Since the introduction of steelhead into the Northeast in the late 19th century, the Great Lakes and their tributaries have become the home to some of the best steelhead fishing in the world. The serene environment of the beautiful rivers and creeks create a sharp contrast to the adrenaline-infused action of fighting a gorgeous two to three-foot chrome goddess.
The abundance of small and large creeks also provides fishable water under most weather and water conditions. While there are steelhead to be found throughout most of the year, the peak season in the fall is generally from mid October to mid November on the largest stream, the Cattaraugus Creek or the Cat, as it is known to those who fish it. Early November through early January is generally best for all the smaller streams. The “Cat” is often blown out during this part of this season. The spring steelhead run usually peaks from mid-March through mid-April in the smaller streams and peaks a bit later on the “Cat” as the water begins to subside.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find that your guide, Alberto Rey, will accommodate your needs and choose locations appropriate to your skill level. He recognizes the importance of solitude in the fly fishing process and he specializes in finding unpressured water. In addition to your world-class fly fishing opportunities, your full-day guide trips will include a homemade lunch which is prepared by Alberto’s wife, Janeil, and is served back at his 19th century brick farmhouse which is minutes away from several streams.
Alberto Rey, your New York State licensed guide, is the 2020 Orvis Freshwater Guide of the Year finalist and the winner of the 2021 Orvis Guide of the Year. He is not only an accomplished guide but is also an nationally recognized artist. His work is in the permanent collections of over twenty museums and is a contributor to Gray’s Sporting Journal, Fish and Fly magazine, The Art of Angling Journal, American Angler, Angler’s Journal, The Drake, Buffalo Spree and other magazines. A special tour of his three-story studio can be scheduled during your stay and a watercolor or oil painting of your trophy steelhead or favorite stretch of water can also be commissioned. This is a perfect way to remember the day’s events.
Guide fees for half and full days of fishing:
– Half Day: initial angler for 4 hours – wading/no lunch – $350
– Half Day: additional anglers for 4 hours – $200
– Full Day: initial angler for 8 hours – wading/lunch – $600
– Full Day: additional anglers for 8 hours – $350
(lunches will be provided at a local restaurant or at our home)
All equipment, flies, instruction and custom enhanced images from the trip are provided as part of your guide fees. Gratuity is optional and is not included in the price. Additional private casting or fly tying lessons are also available.
Artist fees:
– Watercolors – around 6″x10″ -$700
– Oil paintings – 15.5″ x 33″ – $2400
– Oil paintings – 33″ x 48″ – $5000
Oftentimes the best gift is a fond memory. Let us try to create a life-long memory for you and your guests.
Payment options – We use Paypal (alberto@albertorey.com), Venmo (@alberto-rey) or the following links:
Pay Deposits Online
Pay for Trips as Gifts
Annual Steelhead Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Clinic:
We have started doing an annual fly tying and fly fishing clinic over one weekend to introduce anglers to tying flies and then using those flies to seduce steelhead in our local streams. Please contact Alberto for more information.
Notable reviews, articles and podcast about our guide service:
2025 Detroit PBS’s article in Great Lakes Now about Alberto’s life and work
2024 Anglers Journal Magazine article about the guide service and my life
2023 Virginia Sportsman article about the guide service and my life
2021 Orvis Guide of the Year
2020 Freshwater Guide of the Year Finalist
Tom Rosenbauer’s Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcasts – Secrets of Lake Erie Steelhead Tributaries with Alberto Rey
Anglers Journal Podcast: Artist, Author and Fishing Guide Alberto Rey
Field and Stream magazine (international magazine), “12 Hot Fly patterns for Great lakes Steelhead”
Trout Unlimited (national organization), article on guide service and artwork
Orvis News (international blog), “Trout Bum of the Week”.
Buffalo Spree, “Painter in the Stream”
Fly Rod and Reel Magazine (international magazine), article about Alberto’s artwork.
Reelchase.com (international blog)10 Fly Casting Tips From Top Fishing Guides.
Angling Report (international magazine), article on our our guide service.
Sun newspaper (Hamburg, NY), article about our guide service.
New York Outdoor News ( New York State magazine), article about our guide service.
Orvis News ( international blog), article on my artwork.
Daily Local News newspaper (West Chester, PA), article on our guide service.
Cleveland Plain Dealer ( Cleveland, OH), web article on regional steelhead fishing and guides.
The Morning Call (Allentown, Pennsylvania), article on our guide service.
Television Interview with Bill Hilt Jr’s Outdoor Beat
International Game Fish Association Podcast Interview
Client reviews:
Read One Client’s Review of Guide Service
All Client Reviews
Tesla charger is available at our home.
In preparation for our guide trip:
Additional Information
Local Lodging and Culinary Recommendations
New York State Fishing License
Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Operations
Fly Tying Demo – Pale Morning Dun
Contact info:
Alberto Rey
211 Chestnut Street
Fredonia, NY
716-410-7003 (cell)
Alberto@albertorey.com
http://www.facebook.com/alberto.rey.353
Alberto Rey 
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