* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.
There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Thanks as always for reading our reports friends. As the weather gets more conducive we should be reporting more regularly….but we need your HELP!
Send any and all reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we’ll do our best to get them up.
* We have some beautiful weather heading our way through the weekend and next week. The forecast is for 60’s next week this is going to feel like early April not the second half of February! Lots of warm water fishing talk in the shop this week. We are looking forward to seeing your pictures in the coming days. The focus for warm water fishing will be the shallow ends of ponds with dark bottom composition. Slow sinking streamers with large profiles will catch the attention of some of the largest bass of the season. Also keep an eye on the local streams as the fish will start to become more “catchable”.
Thanks as always for reading our reports friends. As the weather gets more conducive we should be reporting more regularly….but we need your HELP!
Send any and all reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we’ll do our best to get them up.
* We have some beautiful weather heading our way through the weekend and next week. The forecast is for 60’s next week this is going to feel like early April not the second half of February! Lots of warm water fishing talk in the shop this week. We are looking forward to seeing your pictures in the coming days. The focus for warm water fishing will be the shallow ends of ponds with dark bottom composition. Slow sinking streamers with large profiles will catch the attention of some of the largest bass of the season. Also keep an eye on the local streams as the fish will start to become more “catchable”.
Mad River
It is nice to see the flows level off compared to the fall when the stream seemed to just keep dropping. With the predicted forecast look for clear water and stable levels. We are on the edge of low flows, but this is a great time to take some notes and cover a lot of water. Lots of fish have been being caught on the typical nymphing rigs. Also the Little Black Stones are out and the fish have been keying in on them. As for nymphing we like to use black or dark green Copper Johns, but a Prince Nymph, Double Stone, and Trophy Nymphs will get the job done. A couple more overlooked nymphs that we use are the Steelhead Stone, Bears Stone and Holy Grail. Make sure your usual nymphs remain in your rotation also. The typical flies are Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Zud Bugs, and Zebra Midges. Pull out your long Sage ESN or Redington Hydrogen and pic apart the water.
If dries are your thing then make sure to have some dark dries with you. Add some Stimulators, Butch Caddis, and Adams to your box. Add some Loon Royal Gel and maybe a couple strokes of a black Copic marker and your ready to go.
Streamer fishing will be tough with the clear conditions, but if you hit the stream at first light it does not hurt to strip a few flies close to cover.
Little Black Stoneflies have been out in good numbers! Have some #12-14 black nymphs for sure.
“Last Sunday caught a 18 inch brown on a big streamer and a couple little guys on the streamer on the mad!!! Streamer bite was on fire!”- Luke Tzagournis
Clearfork River
The upper river is dropping steadily. We are still above normal for this time of the year, but clear. If you are in the area the upper is your best bet.
They have been stepping down the flows down in the Park, but we have not heard many reports of people doing well in that section. With the forecast look for Smallies, Saugeye, and a few trout on streamers.
Clousers, and Kelly Galloup style streamers are where we start. If you are looking to nymph either stretch keep an eye out for Little Black Stones. We like to use black or dark green Copper Johns, but a Prince Nymph, Double Stone, and Trophy Nymphs will get the job done. A couple more overlooked nymphs that we use are the Steelhead Stone, Bears Stone and Holy Grail. Make sure your usual nymphs remain in your rotation also. The typical flies are Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Zud Bugs, and Zebra Midges. Dead drifting a Conehead Muddler, Clouser, Autumn Splender or Trick-or-Treat is always another good choice below the dam. Minnows get beat up in the hydraulics and outflows and the fish are waiting for them. Pull out your long Sage ESN or Redington Hydrogen and pic apart the water.
Clear Creek
Low and Clear would best describe the creek through the weekend. Fish are well dispersed so covering the water is the best choice. This is one of the quickest streams to warm in the state. Look for fish to be active as the night temps stay in the 50’s as forecasted.
Small nymphs and soft hackles always produce, but you will need to make long drifts and use small yarn indicators. Keep an eye open for midges as this is the time to fish dries and have some fun. Also the Little Black Stones are out. Add some Stimulators, Butch Caddis, and Adams to your box. Add some Loon Royal Gel and maybe a couple strokes of a black Copic marker and you’re ready to go.
Erie Steelhead
The report straight from one of our Steelhead Guides Josh McQueen.”They are Everywhere.”
Fish are well distributed throughout the Alley and with the warm forecast they are looking to eat. Streams are in good shape for the most part with the Grand still high and the Vermilion on the low side. If you are looking to book a trip this is the time to give us a call. There are a few open slots, but there are calls pouring in inquiring openings.
As for flies…EGGGGGS! This is the time of year when you can really clean up by fishing double egg rigs. We like to fish two different colored eggs until we find a pattern then doubling up on the same shade. Look for the faster water that is waist deep. Pull out your 10′ 7wts and Air Lock Indicators and head out. For those wanting to swing for steelhead you will need to focus on the lower rivers and the Grand. The Grand is still high, but can swing good as long as you know the river well. The Grand is tricky so only fish it at this level if you are well accustomed to these flows. With no precip in the near forecast, the Grand is going to be HOT!
Take a look at the steelhead fly pages and keep your fly box filled.
“I picked up a new-to-me switch rod at the swap meet and headed to MRO to round it out with a reel, flies, etc. Fortunately, I was able to head up north yesterday and try it out. My casting definitely needs some work, but I don’t think I’ve ever been happier to be wet and freezing cold. Big thanks to Ryan and Pat at the shop, as well as my buddy for the quick and dirty casting/swinging lesson.”- Justin Dale
We are having one of the best winter seasons we have had in years. So clear out those schedules and plan on heading up to the Alley!
Interested in a guide trip this coming Spring Season?
Our guides can provide most equipment and are available most any time.
Click HERE for information and pricing on an Erie Steelhead Trip.
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
