DArk Skies Fly Fishing Guide Service
Looking to explore the streams and rivers of northcentral Pennsylvania, or perhaps you just want to get better at a certain fly fishing technique? Whether it’s Euronymphing, indicator nymphing, or simply perfecting your approach to catch more fish, I’m here to help you enjoy those days on the water even more.
The streams and rivers of northcentral Pennsylvania are our home waters, and we offer a variety of experiences that can be customized to suit every angler’s needs. We also host group trips on local and destination waters that many consider bucket list adventures. Here’s more about what we offer for guided and group trips.
I am a fully insured and licensed fishing guide specializing in showing folks how to catch fish on some of my favorite waters. Currently, I’m available for single or multiple day outings on the streams and rivers that I have been fishing for most of my life. Use the contact form below and let’s go fishing!
Guided Trips
We offer wade trips on local waters including First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek, Pine Creek, Kettle Creek, and Clarion River as well as many of the smaller, Class A wild trout tributaries of each waterway. We are passionate about the streams and rivers we fish! Every year, we spend countless days on the water and have firsthand knowledge of what’s hatching and where to go for the best experience that particular day.
Booking a wade trip with us is a full fly fishing experience tailored to your skill level. Prior to the trip, we will discuss goals and objectives for your time on the water. We excel in teaching others how to become better anglers, whether it’s using Euro nymphing techniques, indicators, streamers, or dry fly tactics.
Day trip, full day:
$495 for a minimum of 8 hours on the water.
Day trips generally start at 8:00 AM unless a different time is agreed upon ahead of time. We won’t end the day until you’re ready to leave the water, even if it means staying until dark to fish the evening hatch. We feel this is what separates us from many other guides! You’re not just getting eight hours on the water and calling it a day. Many times, our day trips end up being 10-12 hours on the water. We are truly flexible with our day trips and willing to work overtime to make sure you end the day feeling satisfied and like you achieved your goal. If you’d like shorter days, drop us a line and we can adjust the price of our day trips to suit your needs.
Lunch and drinks are provided for all full day trips.
Day trip, half day:
$325 for a minimum of 4 hours on the water.
This is a great option if you’re looking to fish over an evening hatch and improve your dry fly skills. We provide drinks and snacks (granola bars, fruit, etc.) for half-day trips, but lunch is on your own.
As with our full day trips, we are flexible with hours and will work hard to help you accomplish your goals of learning new skills, catching more fish, and having an enjoyable day on the water.
References Available Upon Request
If you’re interested in a multiple day adventure exploring several northcentral PA streams, not only can I be your guide, but I can also help you plan the trip, book accommodations, and offer insights on things to do when you’re not fishing. This is a great way to experience some of the area’s best waters.
What Our Clients Say
Group Trips on Local Waters
I’ve been walking the banks of First Fork since I was a toddler. I’ve fished it my entire life, and for many years, I owned a camp on its headwaters. This region has touched me so deeply that I finally moved to Coudersport three years ago so that I could fish First Fork any time I wanted. And I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge of this stream with you on the water. Here are the details for the group trip: For each trip, we will arrive at the First Fork Lodge in Costello on Sunday afternoon before dinner. We will fish Monday and Tuesday and depart Wednesday morning after breakfast. (Photo is from the May 2024 group trip on First Fork.)
We currently have two group trips planned for 2025:
May 4-7, 2025
at First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek.
May 11-14, 2025
at First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek.
What's included:
- Lodging for 3 nights at First Fork Lodge
- All meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Two full days of fishing
- Insider knowledge of what's hatching and where to find the best fishing
What's not included:
- PA fishing license and trout/salmon stamp
- Guide service
- Fly fishing gear such as rods, reels, line, waders, and any other accessories you might typically carry on the water.
*I will have a couple of fly rods available if you’re new or would like to bring along someone who has never fly fished before and would like to try.
Please note, this will not be a guided trip. However, we will have spots scouted prior to your arrival and have a good sense of what’s hatching and where so that you will have the highest quality fishing experience. We will do everything in our power to make sure you’re not only in a good spot, but that you’re comfortable and have the flies you need to be successful.
Total cost for the group trips is $695 per person. Maximum of only 8 anglers per trip.
Hosted Trips to Patagonia
Dark Skies Fly Fishing is hosting a trip to Patagonia, Argentina, April 19-26, 2025. In April 2024, we experienced the thrill of this bucket list destination fishing some of the most famous rivers in Argentina. You can read about part of that trip here. We are excited to return in 2025 with a group of 12 anglers who we know will love this region and this lodge as much as we do!
This trip includes 6 full days of fishing and 7 nights lodging at the world class Spring Creek Lodge. We will be fishing many of the rivers that helped put Argentina fly fishing on the map, including the Chimehuin River, Collon Cura, Malleo River, Alumine River, and majestic Lake Tromen.
Check out this video about Spring Creek Lodge and some of the rivers we will be experiencing on this trip:
All 12 spots for the 2025 Dark Skies Fly Fishing Hosted Trip are filled!
However, if you’re interested in fly fishing in Patagonia, Argentina, we do have several openings available during other times of the season, and if you book through us, you can still take advantage of our discounted group price.
Also, we are currently in the planning stages for a 2026 Dark Skies Fly Fishing Hosted Trip. Dates are TBD, but once they’re officially announced, this trip will fill up fast. It’s a fantastic adventure at a great price! If you’ve always wanted to travel to Patagonia, Argentina, to fly fish, we can add you to the list of potential anglers for this
trip. That way, when the dates are set, you will have first opportunity to confirm a spot.
Contact us today for dates still available in 2025 or to get on the waiting list for 2026.
About Dark Skies Fly Fishing
Ralph Scherder is an award-winning writer and photographer. His work appears in various publications like American Fly Fishing, PA Angler & Boater, PA Outdoor News, and Bowhunting.com. He is passionate about fly fishing, big woods whitetails, and sharing his outdoor experiences. As an active member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Ralph has won numerous Excellence-in-Craft Awards. He resides in Coudersport, PA, with his wife Natalie, two kids, and two dogs. Dark Skies
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