Next AvailableMay 29
Book with Lucas Smith
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.
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!
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.
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.
What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
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When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
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What's Included
Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.
Show More
When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.
Show More
Fishing
Starting At $400
Description: Experience world-class steelhead fishing in Erie, PA, with a guided wade trip along Pennsylvania’s renowned Steelhead Alley. Choose between a half-day (4 hours) or full-day (8 hours) excursion, starting at 7:00 AM. Your trip includes expert guidance, lunch, flies, and necessary gear. Waders may be available upon request. Target steelhead trout and smallmouth bass in some of the best waters the region has to offer. No fishing license is needed—it’s provided for you. Half-day trips are $400, while full-day trips are $475. Book now for an unforgettable fishing experience! Gratuity not included.
Fishing
Starting At $500
Description: 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.
Fishing
Starting At $100
Description: 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.
Fishing
Starting At $500
Description: Experience the best of Pennsylvania’s Steelhead Alley with a full-day guided float trip on the Hooligan, a comfortable drift boat with space for up to three guests. Spend 8 hours fishing prime river waters for steelhead trout and smallmouth bass. Your trip includes expert guidance, lunch, flies, and all necessary gear. No fishing license is required. This seasonal adventure runs from October 30 to May 7, offering peak opportunities for great catches. Trips start at 7:00 AM for $500. Waders are not provided. Gratuity not included. Book your trip today!
Hooligan
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
3
Boat Length:
13 ft
Manufacturer Name:
Stealthcraft
Model Year:
2022
Engine Manufacturer Name:
N/A
# of Engines:
1
Horsepower Per Engine:
5
Maximum Cruising Speed:
5
This Hooligan makes it easy to drift down the rivers in Erie, PA chasing after the monster Steelheads and Browns
Hooligan
Boat Type:
Boat Guest Capacity:
3
Boat Length:
13 ft
Vehicle Details
A week ago, Cal set out on his usual fishing trip on Lake Erie, eager for a peaceful morning on the water. The sun had barely kissed the horizon when he cast his line, hoping for a big catch. After an hour of quiet fishing, he felt a tug that was unmistakably strong. The reel screamed as he set the hook, his heart racing. It wasn't just a fish; it was a fighter. After a tense battle, Cal finally pulled in a massive stud buck, its size incredible. The fish was 30" on the tape, its sleek body glistening in the morning light. Cal’s grin stretched from ear to ear—this was the kind of catch that makes all the early mornings and long hours worth it. He admired the beauty of the fish for a moment before releasing it back into Lake Erie, knowing he'd have this unforgettable moment forever.
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.
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.
Captain Lucas Smith shares valuable advice to aspiring anglers, especially those who are considering going down the path less traveled.
Read MoreAs a fishing guide, Captain Lucas recognizes his duty when it comes to conserving bodies of water and shares what his advocacies mean to him.
Read MoreOver the years, Captain Lucas Smith has made Steelhead Alley his top fishing destination for some amazing steelhead fishing experience.
Read MoreExplore the amazing waters of Eastern Pennsylvania with Capt. Lucas Smith!
Read MoreLake 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!
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!
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!
Pennsylvania offers abounding opportunities for Browns, Brooks, and Rainbow Trout. The season calls for some Trout fishing and we'd love to take you out on a fly fishing adventure in Youghiogheny River, The Little Juniata River, and the West Branch of the Delaware River. Let's go fly fishing!
Ratings & Reviews Summary
May 29, 2025
I’m 70yrs old and have been fishing all my life, a lot of it in the ocean on lots of different charter boats but Last Cast Charleston, and Chase the captain and his crew were the best! They were fun put us on lots of fish and went over and above what most guys would do,I would highly recommend them if you want to have a great day on the water!
May 29, 2025
Hands down a great captain and an awesome boat! Chase and his first mate Neil were both awesome. We caught 5 different species of fish and a butt load of them.
May 29, 2025
Went peacock fishing, had an absolute blast! Caught lots of fish. Fred is extremely knowledgeable about the areas fished. Looking for a great charter captain, look no further!
May 29, 2025
I can't thank Marc and Cats on the Rock Guide Service enough for a great fishing trip. He is a great stand up guy. Also I could tell he is willing to accommodate his customers in every way. Men women and children alike. Experienced or new to fishing. Don't hesitate to book a trip and go have fun bending rods!!
May 29, 2025
Been out with captain.gary always puts us on fish,went out few days ago we caught our limit if you are looking for a fishing charters this the one to get
May 29, 2025
Captain Clinton has the most patience with kids and adults as well. We had 2 adults and 3 kids with only one adult having previous experience. Captain taught us so much and made sure we all caught fish and had a great time. Highly recommend!!! Hands down!!!