The School House Inn

The owners were cheerful, the bed was comfortable, and the room was clean enough. Still, it was a three-bunk dorm room with a stale, group-occupancy smell mixed with air freshener. I'm very sensitive to fragrances, so I left with a headache. The cramped room had just one reading light, and its bulb was burned out. Luckily, I had a flashlight. This seems geared mainly toward fishing groups. At $70, it could work for a few friends sharing, but as a solo traveler the price felt higher than I'd expect for this kind of place. There was no single-person or seasonal discount, and I guess the owners aren't set up for solo guests.

I've spent years fishing up there and staying at the school house. The place changed owners last year, though the new owners are friends with the old ones, who were fishing buddies of mine. They're all good people. Fibur, their fishing guide, is the best. Back in 2015 I landed New York's largest steelhead, and the school house was where I stayed. I own God'z Rod'z and Reel'z, and I recommend the lodge and Fibur's guide service.

Phil and Renee are incredibly friendly and hospitable, and I've stayed at the schoolhouse inn for two seasons. From there, you can head out to fish the Salmon, kayak, or snowmobile. The Inn also offers a guide service on the Salmon and other western NY tribs. I saw photos from their trips, and they were landing some hefty browns. I met Phinbar, one of Phil's guides. He ties excellent flies, has a great outgoing manner with clients, and might sell you a box of his best patterns for a good price if you're nice to him. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with a microwave, mini fridge, cable TV, and bunk beds for sharing with friends. They even assign you a personalized parking spot, and you can get WI-Fi at the house. The Schoolhouse Inn and Phil's crew are both good choices for a fishing trip.

We've stayed here three times, and every visit has been enjoyable. Rob's a great guy, too. He even came to help when our truck broke down.