On the Fly Guide Service
Status: enriched
George Zervos has built On the Fly Guide Service around the rhythms of central New York's legendary salmon and steelhead migrations. He guides the Salmon River near Pulaski for fall Chinook and Coho salmon runs (August–October), transitions to winter steelhead on the same water through February, and shifts to West Canada Creek for spring and summer trout fishing (May–August), targeting brown and brook trout on technical dry-fly water. His operation spans multiple Oswego County and Adirondack tributaries, including the Douglaston Salmon Run and Mohawk River, offering both wade and drift-boat options across fly and spin tackle.
Details
- Species: King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Atlantic Salmon
- Tags: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, First-Time Anglers, Drift Boat, Shore / Wade Only, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Wade Fishing, Year-Round, Dry Fly, Nymphing, Streamer, Sight Fishing, Half Day, Full Day, Wade Trip, Float Trip, Instructional, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Flies / Lures Provided, Freshwater
- Credentials: state_fishing_license — NYS
Waters Serviced (10)
| Destination | Type |
|---|---|
| Pulaski | city |
| West Canada Creek | river |
| Oswego County | county |
| Altmar | city |
| Lake Ontario | lake |
| Port Ontario | city |
| Hamilton County | county |
| Oneida County | county |
| Mohawk River | river |
| Utica | city |
FAQ — On the Fly Guide Service
Raw guide data (JSON)
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"name": "On the Fly Guide Service",
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"bio": "George Zervos has built On the Fly Guide Service around the rhythms of central New York's legendary salmon and steelhead migrations. He guides the Salmon River near Pulaski for fall Chinook and Coho salmon runs (August–October), transitions to winter steelhead on the same water through February, and shifts to West Canada Creek for spring and summer trout fishing (May–August), targeting brown and brook trout on technical dry-fly water. His operation spans multiple Oswego County and Adirondack tributaries, including the Douglaston Salmon Run and Mohawk River, offering both wade and drift-boat options across fly and spin tackle.",
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"descriptionShort": "On the Fly Guide Service, operated by George Zervos out of Utica, NY, specializes in seasonal fly and spin fishing across central New York's premier salmon, steelhead, and trout waters. Based on the Salmon River in Pulaski and West Canada Creek, Zervos guides anglers through the full calendar of migrations — fall Chinook and Coho salmon, winter steelhead, and spring/summer trout hatches.",
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"editorialPitch": "George Zervos orchestrates the full symphony of upstate New York's salmon and steelhead runs — from the raw power of fall Chinooks on the Salmon River to the acrobatic winter steelhead and technical spring trout of West Canada Creek.",
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"whatToExpect": "Trips rotate seasonally across the Salmon River, West Canada Creek, and surrounding tributaries depending on the time of year and target species. Fall days focus on sight-casting to staging Chinook and Coho salmon; winter brings steelhead swinging and nymphing; spring and summer shift to wade fishing technical dry-fly water for trout with insect hatches. Full-day and half-day options are available, with drift-boat and wade formats depending on water conditions and angler preference.",
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"question": "What is your catch and release policy?",
"answer": "Please note that I am a catch and release fly fishing guide. Regardless of NYS DEC game laws regarding fish harvesting, ALL species of fish will be caught and released. Of course, I'm more than happy to take a photo of your catch to capture the memory.",
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"question": "What fish species can I catch with On the Fly Guide Service?",
"answer": "On the Fly Guide Service targets King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, and Atlantic Salmon throughout the year.",
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"question": "Do I need a fishing license?",
"answer": "Both New York State residents and non-residents require a valid fishing license. You can easily obtain your NYS fishing license online via the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation or visit stores like Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, local fly shops, camp stores, or bait and tackle shops that offer this service.",
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"question": "What types of fishing does On the Fly Guide Service offer?",
"answer": "They specialize in fly fishing and spin fishing, offering both wade fishing and drift boat trips on various central New York waters.",
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"question": "What are the trip time slots and duration for West Canada Creek?",
"answer": "Between May and July, our guided fly fishing float trips on West Canada Creek typically begin around 2:30 PM and conclude at twilight, between 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM. The usual duration is 6 hours on the water, but this can be adjusted to meet your needs.",
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"question": "Where does On the Fly Guide Service operate?",
"answer": "The guide service operates in central New York, focusing on the Salmon River in Pulaski and West Canada Creek, as well as waters in Oswego County and beyond.",
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"question": "How many anglers can you accommodate on a West Canada Creek trip?",
"answer": "Most trips cover up to a two-mile stretch of West Canada Creek aboard my Flycraft 14' Guide boat, accommodating up to two anglers. If you need to accommodate more anglers, we have other licensed guides that we work closely with.",
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"question": "When is the best time to fish with On the Fly Guide Service?",
"answer": "The service guides anglers through the full calendar of migrations, including fall salmon runs, winter steelhead, and spring/summer trout hatches.",
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"question": "What food and drinks are provided on the trip?",
"answer": "For your enjoyment, the YETI Tundra 65 cooler is stocked with ice, lemonade, iced tea, and spring water. We also provide light snacks such as granola, dried fruit, and beef jerky. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks. We do allow guests to enjoy a beer or two, but it's important to maintain a responsible and safe environment.",
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"question": "What fly rods do you provide?",
"answer": "I provide three fly rod selections: 1) The Dry Dropper Rig: Orvis Recon 9ft #5 with Scientific Anglers Amplitude fly line and a tapered leader. 2) The Nymph Rig: Orvis Recon 10ft #4 with Scientific Anglers Amplitude fly line and a tapered leader. 3) The Streamer Chucker: Hardy Marksman II 11ft #5 with RIO Grip Shooter shooting line, a RIO 270 grain Scandi Short shooting head, and an OPST Micro Skagit Sink Tip.",
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"question": "Do you provide flies and tackle?",
"answer": "I provide all dry flies, nymphs, and streamers necessary to target trout on West Canada Creek. For those learning to fly fish or who prefer spinning rods, I have light action spinning rods and a fine selection of artificial lures available.",
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"question": "What waders and wading boots do I need?",
"answer": "Anglers should bring and wear their breathable waders paired with felt-soled wading boots. No form of spikes are allowed on float trips since the Flycraft is an inflatable boat. For those who don't own waders, I offer Redington breathable waders and Korkers Dark Horse wading boots for rent, available in various sizes.",
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"question": "What are the guide rates for West Canada Creek?",
"answer": "Guided Fly Fishing Trips on the West Canada Creek are $300 for one angler and $550 for two anglers. At this time no deposit is required. I accept Cash, Venmo, Paypal, and Zelle as payment options. I am always grateful for any gratuity above and beyond the guide fee.",
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"question": "What is your cancellation policy?",
"answer": "At this time no deposit is required. I only ask that if you book a trip with On The Fly Guide Service that you are fully committed to the trip.",
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"species": [
{
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10,
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"seasonalityNotes": "The king of the river, Chinook salmon average over 20 pounds, with trophy fish reaching the 40-pound class. They begin entering the Salmon River in late August, with big runs often occurring in early September. The prime season is late September into October, offering exhilarating days with the potential to hook double-digit numbers of these powerful fish.",
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{
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"seasonalityNotes": "Coho salmon average 12-20 pounds and provide a fight that will keep you coming back. These torpedoes run all over the river and take on beautiful color during their spawning phase. They are present alongside the Chinook salmon runs.",
"notes": null
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{
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"seasonalityNotes": "Winter is for steelhead on the Salmon River. Averaging 6-12 pounds with trophy catches exceeding 20 lbs, these acrobatic fighters are known for their blistering runs. They enter the river system dime bright silver, often called 'chromers' or 'silver bullets,' and provide a challenging yet rewarding experience from November through February.",
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{
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7,
8,
9,
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"seasonalityNotes": "West Canada Creek is a fly fisherman's paradise for brown trout, with fish averaging 14-16 inches and many respectable residents from 18-22 inches. Trophy browns ranging from 24-28 inches and 6-10 pounds are present but are wariest and will test your skill. The major insect hatches from May through mid-August provide excellent opportunities.",
"notes": null
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{
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"category": "freshwater",
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6,
7,
8,
9,
10,
11
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"peakMonths": [
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8
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"seasonalityNotes": "West Canada Creek also offers excellent opportunities for brook trout, particularly in its headwaters. The major aquatic insect hatches from May through mid-August provide excellent opportunities.",
"notes": null
},
{
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"commonName": "Atlantic Salmon",
"category": "anadromous",
"availableMonths": [
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10,
11
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"peakMonths": null,
"seasonalityNotes": "While not as prominently featured as other species, Atlantic salmon are mentioned as being present in the Salmon River, offering another exciting angling opportunity.",
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}
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