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fly fishing ohio

Fishing Reports- 11/18/17

* 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.

Big Holiday Week Coming Up!

We are of course looking forward to Thursday and having a day off…and spending some time with friends and family…..but….

Early Friday our lives change for a month!!! We’ll be in touch next week with some details on the “Goings-On” but here’s some highlights. Stay tuned….it’s going to be a busy season.

* Black Friday- OPEN at 8:00 a.m. and some CRAZY specials going on until 10:00 a.m. and great deals to be had all day. Again, stay tuned for some details (although we can’t publish what’s going to happen between 8 and 10 a.m.).

* OPEN Sundays from Thanksgiving to Christmas- Noon- 5:00 p.m.- look for Sunday Specials throughout the season.

* “Cyber Monday”- online specials galore.

* Tuesday, December 5th is “Ladies Night”. Join MRO Softgoods Manager Linda Farner for wine, cheese, snacks, fun and savings!!! Great night for the gals to shop. Details to come.


We hope that you will help support an independent, small pro-shop like ourselves this Holiday Season! We appreciate your business.



Warmwater


Everything local has remained high all week.  The rain is only going to continue to mess up the streams.  Fishing local during those small windows the conditions have been right mostly consists of targeting Saugeye.  This fish is a cross between a Sauger and a Walleye.  The ODNR stocks them in great numbers in reservoirs throughout the state.  These fish also find home in many of the local streams.  Sink tips fly lines with shad patterns is the usual routine, but most of your Smallmouth flies will do the trick.  The main objective here is to focus on patterns that give off plenty of vibration and have a lazy jigging motion.  Focus on hard bottom flats close to deep water during low light periods. This goes for both lakes and streams.  6-8wts with a sinking line like the Scientific Anglers Sonar series or Rio Streamer tip are your rigs of choice.  Flies will include Clousers, Mojo Minnows, Half and Halfs, Barely Legals, Mini and regular Dungeons, Meat Whistles, Whitlock’s Deep Shad, Articulated Fat Head Minnow, Zoo Cougar, and other similar flies that push later and give off vibration.  If you tie your own flies make sure to add rattles, rubber legs, and Bucktail to your own versions of above.  

Here are a few pointers from the last report that will also help you extend your fishing season here locally.  With the water temps in the 40’s though your best bet will be to target Crappies and Panfish.  This time of the year we like to borrow some tactics from the conventional fishing side the “Float n Fly Rig.”  Fishing a float/bobber/indicator (whatever you want to call it) with a heavy minnow pattern like a Clouser and trail it with a smaller lightly weighted fly like a Crappie Special, Little Devil, or Wooly Worm is a great setup.  Target structure on drop offs either from shore or by boat.  

Although Pike get a slight backseat during Steelhead season there will continue to be great fishing as long as the weather does not get too crazy.  Also Pat has been kicking off his Musky season with some great success.  If you are interested in booking any of these trips make sure to call the shop with a few dates as there are a few dates still available this year.  

Tom Blackerby on a guide trip earlier this week with MRO’s Josh McQueen

Forecast: The rain this weekend will put a damper on things into next week.  This time of the year the weather patterns are very unstable and thing change almost hourly.  If thing continue as planned look for the local streams to shape up mid to late week.  


Mad River


Fishing continues to be great this week.  The fish are finishing up their spawn and starting to put the feed on.  With the few days of overcast the streamer fishing has been better than normal.  The flows are still slightly higher than normal, but with usual clear conditions.  Although the streamer fishing has been good most have been focusing on nymphing tactics.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Rio Euro Nymph or Indicator leader and line for the most productive rig for this type of fishing.  If you want to build your own then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.  

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  During the “leaf hatch” we typically like to focus on bright, attractor style nymphs as well.

Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing conditions that are on the fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  These big pushes of water help clear out the remaining leaves and flush out the dying off vegetation.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a slight bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and Rio Streamer tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  

Forecast:  The rain might mess things up for a few hours, but will open the door for some great streamer water Sunday and maybe into Monday.  After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics.  


***Public Service Announcement***
Right now the trout are finishing up their spawn.  Obviously these fish need to be left alone as they typically do not feed.  This time of the year though is a great time to observe and get to see some nice quality fish.  Also refraining from wading in areas that are “fanned out” for spawning Redds is advised.  Natural reproduction is limited in Ohio streams because of our high clay and other sediment levels when the water does come up, but doing everything we can not to add to those problems is highly advised. 

Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

Like on the Mad, fishing has been very good the past week.  Most people have been nymphing and having good success.   For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Grab a Rio Euro Nymph or Indicator leader and line for the most productive rig for this type of fishing.  If you want to build your own then add some  Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.  

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  This time of the year do not overlook adding a Conehead Muddler, Autumn Splinder, or Clouser as a heavy “nymph” also.  During the tail end of the “leaf hatch” we typically like to focus on bright, attractor style nymphs as well.

Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing conditions that are on the fall.  The Clear Fork offers some unique opportunities with the more Spring Creek feel above the dam and a Tailwater below.  This provides us with extended streamer water as the lower river usually continues to be high as they stabilize the lake levels.   Also without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a slight bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and Rio Streamer tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  

Forecast: The rain will most likely continue to bring the flows up into early next week.  Streamer fishing will be good once things start to fall especially in the upper river.  The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam will likely take into next week before conditions are safe to wade, but we will keep you posted.

***Public Service Announcement***
Right now the trout are finishing up their spawn.  Obviously these fish need to be left alone as they typically do not feed.  This time of the year though is a great time to observe and get to see some nice quality fish.  Also refraining from wading in areas that are “fanned out” for spawning Redds is advised.  Natural reproduction is limited in Ohio streams because of our high clay and other sediment levels when the water does come up, but doing everything we can not to add to those problems is highly advised. 



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Flows are at a great level currently providing higher than normal, but clear flows.  Keep in mind that leaves are still a slight issue in this part of the state.  Fishing has continued to be great this past week.  Most of the stocked fish are now well dispersed and starting to act more like wild trout.  Like the other trout streams nymphing will be the key for numbers.  If you prefer the streamer game then Clear Creek offers great small streamer fishing throughout the winter.  Do not overlook your Tenkara Rods as either a backup or main tactic.  

Rigs for nymphing will consist of 3-5wt 9-10′ + rods.  These rods provide great control, feel, and reach.  Although this creek is not very big a long rod allows for the best presentation and longer drifts.  Use a Rio Indicator Leader when float/bobber/indicator fishing or a  Rio Euro Nymph leader when using Tightline tactics.  Streamer rods for this situation will be fast 4wts or 5-6wts.  An aggressive Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand a 9′ leader and a weighted streamer will set you on the right path.  As for Tenkara we really like the TFO Cutthroat, Tenkara USA Rhodo or Iwana for this creek.  Match those rods with either the Level Line 3.5/2.5 or the Tapered Nylon leader by Tenkara USA and you are ready to go.  

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  Streamer fishing will require Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendor, Clousers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossoms, Cougars, Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Wooly, and Near Nuff Sculpin to name a few. 

“I’m working in Circleville from out of town. Have fish the Mad before but Clear Creek is extremely close so I went out there Sunday and Tuesday. I used a wooly bugger and all sorts of colors dropped off that an egg or guides Choice hare’s ear or Prince Nymph. I fish those under an indicator and let swing at the end of my drift. I caught fish using both techniques and on all the aforementioned flies. I caught fish in a lot of different sections including some you have to walk a pretty good ways to get there. It seems like the freshly stocked trout have spread out. All I got were fresh stockers no holdovers to be seen. Just thought I’d let you guys know have a good day” – Kenny Babbitt , Battle creek, MI


Forecast:  Look for the rain to flush the creek out for the next few days.  The middle of next week will most likely be your best bet.  Streamer water might be good as early as Tues, but shoot us a call and we will let you know. 



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Our old friend Vinnie Krzyewski stopped in the shop last week on his way to the tribs. He knew it would be tough but did manage to wrestle this beauty.

Conditions have been very tough this past week.  The higher flows of last week brought the fish in, but those flows dropped very quick making the fish unhappy.  With the high angling pressure and low water successful fisherman were forced to cover lots of water.  There have been fish being caught for those putting in the time.  Indicator fishing has produced the most success, but those that have been stripping streamers were not left out.  

You will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  These lines offer you the best line control and short roll casting ease.  

Our go to rods are 10′ single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range.  On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-2x fluorocarbon.  

The typical rig for swinging flies will consist of a switch rod in the 10’6″-11’9″ 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not have the proper guidance so make sure to give us a call!  For swinging flies either a Skagit or Scandi line with a sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will be ready to find those “grabby” fish fresh out of the “Big Lake.”  

Forecast:  This rain will be a much needed shot in the arm going into Thanksgiving week. Conditions should set up for great fishing by early to mid week.  Look for crowded rivers from Wednesday to Sunday though.   

We are continuing to book guide trips daily so make sure to contact us with a couple of your date options!


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

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

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 7/29/17

* 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.




The Alaska Group is headed home today and the Montana trip leaves tomorrow. An exciting time of year around here!

The July 2017 Alaska Group with hosts Jerry Darkes and Josh McQueen- hop on over to Facebook…we’ve started an album there and will be adding pics as they come in!



Warmwater

Well the weather continues to be the main topic and issue.  We have had one of the wettest July’s that we can remember.  The forecasts seem to be changing by the hour…the good news is that it has changed for the good finally.  The rain predicted for the past few days did not amount to much so the streams are dropping fast!  Look at the Olentangy to fish, but will still have some stain.  They could decide to open the dam at any time, but it does not appear that it is needed.  The Scioto is actually coming down also and should fish well by mid week.  Now is the time to be fishing poppers like Boogle Bugs, Bass Poppers, Pencils, and other Bass Hair Bugs.  If you do not find any fish looking up cover some water with streamers and the SA Titan Clear Tip (our favorite smallmouth line by FAR).  Streamers to carry are Bottoms Up, Peanuts, Modern Deceivers, and other patterns by Kelly Galloup.  


Pond and lake fishing has continued to be great, but look for the Largemouth Bass to be found deep close to vegetation or other structure.  Fishing a floating/diving fly like a Swimmy Jimmy or Todd’s Wiggle Minnow consistently get the job done when fished with a long sink tip or full sinking line like the Orvis Depth Charge, SA Sink 30 Warm or the Rio InTouch Deep 7.  


With the rivers shaping up look for our guiding schedule to fill up fast.  Make sure to contact the shop and put in for those sick/vacation days at work.  Pat, Josh and Ryan are always ready to get you on a boat and out there fishing Ohio!!!

MRO Fly Tying Manager and Guide Ryan Ratliff was supposed to teach the On-River Seminar: Smallmouth Bass last weekend but wound up having to postpone due to the high muddy water. Here is what he did instead:

“These shots are from last Sunday where the only thing that wasnt muddy was some ponds. Tony Makris and I hiked back deep into Ohio Power/AEP lands to a pond I haven’t fished in 15 years.  The Bass where deep from the Thunderstorms, but the BIG panfish were looking up eating bugs getting knocked off the trees by the rain.  Boogle bugs and Double Barrel Poppers were the ticket all day.  I had to introduce a few fish to Tenkara also!”- Ryan

No better combination- Bluegill and Tenkara!


Mad River


The Mad has continued to produce very well with the higher than usual water levels.  Remember in most situations the river will be fishing within 24 hours after a rain event and even sooner if you are looking to throw streamers.  

This time of the year streamer fishing is not the usual talk so many people have taken advantage of the levels and found aggressive fish eating most of the day.  Looking ahead at the forecast and we will be back into typical summer tactics.  

For the up coming days focus on Tricos in the morning along with Midges and Caddis.  During the middle of the day swinging Soft Hackles or nymphing is a good place to start.  Into the afternoon it will be a Beetle, Ant, and Cricket game.  Fish are very cooperative right now so fish your favorite stretch covering water.  

The forecast is for bright days so the best times are going to be early and late in the day.  If you need help figuring out the Mad shoot us a call and we will get you on the calendar for a guide trip.  


Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

The water temps have been much better than usual.  The higher flows have also been keeping the trout happy.  Like on the Mad early and late have been the key. 


 Look for Tricos early at first light and then pull out the caddis and midges.  Ants and beetles have been the ticket in the evenings along with some hoppers along grassy banks.  


The upper has been the key for trout, but the lower when conditions are favorable have been better for smallies and rock bass.  For the warmwater fish poppers and big hoppers around overhanging brush is the key.  Also streamers and covering water has produced good numbers.  


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

There has been a little more rain down south than in the city so the creek is currently high.  Look for it to fish by early to mid week.  

The water temps have been great for this time of the year also.  Look for early morning Tricos then switch over to tiny caddis and midges.  The evenings will produce some great Ant and Beetle fishing as well.  


Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 7/3/17

* 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.



**4th of July SALE started today and runs through Sunday!**

25-50% OFF Seasonal and Clearance merchandise from brands like Simms, Sage, Scott, Orvis, Howler Brothers, Patagonia and more!

Please remember that we are CLOSED tomorrow for the holiday but the website is ALWAYS OPEN!

Click Here for the SALE page- all items listed

Click Here for the Men’s SALE page

Click Here for the Women’s SALE page


Warmwater



Smallmouth fishing continues to be good to great.  We have had some great guide trips over the past few weeks.  We are focusing on the smaller streams in the area though.  With the Scioto and Olentangy high the Darbys and others have been a popular choice.  many of these smaller waters have heavy canoe, kayak, and tubing activity though.  Getting to the water at first light or staying to last light will give you a few good hours to yourself.  


The main focus for us guiding has been topwater flies.  Boogle bugs in various colors are our top choice with Todd’s Wiggle Minnow and either Whit’s or Dahlberg diving bugs as close seconds.  Streamers are always a good choice if fish are reluctant to coming to the surface. Skiddish Smolt, Mojo Minnow, and Clousers are top choices for deep fast water while Mini Murdich Minnows, Woolhead Sculpins, and EP Minnows are great for skinny water.  Dont over look big flies too.  For these you will need 7-8wts and the SA Titan Clear Tip line.  We like to throw the Modern Deceivers, Little Swimmers, Articulated Fat Heads, Peanuts, Bottoms Up and Big Fish Deceivers.  These same flies are a great choice for pond Largemouth Bass also. Add in a few Grim Reapers, J-Pigs, and Superworms to round out your fly box. 



Mad River


The rain from Friday night put the river at an unfishable level for Saturday.  Sunday provided clearing water and great streamer opportunities.  Some really great fish were caught over the weekend on both streamers and nymphs.

Looking into the rest of the week focus on terrestrials, caddis, and nymphs.  Make sure to have plenty of ants especially our favorites Ant Acid, Power Ant, and Fur Ant.  Fish these with a Sunken Caddis or Sunken Ant dropper to cover water.  There are a few “Summer Olives” about, but the fish are not consistently targeting them.  For these have a few #22 BWOs just in case.  We haven’t seen much evidence of Tricos yet, but now is the time to start dusting them off and keep handy.  

With the typical Summer storms in the forecast it is always a good idea to have a few streamers with you.  Dirty Hippies, Skiddish Smolts, and Barely Legals round out your typical Wooly buggers.  Usually the water is only off color for a few hours and drops quickly.  Keep an eye on the gauge or shoot us a call for current conditions.

Clearfork River

Clearfork Map



Both sections of the stream are blown.  The upper should clear out in a day or two under normal situations.  There are some storms in the forecast though.  It is hard to predict what the Army Core will release out of the dam so keep an eye on the gauges.  Fish hoppers, poppers, and streamers below the Pleasant Hill Dam for a mixed bag of trout, bass, and panfish.  In the upper stream you will be fishing caddis, ants, hoppers, and beetles.



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map



The bottom half of the state did not get as much rain so the creek is currently very low and warm.  Focus on the early mornings fishing caddis, midges, and ants.  Fish an Elk Hair caddis with either a Sunken Caddis or Ant as the dropper for the most productivity.  There is some rain forecasted late into the week so keep an eye on the gauge, but we will keep you posted.



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 3/13/17

* 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.





**The report is running a little late this week due to the fluid change of the weather forecast for this coming week.  Although this past week has been fantastic fishing it appears that things are going to change for a few days. 

* Special THANKS to those who attended the F3t this past Thursday. It was again a fun night and it looks like we broke the donation record by quite a bit. We are still paying a few bills but should have an announcement within the next few days. Looks like Brian will be doing a Facebook LIVE sometime this week to announce. 

The BIG highlight of the night was learning about The Mayfly Project. Founder Jess Westbrook was on hand with his family and came in all the way from Arkansas. He educated the crowd on TMP and what they are doing. This guy is a true Hero and making a positive difference in this world. We were honored to have him there and honored to support this wonderful cause.

Jess got to hang out in the shop for a bit before we headed to the Gateway for the show.


Sold out show as usual! Thanks again for the support!

The Mayfly Project founder Jess Westbrook addressing the crowd.

MRO Guide Donnie Knight along with Mike McNeese putting The Mayfly Project in action here in Ohio on Friday


Again, stay tuned for the announcement of the donation amount to The Mayfly Project and also stay tuned for info on how you can get involved.


Mad River

* The Madmen Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding their Annual Membership Meeting this coming Saturday, March 18th. Will be held at the Champaign County Library and will last from 9:30- 1:30. Special guest Matt Supinski!!! Matt is the author of some great books like Selectivity and Steelhead Dreams as well as a guide, instructor, lodge owner, chef, scholar….etc. Should be a great time as they also have some great raffles in store as well.


Click Here for more info on the meeting



* Matt will also be joining us here at the shop on May 5th- 7th for a Spring Creek Weekend! He’ll be putting on some classes and clinics both in the shop and on the water. We should have details announced this week. Watch here or Social Media.


The Mad did get a bump of water last week, but it was very short lived.  Lots of traffic through the shop heading that way this week.  Most reports from our guides and customers were of tough fishing….which is for some reason the case in March.  Those that did get out during the prime water conditions were rewarded with a few streamer fish.  


The main focus has been nymphing for most though.  Many reports of the Little Black/Winter Stones still out in force.  As we go into the actual “Winter” weather for the next few days focus on nymphing with our usual weighted flies: Double Stones, Trophy Nymphs, Cranefly Larva, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Off the hook bend tie on a dark nymph: Steelhead Stone, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Soft Hackle, Hendrickson Nymph and ZugBug or Prince.  


Its going to be cold this week with the beginning of Monday and Friday only being above freezing.  In these condition we focus on using Stanleys Ice Off Paist and minimizing the amount of line stipped through the guides.  A long nymphing rod: Redington Hydrogen, Sage ESN, or even your light Switch rods will get the job done.  Also we leave the yarn style Indicators in the box and focus on Airlocks, and Float Masters as they will still float with a little ice up. 


Let us know how you do!


Clearfork River

A few anglers have made it up north to fish for trout, but most are adding a few more minutes to the trip and fishing for steelhead right now.  Those that have been fishing the Clear Fork have been rewarded with a few fish though.  Much like the Mad the Winter stones have been the fly to match.  Here is the rig set up from that report: Double Stones, Trophy Nymphs, Cranefly Larva, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Off the hook bend tie on a dark nymph: Steelhead Stone, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Soft Hackle, Hendrickson Nymph and Zug Bug or Prince.  Looking into early this coming week focus on the upper river as the lower is just now being dropped to fishable levels…but that can change as the Army Core of Engineers feels the need to let out more water…

Today (Monday) will present a few hours of Streamer conditions on the lower river, but the window will be small.  Snow will move in and bring colder conditions forcing us to switch to the tacktics mentioned on the Mad River report.  In these condition we focus on using Stanleys Ice Off Paist and minimizing the amount of line stipped through the guides.  A long nymphing rod: Redington Hydrogen, Sage ESN, or even your light Switch rods will get the job done.  Also we leave the yarn style Indicators in the box and focus on Airlocks, and Float Masters as they will still float with a little ice up.  

Clear Creek
The past couple weeks have been hard on this little stream.  Water levels high with some in flood stage.  This time of the year Clear Creek can be finicky as the water temps fluctuate dramatically.  There are fish to be caught, but each day provides its own challenges.  There is some rain in the forecast Monday night with cold temps following.  If the stream does raise it will take a few days for things to clear out.  The small window Monday morning will provide nymphing and streamer conditions.  The rigs are the same across the state this time of the year: Double Stones, Trophy Nymphs, Cranefly Larva, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Off the hook bend tie on a dark nymph: Steelhead Stone, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Soft Hackle, Hendricson Nymph and ZudBug or Prince.  We usually drop down one hook size compared to the Mad.  These nymph sizes vary, but the smaller nymphs will need to be #16-18 and midges into the 20’s.  


Streamer fishing will be mostly dead drifting traditional patterns: Black Nose Dace, Muddlers, Black Ghost, Buggers, and other small weighted streamers like Autumn Splendors and Clousers.


Erie Steelhead
Fishing has continued to be the best we have seen in years!  If you do not have a guide trip on the Calendar then make sure to call the shop this week as slots are filling fast.  Many people have been catching the biggest steelhead of their life and our guides are having a blast!.  Eggs Eggs Eggs!!! have been the ticket as usual, but many have been taking advantage of the higher water to catch a fresh fish on the swing!  If this is something you are interested in learning make sure to give us a call and we will take the confusion out of the Two-Handed game.  

It is still winter and this week will be a big reality check up north.  The forecast as of now looks like a lot of snow and sub freezing temps.  This will make it tough dealing with ice in the guides and possible slush.  There are plenty of fish to be caught if you are willing to deal with the conditions.  Make sure to have your Capilene, Cold Weather pants/ Nano Puff pants, Exstream gloves, Stormy Kromers, and wool Buffs.  

Indicators will be the ticket with a double fly rigs.  Focus on either double eggs in contrasting colors or a bugger egg dropper.  Ice in the guides will be the biggest challenge this week so use the Stanleys Ice off Paste and your 10 footers or switch rods.  Swinging can be done, but one tug will be a good day.  If you prefer to swing select flies that have a big silhouette as these fish will not be moving far for the fly.  The Flow Rider is a good choice, but Senyo’s AI always gets attention.  Swing slow and deep covering lots of water and you should at least get a tug. Take a look at the Spey and Switch page for setups or give us a call. 

Good friend and great customer Mike Gray on a guide trip last week.

“Awesome day in steelhead alley. Thanks guys at MRO for the advice”.- Ryan Fisher

MRO guide Patrick Campbell sent us this gorgeous shot from the Rocky last week. Swinging flies has been pretty productive with the warmer temps we WERE having.


Here’s a little commercial we put together. Ohio’s “Steelheadquarters”.

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

Fishing Reports- 1/14/17

* 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.

News

* The weather has been crazy this winter so far, but great for us wanting to get a jump on our first fish of the year.  The rain has been flushing out the ice and left over junk from our low water this fall.  This weekend has most rivers high, but there are some opportunities to get out and fish.  Read below for more specifics.


* This week we announced that the proceeds from the Fly Fishing Film Tour on Thursday, March 9th will go to the Mayfly Project. We are pretty stoked about this and thrilled that we can help and to turn some folks on to what this is about.

Hit up their website to learn more about what they do and be sure to join us in March to support their efforts.

* Another kind of cool thing that we’ll be doing differently this year is that we will also set aside some of the proceeds to go to previous benefactors. Some of the monies will go to Project Healing Waters, Reel Recovery and Casting for Recovery so that we can continue to be a positive influence on their efforts. We are gonna need EXTRA support from you all this year.

We are also inviting those organizations to set up a booth at the show and of course they will be accepting donations!!!

* By the way- Tickets for the F3t go on SALE this coming Monday at 10:00 a.m. Watch for a link on Social Media as well as on our website.

* This week we also partnered up with Smithfly and the Jetboat Chronicles and will be co-sponsoring the “Mid America Swap Meet” coming up on Saturday, January 28th. Details can be found here but we’ll also get some more up here and on Social Media this week. 


* We have also added a new guide to our staff of Professional Fly Fishing Guides. Donnie Knight will be joining the team and guiding a bit on the Mad River for Trout as well as the Great Miami and Stillwater Rivers for Smallmouth. He and Pat and Josh are also working on some new ideas as well that you should be hearing about this Spring. You can read a bit more about him on the Blog post from this past Tuesday.

* Really getting pumped for the Columbus Fishing Expo coming up on February 10th- 12th. Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools will have a huge presence at the show this year. On-hand and doing seminars will be Brian Flechsig, Jerry Darkes, Jeff Liskay and Donnie Knight. We will also be joined by Scientific Anglers, Korkers Boots, Smithly, Patagonia and more.

Gonna be a great show! Click Here to learn more and to see the times of the seminars by MRO/MWFF.


Trip Updates

* This week was supposed to be our annual January Peacock Bass Trip but rains and high waters put the brakes on that. Pat Kelly was all packed up and ready to lead 11 anglers into the Jungle but plans had to be changed.

This January group has been rescheduled to October 21st- 28th and we will now have a few spots open on this week. We will also be hosting our normal January trip for 2018 and the dates on that will be the 13th- 20th. Click Here for more details and pricing on these trips.


Pat Kelly – rescheduled to October and Brian Flechsig hosting January 

* Looks like Ryan Ratliff will be hosting the Andros Island Bonefish Trip coming up in February. (Brian was slated to go but turns out has a scheduling conflict so Ryan gets the call). This is a great time to get down to the Tropics and out of the cold. Some of the best bonefishing on the planet….our 18th year at the Andros Island Bonefish Club! A few spots open! Click Here for details and pricing and give Ryan a call if interested.



Ryan is looking forward to the Bonefish Trip. Want to join?


* Just had our 1st group come back from Chile and of course…..a great time was had by all. The Willet family joined Nico Gonzalez and had nothing but rave reviews. Click Here to learn more about what we do in Chile each Winter.



Should have some more photos up later this week in the Chile Photo Album.


* Just announced last week! A September Alaska trip that we are calling “Naktoberfest”. This trip will focus on swinging big flies with two-handed rods for GIANT rainbow trout on the famed Naknek River. Best of all, this trip will be hosted by Jeff Liskay. One of the top names in the two-hand Switch and Spey Casting world. We are honored to have Jeff host this trip for us. Click Here for details and the amazing pricing on this trip.




Jeff Liskay hosts “Naktoberfest”- September 23rd- 30th, 2017


Other upcoming trips in 2017-


* Michigan Steelhead– Muskegon River Lodge- March 26-29- Click Here

* Alaska Sampler Trip– Naknek River Camp- July 22nd- 29th with hosts Jerry Darkes and Josh McQueen- Click Here

* Slide Inn Montana Trip- July 30th- August 5th- with hosts Brian Flechsig and Kelly Galloup- Click Here

* San Juan River- New Mexico- Soaring Eagle Lodge- September 16th- 21st with host Andy Jensen- Click Here

* New Orleans Redfish- Woodland Plantation- September 23rd- 28th- with host Brian Flechsig- Click Here


Fly Fishing Trips designed to EXCEED your Expectations since 1994!


Mad River

The Mad is just starting to get into the right conditions here over the weekend…..although more rain is on the way so we’ll have to see what happens.

 The levels are still on the high side with the lower being to high to wade.  This weekend the focus will be on the upper. 

It does look like we are getting some of the “streamer conditions” that we were hoping for….finally. Streamers and nymphs will be the way to go here.

The forecast looks great with rain early in the week and great temps for the following weekend. Should be a good week ahead for Mad River anglers and we are hoping that you send us some photos of some hogs!!!!

As for Nymphs fish big nymphs followed by smaller nymphs and soft hackles.  For patterns in the Nymph category Guide Choice Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Jimmy Legs and dont overlook the San Juan.  As for streamers supply yourself with a good mix of colors and rotate through them as needed.  Pick up any Galloup pattern that is big and articulated.  Dungeons, Barely Legals, Bottom Up, Cougars and Totally Articulateds will produce.  Make sure to have your sink-tip lines and 6-8wts!  

Clearfork River

Things look pretty rough for the Clear Fork for the next week or so.  The upper is blown out and not fishable.  Down in the Park they are letting out water and is not safe to wade as it is getting close to being out of the banks.  We suggest taking the trip to the Mad or focusing on Steelhead.  

Clear Creek
The creek is currently high and muddy.  Fishing this weekend will be tough.  This creek does not clear out fast in the winter due to the headwaters being in farmland.  If you are in the area bring your streamer rod, sink-tip, and big articulated streamer.  If that is not your game then focus on big nymphs in faster water that meets the slower pools.  Fish are well dispersed so any access point will produce.  Looking at the predicted forecast Monday and Tuesday will be even better and could possibly start to really clear out. 

Flies are going to be the same as before…Nymphs- Guide Choice Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Jimmy Legs…  As for Streamers- Dungeons, Barely Legals, Woolly Sculpin, Zoo Cougars…just make sure you have a good mix of colors.  
Erie Steelhead
Everything is very high as we write this report, but some streams will start fishing by Sunday. 

Mostly we will be focusing on the Eastern Tribs as soon as Sunday.  By Monday and early Tuesday we are looking forward to some great fishing.  There is some rain in the forecast also, but that will setup the follwing weekend for some of the best conditions we have had in a long time.  Now is the time to start planing on taking those sick days and get your guide trips booked before they fill up! 

Flies-  EGGS EGGS EGGS and a few buggers and Zonkers…not much more needs to be added…but as always you need to have a good mix of nymphs in your box also.  Make sure you have a good mix of colors of eggs and dont forget the Trout Beads. 

We’ll check-in 1st part of the week as we start fishing and always stay tuned via Social Media for “instant updates”.


Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 12/31/16

* 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.


From all of us at Mad River Outfitters!

We’d like to wish you and your’s a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Thanks again for all that you do for us. We wouldn’t be here without YOU!

Be safe and we’ll look forward to seeing you all in 2017. Gonna be a GREAT year!

Brian, Andy, Pat, Linda, Ryan, Kevin, Judy, Dick, Roger, Cristina, Josh and Rogue

News


* Tons of stuff to be reported after the 1st of the year. Be sure that you are signed-up for E-News to stay informed. You can find a link to regsiter along the right of the top bar on our website.


* Gearing up for Spring trip season: 


Things get started in two weeks with Pat Kelly heading up the annual trip to the Amazon for Peacock Bass. He has a group of 11 anglers along with him and will have full pics and hopefully some good video upon return. Stay tuned and check out the details on the trip HERE. 2018 dates should be announced shortly.


Then, in February, Brian will be headed to Andros Island for bonefish. This will be our 19th year at the Andros Island Bonefish Club and as usual, we can’t wait to get there. A great escape from the Winter in the North and not to mention some of the best Bonefishing on the Planet! Some spots still open if interested…check it out HERE.


Already time to start thinking about Spring Steelhead as well! In addition to guide trips locally, we will be running our bi-annual trip to the Muskegon River Lodge in Michigan. Luxury accomodations and gourmet food right on the banks of the “Mighty Mo”. You’ll walk right out the front door and onto the jet sleds of the guides. This trip is limited to only 4 anglers so don’t delay! Check out the details HERE.


Find all of our Great Fly Fishing Trips on our Mad River Travel Page.


* New to the Shop! Hatch Outdoors- you know the reels but have you seen the Nippers and Pliers? Holy Crap! Check out Hatch products HERE.


* Winter/Spring Classes and Events are up on the Calendar page.


* The Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Columbus! The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 9th and full details and tickets should be available on the website by mid January.


* Proud to announce new sponsorships for the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools. Full details will be announced after the 1st of the year as well as dates of all schools for 2016. In the meantime, we’d like to thank Scientific Anglers, Scott Fly Rods, TFO and Patagonia for their support. It’s an honor to have companies like these believing in what you do and willing to lend their blessings.


* Be sure to mark your calendars for the Columbus Fishing Expo coming up on February 10-12th, 2017. Mad River Outfitters has tripled the booth size and will be a “Fly Fishing Feature” to the show this year. Brian will be doing daily seminars on the “Hawg Trough” and Jerry Darkes, Jeff Liskay and Donnie Knight will also be doing seminars as well. We will be joined in the booth by Scientific Anglers, Korkers Footwear, Smithfly, Patagonia and more. Check out the details on the show HERE.






Mad River

There have been many people in the shop heading to and from the Mad this week.  The bump in water was a welcome sight, but as usual it did not last long.  There were a few people who did find some success fishing streamers, but it really only lasted a few days.  We are still hoping for a good streamer push but not looking good at this point.

With the stream back down and clear the usual winter nymphing has and will be the key into the weekend.  Most people have been focusing on the lower river.  Do not over look the upper and tributaries when the water does come up again.  

Right now your winter trout fishing is pretty consistent across the state.  Indicator/bobber, a shot or two, big nymph, and then a smaller soft-hackle or lighter weighted nymph.  Flies of choice: Guides Choice Hare’s Ear, Cranefly Larva, Jimmy Legs, Copper John, Psycho Prince, Flashabou Caddis, and Soft-Hackles in various colors.  

Streamers with the low clear water is usually not very productive, but never hurts to give it a try if clouds move in or with the rain on Monday and Tuesday.  

If things change during the week we’ll try to update as best we can. Thanks a ton for reading this year and also for your contributions and pics. We are very proud of the community of anglers that have joined together to help us with this Blog. Keep up the good work!!!!

Clearfork River

We havent heard much from reports this past week, but the few people who have checked-in have been doing well.  Down in the park they have just slowed letting water out from below Pleasant Hill Lake so the streamer fishing should still hang on through the weekend.  The upper river is clearing and should fish well with nymphs, but is on the low side.  

If you are wanting to fish streamers take a look at our Modern Streamer page and pull out the Rio Streamer Tip fly line.  Make sure you have a few different colored streamers in your box to switch around.  Nymphing below the dam is also very effective.  Right now your winter trout fishing is pretty consistent across the state.  Indicator/bobber, a shot or two, big nymph, and then a smaller soft-hackle or lighter weighted nymph.  Flies of choice: Guides Choice Hare’s Ear, Cranefly Larva, Jimmy Legs, Copper John, Psycho Prince, Flashabou Caddis, and Soft-Hackles in various colors.  As for streamers Dungeons, Peanuts, Barely Legals, Clousers, Silk Kittys, Boogieman, Zoo Cougar…man they are all good!  Just have a good selection.

Thanks again for reading this year and for your generous contributions and photos. We really appreciate all that you do to help us with this Blog!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!


Clear Creek
The rain did the stream well.  There was a lot of water push through the creek the past couple of weeks.  The small amount of rain last Friday and Saturday did color up the stream, but it has finally cleared out.  Conditions are perfect going into the weekend with streamers and nymphs doing the trick.  


Focus on the slower water close to faster runs.  Right now your winter trout fishing is pretty consistent across the state.  Indicator/bobber, a shot or two, big nymph, and then a smaller soft-hackle or lighter weighted nymph.  Flies of choice: Guides Choice Hare’s Ear, Cranefly Larva, Jimmy Legs, Copper John, Psycho Prince, Flashabou Caddis, and Soft-Hackles in various colors.  Streamers consists of your traditional trout stuff like Black Nose Dace, Muddler Minows, buggers, Clousers, Zoo Cougers, Cactus Wooly, Butt Monkeys, Barely Legals and on and on!  


Cover some water and enjoy the scenery!  


Thanks again for all the contributions and photo submissions this year. We really appreciate when folks help us out with this Blog. We hope that you all have a great New Years and look forward to hearing about your Ohio fishing adventures in 2017!!
Erie Steelhead

The melt and rain over the last week was much needed.  Although the Western streams are on the low side they are not clear.  The Vermilion is still pretty cloudy and will not be fishing for a bit here altough it would probably be a good idea to swing a few flies down low. It’s time for this stream to come on strong…we just haven’t heard much as of yet.


The Connie and Ash are on the low side, but fishing well.  The Grand will also be a long time out as it is still high and off color.  The Rocky and Chagrin should also fish well this weekend. Folks that have been out have been doing pretty well and we typically see a nice push of fresh fish right about this time of year.


This is your weekend to get out and do some Winter Steelheading.  With the day temps above freezing and not much snow predicted everything looks to be lining up right to start out the new year with some Steel.  


There is some rain in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday this will most likely bump the streams and color things up.  If you like to swing flies for Steelhead then that small window should treat you well.  Sink tips and big contrasting colored streamers can do the trick on your single hand rod.  Make sure you are fishing close to the bottom and swinging steady and slow.  This is a great time to pull out the Skagit head and either MOW or straight “T” material and your switch rod also.  It is a small window, but is a great opportunity give your Indicator rod a break.  


As for flies the usual winter setup will put numbers in the net.  Indicator/bobber, shot, bugger or zonker in white, olive, or black then followed by an Glo-bug, Trout Bead, or Sucker Spawn.  If you do happen to find some clear water then you might swap out the bugger for a heavy nymph like a Steelhead Candy, Great Lakes Caddis, Jimmy Legs, or Guides Choice.  If you want to swing then the A.I., Flow Rider, Hare Leech, or Dolly Llama is a good choice.  Don’t over look some of your large trout streamers also.  If you are hitting the vice before you head out tie up lots of buggers, eggs, and give some swinging flies a try especially patters that are sparse, but large using Finn Raccoon, Arctic Fox, and Bucktail.  


If you are planning on heading make sure to check out our Steelhead Central page for maps, tips, and gear.  

Congrats to Jacob Jesionek who got his 1st ever this week on an MRO Guide trip with Josh McQueen

Same for his buddy Brendan Nenni. 1st ever! Thanks guys for the booking and glad we could help!!


Thanks again to all of our friends who contribute reports and pics to this Blog. We truly appreciate your willingness to help with these reports. We couldn’t do it without YOU!!!

Happy New Year again to all and here’s to a FANTASTIC 2017! We can’t wait!!!!!!



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 12/20/16

* 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.




Mad River

Fishing on the Mad has been fairly good despite the cold conditions and low clear water. Definitely winter fishing mode for the past week but that seems to be changing a bit here the past few days.  Indicators and nymphs have been the numbers game.  Looking for the slower deeper water has been key.  Once you find these locations thoroughly covering every inch with good long drifts is the key.  The stockers from earlier this fall have spread out a little and are starting to mix in with the older resident fish.  Most fish have been giving looks to the usual Cranefly Larva, Trophy Nymphs, and Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear.  Behind these flies we like to fish a Soft Hackle, unweighted Pheasant Tail, or Caddis.
  
With the bump in water from the rain and melt the streamer fishing has been good.  This was the biggest push of water we have had in a long time!  Finally the leaves have pushed out. These flows did not stick around for long as the river has fallen just about as fast as it came up. We need the ground to thaw out and decent rain everyother day or so to get things back to normal and fire up the streamer bite again. We are already back into nymphing mode.
  
Looking into the weekend…Back to the typical nymphing game.  With the daily highs at just about or over freezing watch for ice in the guides.  The key this time of year is to limit the amount of stripping in of the fly line and keeping your guides coated with Loon’s Stanley’s Ice Off Paste.  A couple techniques we like to use are long nymphing rods and either water loading or single-hand spey casts.  The long rods keep as much line off the water as possible and allow for longer drifts and line control.  The spey-type casts minimize line stripping and easily cast the indicators, meat and lead.  Also do not overlook the use of Tenkara in the cold weather.  There are no guides, reel, or thick fly line to ice up.  Some lines are better than others, but a light coating of Ice Off on any line will make things work best for you.  

A few reports from the past few weeks:

“Hi all!- I thought I would share my experience yesterday (12/5) fishing off of the Route 36 bridge between 12 and 4pm. Water, as you well know, is very low and clear. I started off fishing up river with olive and natural colored rattlesnake streamers. No luck with those, so I moved to an olive Galloup’s Boogieman. Picked up my first fish off the front side of a log jam. Later in the day, just before the rain hit, I picked up my second fish in the middle of a large pool. Technique used was a jerk-strip retrieve.

Overall I was pleased with two fish considering how the conditions have been. Like you, I am still hoping for a “fall” streamer season. Pics are attached. On a side note, the Hydros SL reel I bought from you on Black Friday worked great. Thanks again!”- Chuck Ewing

This next report from over month ago and we neglected to get it up. We owe Matthew a hat! It’s on it’s way man!!! We’ll also send one along for your gal!!!


“Fished the Mad for the first time ever on November 5th. Nymphing was very productive, caught several trout and was very impressed with the area. All the fish we caught were the newly stocked ones, but did have a holdover on that got the best of me and got off. My fiancé caught her first trout on a fly, needless to say she is hooked. Can’t wait to get back out there.”- Matthew Thomas

Clearfork River

Not many reports as of late from up that way with the low, clear and cold temps, but we have heard word of fish being caught.  They are letting water out as we type so the streamer game below the dam is the key right now.  We usually start with shad colored flies and the typical streamer setup, then move to Yellow and on and on through our Galloup streamer box.  If the upper is your game focus on the typical winter water tails and bellies of pools or deep runs close to pools are key.  The same rigs as for the Mad- Indicators, Guide’s Choice Hare’s Ear, double stones, and alike will get the job done.  

From the other reports…Here is the key to winter fishing: 
Looking into the weekend…Back to the typical nymphing game.  With the daily highs at just about or over freezing watch for ice in the guides.  The key this time of year is to limit the amount of stripping in of the fly line and keeping your guides coated with Loon’s Stanley’s Ice Off Paste.  A couple techniques we like to use are long nymphing rods and either water loading or single-hand spey casts.  The long rods keep as much line off the water as possible and allow for longer drifts and line control.  The spey-type casts minimize line stripping and easily cast the indicators, meat and lead.  Also do not overlook the use of Tenkara in the cold weather.  There are no guides, reel, or thick fly line to ice up.  Some lines are better than others, but a light coating of Ice Off on any line will make things work best for you.  


Clear Creek
About the same issues as the past few weeks…or months.  Low and clear before this past rain and melt event.  Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tails and Soft Hackles are the flies to tie on first.  The streamer fishing is good as long as the temps down in the valley stay above freezing.  Look at Zonkers, buggers, and such on the small size for the most numbers.  

This rain and melt really shot the stream up.  Cresting over 1700cfs and raising over 4′ is a big deal for this little stream.  It needed a good flush!  Look at the water color to start clearing as we get later into the week, but it will fish with streamers now.  

As stated in the Mad River writeup…this will be the key for the rest of the winter:
Looking into the weekend…Back to the typical nymphing game.  With the daily highs at just about or over freezing watch for ice in the guides.  The key this time of year is to limit the amount of stripping in of the fly line and keeping your guides coated with Loon’s Stanley’s Ice Off Paste.  A couple techniques we like to use are long nymphing rods and either water loading or single-hand spey casts.  The long rods keep as much line off the water as possible and allow for longer drifts and line control.  The spey-type casts minimize line stripping and easily cast the indicators, meat and lead.  Also do not overlook the use of Tenkara in the cold weather.  There are no guides, reel, or thick fly line to ice up.  Some lines are better than others, but a light coating of Ice Off on any line will make things work best for you.  
Erie Steelhead
12/21/16 Emergency Update- Seems that we were a bit too optimistic and the temps fell a bit more than expected last night. Most streams are iced up pretty good today or slush at best. The Chagrin is in the best shape but we don’t think the slush will come off at all today. Maybe later this afternoon but if you are driving any distance at all, probably not worth it. We’ve got scouts out today and should get a better report up later today. 

12/20/16- Lots of slush and Ice recently but fishing really heating up here the past few days…  This rain gave some much needed flush of the ice, but with the cold night temps flows will start to lock up in the slower water but the main flows should be fishable for the foreseeable future.  The weather looks good for the next week or so…minus enough rain.  The highs should keep things good in the middle of the day so there is really no need to get out at first light…unless you are trying to get the prime water through the weekend.  

The Chagrin and Rocky are fishing good with some color to the water, but that should settle out as we get later into the week.  The Grand is a week out or so while the Ash and Connie will be fishing well by Thurday or Friday.  Fish are all in winter mode.  Look for the tails of pools, deep runs, and holding water.  Eggs are the flies right now with a Bugger or Zonker to help get everything down.  This time of the year a 10′ rod or switch is really helpful to keep everything drifting nicely and ice free.  These rods keep as much line off the water as possible and also provide more line control and reach.  Stanley’s Ice Off Paste, gloves, layers, and spey casting or water loading are the keys to success all winter long.  Try to keep from getting your reels wet and stripping too much line through the guides as this will ice them up quickly. Also remember that felt and snow or ice don’t mix well so make sure to install those spikes in your felt and rubber soles.  

There is some good looking weather in the forecast and plenty of fish around. Should be a decent week and weekend of steelhead fishing here in Ohio. We do have guides out this week and will keep you updated as to river conditions if things change. 

Send us reports and pics and if you need an up-to-the-minute report, don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Here’s a few shots from the past few weeks:

John Updyke was out with our good friend Bob Wing and got this Ohio Beauty!

Ray and crew came out on their yearly Guided Trip- this year with guides Ryan and Patrick. This day will always be remembered by the clients and guides as the “Snow Bowl”

MRO Guide and Fly Tying Manager Ryan Ratliff claims this is the only “selfie” he has ever taken but he couldn’t resist. Pretty much sums up the “Steelhead Snow Bowl” on December 9th

Lunch!

Pretty much sums up the past few weeks but luckily things are opening up here! (Nothing can stop an MRO guide though from “scouting conditions”)

Proof that if you are persistent enough, even ice doesn’t stop the fishing! 




Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 11/23/16

* 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.


In the News


From all of us at Mad River Outfitters!

We are Thankful that you are all friends, customers, and part of the Mad River Outfitters Community.

We hope that you have a wonderful day and we hope to hear from you on this exciting weekend coming up!

Brian, Andy, Pat, Linda, Ryan, Kevin, Judy, Roger, Josh, Cristina, Dick and Rogue


* Somewhat of an abbreviated report here as we are all heading out the door to get the festivities started. We’ll try to get more reports up over the weekend.

* Just a reminder that we will be OPEN Sundays through Christmas- Noon- 5 p.m.- rumor has it that we will be running some “Sunday Specials” so please stay tuned.

* Special congrats to Richard Miller from Iowa Falls, Iowa. He was on our Michigan Steelhead Trip last week and scored this BEAST:


Steve and the boys at the Muskegon River Lodge did claim that this was the largest steelhead they had seen in 2016! Glad Richard was able to make the trip!!!

Warmwater

* It does seem that the warmwater bite has slowed down a bit and it’s finally time to turn our attention towards Trout and Steelhead.

* We’d love for you to prove us wrong though! Any pics or reports of largemouth, smallmouth or any noteworthy warmwater fish…please send them along.

* Pat has been out chasing Musky a bit but the low water has definitely been a hindrance. He did have a trip last week and had some follows and an eat but no pics yet. We are still looking for this fishing to really turn on here. Stay tuned.



Mad River

Pretty much the same old report. Low water making fishing challenging to say the least. 

At least the leaves are pretty much down and that should help things, but we are in DIRE need of rain!

The fish that have been caught have been on nymphs. Either try really small, midge type stuff or go big with attractor types and craneflies. No reports of any dry fly activity the past week or so although a warm sunny day could see some midge activity. Especially in the Upper River.

We are still holding out hope that the rain gods will deliver a “Fall Streamer Season” but nothing to report yet.

We do have some folks headed that way this Holiday Weekend and we’ll hopefully have something more exciting to report.

Clearfork River

At least a glimmer of hope on the Clearfork.


They are lowering Pleasant Hill reservoir to winter pool and have been releasing some water out of the dam. The fishing has picked up a bit and the lower stretch is the place to be. The Upper is still pretty low and clear.


Quite a few folks fishing up in the park this week and we have heard of some nice fish being caught. Most reports have been on nymphs and streamers although one angler we spoke to was killing them on egg patterns. No pics though! If you make it up there, we’d love to have some Clearfork pics to share with folks. It’s been a while.

Hopefully we’ll get some precip here and get both stretches cranking. We are still hoping the best trout fishing of the Fall is yet to come!


Clear Creek
Although Clear Creek is still very low and clear, we have had some good reports the past week or so. It may be the best trout fishing in the state right now! Hard to believe but folks are catching some fish.
Nymph fishing has been the way to go. Fishing slow and deep with a variety of flies. Not much dry fly activity at all and still a bit too low to really think about hard-core streamer fishing.

* Please note that the Park will be CLOSED to fishing this coming Monday- Wednesday due to the special “Metro Park Deer Hunt”.

Our buddy Rus Barnes sent this pic and note this week:
MRO,

I fished Clear Creek on Friday (11/18) and took 9 trout using dry flies and nymphs. Missed many more.  Was a beautiful day to be on the water. Water is very clear as you can see in the picture.  Trout were all in the 9 to 10 inch range. Talked to 2 other fly fishermen having similar luck. Enjoy the pic.
Rus Barnes
Erie Steelhead
Once again, we are looking for the weekend to be busy up on Steelhead Alley.

As you all know, the water is horribly low. We did get a slight bump the past few days but it really didn’t amount to much of anything to talk about. We are still in DIRE need of rain throughout the region.

The good news is that the leaves are pretty much down and less of a problem, the past few days especially. The water, or at least what water is there, is starting to “Green Up” a bit which is always a good sign. We have been finding some fish, and decent fish, but working hard to do so. Most fish are being caught under an indicator on the staple eggs and nymphs.

Hopefully this weekend will bring some rain and better reports. We ARE still holding out hope that December is going to be “Steehead Month” around here.

If you get out this weekend, let us know how you are doing. In the meantime, here’s a pic of Josh with client Chris Denman on a guide trip yesterday:



Thanks for all the calls this week by the way….and the business. We really appreciate the trust you all put in MRO and MRO’s guides. As always, if we haven’t put a report up here, FEEL FREE to give us a call. We are always happy to share what we know. (Feedback helps too…let us know how you are doing).



Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 7/30/16

* 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

* We’d like to again THANK all of the folks who contribute to these reports. Sorry if we don’t always get them up here….hard to do with the sheer number of e-mails, messages and photos that we get. It’s with YOUR help and support that we are able to provide these reports and YOUR help and support that we even exist. Keep them coming and here’s some highlights from the past few weeks……


* Josh and the crew arrived home safe from the Alaska Trip. As he said….”Helluva week”. Here’s a shot of his 1st fish of the trip…(true story)….


Click Here to view the photo Album from the trip as well as previous years

Looks like we have July 22nd- 29th reserved already for next year and the trip will be hosted by Brian Flechsig and Jerry Darkes. Also working on an August date that may be headed up by Josh McQueen and Jeff Liskay. We should have this all firmed up in about a week and will get it posted on the website.


In the meantime…….breaking news!


Jerry Darkes is looking for a select few anglers to join him in Alaska. October 1st- 6th and it will be a very special trip. You’d be catching GIANT rainbows on the Naknek but will also do a fly out to the Nushagak for the GIANT char and grayling. A very unique and “one in a lifetime” opportunity.


On top of that, we have negotiated a special rate! Normally this trip would run $3295.00…..we are looking for 4-6 guys and can sell the trip for $1995.00!!!!


We won’t get this up on the website for another week or so but if interested please call the shop and we’ll have Jerry give you a call.


* Brian is on his way to visit old friend Kelly Galloup at the Slide Inn tomorrow morning with the group. They will be fishing the Madison and possibly Yellowstone all week. He also has plans to get into Yellowstone and make a return visit to Grebe Lake and try for some Grayling. He says it’s been 23 years since he has been there and is super excited to get back. He’ll have internet access so should be updating during the week. In the meantime, here’s a throwback video that Brian and Kelly did a few years ago about these legendary trips…..


* HUGE Congrats to our partner guide Captain Brian Meszaros. He boated this fish yesterday for a client up on Lake St. Clair. A giant Musky! We serve as a full booking agent for Captain Brian and can set you up with a trip. He says that July and August are his best months for Musky and would welcome the business. Click the link here to learn about booking a trip:

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/s-10-lake-st-clair.aspx
Here is what Capt. Brian had to say about this fish:

“Battle testing the new Scientific Anglers Figure 8 leader on their Sonar 30 Cold line and rocked it with this girl. 52 1/8 X 24…40.04 lbs on the Crawford scale. Caught her on my Hairry Pounder in Perch and yes…she ate it at the boat on the figure 8. Client Tom was elated to say the least. Great stick that deserved this fish.”- Capt. Brian


Here’s some other random notes and e-mails that we have received over the past few weeks:

* “Hi Guys and Gals,  just a note to let you know that my 12 year old grandson and I  had a great time fly-fishing on Monday at SunnyBrook Trout Club.    You can see his smile in the attached pictures.
Jerry provided both an instructive and fun day.

Thanks for arranging.”   Patsy Metheny

* “Olentangy was a little colored up, but fished well. Smallies hitting hard on smaller flies in slow water. Carp feeding pretty much all morning, though the color made fishing them hard, had to get it close to them.  Got a nice one that aggressively took the fly on the drop,  broke him off trying to land him, but he tested my glass 6 wt’s limits.

No obvious cicada action, yet though I’ve been hearing them more lately.

Have a good one”- Chris Schalz

* Daniel Etter and his father were out last Sunday with guide Pat Kelly. Daniel got his 1st Ohio Pike on the fly. In January, Daniel is going along with Pat on the Amazon trip and Pat will guide him to his 1st Peacock Bass on the fly! Lucky Kid!


Speaking of the Peacock Bass Trip- we do have 1st spot OPEN this coming January. If interested, please give Pat a call at the shop. He’d love to fill it and could probably “sweeten the deal” a bit if it helped pull the trigger.

Find the details and pricing here:

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/s-121-peacock-bass-brazil-river-plate-outfitters.aspx

* “Hocking River fishing report since its too hot to fish Clear Creek. Smallmouth active early in faster water on streamers”- Steve Buckley
* “Update from the Northwoods- 47″ Musky on my Sage rod (personal best on fly rod)- thanks to Pat for his instruction and helping me gear up!”- Greg DeNaeyer

* “Hey guys, i just wanted to report that the Brookville Tailwater is fishing pretty well in some areas. I took these rainbows on a Parachute Adams, and then on Dry Dropper; Elk Hair Caddis with a size 20 zebra midge below.  Browns were hitting the Parachute Adams as well. It can get a bit crowded on the Tailwater, but a nice conversation with an old timer is what convined me to switch from nymphs to drys last Sunday.  Love the old timers who are excited to help newcomers”.- Bryan O’Maley

* “Went out to local stream Friday and undecided whether to target Carp or smallmouth bass. I entered the water at the bridge and immediatly saw a large Smallmouth cruising in shallow water. I tied on a blue Boogle Bug and tossed it 3-4 feet upstream from his position. He jumped on it right away and I had a fun fight on my 5 weight for the next few minutes.He taped out at 18” and was the best fish of the day. I did catch some very colorful longear sunfish that  liked blue Boogle Bugs as well.”- William Rice

* “Paul Thomas had a good first morning in the Trout Republic/Upper Green River, Wyoming.  4 fish 20+, 7 more fish over 17, plenty others.  Just one of those mornings.  Broke in his new net, had Tolley as net man to assist with others.  Did a great job with the Scott Radian.  This was a monumental fishing day for Paul, enjoyed as a result of all the help he received at Mad River Outfitters!”- Rob Tolley- Cora, Wyoming

* “Fished the Hocking on Saturday to check on flows.  It rained hard Friday night and Clear Creek was pumping in “chocolate milk.”  Visibility was 0-3in most of the day.  By around 10am it turned into a Zoo with kayaks and canoes.  It was nothing to see 20 of them in a pack.  Fishing was totally unproductive to say the least.  

Sunday out with clients.  Visibility was much better at around 12in+.  The main issue was that the river had dropped 50cfs from the day before.  Canoe hatch was not as big of a problem as on Saturday.  It was tough conditions.  Low water, very high pressure, and the canoe influence from the day before had the fish finicky.  Stripping streamers with long pauses did produce some small fish.  The guys fished hard and were rewarded with 10-12 smallies.  Although nothing over 13in to hand there were a few lost in the wood cover that we will be thinking of for awhile. “- Ryan Ratliff

Tony Makris on a guide trip with MRO’s Ryan Ratliff
  

Mad River

The rains the past few days have…unfortunately….not made a difference at all. We need about 3 days of steady rains to bring us out of this “funk”. The river is becoming desperately low and the fishing is suffering.


There is some good news though. The fishing after dark has been decent, and mostly because of this guy:


A few weeks ago, our “top reporter” Ed Muldoon was fishing after dark and ran into a blizzard hatch of these “Drakes”. This is not a bug that has been on our radar and a total surprise to all that fish the river.

They have been showing up around 10:15 or so and hatching for 20-30 minutes. The spinner falls have been good and also of course, after dark. We have sent the photos out to our “bug hero”, Dr. Brian Armitage and are still waiting to hear back as to exactly what species it is. Best we can guess is that it is the Ephemera Varia, but still not sure. We’ll let you know once we get it confirmed and hoping to hear back from him in the next few days.

The bugs have been on the water for a few weeks now and although seem to be slowing down, they were seen the past few nights in the upper parts of the river. If it is in fact the Varia, we could be looking at some steady hatching for another few weeks yet, again, in the upper parts of the river.

Here’s some reports from Ed over the past few weeks as he was discovering the “Mad River Mystery Drake”:

July 10th

“Hey guys, started tonight at 7 to throw some terrestrials and maybe get some late rises. Took a few on Turks in a riffle and then a good one on a deep woven nymph. Very few rises before dark. Fished a very healthy Trico hatch but it was super selective, still nice to see. Size probably 22. Headed back upstream at dark, turned on my headlamp around 10:15.  I was covered in flies within two minutes. Big ones. Either brown/slate drake or Hex, I’d say Hex. The next two hours was the absolute, without question, biggest hatch I have ever seen on the Mad. I stopped counting and being amazed after about twenty minutes. Hundreds of duns. Fish we’re extremely selective, took a couple good ones not over twenty but they were out I am sure.  Don’t care, this was the coolest, most unexpected hatch I have ever been in. I literally went out just to cool off and catch a couple fish on an ant. I was stunned, took about 50 pictures and even a video. Why did this happen so late in the month? Spinner fall will be utterly insane tomorrow, I envy the person that lucks into it if it isn’t me. Got out around 12:30. See pics. Wouldn’t have believed it if I wasn’t there.”

Fish caught by Ed on the mystery Epemera

July 17th

“Flies came off again last night 10:10-10:45, this is over one week long now. Same place. Less intense but still plenty. This was a big spinner fall, hard to figure these bugs because during the spinner fall I picked up an intact shuck and there were plenty of them on the water. The duns came off very fast I guess and I missed them. I have some if anyone wants to take a better look. Attached pic you can really get an idea of the nymph, gills and all. Took a good fish with my spinner, walked into three large fish that must’ve been involved somehow but they weren’t many audible rises.  Same weather yesterday, 80s and hot, rapidly dropping into 70s and 60s around 10. 

Earlier around dusk a Goddard caddis took a few rising fish but I had to travel very far to find them. Very big caddis hatch in a remote stretch. I only saw four rising fish, even during another great Trico hatch earlier there was no rising whatsoever. Good bugs wasted. 
Checked upstream at 55 and saw no evidence of any of this. Moused till around midnight and it was not productive. Thought it would’ve been with the waxing gibbous, plenty of natural light on the water. Wonderful night. Water still pretty cold, wish I had a thermometer. Had fun.”- Ed Muldoon

For those that aren’t into the “Night Thing”, your best bet right now is fishing terrestrials. Ants and Beetles have been and will continue to produce fish. You need to be stealthy though! The water is super low and super clear. Caddis dries and pupa have also been producing a few fish in the evenings as well.

It’s likely that the reports won’t change much here until we get some measurable water. We will be looking out soon for the White Miller Caddis and the Ephron- White Mayflies. Keep your eyes out in the lower river and in the evenings the next few weeks. Can provide some good to excellent evening fishing, even with the low water.

Let us know how you are doing!

Clearfork River

The Upper Clearfork did push upwards a bit with the rains the past few days but nothing to write home about. The lower has been low and clear for weeks.


Not many reports coming from up there. Most have been fishing down in the park for warmwater species and pretty much leaving the trout alone for a while. Might be a good choice until we get some more reasonable temps and flows.


If you were to fish the Upper, fish early or fish late. Terrestrials and caddis have been producing a few fish. Caddis larva fished deep in some of the holes is a good bet also. Streamer fishing has slowed to a halt for the time being.


So…same report…..we need water!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Clear Creek
Probably don’t even need to tell you…..Clear Creek is super low and super clear.

With the temps the way they have been, it’s probably best to leave the trout be for now and head down to the Hocking for some smallmouth action. If you do fish…do it early or late and try not to stress the fish too much. Terrestrials and caddis would be the way to go on the surface.

Hopefully we’ll get some relief here and get back at it in September but we’ll need some water before we do!!!

Erie Steelhead
Believe it or not….some folks already talking steelhead!!!! 

Obviously nothing to report yet…but it won’t be long now!

Guide trips already starting to book for peak season.

Check out the details and give a shout to get a date on the books.

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/s-2-fly-fishing-guide-services.aspx


Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 7/8/16

* 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


* Summer is definitely setting in around here…..and we are showing the signs. Waters throughout the region are super low, and some dangerously low. Local anglers seem to be slowing down a bit and many folks in the shop are now gearing up for Alaska and Western trips. Things are just coming into play in other areas of the country!


* Brian is headed to Orlando next week for the International Fly Tackle Dealer Show. Stay tuned as he will have some reports and updates on the “latest and greatest” in the fly fishing world. 


* Josh is headed up to Alaska on the 16th and should have updates and photos as he goes. 


* End of the month brings the annual trip to the Slide Inn to visit our old friend Kelly Galloup. As always, we’ll be posting reports as this trip goes.


* E-news should go out early next week. Not on our e-mail list…hit the front page of the website and be sure to register. Button on the top nav bar.


* All of us here at MRO would like to extend a HUGE thanks to our loyal friends and customers. We just finished yet another record year here at the shop and we have you all to thank! We couldn’t do this without your support…so….THANKS!!!
Warmwater

* Seems that the Cicada hatch is winding down…much to our dismay. These guys had provided weeks of some of the best surface fishing we had seen in years. Most anglers are reporting that they are still seeing a few but not many on the water. It was fun while it lasted and hopefully you got to experience this incredible fishing.


* Carpin’ is still going strong! Andy has been having one of his best guide seasons in years and many happy clients can attest. Although the mulberry action is slowing up a bit, we are still getting them. Other offerings though have been producing well also and the carp fishing should remain good for the rest of the Summer. Just gonna have to put the “fruit flies” away here before long.

Our old friend and customer Dave Trego was out with Andy last week and did well. He’s also headed to Montana with Brian at the end of the month!

* Smallmouth fishing throughout the region has been pretty good, but also suffering a bit from the low water conditions and lack of rain. A mixed bag of flies producing! Large white streamers, Boogle Bug sliders and poppers and many anglers reporting fish starting to key in on crayfish.

One good thing about the low clear water is that many anglers are out sight fishing for smallies. Just need to be stealthy so as not to spook them.

* A few anglers sending reports this week from up on the Lake as well:

“Thanks to Andy for the suggestion of the SA Sonar Titan line paired with the TFO Impact 6 I bought earlier this year. I’m able to dredge up Lake Erie Drum all day long!

My Licking County Lab named Nellie loves to help me fish. 

Thanks again guys!”- Alex Calfee

Alex Calfee destroying the drum up at Put-in-Bay
Hope everyone is having a great Summer and make sure to follow-along on Facebook, Google +, Twitter and Instagram for updates on the local fishing as well as MRO travel.



Mad River

Wow! We haven’t seen the river this low, this early, in many years. Pretty tough out there friends.

We have definitely moved into “terrestrial” mode here with ants and beetles on the surface being your best bet at catching fish. There are still a few mayflies around, including some Tricos in the mornings, but it has become slim pickings. Also decent numbers of caddisflies around but not like we are used to.

Nymphs and streamers of course always catch fish, but the water levels are just making it tough. Combine this with the algae that has built up and makes for tough fishing below the surface.

There has also been a huge “aluminum hatch” this season and canoe traffic is making things challenging for anglers, especially on the weekends. Just FYI, they typically put the boats in a Lippincott Rd. and lowest take-out is down at Rte. 55 so if you are fishing during the day, best to be above or below to avoid most of the traffic.

Let’s all pray for rain. We need it bad! Anybody come up with a better report this week…send it along and we’ll post it.

In the meantime, our friend Ed Muldoon sent this report and pic last week:

“Hey guys, Fished upper valley. Fish let me get away with dries early, a couple nice ones even, took maybe a dozen. I was surprised. Upstream dry flies, great fun, can’t beat it. No hatch matching, Goddard caddis and quill Adams rig was all it took. Did see a sulphur spinner in a spider web, small size #18.  Could not even nymph the higher up I went, do I need to say it’s like rubber cement up there?! Slow and low is an understatement. You can spook the fish from 50 feet away with your fly line. Not even lining em, all it takes is that line hitting the water, even gently. Could get in front of them, wait and hide for a few minutes, and fish to them downstream. Long leaders and no false casts in the upper stretches!  Spotted several very large fish there. Night time would be a little easier. Saw ants, Japanese beetles, white wooly worms. Hoppers still off the menu. Next time I’ll fish a white wooly bugger dry, greased, with lots of twitching. Got a big one to strike on a Japanese beetle fished downstream while I hid in the scrub. The fish vaporized after the first cast however. He had some heft.

Tried the lower river and it’s like the county fair out there. Weekdays only right now!”- Ed Muldoon
Frequent contributor Ed Muldoon- always good for a report!- Thanks Ed

Clearfork River

Pretty much the same story as the Mad….super low and super clear.

Not too many reports from the Clearfork the past few weeks and it seems that most anglers  are opting to head down to the Mohican itself for some smallmouth action. Actually, a few anglers that were chasing trout down in the park wound up having a banner smallmouth day!

The lower is definitely too low and warm to think about trout fishing right now. A big push of water might change that for a bit but best to think of warmwater species if you are in the park.

The upper has been ok, with most anlgers reporting fishing either terrestrials or caddis. There have been good caddis hatches in the evenings and fish have been up rising to the pupa as well as some adults. Ants, beetles and crickets have really turned on and have been producing a decent number of fish, although not nearly the activity we saw in April and May.

Still a few reports also of some Light Cahills around in the evenings but really seems to be winding down.

Let’s hope for some rain. We need some “trout relief”.

Clear Creek
As you have already guessed…..low, low, low…..and clear, clear, clear.
With the water conditions combined with the water temps, it’s probably best to think about warmwater fishing. Unless you live close and can make a quick trip either early or late, it would be best not to stress the fish on Clear Creek.
Our friend Elliot Cantwell does live close and was able to get out for a bit a few evenings ago and sent this report:
“Hey guys,
Fished Wednesday evening since water temperatures were okay. Hoppers, ants, and beetle patterns took a few fish.  Copper johns and flashy nymphs worked well also. No bug activity to speak of on the surface.  Focus tight to rocks and wood.”- Elliot Cantwell


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363