Pennsylvania by Drift Boat or Raft

The opportunity to hop in a drift boat or a raft is something that every fly fisher should take advantage of any time it presents itself.  Pennsylvania has wonderful venues for said craft, yet one rarely sees watercraft of this variety.  The Clarion River, near Ridgway is an outstanding trout fishery that is best accessed by raft.  The Little Juniata River, near State College, offers fantastic hatches and perfect flows for a drift boat or raft under normal water conditions.  The mighty Allegheny flows from Kinzua Dam near Warren, represents a trophy fishery for brown trout and musky, and is exclusively accessible by boat.  For the brave, the raging rapids of the Youghiogheny River near Ohiopyle State Park offer excellent trout fishing especially on streamers.  Our secret venue, offers incredible float trips in April, May, and June, and one seldom sees another angler.  This particular waterway, too special to identify, mirrors our Roaring Fork River in Colorado in size and quality of fish, and can only be accessed via drift boat or raft.

 Taking a float trip affords an angler several advantages over wade fishing.  Access is expanded from the usual points to entire stretches of river.  Mobility is far greater for anglers who have difficulty wading long distances.  Few things are more enjoyable to a float guide than taking a trip down an angler's home water that they have never floated before.  Their whole perception of the river changes one oar stroke at a time.  A float trip is a fantastic gift to an older angler, especially one who doesn't walk the river as well as they did in the past.

The relative comfort of drift boat travel is priceless, as is having a mobile casting platform anywhere that you drop anchor.  Spooky trout that rise in slow tails of pools become realistic targets.  Covering water with streamers is as simple as making repeated casts to bank pockets.  The speed of an inexperienced anglers drift can be manipulated by the oarsman.  Many of the shortcomings of positioning and approach are erased by the unique qualities of our craft.  The whole experience evolves to a higher level.  

We have an entire flotilla of drift boats and rafts at our disposal, including a world class float guide staff.  We can accommodate single anglers, as well as large groups.  Nothing beats the camaraderie of a big group float!  Please do not to hesitate to ask about our outstanding float program.