Guide on the Side Customer Reviews

Name: Guide on the Side
Brand: Guide on the Side
Rating: 5 (29 reviews)

100% would recommend

5/5

From 29
verified reviews

Jack AI Customer Experience Snapshot

John Ryan Lutz delivers exceptional fishing experiences on the Salmon River with his mastery of multiple techniques including fly fishing, center pin fishing, and traditional setups. Customers consistently report successful trips even on challenging days when other guides struggle, with one angler hooking nearly 60+ fish in a single outing. John's intimate knowledge of river systems allows him to pinpoint exact casting spots that produce immediate hookups, and he expertly targets salmon and steelhead using specialized techniques that he teaches throughout each trip. John creates a relaxed, educational atmosphere that makes every trip memorable beyond just the catch. His boat features propane heaters and he provides extra gear like wool socks and waterproof gloves to keep guests comfortable in harsh weather conditions. Customers appreciate his humor, laid-back personality, and genuine teaching approach that helps anglers of all experience levels master new fishing methods. Many clients become repeat customers and close friends, booking multiple trips and already planning their next adventures with John.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Salmon River Expertise

Multiple Techniques

Fly Fishing

Center Pin

Steelhead

Educational Experience

Comfortable Boat

Repeat Customers

Photos from Real Customers

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Lone angler with a large fish caught while fishing

Caught a Northern Pike fish while fishing

Proud angler catches a 24-inch rainbow trout

A lone fisherman angling in an unknown location

Fishing for a big catch at an unknown location

A person fishing with a big 37-inch catch

Fishing in an unknown location with 2 people

Two people fishing at an unknown location

Photograph of a rainbow trout caught while fishing

Angler with a beautiful rainbow trout catch

Single angler fishing in unknown location

A single fisherman enjoying a great day of fishing

Most Reviewed Trip

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All Reviews

Dane Landes

October 6, 2024

Trip - Salmon River NY Fishing Guides | 6 Hour Steelhead Fishing Trip on October 6, 2024

7:00 AM - 1:00 PM

We had a great experience with John out fishing. He is very knowledgeable and provided a great time! Would recommend to anyone, no matter the experience level.

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Joe M

April 22, 2024

Trip - on April 22, 2024

Amazing guide...knows exactly where to fish. Put us on fish all day.

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Nathan Shover

March 22, 2023

Trip - on March 22, 2023

5 star never been skunked, John definitely has been a student of the area since a young age and it shows with his multiple techniques to get the fish in the boat! Glad we found him we also enjoy his company and laid back attitude. Very professional and fun! "LOINS"

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Tommy Gessner

March 10, 2023

Trip - on March 10, 2023

Been on a few trips with John. Never fails to make a funny trip. Has amazing humor and knows the River in and out. Will always put you in the right spot. If you ever plan on doing a charter through the salmon River contact john will always hook you up.

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Louie Nocera

February 27, 2023

Trip - on February 27, 2023

Had an absolute blast! John was awesome from the time we got on the boat until the time we left at the end of the day. If your looking for a guided trip do yourself a favor and just call John you won’t regret it! Thanks again John I’ll definitely be back this fall!

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Carter Wilson

February 25, 2023

Trip - on February 25, 2023

John is a great guide, always puts in 100% effort all day to put you on fish!

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johnmichael franciosi

February 23, 2023

Trip - on February 23, 2023

Excellent guide, we had planned a trip for 2 and had very little experience salmon fishing. John made the trip feel relaxed and encouraged us to try new techniques such as fly fishing. Definitely the ultimate experience!

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Lewis Hughes

February 21, 2023

Trip - on February 21, 2023

John is a top notch guide you will not be disappointed when booking a trip with him.. he will do everything in his power to make sure you have the best experience while on a trip with him. From his boat to his gear he takes a lot of pride in being a fishing guide.

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Thomas Derenick

February 20, 2023

Trip - on February 20, 2023

Awesome day on the river, on a cold day in November. John fished very hard and used all of his knowledge to help everyone on the boat land a steelhead. It was a day where nobody on the river was hooking up and the fish were just not biting. He knew the spots, the tackle, and the technique to land fish on a hard day. My next trip will be with John.

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Leo Pietrantuono

February 19, 2023

Trip - on February 19, 2023

Whether fly fishing for salmon or center pin fishing for steelhead, John has consistently puts my son and I on the fish. Every trip has been a great time., not only does he consistently put you on the fish,!but he also makes it a fun learning experience. His knowledge of the river is astonishing. I highly recommend booking a trip.

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Dan Hodgens

February 18, 2023

Trip - on February 18, 2023

John is a stand up guy. who never misses the opportunity to teach somebody about the variety of species that he fishes for. Great guide even better guy. You’ll have a great time out there!

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Jared Goss

February 15, 2023

Trip - on February 15, 2023

John is top notch been fishing with John a couple times with plans to do so again soon extremely knowledgeable and is willing to teach you how to be successful on the SR not only has John given me some awesome experiences on the river he’s become a good friend and keeps in contact if your looking for a guide you will have an absolute blast with and catch John will put you on the fish be seeing you soon John🎣🎣

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Uncover the Treasures of Fishing in Salmon River

Salmon River NY Fishing Charter Reviews & Customer Testimonials

Read what anglers are saying about Guide on the Side—your trusted fishing charter on the Salmon River in upstate New York. Our customer testimonials highlight the unforgettable experiences guests have had while targeting Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Salmon. From first-timers to seasoned anglers, visitors consistently praise our guide’s local expertise, patience, and ability to put them on the fish. Many reviews mention memorable catches, including trophy-sized Steelhead and fast-paced action throughout the trip. Whether it’s a half-day getaway or a full-day adventure, our trips are often described as the best part of their time in the Finger Lakes region.

These reviews are more than just five-star ratings—they tell real stories from families, solo anglers, and repeat customers who’ve made lasting memories on the water. Guests love the friendly, laid-back atmosphere paired with serious fishing results. If you're looking for a guided Salmon River fishing trip with proven success and glowing recommendations, these testimonials show you're in the right place. Take a look at what past anglers have to say, then book with confidence knowing Guide on the Side delivers a personalized, professional, and highly rewarding fishing experience.