Jay Peck

Jay Peck always says “it doesn’t matter how much experience you have. You can always learn a new trick.” With 40+ years of fly fishing experience including 30 years as a licensed New York State guide, Jay has been applying his knowledge of the sport and local waters to help anglers in their pursuit of migratory fish, inland trout, and a variety of warm water species. He possess a deep understanding of fish habitat and behavior, ecology, and entomology which stretches the tributaries of western New York to the Salmon River.

Along with being an expert in fishing the Lake Ontario’s tributaries and spring creeks of western New York, Jay is also an accomplished spey caster and fly tyer. He has developed several fishing techniques and fly patterns for fishing the tributaries and inland trout streams (you’ll find his patterns in Steelhead Guide by John Nagy and Trout Flies of the East: Best Contemporary Patterns from East of the Rockies by Jim Schollmeyer and Ted Leeson)

Jay shares has a passion for teaching whether its through his guiding service, YouTube channel, or writing. Through his guiding and his writing. He hold degrees in both Fish and Wildlife biology and Conservation Resources. Jay splits time between his home in Spencerport, NY and Pulaski, NY during the season.

Get in touch with Jay at jaypeckguidesflyfishing.com

Articles written by Jay Peck

This angler posing with a monster caught by following Jay Peck's fall fishing tips.

Fall Fishing Tips for Salmon, Steelhead and Browns

The Fall Salmon Run It’s that exciting time of year again—the fall salmon run. Anglers across New York are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling season. Last year’s run was marked by unusually low water flow, which presented both challenges and triumphs. This year, however, brings a new set of obstacles that […]

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angler holding a large king salmon caught with careful consideration on the choice of flies for salmon fishing.

The Best Flies For Salmon Fishing

The Best Flies For Salmon Fishing – Chinook Salmon Fly Box When discussing king salmon fishing, I often emphasize the importance of reading the water and mastering fly presentation—two crucial skills for achieving success. However, it’s time to delve into a more intriguing topic: my personal preferences for flies when targeting salmon. Please note that […]

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An angler holding a big salmon caught during the early Salmon River run.

When to Fish The Early Salmon River Run

Experience The Salmon River Run I don’t want to start this article by sounding like an old-timer, but at the risk of doing just that, here goes. Anyone who has spent years fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario will tell you how much things change and evolve over time. Unfortunately, many of these discussions tend […]

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Egg drift fishing helped this angler catch this huge steelhead

Egg Drift Fishing for Steelhead Tips and Tricks

Salmon Fishing on Lake Ontario Tributaries Mid-October marks a bustling period for anglers fishing the tributaries of Lake Ontario in New York State. This time of year is significant not only for fishermen but also for the fish, as it coincides with the peak of the Chinook salmon run. During this period, a large number […]

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Angler shows off how to catch a landlocked salmon

How To Catch a Landlocked Salmon

How To Catch a Landlocked Salmon in Fall The quality of fall salmon fishing has seen a notable improvement over the last few years, despite some challenges like fluctuating water levels—ranging from high water in certain areas to a lack of water in others over the past two seasons. This resurgence has sparked a wave […]

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How to Fly Fish The Best Trout Streamers

The Best Trout Streamers: Effective and Versatile In New York State, fishing conditions vary widely across its rivers, lakes, and streams, requiring anglers to adapt their techniques. Streamer fishing is one of the most effective methods for targeting trout in these diverse waters. While some see it as a backup plan, streamers consistently produce results […]

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Man posing with catch while spring steelhead fishing.

Spring Steelhead Fishing Tips to Land a Big One

Prime Spring Steelhead Fishing: The Ultimate Guide to Success Spring is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times for steelhead fishing, offering anglers an unparalleled chance to catch these powerful, elusive fish. However, with spring comes a unique set of challenges—fluctuating weather, changing water conditions, and the unpredictable behavior of fish moving through their spawning […]

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angler holds large fish in front of river and snowy river bank, while fishing with nymph fly patterns

Using Nymph Fly Patterns Works

Fishing with Egg and Nymph Fly Patterns  When winter steelhead fishing, many anglers default to salmon egg fly patterns. Eggs are a primary food source for steelhead, making them a staple in many winter fishing setups. However, nymph fly patterns are also critical to a successful fishing strategy. Understanding the role of nymphs during winter […]

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Best water temperature for fishing - Man wading while casting a fly rod near a small boat while tributary fishing.

Best Water Temperature For Fishing Tributaries

Importance of Water Temperature for Tributary Fishing Water temperature plays a pivotal role in the success of tributary fishing, particularly when targeting species that migrate through rivers and streams for spawning. Whether it’s steelhead, salmon, or trout, water temperature directly influences fish activity and behavior. It affects their decision to ascend rivers, spawn, and feed, […]

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Man posing in front of a snow covered river bank with large steelhead while winter steelhead fishing.

9 Tips For Winter Steelhead Fishing

In recent years, winter steelhead fishing has seen a significant surge in popularity, with many new anglers discovering the thrill of targeting these prized fish during the colder months. Steelhead runs can vary by river, but they generally span from late September to early or mid-May, providing an extended season for fishing enthusiasts. With steelhead […]

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