The premier fly fishing guide service from Saratoga Springs to Manchester Vermont.
With a new location on the bank of the Battenkill!
Trip Options
Full Day Float Trip $500
up to 8 hours of fishing
full stream side lunch included.
1-2 guests per boat
3/4 Day Float $400
up to 6 hours of fishing
Beverages provided
1-2 guests per boat
Fly Fishing Lesson / Wade Trip $300
3 hours of fishing on foot
1-2 anglers; add a third for $50
all trips are catered to the guest’s individual experience level
Our seasons on the fly
~April 1st~ July 3rd
With cool water temps and good water levels we will mostly be trout fishing. As the waters warms, the mayfly hatches offer up some fantastic dry fly and nymph opportunities.
~July 3rd~Sept 15
The warm summer water and generally low water levels make for some great river small mouth bass fishing.
~Sept 15-Decemeber
As the water temperatures cool and levels rise we get back to trout fishing. There is no place more beautiful than the Battenkill River lit up in all of its autumn splendor. This is also the best time for targeting trout with a spey rod.
~December- April
Since we’ve only recently (2021) been allowed to fish for trout through the winters here in NY; it’s quickly become one of my favorite seasons to be on the water. It might be low numbers of fish but they’re typically of high quality and ready for an exciting fight.
“I booked Ralph through the Orvis Fishing School because I wanted to improve my skills on Euro-nymphing techniques and catch some fish at the same time. Ralph gave me the option up front to get a few fish "in the bag" by working on my current abilities of indicator nymph fishing. I opted for fish first and then found out that what I have been doing for years was causing me to miss a majority of strikes when fishing. Ralph explained and showed me how to rig up in a more effective way and I began to catch many large rainbow trout in just a few short hours. Our first day was a wade trip and the second day was a float trip. Ralph never stopped working to give the the best opportunity to catch fish and learn. He also instructed and critiqued me on my casting and general methods for Euro-nymphing. I have had many guides over the years from Maine to the West Coast and Ralph ranks among the best. I plan on coming back to fish with him next year and bringing my nephew.”
-Bob P.
About Me
I first picked up a fly rod around the age of 14. By the time I got my drivers license I was taking advantage of any chance I could to explore the waters around Saratoga. It wasn't hard to find and fall in love with the Battenkill. Many of my early lessons in fly fishing were taught to me by this beautiful and challenging river. After high school I enrolled in a NOLS/Orvis course which gave me the opportunity to fly fish for nearly a month straight; I was hooked. I thought I might have wanted to guide before this trip, now I knew I had to.
I began my guiding career working at a lodge just north of Yellowstone National Park. Guiding mostly the Lamar valley in Yellowstone NP as well as some of the spring creeks of paradise valley. While the fishing was great, by the time August came around the smell of cigar smoke would become a pining reminder of home in Saratoga. Upon making the transition back east I started guiding for Orvis in Manchester VT and have done so for more than 10 years now.
I love to fish everything from high up tiny brook trout streams in the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains all the way down to the Hudson River for small mouth, and everything in between. Whether you prefer to fish dry flies, get down with nymphs, or like stripping streamers; I love teaching the tactics and techniques of all facets of the game. My goal with any client on a river trip is not to just get you to catch fish but to teach you how to be a better angler.