fly fish ohio

The Mad has been fishing ok, but definitely slowing down with the heat. Best fishing right now is very early or very late in the day. May want to have a thermometer along as the temps during the day have been creeping up to where it might be better to think warmwater fishing.

We have had some decent streamer fishing the past few weeks with the water coming up and getting cloudy with the storms. Brian had a really great day on the water last week throwing streamers with a client. They had some storms roll through and the water dirtied up enough to make it a “streamer day” and they moved some really nice fish. Right now though, as the water drops here, it will primarily be a nymph game. Your best bet is to focus on caddis. Caddis larva along with soft hackles will be the way to go.

Dr. Bob Lewis on a float last week with Brian in the AuSable boat.

Although our mayfly hatches are pretty well done for the most part, we have had some decent surface activity on Caddis. Mostly in the evenings but we have been doing well with Galloup’s Butch Caddis, Goober Caddis and even old fashioned Elk Hairs. We have been able to draw fish up even though they weren’t focused on the surface. Also want to have some ants and beetles if fishing during the day. These can also draw fish up but be sure to fish them around overhanging limbs and such. Fish know that they don’t fall from the sky!

No sign of Tricos yet but with the strange year and weather we are having, they might not be far off. Folks fishing at daybreak should have a few along as well as a spool of 7X Tippet!

Have also had a few folks doing some night fishing. A smart move right now with the temps we have been experiencing.

Did some mousing Saturday night, things really came alive around midnight just like You guys have always told me. Full moon around 0100 high in sky, white belly mouse on a 6 weight switch with skagit head really helped keep me out of the trees.

Thanks for all the advice.- Mike Canter

Clearfork River

The Upper river has actually been fishing pretty well, but the heat the past few days is taking a toll. The lower is of course too warm to consider trout fishing but has been producing well when it comes to warmwater species.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A THERMOMETER WITH YOU. Although there are plenty of locations that provide good cover, oxygen, and spring influenced water temps pressuring/stressing trout at water temps over 68 or so can be lethal. Even if water temps are in a good zone our air temps are way too high for these fish to recover. If you do make it out bring the net and heavy tippet. The net will provide you a way to keep the fish in the water to take the hook out and help revive the fish. Heavy tippet allows you to bring the fish in quickly limiting fatigue.

Those that understand all of the above have been rewarded with some good fishing. Most of the mayfly hatches are done, but there are plenty of the usual Summer bugs to match. Caddis have been the main insect the fish have been feeding on. Look for an early morning and evening hatch. We usually either skate a dry or swing Soft Hackles to match these bugs. Also look for fish to be targeting Ants and beetles midday.
We have not seen any Tricos as of yet, but with the heat it should be any day now. This is usually later in the summer, but how this year has been going the “usual” is just a guideline.

Forecast:
Water temps will continue to be a concern so keep an eye on the thermometer. Your dry fly box should consist of many different caddis patterns that provide varied surface silhouettes. Elk Hair, Stimulators, Henryville Special, Goober Caddis, and Butch Caddis are all great. As for wets any of the Soft Hackles, Drowned Caddis, Core Caddis, and Shop Dips are a good start. Also make sure to have a good selection of beetles and ants. Make sure as with all dries that you have patterns that ride differently in the surface film. Shoot us a call or email if you need help figuring any of this out.

Clear Creek

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Although we had a surprisingly productive June on the creek, things are slowing down here for sure. Water temps will be a concern until we get a break. Probably best to think about fishing warmwater species and leave these guys alone for now. Move on down to the Hocking and chase some smallmouth around. Decent carp fishing to be had there as well.

We’ll update as we know more and as always, feel free to call the shop if you have any questions.

Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Fly Shop, Fly Fishing Guides, Hosted Fly Fishing Travel, Schools, Classes and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

[email protected]

Fishing Reports- 4/27/18

October 23, 2026April 27, 2018

Warmwater

Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Fishing has been really picking up the past week or so. Pat and Josh have been running trips and doing well!

The small cold front coming in this weekend will be short lived only making us more enjoy the weather next week. Local water conditions continue to be high/stained on the bigger systems with clear to clearing water on the smaller streams. Water temps vary by watershed, but we are at that perfect time when things are around the 50 degree mark. As long as we keep the daily lows out of the 30’s we should be good for a fantastic pre-spawn bite. The ponds have been producing well for those targeting the warmest parts of the day.

We are starting to hear reports of some crappies and panfish being caught closer to shore, but still suspended off of drops. Bass will start to poke into the shallow bays and norther reaches of the lakes and ponds also. Many of the local ponds have been having good midge hatches and the bait fish and panfish have taken notice. With this activity expect a few predatory fish to be waiting for an unaware meal.

Tactics for the next few weeks will focus on water temps. We always preach having a water thermometer so you know where to expect fish to be holding and what fly to choose. In streams and lakes a sinking line or sinking tip is a good choice as usual. A Rio Streamer Tip or SA Titan Clear Tip are main stays for us in the shop. Match this with a few neutrally buoyant flies of various colors and your set. We are fishing Game Changers, Lil’ Swimmers, BangTails, Stacked Blonde, Articulated Fathead, Woolhead Scuplin, Swimmy Jimmy, Murdich Minnow, and Zoo Cougars to name a few. These flies will slowly float or suspend on the pause.

Allowing your fly to pause causes all of the natural materials to “breath” and move very naturally. This is one of the key differences we have verses someone who fishes soft plastics or stick baits with conventional tackle.

Long-time customer and frequent “Guide Tripper” Don Gregory was out on a trip with Josh on Wednesday and got this beast!

And another “regular”, Alex Vaughan was out with guide Pat Kelly on Sunday

Click Here for information on booking an Ohio Smallmouth Trip

Forecast:

The small cold front this weekend will slow the pond fishing down a little, but next week looks great. Seek out those shallow bays with dark bottoms and some structure and you will find fish.

The smaller streams will be very productive this week and into next weekend. Get out there and scout your usual stretch this weekend so you are ready for later in the week. Look for…well we should say HOPE for… the Scioto and the Olentangy to start to clear and continue to drop to wading levels. Start your focus below the dams and work your way down until you find fish. Look for a nice mixed bag of fish to be in these locations also.

Mad River

Hendrickson! Hendrickson! Hendrickson! has been the talk for the past few weeks around the shop. With the unusual weather the past few months the hatches have been very sporadic. It is extremely hard to say what the status of the hatch is. It is very likely that they have been hatching here-and-there and we may not see a “big push” this year. Just seems to be the way the season is going.

There have been bugs hatching in almost every part of the river, but no large hatches until this past week. Our good friend Jacob called in explaining a very strong hatch in the upper river with fish consistently rising to them. A few folks out today when the sun was shining in the same areas and didn’t see much at all. Very strange Henny season!

Individuals swinging soft hackles and nymphing have been catching fish also. These tactics are great choices while you wait for mayflies to hatch. With the higher flows and overcast days earlier this week the streamer fishing has continued to be great.

Good friend and great customer Mike Canter with a nice streamer eater from today!

Brian was out teaching the On Water Seminar last Sunday and found plenty of Sulphur nymphs while sampling so make sure you have your boxes ready for this upcoming hatch as well. He did not find the numbers of Hendrickson nymphs that he suspected which leads us to believe that the hatch is going to be mostly found in the upper river and may well be in the later stages at this point.

A few shots from the On-River Seminar last Sunday:

Forecast:
We will continue to see Hendricksons next week throughout the river and expect to see and hear many people catching fish, but it appears that we may not see the “explosive peak” like we are used to. It seems like the weather is changing but we are still a little hesitant as we have been let down many times so far this year. Continue to have plenty of Hendrickson Parachutes, thorax, and Sparkle Duns. Also make sure to have Rusty Spinners as you do not want to be caught without them in a Spinner fall! Also take a look at your Light Cahill, Caddis, and Sulphur box and be prepared.

This is a great time of the year to swing soft hackles that specifically represent the active bugs in the water. Nymphing as always is a great choice. Pheasant tails are a good choice along with Hendrickson Nymphs and Hares Ear. Caddis in all stages will produce well also. Flashabou Caddis, Holy Grail, Swinks Core Caddis, Shop Dip, Nitro Caddis, and Peacock Hares Ear are a good choice for those. If you tie take a look at Brian’s video on the Hendrickson nymph and the other variations. Also Ryan’s Jig style Trophy Nymph is very productive and can be tied lighter colors for the Sulphur variation.

Click Here to check out our early season Hatch Matching flies

Clearfork River

Not much to report as most in that area are focusing on Steelhead. The stream has been high, but fishing well for those who know the area. Streamer fishing this spring continues to be great during those windows of stained water. We have not had any reports of Hendrickson as expected with the higher water levels and temps. There are surely some bugs hatching here and there and we would expect that this will pick up dramatically in the coming week.

The lower river has been producing well for those streamer fishing and nymphing. Along with trout there have been plenty of Saugeye being caught also. As the weather starts to stabilize look for great dry fly fishing in the upper river and a mixed bag to continue to be great in the lower river.

Forecast:
There is a cold front and some rain heading in this weekend. Look for this to help out the streamer fishing, but continue to put off the Hendrickson hatch. By mid week expect ideal dry fly conditions on both sections of the river. If you want to take advantage of the Spring dry fly action make sure to have plenty of Hendrickson Parachutes, thorax, and Sparkle Duns. Also make sure to have Rusty Spinners as you do not want to be caught without them in a Spinner fall! Also take a look at your Light Cahill, Caddis, and Sulphur box and be prepared. This is a great time of the year to swing soft hackles that specifically represent the active bugs in the water. Nymphing as always is a great choice. Pheasant tails are a good choice along with Hendrickson Nymphs and Hares Ear. Caddis in all stages will produce well also. Flashabou Caddis, Holy Grail, Swinks Core Caddis, Shop Dip, Nitro Caddis, and Peacock Hares Ear are a good choice for those. If you tie take a look at Brian’s video on the Hendrickson nymph and the other variations. Also Ryan’s Jig style Trophy Nymph is very productive and can be tied lighter colors for the Sulphur variation.

As the water temps start to raise fishing for warm water fish in the lower sections can be very good. Match that with camping in the State Park and you have a great way to spend a Spring weekend. Target these fish with various articulated streamers line the Barely Legal, Mini Dungeon, Wooly Buggers, Zoo Cougar, Near Nuff Sculpin and others. We are at least a month out from popper season though.

Clear Creek

The little creek has had a couple hard flushes over the past few weeks. There have been a few trees moved around and newly added. Before the high water Ryan was out with Will his son doing some sampling. There were plenty of Hendrickson nymphs, Caddis, and Sulphurs. We have seen a few Hendricksons this week so far. We would expect that the dry fly fishing really picks up next week and could be a mixed bag with Hendricksons and Caddis leading the charge.

Nymphing the typical Pheasant Tails and Hares Ear will always produce. Also fishing a small streamer like a Wooly Bugger in size 10 is a good choice to cover water looking for fish. These fish are small and not heavily stocked, but if you are in the Hocking Hills area it is worth a few hours of time.

Forecast:
A small cold front is moving in for this weekend, but everything will rebound by next week. Look for mid week to be ideal dry fly weather and hopefully a good push of Smallmouth Bass.

Erie Steelhead

STEEL has been the other big topic in the shop over the past month. Every tributary has plenty of fish in every stage of the run. With the low temps and high water this season the fish are still fighting hard and kicking away strong on the release. Fish have been actively spawning for the past month and the rain has continued to bring in fresh fish.

If you have not made it out yet…

STOP READING and head north (well maybe stop by the shop or place an online order first).

Jim Bagnoli out with MRO guide Josh McQueen on 4/26/18- they caught fish ALL DAY LONG!

Lake run Smallmouth Bass have started showing up also. These are the early fish and with the cold water temps they are not consistently chasing streamers yet. Most of these fish have come from swinging streamers or slowly fishing crawfish patterns. Suckers are also in the systems in large numbers. These fish are usually found in the slack water areas adjacent to fast water. Nymphing with double egg rigs have been the most productive. Egg patterns to be well stocked on are Glo Bugs, Scrambled eggs, Otters eggs, Cyclops, and Sucker Spawn. As the water clears and drops swapping out an egg for a nymph is a good choice. Swinging streamers has also been very productive. Flow Ryders, A.I., and Sili-Leg Intruder, Skiddish Smolt, Woolhead Sculpin and Wooly Buggers are the flies to have. If you tie flies take a look at Ryan’s Sunken Fox on our YouTube page. This has been a hot fly in the clearing water conditions.

Forecast:
We need some rain to help keep water temps and levels in perfect shape. Looking at mid week temps there will be a lot of fish pushing to the gravel to spawn. If the extended forecast holds then cooler temps and rain will come in later in the week keeping the fish happy. The guess as of right now is that we still have a couple weeks of fishing left before the water temps get too warm. We will keep you update as things start to change. Feel free to give us a call or shoot an email for up to date conditions.

Click Here to see photos from the past few weeks of guide trips!

Click Here to check out the details and pricing on our Steelhead Alley Guide Service

Here’s Greg Shoup who was out with Josh on 4/23. We usually see a nice push of big Manistee fish right around 4/20 each year and 2018 did not disappoint!!!

Mad River Outfitters/Mad River Travel/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 4/13/18

October 23, 2026April 13, 2018

Warmwater

The talk around the shop has been more and more about Smallmouth. Mostly this is because once we start fishing for bass Winter is officially over, but this year it just seems to never end. We get a shot in the arm and then take a look at the forecast and its right back into winter. This time of the year is really tough for a warm water fisherman especially in Ohio. For those that have made it out during prime conditions pre-spawn Smallies and Saugeye have been caught.

Understanding water temps, seasonal migration patterns, and forage are the key to successful fishing any time of the year, but more so in the Spring.

With the very high water and few warm days the river fishing has been tough. The most consistent fishing has been below the local dams or in small ponds. Fishing a 6-8wt with a sinking tip line from AirFlo or Scientific Anglers is our usual rig. Match that outfit with an articulated fly in white or shad colors and you have a great place to start. For fishing the streams once they are at the right levels you will want to select Half and Halfs, Dungeons, Bottoms Up, Modern Deceivers and others. For pond and lake fishing Dirty Hippies, Barely Legals, Bottoms Up, Murdich Minnow, Glass Buggers, and alike are a good start.

Forecast

These past few days have been great, but there is a lot of rain forecasted. Next week looks like we are back on the roller coaster weather pattern also. The streams will not fish until late next week and this will be limited to just a few small creeks. Pond fishing will continue to be the best choice. Search out areas that have shallow bays or flats with dark bottoms. If it is sunny and calm a rocky bank is also a great choice. Get out there when you can and keep the dust off of your casting.

Mad River

Click Here to check out our early season Hatch Matching flies

It has been great too see the river higher than usual for a good portion of the year so far. In general, the Mad has been fishing good to excellent and we expect that to only get better as we go here.

Streamer fishing has produced the most buzz around the shop, but nymphing has been the numbers game. For those that put in their time floating the river streamer fishing a good number of upper teens to low twenties fish have came to the boat. Despite the clear water the flows have made the lower river a float only situation while the smaller upper sections have produced well for those wadding. Euro nymphing, Indicator/bobber fishing, and streamers all produce higher in the system as well. Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Hendrickson nymphs, and Prince have been the most productive nymphs. Streamers that have produced are the usual Barely Legal, Dungeon, Big Hole Bug, Pearl Necklace, Zoo Cougar, and Peanut Envy.

Dry fly fishing has been limited. There have been a few Blue Wing Olives and Blue Quills around but the conditions have not provided good fishing. The past few days we have finally seen some Hendricksons, but only sporadically. These hatches usually start in the lower river when conditions are right and progress up river. With the high and colder water things are a little different this year. The past two days the temps have been right for Hendricksons to explode but the wind has kept this from happening. At any moment, all hell is going to break loose and fish are going to be eating Hendricksons until they burst.

We do have guide trips next week with the hopes of dry fly fishing. We’ll let you know what we find out.

This guy will be the star of the show here as soon as the hatch gets into full-swing. Should be a few weeks of FANTASTIC dry fly fishing ahead. Be sure to have some nymphs as well for the hours prior to hatching.

Forecast
Those wanting to take advantage of the Hendrickson on foot will need to keep an eye on the middle river. The flows right now continue to be higher than usual. Wading at a flow of more than 250cfs at 36 is not suggested. Even at that flow it is challenging and not suggested for anyone new to wading or not familiar with the area. Floating the river at the right times will put you in the needed areas to see the most Hendrickson action. Like stated above the high water and weather have things pushed back. Keep an eye out anywhere though and be ready with a box of Becks Hendrickson, Bears Para Hendrickson, and Hendrickson Sparkle Dun. We have a feeling that since the weather has not been playing by the rules the bugs might follow. We will keep you updated with hatch info as we see everything play out. In the meantime Make sure to be nymphing a Bead Head Hendrickson, Pheasant Tail, or dark Hares Ear in the 12-16 range. Drop off of that nymph a Soft hackle or non bead Pheasant tail and you should be in plenty of fish.

There is some rain in the forecast that will most likely mess things up for the first part of the week. By mid week we should see perfect streamer water and Hendrickson picking back up towards the weekend. Keep an eye on the flow gauges or shoot us a call at the shop and we will help you sort it all out.

Congrats again to Nick Renzetti who landed this Beast of a girl back in March!

Clearfork River

Not many reports from fishing up there, but the past few days the river has been fishing well.

The upper river has been the only section fishable as they continue to dump water out of the dam in the lower. There has been a few Hendrickson, Blue Quills, and Blue Wing Olives spotted, but with the past rains the conditions have just been good the past few days. Most individuals have been nymphing to produce the best results. There are a few that like to streamer fish this area and continue to be rewarded. The higher water this Spring has provided plenty of great streamer water.

Forecast
Looking ahead there will be a large amount of rain heading into the area. Look for the upper river to start fishing as early as mid week, but most likely your best bet will be later in the week.

At that time we should see a good Hendrickson hatch. Be prepared with a box of Becks Hendrickson, Bears Para Hendrickson, and Hendrickson Sparkle Dun. If you do not see any activity nymph Bead Head Hendrickson, Pheasant Tail, or dark Hares Ear in the 12-16 range. Drop off of that nymph a Soft hackle or non bead Pheasant tail and you should be in plenty of fish. Streamer fishing will continue to be great. Make sure to have a good array of colors and fly designs so you are prepared for anything. The lower river will continue to be very high and not fishable.

Clear Creek

There has not been much to report from the creek the past week. Flows continue to be higher that normal. Clarity has just been good the past few days with some stain lingering in the deeper holes. No reports of Hendrickson yet, but the conditions are perfect and we are a day or so away from the best dry fly fishing of the season.

Streamer fishing has been the preferred method with the high flows, but with minimal success. Fish continue to be caught nymphing small caddis and mayfly nymphs also. Fishing overall this Spring has been slow and the crowds have not been helping. Ask anyone local and you will get an ear full as the fish regulations have changed.

Forecast
With the rain forecasted this weekend the creek will not fish till late next week. We will keep you updated if you happen to be down that way next weekend. Dry fly fishing should pickup by next weekend or once Spring decides to stick around. Right now most of the focus is at fishing the hatches on the Mad.

Erie Steelhead

Fishing has been fantastic. All of our tributaries are packed with fish in all stages of the run.

This past week we have seen many drop back hens being caught with a few fresh fish in the mix. The suckers have made it into the streams in big numbers also. Most fish are being caught in the deeper water behind these sucker pods. At this stage in the run your most productive technique will be nymphing double egg rigs under a float. There are plenty of fish in the shallow riffles actively spawning. Beginners commonly are distracted by visible fish in these areas. Remember that these fish are spawning and do not readily feed.

Forecast
There is a big rain event heading to the state this weekend. This will mess things up for a few days and continue to keep the Grand high. Focusing on the tributaries of the Grand and the smaller streams by mid week will be your best bet. Pushing ahead to next weekend everything but the Grand should be in great shape. This rain will push out the drop back/ already spawned fish and bring in some fresh fish. Look for fish to be readily taken on various methods. Swinging has been great and the new Pieroway Renegade rods have been a HUGE focus this season. If you need help sorting all of this switch/spey/swinging stuff out let us know. Nymphing double egg, bugger & egg, or egg and nymph rigs under a float has put numbers to hand also.

Our go to rigs are either a 10′ 7wt or a 6-8wt switch rod. Match these with the SA Anadro, AirFlo Nymph line, or properly weighted Rio Switch line. Flies to keep stocked up on will be Scrabbled Eggs, Glo Bugs, Otters Eggs, Wiggle Stones, Steelhead Stones, Chicken Little, and various colors of Wooly Buggers. As for swinging flies grab Senyo’s A.I. in various colors, Flow Ryders, and Sili-Leg Intruders. Do not over look stripping streamers also. As we get later in the season pulling out your Smallmouth rig and stripping will reward you with a mixed bag. If you are heading up that way, give us a call and we will keep you up to date.

Click Here to see photos from the past few weeks of guide trips!

Click Here to check out the details and pricing on our Steelhead Alley Guide Service

Old friend and long-time customer Sam Hanna was out on a guide trip with Josh on Wednesday and they had continuous action. Steelhead season is full-on right now.

Mad River Outfitters/Mad River Travel/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 8/11/17

October 23, 2026August 11, 2017

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.

8/12 UPDATE- The storms on Friday have raised the level of some of the local streams. The Scioto and Olentangy are holding as of early Saturday, but lake levels are slightly high. The smaller streams are elevated for the most part, but with the forecast should drop very fast. Make sure to check with us at the shop or take a look at the gauges before heading out.

Special congrats to our good friend Bob Bailey from Columbus, Ohio. He landed this 23 1/2″ bruiser last week on the Madison River. Fish of the group for the Slide Inn Trip Shown here with one of our favorite guides anywhere….John McClure.

Should get some further pics and reports up from the Alaska Trip and the Slide Inn Trip this week as we get a few moments.

Got this note last week from our friend and customer Ann Heuerman:

Dear MRO,

Spent last week in Northern Michigan. Didn’t get to do as much fishing as I hoped due to weather and other reasons, however still was a great trip.

Fished a hopper dropper with different attractor nymphs on bottom and picked off a few tiny smallies in the Crystal River near glen arbor. Got looks from trout but none committed. No big fish, but sight fishing for creek smallmouth was tons of fun.

Then headed further north to Petoskey. Fished round lake for pike but unfortunately didn’t get any on the fly rod. My dad and I did get to fish the Boyne River for a couple hours and pulled out a rainbow on the black ant.

Additionally, before I left, got into some Ohio creek smallies as well. As always, thanks for the tips and flies!- Ann

Congrats also goes out to Rodney Zoyhofski from Canton, Ohio. He was out today (8/11/17) with MRO guide Pat Kelly and had an EPIC day of Ohio Pike fishing on the fly. He landed the 34″ above and then 20 minutes later landed the 38″ below. Pat said conditions are perfect for a change and he and Josh are looking to book trips.

Learn more about our Pike Guide Service HERE

Warmwater

The forecast looks great with only a slight chance of some popup thunderstorms from day to day. These rains will only mess up the rivers for a very short period of time if at all. Take advantage of the great flows and good temps!

The local Smallmouth Bass fishing has been fantastic. All the streams are currently fishing well. The Big Walnut and the lower Alum did bump up, but are clearing fast. The topwater popper bite has been great in the evenings and at first light. Boogle Bug Poppers and Bullets continue to be our go to flies for either personal fishing or on guide trips. The middle of the day we have been fishing streams with great success. The Murdich minnow in full size has been our go to on the Scioto along with the Peanut, Bottoms Up, and Dungeon. For the smaller streams we have been really liking the Mini Murdich, Skiddish Smolt, Little Swimmer, Clousers and Bug Eyed Buggers. Do not overlook fishing crawfish patterns as the water continues to drop and clear out.

Carp fishing also has been good, but with the smaller streams dropping you need to be on your game. Olentangy has been fishing well along with the Scioto. Delicate accurate casts to feeding fish is always a good way to burn those hours in the middle of the day when the bass fishing slows. Flies that have been producing are the Carpin Toad and the Wabbit Worm, but this game requires a very diverse fly box.

Pond/Lake fishing continues to be good if you are targeting Panfish. The Largemouth Bass are currently in their summer pattern and holding close to structure in deeper water. Utilize your Rio Lake Series Line, Orvis Depth Charge, Scientific Anglers Warm Sink 30, or SA Titan Clear Tip to keep your fly deep. Fish a Galloup style modern streamer, Super Worm, Reaper or J-Pig and your’re all set.

“Warm water bass are killing the streamers. Thanks for giving me the right colors!!”- Martin Lindeboom

Mad River

8/12 UPDATE- The River did blow out pretty well with the rains last night. Shot straight up but is dropping like a rock. The very upper reaches may fish later this afternoon and by tomorrow we should be in pretty good shape. Actually should be some good streamer water here for a couple of days.

8/11- Fishing continues to be great for this time of year. There are a few out of the ordinary factors that attribute to this…the flows are a little higher than normal for this time of the year and we have been having cool nights for the last week or so. Tricos continue to be the ticket at first light into early morning. Dry fly fishing can be hit or miss after that. If you are looking to continue to dry fly fish make sure to have a few small caddis like the Henryville Special, Goddard Caddis, and Elk Hair Caddis. Having a few Griffiths Gnats and ICSI midges are always a good idea when they start keying in on the little stuff. Dry fly fishing fires back up later in the day when the breeze starts up. The evenings will consist of Ant and Beetle fishing. The Fur Ant, Power Ant, and Hi-Vis Para Ant are all great choices.

We have also heard a few reports of the White Miller Caddis showing up in the evenings as well and they should continue into September. They can provide some excellent evening fishing and be sure to have some #14 Green Soft Hackle flies for these. Not a bad idea to trail them behind and Elk Hair or a Galloup’s Butch Caddis as well. We’ll be out over the weekend looking for these “moth like” bugs and hopefully have a hot report for next week.

If you like to be prepared with some sub-surface tactics than make sure to have plenty of caddis or nymphs with soft hackle collars. The Trophy Nymph, Guides Choice Hare’s Ear, and Swing Nymph are good generic choices. If you cant to take advantage of the caddis life cycle more closely than stock up on Holy Grails, Nitro Caddis, and Swinks Core caddis making sure you trail a Purple Haze or regular Soft Hackle behind. Cover lots of water mixing dead drift and swinging these flies.

Clearfork River

The Clear Fork is currently very low on either side of the Pleasant Hill Dam. Although the stream temps are doing very well for this time of the year these low flows can make it hard for fish to recover. If you do plan to fish this creek make sure you have a net to corral the fish in as it recovers from bing caught. The net allows you to keep the fish wet in the water while you grab the quick photo for these fishing reports and take out the hook. If you do need to handle these fish make sure to imply slip an open hand under their belly to support the entire body and then get them back into the water as soon as possible. Once they start kicking in the net slip them out into a slow flow and let them find some cover.

The name of the game in the middle of summer is Trico dries early in the day followed by midges and then switching to caddis. As the day progresses into the evening look for fish keying in on Ants and Beetles. Specific patterns consist of Trico thorax and A.K’s Trico Dun with 6 & 7x tippet for the morning hatch, Griffith Gnats and ICSI Midges for the mid morning and then Goddard Caddis, Henryville Special, and Elk Hair Caddis. For Ants we like the Fur Ant, Power Ant, and HiVis Para Ants when we are on the water. Beetles need to be Rainys Foam Beetle, Flash Beetle, and even a small Humpy. Fish these into the evenings when the Thermals start pushing some wind around.

Clear Creek

The creek is currently low, but still higher than normal. The big news for this creek in South Eastern Ohio is the water temps. We cannot remember the last time Clear Creek was in the 60s for the better part of the summer. With the temps coming next week things should continue to be good. We could use some rain though or the flows will start falling. If you head down that way make sure to have plenty of small caddis like 16-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Henryville Specials and Micro Stimulators. Tricos continue to be the main morning hatch though. Having a good mix of these tiny Mayflies in sizes 20-24 and plenty of Rio Suppleflex 5-7x tippet are a must if you are fishing in the morning. Those caddis flies mentioned earlier and a few added midges will keep the dry fly game going all day.

If nymphing is your game then fish a caddis larva or pupa like the Nitro or Swinks Core Caddis with either a Soft Hackle or tiny Pheasant Tail as the trailer. Although Caddis are King right now you can catch fish on midge larva, Swing Nymphs, and emergers like RS2’s. Swinging Soft Hackles is also a great option any time. We like to start with a Bead Head Soft Hackle, Swing Nymph, Trophy Nymph or Guides Choice and then follow these with a smaller Soft Hackle or Purple Haze.

Keep your Stream Thermometer handy to check the water temps and enjoy this great Metro Park.

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 6/23/17

October 23, 2026June 23, 2017

Warmwater

Rain Rain Rain!!! Things do not look really good going into the weekend and probably into mid week. Focus your attention to the area ponds and lakes. Especially focus on the waters that do not have large streams feeding the lake. There is a cold front moving in that will put the bass off for a day or two. Panfish usually do not get put off too much by a cold front. Focus on the lake side of coves and back bays that are not muddy.

As for gear you will want 3-5wts for panfish and 6-8wts for bass. Fishing an intermediate sinking line like a Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip is a great choice for both bass and panfish. Small streamers, poppers, and nymphs are our go to’s for the Bluegills and Crappies. Don’t over look the popper dropper rig on a 2x leader. For bass you will want flies that have lots of movement and sink slowly. This coming cold front will put off the bass popper bite, but fishing a J-Pig, Reaper, or SuperWorm off weed edges and drop off will produce the big fish. For those who usually are trout bound take you rclousers, buggers, and other streamers to your local lake and pond and have fun.

Mad River

The river is currently on the raise, but it will drop fast. Look for there to be some streamer fishing on Saturday and Sunday with everything starting to clear out sometime Sunday. Into next week small streamers is a good choice early and late if you need to fill your trout streamer cravings. For those looking to dry fly fish focus on midges and caddis early and throughout the day then switch to terrestrials in the afternoon and evening. Your boxes should consist of Fur Ants, Ant Acids, Power Ants, and Splitsvilles for ants patterns. Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard, Henryville Specials, Soft Hackles,Swing Nymphs, Flashabou Caddis, and Downed Caddis will keep you stocked for the caddis game. Do not overlook fishing Dave’s Crickets, Fat Alberts, and Inch Worm patterns.

This weekend if the water levels are ok to wade then pull out your 6-8wts, Rio Streamer Tips, and the biggest flies you can throw. Make sure to have a wading staff with you if you are not familiar with the flows. Call the shop if you are not sure of safe wadding levels.

Into next week the Terrestrial game will require a 4-6wt 2-4x tippet, floatant and Loon Easy Dry. Midges and other little dries will require 4-6x specialty dry fly leaders like Rio Suppleflex and 3-4wts. You will need to have your technical Reach Casts, Arial Mends, and accuracy game well tuned. If you need help with these cast make sure to get a private casting class or book your guide trip with that focus.

Clearfork River

The upper river is blown. We will let you know when things start to shape up. The lower will likely start to raise as the Army Core starts to see the lake levels raise.

Clear Creek

The creek is blown and will not likely fish till next week. We will keep you posted as things change.

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 6/10/17

October 23, 2026June 10, 2017

Fishing in the city is still limited to the smaller streams as the Scioto and Olentangy are still off. The fish are eating if you are familiar with the rivers and take along a wading staff. The conventional gear guys are fishing and doing well. The smaller streams have been producing though and the fish are taking flies well. Most of us have been fishing streamers, but make sure to bring your poppers as they have also been producing. With all of the warm weather we have had this spring we are all glad to finally be fishing poppers. Boogle bugs are our go to for poppers so make sure to have plenty as they are going fast!

Other flies to be well stocked with are the Murdich Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Clousers, Nancy P, Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanut Envys, and Tequeely. These streamers will require a 6-8wt pared up with the SA Titan Clear tip and 12-16lb Rio Bass tippet. Stop in the shop or shoot us a call if you want some more information about Smallmouth bass fishing. We have been busy guiding for Smallies so make sure to get your trips planned now. Smallmouth fishing will continue to be great as we get into summer.

“Few good pics from guide trip with Alex. Smallmouth fishing has been excellent! Popper bite was great all day.”- MRO Guide Pat Kelly

Pond fishing also has been fantastic. Largemouth Bass are out of their post-spawn funk and are looking up for a popper or diving fly. The panfish are finishing up with their spawn and will continue to readily take poppers and dry flies. Largemouth Bass flies are much like Smallmouth flies, but we like to fish flies with more marabou in the still waters. A sink-tip line and flies like a Swimmy Jimmy, Articulated Fathead Minnow, Dirty Hippie, Ted Brook Trout, and the Peanut are the go-to’s. Boogle Bug poppers are always a good choice also.

The BIG news is…….it’s Carp season! Carp fishing has been picking up as they are off the spawn and on the feed. Great time to get out and chase these magnificent gamefish all-over Ohio. Andy has been guiding out of the Fly-n-Carp for a few weeks now and doing well. Reports are starting to pour in from locals doing well. Carp fishing will remain strong throughout the summer but don’t miss the incredible Mulberry action. The “hatch” should be good through the 1st week or so of July.

“In between the low temps, clouds, threatening rain and wind still had a great day on the water a few nice carp where caught “I believe one was Tom’s personal best and Johnny is very new to carpin on the fly”.- MRO Guide Andy Jensen

Sunday, July 2nd at the Muzzy Lakes Club with guide Andy Jensen

9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Register Online HERE

Mad River

The Epic Brown Drake fishing has slowed way down and with the high temps in the coming days what bugs that are left will be well into the night. There are still some small Sulfurs and Light Cahills around in the evenings. The best dry fly fishing on bugs right now will be in the upper river, well above Urbana. Should still see decent numbers of Sulphers and Cahills but the Drakes will be sporadic at best and if they happen at all, it will be well after dark.

If you are looking to get out in the next few days make sure to have a very diverse dry fly box. Terrestrials are the next category to either dust off or add to the box. Earlier in the day most fish will be keying in on midges and caddis and will transition to the beetles, crickets, and ants into the afternoons.

Flies to have will be Griffiths Gnats, Goddard Caddis, Elk Hair, Henryville Special, Ant Acid, Fur Ant, Splitsville Flying Ant, and Dave’s Cricket. We like to drop a small unweighted nymph behind these dries and skate them on the end of the drift. Other than Matt Supinski’s Statute of Liberty technique, Tenkara is the best way to mimic a Caddis on the surface.

Streamer fishing takes a back seat for the summer, but if you just need a fix and the Smallmouth waters are not cooperating then focus on the first and last light times with smaller natural streamers. Also skating a mouse at night can be a lot of fun.

“Fished the middle river on Tuesday hoping to take advantage of sulphur, caddis activity and had decent success with nymphs and soft hackles in riffle areas. In the late afternoon I decided try something different and switched to a Grizzly wooly bugger and hit the banks in medium current areas. I was a bit surprised that the trout had larger items on the menu along with the size 16 insects. I landed two 12-13” Browns and this 20” beauty.”- Bill Rice

Clearfork River

The upper river is currently low and clear. There have been some great reports of hatches and fish. Truth is, the Upper Clearfork has probably been the best trout fishing in the state the past week or so. Dry fly fishing in the evenings especially has been fantastic…..Brown Drakes, Light Cahills and Caddis have been the fare.

As the water temps climb though here the Oxygen levels start to fall due to many issues. We try to focus on fishing early mornings or at night in the summer. The hatches have continued to be good with Sulfurs and Light Cahills being the main evening and caddis the morning and mid-day. There also was some great Brown Drake hatches, but they have seemed to slow way down.

The lower river flows are good and the mixed bag of fish has been great. If you are down there camping make sure to bring the poppers, beetles, ants, and small streamers.

Clear Creek

Click Here for details and pricing

The creek is VERY low currently. The temps are OK, but with the 90’s forecasted look for the water temps to climb quickly. Thick morning midge hatches and then small caddis into the afternoon. Sulfurs, Cahills, and a few Brown Drakes have been hatching, but the fish are keyed in on Midges and Caddis as usual. Dead drifting and swinging a Drowned Caddis, Core Caddis, Sunken Spinners, and Swing Nymphs will produce. Make sure to have a thermometer with you to make sure your not fishing water in the 70 degree range. These warm temps have low Oxygen levels and the fish have a hard time recovering. Keep them in the water and fight them quickly.

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 4/21/17

October 23, 2026April 21, 2017

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.

Across the board most of the streams are on the drop and fishable. There is some rain in the forecast for Sunday and the middle of next week. The amounts are changing by the hour so make sure to contact us if you head up early in the week. This is a great time of the year as almost everything is active. Get out there and fish.

Got plans this Summer? How about a trip to Montana?

Join Brian Flechsig and Kelly Galloup at the Slide Inn on the banks of the Madison River

July 30th- August 5th

Warm Water

Smallmouth Bass fishing has been on fire lately! With the temps forecasted for next week it will not be long before they start to spawn. Many of the local streams are off colored. The fish are aggressive and feeding, but with low visibility make sure to have a wading staff with you. We do guide for smallies so get your trip on the books to take advantage of this pre-spawn bite! Bass and Panfish have also been the talk as the ponds continue to warm. Look for the Largemouth Bass to start thinking about spawning in the next couple weeks also.

Local ponds are really starting to produce. Our good friend and customer Joe Olivas sent us this pic just the other day

Gear for Smallmouth Bass would be 6-8wt rods, Intermediate sinking lines, and flies 4-6″ in length(Kelly Galloup style Modern Streamers). These same flies and rigs can be used for Largemouth Bass as well. Panfish or small pond Bass will be fine on a 4-5wt with floating lines. Flies will be small traditional sized trout streamers (Black Nose Dace, Muddlers, Matukas, Mickey Finns), Wooly Buggers, big nymphs (Prince, Hares Ear, Bears PM Caddis) and San Juan Worms

MRO Guide Pat Kelly on the Water today with clients

Hybrid stripers and white bass are also running throughout the region and we’ve been hearing some GREAT reports. Josh, Pat and Donnie have been scouting some new waters and are now ready to start booking trips. Anybody interested in catching a mess of these “white” fish, let us know. Interested in searching them out on your own, we can point you in the right direction there as well. A ton of fun on a fly rod and lots of opportunities around.

Send us pics this week to use in the reports? Be sure to include your address and such and we’ll send you a FREE MRO “Fly Fish Ohio” sticker.

Click Here to view our full selection of “Cool Stickers”.

Mad River

The Mad continues to be very productive! Look for lots of rising fish in the late afternoons and into the evenings. These fish are keying in on the tail end of the Hendrickson hatch. If you want to take advantage of this dry fly fishing stock up on Rusty Spinners in various sizes, Parachute Adams, Thorax/Traditional style Adams, Red Quill, Quill Gordon, and Irrisistibles. With the cloudy forecast into the weekend make sure to have some Blue Wing Olives in your box also. In the next coming weeks stock up on Light Cahill, Sulfurs, March Browns, and Caddis.

Yesterday, Brian and Donnie were both out on the water with clients. It was pretty windy so the hatch really didn’t come off at all but the spinner fall was GREAT in the evening so the bugs are still around. Tons of fish eating the spinners from 7:30 till about 8:15 or so. We are truly experiencing a great dry fly season here with the best activity by far in the evenings, an hour or so before dark. Did also see a handful of March Browns and Light Cahills. No Sulphers yet.

Brian got to float in the AuSable boat yesterday with John Fisher from Batavia, Ohio

Anybody interested in a float trip in this boat, or with Donnie or Pat in their drift boats?

Let us know, we have some dates open and it’s a great way to fish the river.

Click Here for details and pricing on our guide trips.

Fishing in the mornings have also been good. The most productive has been nymphing and swinging Soft Hackles of various colors. Nymph with Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs.

With the low clear water the streamer bite has not been the best so we suggest getting your streamer fix on one of the many Smallmouth Bass streams in the state. If you insist, the smaller stuff like muddlers, buggers and small sculpin patterns are the way to go.

Dear Mad River Outfitters,

I visited the Mad recently and the water level was around 250 cfs and held a light green stain, the conditions were absolutely perfect for stripping streamers. The hot streamer for the morning was a red, white, and blue clouser minnow. Fish were rising in many of the locations I stopped at, and the morning was action packed. Many fish were caught, and it was the best morning of fly fishing I have ever had. Here are pictures of my two biggest browns for the day.

Keep doing what you’re doing at the shop, its always a blast going in and being surrounded by those with the passion of fly fishing.

Tight lines, and sincerely,

-Murphy Coan

Clearfork River

The Clear Fork is starting to fire up. Dry fly fishing has been good to excellent in the evenings. Much like the Mad River report: These fish are keying in on the tail end of the Hendrickson hatch although it seems to still be going strong up there. Best activity has for sure been the evening spinner falls. Some reports of EPIC numbers of bugs and rising fish.

If you want to take advantage of this dry fly fishing stock up on Rusty Spinners in various sizes, Parachute Adams, Thorax/Traditional style Adams, Red Quill, Quill Gordon, and Irrisistibles. With the cloudy forecast into the weekend make sure to have some Blue Wing Olives in your box also. In the next coming weeks stock up on Light Cahill, Sulfurs, March Browns, and Caddis.

Most of the consistent fishing has been in the upper river focusing on the afternoon and into evening hatches. The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam offers you a good mix bag of fish.

Clear Creek

The recent rains have made the creek raise, but the levels are now dropping and will be good into the weekend. Saturday will still provide small streamer fishing along with nymphing. Look for Hendrickson, Caddis, Blue Wing Olives and midges to continue Sunday and into next week.
If you want to take advantage of this dry fly fishing stock up on Rusty Spinners in various sizes, Parachute Adams, Thorax/Traditional style Adams, Red Quill, Quill Gordon, and Irrisistibles. With the cloudy forecast into the weekend make sure to have some Blue Wing Olives in your box also. In the next coming weeks stock up on Light Cahill, Sulfurs, March Browns, and Caddis.

Nymphing is always productive. Nymph with Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs. Also make sure to have a variety of sizes and colors of Soft Hackles.

Erie Steelhead

Everything is blown out currently. the weekend outlook is not looking very good, but if you know the smaller rivers then the second half of Sunday will be your only bet. Early next week though is looking very good! With the high water and lower temps look for a fresh push of fish. From what we have been seeing over the past few weeks we are on a steep downward slope to the end of the season. Looking ahead at the air temps for the end of next week combined with the lack of significant rain the season will be close to over very soon. If you want to get a last trip or two in then make sure you clear out your schedule for Tues or Wed of next week. Conditions can change very quickly so we will keep you posted.

Rigs for this time of the year are the typical nymphing with two fly rigs and long rods and swinging setups. Indicator nymphing is a numbers game. Either rig a bugger/Zonker and egg or the double egg under a float. Focus on the faster deeper runs (waste and deeper) below the spawning riffles. If you want to swing this time of the year you can be rewarded with hot drop back/spawned fish and Lake Run Smallies. Swinging Dolly Llamas, Senyo’s A.I. Intruders, and Flow Ryders are the best choices.

Repeat customer Mario Vezza on a guide trip with Josh earlier this week. He called us up the other day and signed he and his father up for the Alaska Trip this Summer hosted by Josh and Jerry Darkes.

Click Here for info and pricing on our “Alaska Sampler” Trip- July 22nd- 29th

The Smallmouth fishing has been fantastic in the Tribs and should only get better as we get into May. If you want to focus on these fish look at the lower few miles of the rivers. Stripping big streamers is our go to tactic. Streamers like Kelly Galloups Dungeons, Monkeys, Peanuts, Totally Articulated, Fat Head Minnows and Deceivers. Load up your 6-8wt, Scientific Anglers Titan Sonar Clear Tip, heavy tippet and have fun!

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 4/14/17

October 23, 2026April 14, 2017

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.

Congrats!

We’d like to extend a HUGE thanks to all of our friends and supporters…especially those who attended the Fly Fishing Film Tour this year.

On Wednesday, we announced the Proceeds from the event that are being donated to The Mayfly Project.

We SHATTERED last year’s record!

If you haven’t seen it already, hop on over to Facebook and you can watch the repost of a Facebook LIVE that we did of Brian calling Jess Westbrook to give him the news! Needless to say, he was thrilled.

Even if you didn’t attend, just supporting and shopping with Mad River Outfitters, you are helping us to make things like this possible. We truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and in turn, serve our community.

THANKS and Congrats Columbus!!!!

**Across the board most of the streams are on the drop and fishable. There is some rain in the forecast for Sunday and the middle of next week. The amounts are changing by the hour so make sure to contact us if you head up early in the week. This is a great time of the year as almost everything is active. Get out there and fish.

Warm Water

The ponds and streams continue to warm and the fish are very active. While the reservoirs are not quiet prime focus on the ponds for large mouth bass and bluegills. Crappies are also starting to move shallower in these smaller waters. There has been reports of White Bass also starting to move up into the feeder streams of the reservoirs. For all of these fish stripping streamers will get the job done. Grab some Wooly buggers, Clouser Minnows, Half and Halfs, Decievers, Deep Shad, Murdich Minnows and Skiddish Smolts to name a few.

Smallmouth Activity picking up both inland and on the Erie Tribs

Mad River

The Mad River is fishing very good. Look for typical clear water and active fish. The hatches continue to be the main topic this past week. Hendricksons have been thick. Normally we have seen these mayflies from the 11am-2pm range, but lately the brunt of the hatch has been later in the day. There have been some large blanket spinner falls into the evening also. Currently the weather is overcast with spotty drizzle. Conditions like this we always have a good size range of BWO (Blue Wing Olives) on hand. Streamer fishing continues to be great during the low light periods and on cloudy days. If you happen to head out mid-morning and there is no visible hatch going on make sure to have a nymph rig ready.

As for rigs being diverse/prepared is always the best bet this time of the year. Streamer fishing low light times will require 4-5 different colored patterns with varied designs. Flies for this style are Barely Legals, Articulated Monkeys, Dungeons, Bottoms Up, Silk Kitty, Boogie Man, and others. Smaller streamers also get the job done: Cougars, Dirty Hippies, Wooly Sculpins, Near Nuff Sculpin, and other traditional streamers. Nymphing will be our typical Hendrickson Nymphs, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Pheasant Tails, Prince, Copper Johns, and Galloup’s Peacock Hares Ear. These will need to be in the #12-18 size range. Grab a Lemer Lead Selector pack, Airlock Indicators, and some 3-4x tippet leaders to get you ready. Dry fly fishing is pretty simple: Beck’s Henny, Bear’s Para Henny, Hendrickson Sparkle Dun, Borchers, BWO- paracute, Adams, and Quil Gordon.

Clearfork River

Not much happening on the lower river with the recent high water, but we expect that to change in the next few weeks. The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam is a great place to have a mixed bag of fish.

The upper river id dropping nicely after the rain earlier in the week. Look for good hatches of Hendrickson to be the main focus in the next few days. Nymph the mornings and keep an eye out for rising fish then switch to dries into the evening. As for dry flies stock up on Beck’s Henny, Bear’s Para Henny, Hendrickson Sparkle Dun, Borchers, BWO- paracute, Adams, and Quil Gordon. Nymphs to focus on are Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns, Galloups Peacock Hares Ear, Prince, and Guides Choice Hares Ear. There is some rain in the forecast. If the river comes up then streamers will be a great choice. Flies would be Barely Legals, Articulated Monkeys, Dungeons, Bottoms Up, Silk Kitty, Boogie Man, and others. Smaller streamers also get the job done when the water is clear. Stock up on Cougars, Dirty Hippies, Wooly Sculpins, Near Nuff Sculpin, and other traditional streamers.

Clear Creek

The creek is starting to clear out from the mid week rain making for good conditions this weekend. Clear Creek is not the same fishery as the Mad or Upper Clear Fork, but if you are down in that part of the state it makes for a beautiful outting. Rummors of some Hendrickson, Blue Quil, and BWO are hatching, but not in the quantity as the Mad River.

Dry flies to have in your box are Beck’s Henny, Bear’s Para Henny, Hendrickson Sparkle Dun, Borchers, BWO- paracute, Adams, and Quil Gordon. If you want to focus on numbers then nymph with Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns, Galloups Peacock Hares Ear, Prince, and Guides Choice Hares Ear. Streamers would be single hooked patterns like Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Sculpins, Wooly Buggers, Big Hole Bugs, and Clousers.

Erie Steelhead

Lots of traffic through the shop this week from people heading up to the ‘Alley. Seems that the streams are pretty crowded here this week.

Most of the streams are clearing out well and should be great for the weekend. There are a lot of fish on or heading to gravel. As standard in the industry we do not advise disrupting these fish as they spawn. There are plenty of fish eating eggs in the runs below the spawning riffles and that is where we fish.

With the forecast we should still have decent numbers of fish for the next few weeks. If nymphing is your game then focus on eggs and nymphs as the streams clear. A bead headed nymph followed by an egg is a great place to start in clear water. Nymphs that we like are the Steak and Eggs, Bloody Mary, Psycho Prince, Chicken Little, Sparkle Maggot, Steelie Stone, and Guides Choice Hares Ear. As for eggs Glo Bugs, Glo Bugs, Glo Bugs. Have them in bigger and bright colors for dirty water and then smaller pastel colors for clear water. Swinging is still an option even in lower water. Using intermediate iMOW tips on your skagit heads or an integrated switch line is a good choice. In low water conditions we swing flies like Skiddish Smolts, Wooly Buggers, Chicken Little, Cross Dresser, Zonkers, and Classic salmon style flies. If the water is on the rise or drop your typical Greg Senyo flies like the Flow Ryder and the A.I. Intruder will get the job done.

THE SMALLIES ARE IN!!! There is a good number of Lake Run smallies in the lower rivers already! If you are heading up to Steelhead Alley do not leave the streamer rod and sink tip at home. Here you will want to fish the Kelly Galloup articulated streamers stripped though likely holding water. These fish are fat mad and a blast to catch. Also do not be surprised if you come in contact with a Chrome or spawned out (Drop Back) steelhead. This is a great time to book at trip on the ‘Alley!

A Good Friday for Bob Berner- Guide trip today with MRO Guide Josh McQueen

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 4/7/17

October 23, 2026April 7, 2017

* Thought we’d start off with a “superstar kid” this week:

“Dear MRO,

Haven’t fished in Ohio in way too long. However, I was in Colorado over spring break and thought I’d send in a quick email. My dad and I fished the Uncompahgre River in southwest Colorado for a day and a half. Caught 7 cutthroat, 2 rainbows and a cutbow in total. Almost all of them on midges. Super clear water meant a little bit of sight fishing too. Stalked a cutty for a while in a calm pool, till I stripped a streamer right by the log he was under. Watched him come out and eat it, and landed my first ever cutthroat. All in all, it was an awesome time!- Thanks,

Ann Heuerman”

Thanks as always Ann! Hope to see you soon and keep up the good work!!

Warm Water

Not too many reports this week with the cold and rain. We’re hoping to get some reports and pics going. Send them in! Let’s get this started!!!

Next week looks great for pond fishing and even some local stream pre-spawn Smallies. Key in on the shallower ponds and smaller creeks. Fish streamers in both and you will be rewarded.

Mad River

The Mad is currently high and off colored, as you’d expect. This is actually one of the only times in the past year that the river has not dropped back down quickly. The big news this week continues to be Hendrickson. Pat was out on a streamer trip a few days and they were coming off thick….like super thick.

If you are looking to take advantage of the dry fly bite look at Sunday afternoon being your closest opportunity. With the forecast dry fly fishing should continue to be great through the next week. As for flies make sure you have Adams, Parachute Adams, Henny Sparkle Dun, Bears Para Henny, Becks Henny, Mr Rapidan (for HiVis), Irresistible all in size 14-16.

Guide’s Choice? Beck’s Hendrickson

If there is nothing hatching nymphing will be the ticket. The Hendrickson nymph will be your top choice. Other nymphs to fish are Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ear, Prince, Caddis, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and soft hackles.

The big talk in the shop and with calls today has been streamer fishing. The main question has been when will the stream drop back down? Should be in play tomorrow, but you are looking for flows under 240cfs at Urbana. This weekend has the making to be a great opportunity for streamers throughout the river. The most productive flies have been Galloups Stacked Blonde, Bottoms Up, Dungeons, and Peanuts. We have a big shipment of new streamers here in the shop. We are working to get them online, but stop by and take a look.

Clearfork River

As for most of the other streams in the state the Clear fork is high and muddy. Fishing streamers can be very productive though and should be. Look for the streamer bite to be best late Sunday and into the early part of next week. As the stream clears keep your dry fly rod and flies handy. Again nymphing will be the most productive until you see fish starting to rise, then switch over to the dry. Make sure you are getting permission if you are fishing on the private water in the upper river.

As for the lower below the dam the streamer bite should continue well into next week and with a good mix bag of fish species. Make sure you are using your big rods, sink tips, and articulated Kelly Galloup flies. As for nymphs the usual Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs, Hare’s Ear, Prince, Caddis, soft hackles and the must have Hendrickson nymph. Your dry fly box should be filled with Adams, Parachute Adams, Henny Sparkle Dun, Bears Para Henny, Becks Henny, Mr Rapidan (for HiVis), Elk Hair Caddis and Irresistible all in size 14-16.

Clear Creek

Clear Creek is dropping well, but still high and muddy. Look for the creek to fish maybe by Sunday for the streamer bite. Into next week as the stream settles out look for the midge hatch to continue as well as a few Hendrickson. Nymphing will be the most productive until the stream clears. Nymph with your usual trout nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ear, Prince, Caddis and soft hackles. Make sure to have a good variety of sizes and colors.

As for dries you will need Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis and a lot of Hendrickson. Keep some streamers handy for early in the week: Wooly Buggers, Clousers, Black Nose Dace, Matuka, Zonkers, and Trick-or-Treats are the way to go.

Erie Steelhead