikers walking through a snowy, forested landscape with a partially frozen stream running through the center.

Hikers trek through the snow-covered forest, navigating the icy stream with caution as towering cliffs loom in the distance, creating a breathtaking winter landscape.

A group of people wading through a snow-covered, partially frozen river or stream in a heavily forested winter landscape.

A group of intrepid anglers navigates the snow-covered, partially frozen stream, undeterred by the wintry conditions as they pursue their next catch in this serene, forested landscape.

A snowy, frozen landscape with a partially ice-covered surface revealing the murky water beneath, showcasing the mottled, crystalline texture of the ice.

Crystalline ice patterns adorn the still, frozen surface, creating a tranquil winter scene.

A group of people wading through a snow-covered stream, surrounded by a wintery forest landscape with icicles hanging from the rocks.

Anglers explore the icy river, surrounded by a serene winter landscape of snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls.

A serene winter landscape with a snow-covered rocky hillside, bare trees, and a calm body of water in the foreground.

Tranquil winter wonderland: A serene snow-covered scene with a still body of water reflecting the surrounding bare trees and rocky outcrop.

A snowy winter landscape with a flowing stream and a fishing rod, conveying a sense of tranquility and the potential for an enjoyable fishing experience.

A peaceful winter scene, with a rushing stream cutting through the snow-covered forest, inviting the fly fisher to cast their line and enjoy the tranquility of the moment.

A snow-covered cliff face with long, icicle-draped rocks overlooking a frozen body of water in a serene winter landscape.

Majestic icicles cascade down the snow-capped cliff, transforming the winter landscape into a breathtaking natural wonder.

A group of hikers walking through a snowy, forested landscape with a partially frozen stream running through the center.

Hikers trek through the snow-covered forest, navigating the icy stream with caution as towering cliffs loom in the distance, creating a breathtaking winter landscape.

A group of people wading through a snow-covered, partially frozen river or stream in a heavily forested winter landscape.

A group of intrepid anglers navigates the snow-covered, partially frozen stream, undeterred by the wintry conditions as they pursue their next catch in this serene, forested landscape.

A snowy, frozen landscape with a partially ice-covered surface revealing the murky water beneath, showcasing the mottled, crystalline texture of the ice.

Crystalline ice patterns adorn the still, frozen surface, creating a tranquil winter scene.

A group of people wading through a snow-covered stream, surrounded by a wintery forest landscape with icicles hanging from the rocks.

Anglers explore the icy river, surrounded by a serene winter landscape of snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls.

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