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Mad River Fishing Report

Fishing Reports- 3/16/16

* 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
Mad River


Since our last report…the river started to come down and then pretty much each day or so we have been getting a blast of rain. The upper river is getting close and may wind up fishing well tomorrow. The lower river maybe the same but it will surely be streamer water.


If things stabilize here for a few days, combined with the weather we have been experiencing, it could be a good to great weekend of fishing. Have seen some bugs too! Scroll back to the last updates from the 10th and 11th! Haven’t heard much since then but of course not many folks fishing with the high water.


We’ll get a report up on Friday for the weekend and in the meantime, if you get out, drop us a line.

Clearfork River

The Clearfork is still pretty well blown out and it may be a day or so more on the upper and hard to say for the lower. If we don’t get much more rain, they may drop the lower to fishable levels but right now it is out of the question.

If you are a good wader, the upper could be great streamer water the next few days. If you have been keeping track of reports and pictures, you well know it’s worth doing.

Should be seeing some bugs around up there as well as soon as the water stabilizes. 

We’ll get a report up for the weekend and if you do get out, let us know how you do!!!

Clear Creek
Clear Creek is also blown and will be another day or so before we can get back out there. Can’t wait though! With these warm temps we should start seeing some good bugs and surface activity.

We’ll get a report up for the weekend but if you do get out there before we do, let us know how things look.

Erie Steelhead
Up and down. Up and down. Haven’t been able to catch a break since the original blowout on Thursday night.


The V is still up and of course muddy. So are the Rocky and Chagrin and of course the Grand is out of the question. Looks like the V, Rocky and Chagrin should be coming into fishable shape on Friday and into the weekend. We’ll keep our eyes on it and let you know on Friday. We did have quite a few folks over the weekend go up to find the high and dirty water and they were able to find fishable water and fish in the tribs to the Grand.


We can’t mention who sent this photo on Saturday. Hop on over to Facebook or Google + and read the hilarious post from Saturday afternoon.



The Ashtabula and Conneuat are actually looking good today and should be fishing well. Hoping to get some photos/reports from there today. Send us a note or shots if you have been out.


We’ll keep our eyes on things and be sure to get a report up on Friday with the weekend prognosis and let us know if anyone interested in a guide trip anytime soon. We do have guides available and ready to fish!!



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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 2/24/16

* 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
Mad River


As you can imagine, the Mad is super high and dirty right now. The good news it that it looks like it has crested here this afternoon. The bad news is, there is more rain and then snow in the forecast.


As things stabilize and the river does start to drop, look for some good to excellent streamer fishing. Also have some black stonefly nymphs as the fish are seeing these guys as they crawl out of the water to emerge. We usually don’t see the fish eat the adults but might not be a bad idea to have a few with you just in case.


It’s also time to start thinking about the coming hatches. Some #14 Pheasant Tails or your favorite Hendrickson nymph should start working well and will continue through the hatch in early April. Also not a bad idea to have some smaller, BWO/Baetis type nymphs along as well. Might not catch the big fish on these but surely will catch some fish.


For those that got out over the beautiful weekend, the fishing reported was good to excellent. Streamers down low, nymphs throughout and we had some folks catching fish on dry midges in the upper river.


Keep your eyes on the gauges and we’ll let you know what we hear and see.

Clearfork River

The Clearfork has also come up today with the rains. The upper is blown and they just a bit ago opened up the dam and the lower is unsafe levels as well. May be a day or so depending on how much more precip we get here tonight and tomorrow.

The good news is that the river has been fishing very well. We continue to get good reports from both stretches but especially the upper. As the water comes down may try to get up there with some big streamers and see what happens. Also been some winter black stoneflies hatching along with the typical midge activity for this time of year.

We’ll try to let you know as things change but if we don’t, feel free to call the shop.

Clear Creek
The creek is up and raging as you can expect. Hard to say when but we’ll keep our eyes on it and let you know. In the meantime, here’s a report that Ryan wrote yesterday before the rain started:

The big melt off sent the snow and ice on its way down to Athens.  Friday night into Saturday the creek crested at around 1100cfs!  That was the biggest push of the year and has moved some structure around for the good.  The flows are still a little off colored and at pushing 45 degrees it is streamer fishing the heads and tails of the deeper winter pools.  With the higher flows a light sink tip not out of the question.  


If the run and gun stripping streamer game isn’t your thing, then pull out the little black stones.  When the water is off colored as it is in the coming days we focus on a little bigger stones like two Bear’s Stones in tandem.  


This rain and snow coming in the next few days is going to mess up the fishing, but everything should clear out by early next week.  Looks like a little cooler weather so it will be back to nymphing.  


These fish aren’t big, but the scenery is what sets the Hocking Hills apart!

Erie Steelhead
Well…turns out that our “Big Time” winter mode from our last report was shorter lived than expected. The good news is that the ice has left the streams and we are looking at getting the season going….again. Bad news today is that with all of this rain and snow melt, the streams are raging. It will be a few days at least before we get back at it but when we do, we expect banner steelhead fishing throughout the region.


Folks that did get out last weekend just as the ice was clearing did report gangbuster fishing. We had killer reports from the Rocky, Chagrin, Ashtabula and Conneaut. All seem to be pretty full of fish and this water here will bring more. The Vermilion has still been a bit murky and even more so now but we are anticipating good to great fishing there as soon as things clear.


We’ll try to let you know as things stabilize and we get back out there.




Anybody interested in fishing the Muskegon in a month or so? We have a few spots open on the Muskegon River Lodge Trip, March 27th- 30th. Two days guided float fishing, fantastic lodging and gourmet meals? What could go wrong?


Click Here for the details, dates and pricing on these trips.




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

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

Fishing Reports- 2/4/16

* 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


Mad River

Although the Mad since our last report has been really low and clear, the fishing has continued to impress. With the warmer temps over the weekend and until today there have been a good number of winter anglers out in pursuit. The Uppper part of the river continues to produce good numbers and we do know of some really nice 20+ fish caught in the lower part of the river.


Numbers are coming on nymphs. If you just want to catch fish, stick with smaller stuff like red or brown midge larva, zebra midges and the like. Fish are still focusing on these. Also have some size 14 black stonefly imitations. The Winter Stoneflies have yet to be spotted but rest assured the nymphs are down there doing their thing and making themselves available to the fish. A black Copper John typically does pretty well. 


The good news here is that the water did come up and we are looking at some good streamer water the next few days. The weekend should be killer for those looking to get out. The upper river should be clearing and super fishable by today and the lower will come into good shape later today and tomorrow. Great time to chuck the big stuff…….especially in honor of Kelly’s visit to the shop on Sunday!


Which, by the way, if you are not that interested in the Super Bowl….we have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a “Streamer Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we’ll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we’ll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly’s presentations, you really should be here.


Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!!


Clearfork River

The Clearfork has been super low and clear, especially down in the park. We did have anglers on both stretches this week and both reported pretty tough fishing although the upper seemed to be a bit better.

MRO guide and MWFF Instructor Graham Stokes fished the lower and said it was really low and clear and tough. He said he only saw one other angler and he was looking for a Musky. The deeper lies that held fish in December seemed to be void of fish which means that they have maybe taken up a winter mode here and are pretty dormant. He did say that he caught a few smaller fish on small nymphs under an indicator and also by throwing a small white streamer on a long leader. Stealth was the key to saving the day.

The lower stretch did come up a bit with the precip the past few days and it could be a good weekend up there. Well worth checking out and if you do, please let us know.

The upper stretch has been a nymph game but we have heard that streamers continue to produce well. This water has become a pretty good to great piece of river for “jerk stripping” large streamers and the size of fish we have been seeing this Fall and Winter has been impressive. A slight bump in flows should have this stretch fishing well this weekend.

Want to learn more about “Jerk Stripping”?

If you are not that interested in the Super Bowl….we have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a “Streamer Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we’ll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we’ll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly’s presentations, you really should be here.


Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!!



Clear Creek

Clear Creek did come up the past few days and the ice along the edges and on the slow pools has been pushed out. It is coming down and should be in fishable shape this weekend. Could turn out to be a good streamer weekend down there.

Not much to report as we haven’t had any folks on the water due to the “winter mode” but hoping to hear something over the weekend.

If you do get out, nymphs and streamers will most likely be the ticket, although it’s a good bet to have some midge dries just in case.

Let us know if you get out on the water. Clear Creek was fishing surprisingly well before it began to ice up so we’d love to hear some good reports here.

In the meantime…..we hope to see you on Sunday….tickets available…..

If you are not that interested in the Super Bowl….we have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a “Streamer Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we’ll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we’ll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly’s presentations, you really should be here.

Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!
Erie Steelhead
Great news up along the Lake!!! The waters have risen here this week and most of the ice has been pushed out and it looks like it could be a good to great weekend of steelhead fishing.


The Rocky has been the hot ticket since last weekend. It was about the only one with open water and a ton of folks were out fishing. Brian and Josh were up in Cleveland for the show last weekend and heard reports of good to great fishing. A good number of brown trout reported as well as nice sized steelhead.


All of the streams are up and dropping right now and most will come into play for the weekend. The Vermilion should fish Saturday or Sunday although it is just now starting to drop. It is time for the V to start producing big time and we know that our guides cannot wait to get the ball rolling on this important piece of water. The Rocky and Chagrin should fish Saturday and could be good “swinging” conditions. 


The Grand and Conneuat are still a bit big and will probably take a bit longer here. The Grand for sure won’t fish until mid next week. The Conneaut maybe late Sunday or into Monday, depending on whether we get more precip. 


Regardless, looks like we are getting a bit of a reprieve from Winter here and a welcome and somewhat unexpected window of opportunity for steelhead anglers in the region. Hard to say what the weather will do but we’ll try to stay on top of it and let you know.


With the higher water and somewhat warmer temps here it would surely be worth swinging or stripping some flies and see what happens. If not, hanging nymphs and eggs below an indicator will surely be the way to go. Our old pal Kelly Galloup always says that if the water is cold, which it will be, try a Blue Egg. Not that common a choice but is worth trying and you just might be rewarded.


Not doing anything important Sunday night…..now you can!!!!


We have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a “Streamer Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we’ll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we’ll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly’s presentations, you really should be here.


Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!


Regardless, we’ll try to touch base early next week with an update from the weekend. If you get out, we always love reports and pics!!!!



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

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

Fishing Reports- 1/17/16

* 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



Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The Mad did spike up a bit with the precip on Friday but is coming back down and looking really good. The streamer fishing has remained good to excellent as we have had much better flows in the past few weeks. Nymphing has also been very good as well. Same story….go tiny with midge larva if you want to catch numbers and go with larger, attractor type nymphs if looking for a larger fish. No valid reports of any dry fly fishing the past week or so as can be expected.

Although the fishing should be good, the temps the next few days and into the week are looking pretty prohibitive. If you go, make sure to have some Stanley’s Ice Off Paste to keep the ice from forming in your guides, especially if streamer fishing…..and dress really warm.

We have been talking alot around the shop at how many folks are starting to catch on to the fact that we look for high, dirty water events as “prime time” to hunt big fish. Used to be that folks would stay away from the river (or any river) when the water rose and turned to chocolate milk. These days, those in the know are looking for this kind of water, knowing that this is when the big fish are most likely to slam the big streamers, as you saw in our last report. 

Amazing how our entire outlook on fishing has changed since we all read “Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout” and watched a few of Kelly Galloup’s videos!

Want to learn more….be sure to join us on Sunday, February 7th when we are joined by Kelly for a presentation on streamer fishing. We’re gonna get some pizza and beer and have a good ol’ time! And yes…we know it’s Super Bowl Sunday. We’d quite frankly learn more about streamer fishing from the master. Click Here to learn more and to sign-up for the party.

We’ll try to check-in soon as we know more but in the meantime, here’s a few pics and a report from our new friend Ben Soltis:

“:I recently moved to the area from out of state and have been fishing the Mad. Today I caught a pretty nice brookie below the Dallas road bridge. Have brook trout been stocked or did this fish come down from the headwaters? It was pretty cool to see this fish, not the species I thought I would be catching today. Caught on an EP fiber dace pattern. Pictures attached, looked to be about 17″.”

Thanks,

Ben Soltis


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Not too many reports in the past week or so from the Clearfork. Guide and Instructor Graham Stokes did get out last week and did very well and from what he has seen recently, the river is fishing much better this winter than it has in many years. From the reports that we have been getting all Fall, this appears to be the case.

Both the Upper and the Lower are in good shape. In general folks have been catching more fish in the Lower stretch and larger fish in the Upper. Not sure if there is much to that but it does seem to be the case.

The streamer fishing in the Upper has been extremely good and some really nice fish caught. The Lower has mostly been a nymph game but still a good idea to drag a big streamer through some of the deeper holes. Especially if you get further away from the covered bridge. If the big stuff doesn’t produce, try going with something smaller and see what happens.

With the weather and precip expected, please be careful if heading down into the park…could be a bit treacherous at times.

On a side note, it’s also a good time to think about chasing Muskies in the lower. Not a high numbers game, but if you take your time and throw a giant fly, you just might be rewarded. We are still waiting on that “Winter Musky Pic” to come through Facebook or E-mail but it’s bound to happen soon. Let us know if we can help you get rigged up…..it’s worth your time if you are willing.

If you get out, send us some pics and reports! 


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek did come up with the precip on Friday but is coming down and looking good for the week as far as water level goes. Problem is that it will probably start to freeze up with the temps expected. We’ll see and try to let you know.

The good news is, as in our last report, that the fishing has been pretty good. Surprising numbers of holdovers all of a sudden are being caught. Most have been on nymphs and small streamers but don’t rule out dries if you get a warmer, sunny day. The midge bite down there can be pretty good at times.

Hopefully we’ll get some eyes on the stream this week but in the meantime, read our last report where Ryan Ratliff gave some pretty good tips on fishing Clear Creek in the Winter.

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps


Bre with a nice Winter Steelhead from last week!

We have definitely moved into “Winter Mode” here when it comes to Steelhead Alley. Although, there are plenty of fish around, we just haven’t had that many folks out chasing them. A few folks did report in this week and plenty of fish caught…especially mid-week as the temps rose a bit. Otherwise, things were starting to slush and ice up quite a bit.

The region did get some good rains on Friday and into Saturday which brought the streams up and they are starting to drop nicely now. The rain and higher temps did slow the ice and slush and may provide for some pretty good fishing the next few days, although the temps are dropping again and they are calling for the lowest of the season this week. Very likely we will quickly be back to talking ice and slush. For sure your target time of day will be in the afternoons with the mornings likely being a “slush story”.

The Vermilion is dropping nicely and coming into fishable today and should look great the next few days. We have finally been hearing some decent reports, but most still closer to the lake. Still hoping for this sleeper to turn on here, which might happen after ice-out which isn’t that strange.

The Rocky and Chagrin are about the same but have been fishing pretty well. They both should be in great shape for the start of the week. The Rocky in particular has been pretty hot.

The Grand is way up and probably won’t fish this week and Conneaut and Ashtabula are both up and muddy but should come into play early in the week. They should both fish well, again depending on the situation with ice and slush.

Steelhead guide Josh McQueen was out this week and snapped the pic above with client Bre. She had a pretty good day! Josh pointed out that as the streams start to ice up, you might think about the Cuyahoga as it rarely freezes over and can fish pretty well this time of year. He also said that most fish were found in slow, deep tailouts behind the riffles and that most fish were eating eggs and stoneflies drifted below an indicator. Swinging flies and stripping streamers has seems to slow to a screeching halt here.

We’ll try to watch the situation throughout the week and keep you updated on what we know about the ice and slush conditions…..if we don’t, feel free to give us a call as always.




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

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

Fishing Reports- 1/1/16

* 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



Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

Wanted to get a quick report up here for those thinking about fishing this weekend. If you are thinking the Mad, you are in good shape.

The Upper River did fish on Wednesday and we have been moving down river each day. The lower is still a touch high but perfect for all of you streamer junkies out there. Should be a great weekend on the river.

Pretty much the same winter story. Nymphing will of course produce the most fish and you either want to go really small with midge larva, or really big with attractor types. Finally, also, the streamer bite should be on and don’t be afraid to “go big” with this water that we have. Surely we will see some photos of some hogs the next few days.

Haven’t heard from anybody today as we are of course closed but hoping to get some reports the next few days. Send us some reports/pics and let us know how you are doing out there.

Happy New Year from all of us here at MRO and we’ll update as we hear from folks.


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The Upper Clearfork is in good shape and has been fishing well. This push of water will only help. We have heard of folks doing well on nymphs of course but most have been talking about the streamer bite. Seems that the streamer fishing in the upper has been exceptionally good. The big stuff has been working, especially when we get these bumps in flows like we did this week.

The lower is still a bit too high. We’ll keep our eyes on it and try to let you know when it comes fishable again.

Keep us informed as to how you’re doing out there and Happy New Year to you all!


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek has come right back down and is low and clear again. Did talk to a few folks that had fished before the water came up and for them the fishing was marginal. A few smaller fish being caught but nothing to get too excited about.

Ryan did say he was going to pay the creek a visit this weekend and we’ll try to let you know what he finds. Anyone else out there fishing down there we’d love to hear from you.

In the meantime, Thanks as always for reading and Happy New Year.

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Folks are getting out here and it should be a banner weekend along Steelhead Alley. The folks that were out yesterday and today were finding good numbers of fish and fresh fish at that. As expected, this water did seem to bring a very nice push of fish into the streams. This was the push we had been waiting for. Although a few folks were swinging some flies, most of the fish we have seen/heard of were taken on nymphs and eggs. Bright colored, larger egg flies seemed to be working best yesterday.

The Vermilion is coming into shape nicely and although we can’t confirm yet, but it should be worth checking out. It is long overdue for some fish and this water should have changed things for the better. 

The Rocky, Chagrin and Conneaut are all looking great for the weekend. Should be the perfect green color and flow that we are looking for. They should all be pretty choked with fish. Can’t wait to hear how folks do the next few days!!! Send us reports and pics!

The Grand is still at least a few days if not more away from fishing. When it does come in, it could be an excellent choice for swinging and stripping flies….of course depending on the temps.

Let us know how you’re doing out there and send some pics. It helps us immensely in keeping these reports fresh and fun.

Thanks for reading and we’ll try to keep you informed. Happy New Year!




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

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