Reff Water Fly Fishing LLC

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  "organizationId": "326c4b84-3848-4388-bdfe-9785e6119e52",
  "name": "Reff Water Fly Fishing LLC",
  "guideName": "Nik",
  "slug": "reff-water-fly-fishing-llc",
  "bio": "Nik has been guiding on the Salmon River and West Canada Creek since the early 2000s, building deep expertise in the region's seasonal rhythms. He specializes in fall king and silver salmon on the Salmon River (September through mid-October), winter steelhead on both rivers (late October through November), and spring-through-summer smallmouth bass and trout on the West Canada Creek via float and wade trips. His operation rotates between local New York waters and international expeditions to Alaska, Patagonia, and Kamchatka, offering clients both technical home-river mastery and remote adventure.",
  "yearsExperience": 20,
  "descriptionShort": "Reff Water Fly Fishing is a solo operation run by Nik, a 20-year veteran guide based in Ilion, NY. He specializes in seasonal rotations across the Salmon River, West Canada Creek, and Lake Ontario, targeting king and silver salmon, steelhead, brown trout, and smallmouth bass via fly, spin, wade, and drift-boat tactics. He also guides international trips to Alaska, Patagonia, and Kamchatka.",
  "descriptionLong": null,
  "editorialPitch": "Nik brings 20 years of obsessive river craft to New York's Salmon River and West Canada Creek, chasing king salmon in September's explosive runs, then pivoting to steelhead acrobatics and smallmouth bass on big streamers—a guide who reads the seasons like a book and finds fish in every chapter.",
  "fishinessRating": 5,
  "rating": null,
  "reviewCount": 0,
  "vertical": "guide_service",
  "isOutfitter": false,
  "hasMultipleGuides": false,
  "guideType": "multi_species",
  "tripStyle": "serious_angler",
  "fishingTypes": [
    "fly fishing",
    "spin fishing",
    "wade fishing",
    "drift boat",
    "jet boat",
    "inshore",
    "offshore",
    "flats fishing",
    "backcountry",
    "bass fishing",
    "trout fishing",
    "salmon fishing",
    "steelhead fishing"
  ],
  "bestFor": [
    "fly-fishing",
    "freshwater",
    "advanced",
    "intermediate",
    "salmon",
    "steelhead",
    "trophy-fish",
    "remote-wilderness"
  ],
  "hasGoogleMaps": true,
  "qualityTier": "excellent",
  "thinData": false,
  "possiblyClosed": false,
  "city": "Ilion",
  "stateProvince": "NY",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": "US",
  "timezone": "UTC-4",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://reffwaterflyfishing.com/",
  "tripAdvisorUrl": null,
  "googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=3498122143290010633&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
  "openMonths": [
    4,
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10,
    11,
    12
  ],
  "peakMonths": [
    9,
    10,
    11
  ],
  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year on the Salmon River and West Canada Creek is dictated by the incredible runs and seasons of our local species. The early fall, from September through mid-October, is prime time for the salmon run on the Salmon River. This is an exhilarating period with aggressive fish and the chance for a truly memorable catch. As the salmon run tapers off in late October and into November, the focus shifts to the steelhead. These powerful fish offer a different kind of challenge, known for their strong fights and acrobatic leaps. The West Canada Creek offers a more serene experience, with float and walk-and-wade trips available from April through mid-to-late fall, targeting trout and smallmouth bass. The smallmouth bass fishing in the upper river is a hidden gem, offering exciting action on big streamers from mid-May through July.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All rods, reels, waders, and tackle are provided. Clients of all skill levels are welcome; the guide adjusts techniques and gear to match experience and comfort.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": "all levels",
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
  "licenseInfo": null,
  "whatToExpect": "Trips on the Salmon River and West Canada Creek vary by season: early fall brings explosive king salmon runs with aggressive takes, late fall shifts to powerful steelhead on the swing, and spring through summer offers float trips and walk-and-wade options targeting trout and smallmouth bass on big streamers. Days are tailored to water conditions, tides, and target species, with both fly and spin setups available depending on preference and conditions.",
  "status": "enriched",
  "profileTier": "standard",
  "pipelineId": 361,
  "createdAt": "2026-06-15T16:50:18.998Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-16T14:47:35.261Z",
  "credentials": [],
  "geom": {
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [
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  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "beginner",
      "name": "Beginner",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "intermediate",
      "name": "Intermediate",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "advanced",
      "name": "Advanced",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "fly-fishing",
      "name": "Fly Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "spin-fishing",
      "name": "Spin Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
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    {
      "slug": "wade-fishing",
      "name": "Wade Fishing",
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      "name": "Drift Boat",
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    {
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      "name": "Shore / Wade Only",
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      "name": "Spring",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "summer",
      "name": "Summer",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "autumn",
      "name": "Autumn",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "streamer",
      "name": "Streamer",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "float-trip",
      "name": "Float Trip",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-trip",
      "name": "Wade Trip",
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    {
      "slug": "instructional",
      "name": "Instructional",
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    {
      "slug": "catch-and-release",
      "name": "Catch & Release",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "gear-provided",
      "name": "Gear Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "flies-provided",
      "name": "Flies / Lures Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "freshwater",
      "name": "Freshwater",
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  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
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      "question": "What gear does Reff Water Fly Fishing provide?",
      "answer": "Every angler is welcome to bring their own rods and reels if you choose. On every trip the following will be provided: rods and reels, terminal tackle, flies, beverages (water and non-alcoholic beverages). Hot beverages will be available as the temps drop; coffee, tea, hot water. Small propane heaters will also be provided on particularly cold days on the drift boat.",
      "category": "gear",
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    },
    {
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      "question": "What do I need to bring for a trip?",
      "answer": "Things you need to provide: Waders and Wading boots (neoprene are recommended during late fall-Early spring, also studs or korkers are a MUST HAVE). Lunch for yourself. Recommended clothing/equipment: Rain Jacket/Wading Jacket, Polarized Sunglasses, Proper Layering (extremely important during winter months), Wading staff.",
      "category": "gear",
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "da9780a1-aa9a-459d-83b6-0159adadcdb7",
      "question": "Do I need a New York State fishing license?",
      "answer": "It is important to remember to have your license purchased the day before or the morning of your trip. I will ask for proof of license before we launch or walk down to the river. You can purchase your license at any of the fly shops around the Salmon River or from the NYS DEC Website.",
      "category": "fishing",
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "c8ce4048-1102-4b49-be2b-b781258beb52",
      "question": "What is the alcohol policy on trips?",
      "answer": "For the safety of passengers on the drift boat, anglers doing walk and wade trips, and the guide; alcohol will be prohibited while fishing.",
      "category": "policies",
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "e8190c09-d30d-47c8-ab13-33232943148f",
      "question": "Are there discounts for military, first responders, or educators?",
      "answer": "If you are active military, reservist, retired military, first responder or an educator a discount can be applied to your trip. In order to receive this discount proof must be provided. This can be done by providing credentials, military i.d., or district i.d. Anyone who qualifies for this discount will receive 10% off their trip total.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 4
    },
    {
      "id": "1560d1fa-1116-4114-9d98-6cbd97ae756f",
      "question": "What is the deposit and cancellation policy?",
      "answer": "A 50% deposit is REQUIRED to hold the date of the desired trip date and must be received within 7 days of request to book. If a deposit is not received within 7 days, unless discussed otherwise, the date will be available for another client to book. Final payment of any scheduled trip is due before or the day of the trip before departing to the river. Any trip cancelled before 30 days of the intended trip date, the deposit will be refunded. Any trip cancelled less than 30 days before the scheduled trip date the deposit will not be refunded. A trip cancelled the week of will still need to settle the trip balance due to lack of rebooking on such short notice. Weather cancellations are done at the discretion of the guide for the safety of the guide and clients.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 5
    },
    {
      "id": "1748a330-9668-4cf4-a437-89acc5573cba",
      "question": "How many anglers can you accommodate on a West Canada Creek float trip?",
      "answer": "My raft can only accommodate two anglers and myself.",
      "category": "boat",
      "sortOrder": 6
    },
    {
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      "question": "How long do West Canada Creek trips last?",
      "answer": "Trips last for 6-8 hours. Trip times can be extended past 8 hours upon request. If you would like to extend your day, an additional $75 per hour will be charged.",
      "category": "trip",
      "sortOrder": 7
    },
    {
      "id": "9b841661-d900-4d5c-9b08-70f8ec52f525",
      "question": "What is included in the trip rates for Salmon River trips?",
      "answer": "Equipment, Flies and Pass Fee are included. All salmon trips are on the DSR.",
      "category": "trip",
      "sortOrder": 8
    },
    {
      "id": "b5b97073-dfa7-4b6d-afaa-377fab067441",
      "question": "What is the maximum group size for Salmon River trips?",
      "answer": "There is a 4 angler max. If you would like more than 4 guests, another guide can/will need to be arranged to accommodate.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 9
    },
    {
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      "question": "What is the tipping policy?",
      "answer": "Tipping your guide. While tipping is not required and a guide will never ask you for a tip, a tip at the end of a long day helps show your guide how good of a job he did. The tip should reflect the level of satisfaction you have with the trip and your guide.",
      "category": "policies",
      "sortOrder": 10
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    {
      "id": "8e6d4784-cc76-46f4-ab24-f012d476b802",
      "question": "What types of rods and reels do you provide for salmon and steelhead?",
      "answer": "Clients will have access to 8wt Douglas DXF switch rods and 7 wt Douglas LRS rods. Each fly rod will be paired with appropriately sized, top quality Cheeky Limitless 375 or 425 fly reel for salmon and steelhead.",
      "category": "gear",
      "sortOrder": 11
    },
    {
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      "question": "What kind of boat is used for West Canada Creek floats?",
      "answer": "Trips booked for a float on the West Canada will be done using an inflation Fly Craft USA raft. This raft will have a back rack for storage of extra gear and a cooler. This raft holds two anglers maximum.",
      "category": "boat",
      "sortOrder": 12
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "montana",
      "name": "Montana",
      "type": "state",
      "primary": true,
      "confirmed": true,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
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    {
      "slug": "west-canada-creek-river",
      "name": "West Canada Creek",
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  "primaryDestinationSlug": "montana",
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  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "king-salmon",
      "commonName": "King Salmon",
      "category": "anadromous",
      "availableMonths": [
        9,
        10,
        11
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "The annual salmon run brings these powerful fish into the river, offering an exhilarating and tiring fishing experience with the chance for a truly memorable catch.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "silver-salmon",
      "commonName": "Silver Salmon",
      "category": "anadromous",
      "availableMonths": [
        9,
        10,
        11
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "These salmon enter the river alongside the Chinook, offering a beautiful sight when 'colored up' and a rewarding catch.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "steelhead",
      "commonName": "Steelhead",
      "category": "anadromous",
      "availableMonths": [
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        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
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        4
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
        10,
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Considered the true treasure of the Salmon River, these gorgeous fish are known for their hard fights and acrobatic leaps, offering a challenging and rewarding experience.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "brown-trout",
      "commonName": "Brown Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
        9,
        10,
        11,
        12,
        1,
        2,
        3,
        4
      ],
      "peakMonths": null,
      "seasonalityNotes": "Present in the Salmon River, these trout offer opportunities to fish alongside the salmon and steelhead runs.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "smallmouth-bass",
      "commonName": "Smallmouth Bass",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
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        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
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        6,
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      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "A hidden gem in the upper river, these fish offer exciting action on big streamers, especially from mid-May through July.",
      "notes": null
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      "category": "branding"
    }
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}