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Mad River Outfitters Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports- 12/8/18

* 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.


Customer Feedback

We absolutely love it when customers share their experiences with us! We love to see your pics and MRO gear hard at work.

Send any and all pics to [email protected] and we’ll do our best to get them up here or on our Social Media pages.



Our good friend and great customer Seth Grimes was recently down in the Eveglades representing MRO (the hat). We turned him on to our great friend and guide Mark Giacobba with Glades Outfitters and as you can see, they scored big. Mark tell us that the Everglades has been fishing extremely well recently which is great to hear with all of the negative press coming from Florida recently.

Our own Brian Flechsig grew up fishing in the Everglades with family and then later with Flip Pallot. It’s great to hear that the Glades are doing well….at least for now. There’s only one Everglades and we as anglers don’t want to see it go away!

There is a great group that is dedicated to cleaning up the waterways in Florida and the Everglades in particular. You can learn more here:

https://captainsforcleanwater.org

Our good friend and great customer John Liptak with a GREAT musky caught 12/2 just minutes from Columbus!
Q & A Series

If you haven’t seen it already, we’ve started a Q & A series on YouTube. Brian is heading it up but all have been involved.

It’s been absolutely amazing the response we have gotten from around the world. Literally hundreds of questions!!!

Have a question that you’d like us to answer on the channel? Send to [email protected]. If we answer we’ll send you a FREE MRO hat and fly box.




Warmwater

With the cold temps and rain over the past weeks there has been limited local fishing.  Those that have had success are targeting Saugeye below the dams or focusing on Crappies and other panfish.  Clousers and small streamers on sinking lines are the game for the Saugeye.  For panfish people fishing under indicators/floats have had the most success.  Flies like Clousers, Crappie Special, Skiddish Smolts, Crossdresser, and Precious Metal have been the best.  Fish these under a float retrieving very slow with strips and twitches.  The high flows have kept us off the Musky and Pike streams also but things seem to be shaping up for next week and we do have trips booked. 


Forecast:


This weekend will be tough with the cold temps.  Moving water or fishing the big lakes will be your best bet.  Next week will bring a slight warmup, but there is more rain in the forecast for late in the week.  We will keep you posted.

Pike fishing continues to be great when the flows are right.  This also goes for Musky fishing.  There are a few openings on our calendars so shoot us a call.   

Seasonal:


 Fall fishing in Ohio means change.  Being flexible will keep you on fish.  We have many streams that have great Smallmouth fishing.  This time of the year the fish are starting to school up and push around baitfish.  Your summer 5wt or even soft 6wt gets up away and out comes the better bass rod sizes of 7-8wts.  Sink-tip lines like the new Rio Big Nasty and SA Titan are your best bet.  If you fish the big rivers then a SA Sonar sinking line with a longer head is a better choice especially out of a boat.  Most of these fish are targeting dense schools of Shad.  Flies like Whitlock’s Deep Shad, Clousers, Half & Halfs, Bottoms-Up, Dungeons, Peanut Envy and Double Barrel Baitfish poppers are great choices for a floating line.  While fishing the more productive sink-tips lines we focus on flies like Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Murdich Minnow, Gummy Minnows, Zoo Cougars, Wooly Sculpin, Todd’s Wiggle Minnow, Stacked Blondes, and EP Minnows.  


Smallmouth Bass will feed heavily for the next couple months but you will need to target different water than where you find them in summer.  Look for the deeper water with good flow around large hard structure.  Bridge pilings, rip rap banks, large boulder fields, or other rock structure.  


Pond and Lake fishing also continues to be fantastic as long as the water temps stay in the 50s.  Largemouth will also start to school and cruse feeding on baitfish.  Sinking lines like a SA Clear Tip or Rio Big Nasty are great options for these fish.  Flies like the Barely Legal, Bang Tail, Todd’s Wiggle minnow, Dungeon, and Boogie Man work great for fishing fast.  If fish are not chasing then slow down with the same lines, but change flies to Super Worms, Reapers, Bottoms-Up, and Gulley Worms get the job done.  Do not overlook the Bluegill and Crappie bite also.  Fish bobbers/indicators with nymphs or Crappie Specials under them and keep them close to drop offs with structure.  


Pike and Musky fishing continues to be great from now into winter.  Slowly stripping big flies on heavy sink tips is the game.  Josh and Pat’s schedules are usually locked in right now, but both do have some open dates.  Make sure to call the shop for details.


Mad River

Mad River Map

***PSA:  This time of the year the ODNR stocks small Brown Trout at various bridges along the River. These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  We advise if you do find yourself catching a couple dull colored fish in the 8-10” range change locations to another stretch of river far away from the bridges.***


Trout fishing continues to be great with the higher water.  Nymphing and streamer fishing has been the most productive.  There are fish well distributed and most are having good success.  Hot flies right now are attractor patterns like Flashabou Caddis, Cranefly Larva, Prince, Soft Hackle Jig Fly, Shop dip in red, Psycho Prince to name a few.  Fishing these flies tight to the bottom and close to structure.  Euro nymphing also is a great option for quantity of fish.  


Streamers right now in the clear water will be Mini Dungeons, Mini Bangtails, Near Nuff Sculpin, Big Eyed Buggers, Skulpin Bunnies, Dirty Hippies and Legals.  Make sure to fish a few bigger streamers also.  Dungeons, Peanuts, Modern Deceivers, Nancy P, and D and Ds are shop favorites. 

Forecast:

Flows continue to be great.  Our usual suggestion for flows is that if you are new to fishing the river your limit should be 200cfs at Urbana.  Once you get comfortable with the river then you could wade it at slightly higher flows.  If you are new then focus on the sections north of Urbana as the flows are close to 200cfs.  

There is not any significant rain forecasted until late next week so the next few days will be good.  The only issue you will have is the low air temps.  Make sure to have some Ice Off paste and be careful when getting ice out of your guides.  If you can push through the ice issues then nymphing and streamer fishing will treat you well.


Seasonal:

The past few years (or more) we have had prolonged low and clear water in the Fall.  We love streamer fishing, but with the low water from earlier has made fishing difficult.  That is not the situation now.  6-8wt rods with Sink tip lines line the SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip or the AirFlo Streamer Max Short are a great choice.  Select flies in the 4-6+ range and make sure to have various colors and designs to figure out what will get the attention of the fish.  Most of us carry a large array of colors of the same pattern also.  We take Kelly Galloup’s approach of switching colors until we find out what they want.  A good place to start would be Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanuts, Drunk and Disorderly, Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Fat Heads, and other Modern Streamers.  Wading can be difficult if you do not know the area or new to the sport.  

Make sure to call the shop for conditions and safe water level suggestions.  Nymphing is most consistent choice choice for numbers of fish though.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice, but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set. 


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

***PSA:  This time of the year the ODNR stocks small Brown Trout at various locations along the upper river and Rainbow Trout below Pleasant Hill dam in the lower river. These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  We advise if you do find yourself catching a couple small dull colored Brown Trout in the 8-10” range change locations to another stretch of river far away from the bridges.  The same goes for the lower river Rainbows.  If you find yourself catching a couple fish change locations as to spread out your impact on these fish.  It is legal to keep the Rainbows, but if we would like to catch fish through late Spring then putting them back is the best bet.***


Water Levels continue to be good.  Those that are fishing the upper river have been catching fish.  Most of these fish are the stocked fish, but there are a few larger fish in the public water.  Nymphing bright attractors like Flashabou Caddis, Cranefly Larva, Prince, Soft Hackle Jig Fly, Shop dip in red, Psycho Prince are all a great place to start.  Matching the hatch right now will consist of small Pheasant Tails, Midges and small baitfish patterns.   


The lower river is in great shape and should fish very well.  There has been a lot of people taking fish so success has been hot and cold for some people.  Nymphing bigger nymphs like the Rubber legs, Double Stone, Cranefly Larva, or even the TB Jig Bugger in conjunction with an egg pattern will keep you busy.  Fishing flashy streamers will also get the fishes attention.  For streamer fishing you will want some Skiddish Smolts, Crystal Buggers, Precious Metal, Egg Sucking Leaches, and Glass Bugger.  Swinging a light switch rod or using a sing-hand-spey setup can also be a great choice.  Here you can use the above streamers or a Micro Intruder.


Forecast:  


Look for the low air temps to cause some issues with icy guides through the weekend.  If you can deal with the cold then the fishing should continue to be great.  Make sure to limit the amount of line you strip in as this is what causes ice issues.  Focus on shorter drifts and slowly work through a section of river.  Tenkara is also a great option in cold conditions.  Small nymphs or Euro type presentations will produce results.  Rainbows are a great battle on Tenkara also.  Drift egg patterns or attractor patterns either tight lined or under a very small New Zealand indicator.  As the week progresses ice will not be as much of an issue, but we do have more rain heading in late in the week.


Seasonal:

In the lower river Rainbows are easily caught by small streamers, bright egg patterns and nymphs.  Once the fishing pressure picks up or we get a few rain events these fish will spread out and get selective.  If you are targeting Brown Trout then nymphing is a great choice, but streamer fishing should not be over looked.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set.  


As for streamer fishing both in the upper and lower river these tactics will work.  6-8wt rods with Sink tip lines line the SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip or the AirFlo Streamer Max Short are a great choice.  Select flies in the 4-6+ range and make sure to have various colors and designs to figure out what will get the attention of the fish.  Most of us carry a large array of colors of the same pattern also.  We take Kelly Galloup’s approach of switching colors until we find out what they want.  A good place to start would be Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanuts, Drunk and Disorderly, Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Fat Heads, and other Modern Streamers.



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

***Rainbows have been stocked this fall.  These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  These fish are totally legal to keep, but we always encourage catch and release so we have productive fishing through Spring.***


Fishing has been good when the water levels are stable.  The gauge seems to be a little off, but fishing for the next week should be great.  This weekend will provide some issues with icy guides, but that should keep the pressure down.  The rangers continue to talk about heavy pressure and a lot of fish being taken home.  There are still fish around though.  Individuals covering water streamer fishing or nymphing have still caught fish.  Most fish are being caught on flashy streamers and bright attractor nymphs or egg patterns. 

Forecast:  

Cold temps this weekend will cause some issues, but fishing looks good until late next week.  Bring some streamers along with your nymphing setup.  Covering water is a great choice with a streamer.  Make sure to have ‘Buggers, Zonkers, and other traditional streamers.  These fish readily take streamers until the pressure gets too much for them.  If you like to swing flies then slowly swinging a small streamer deep through the pools will be productive for even the pressured fish.  Nymphing rigs should have small floats like the Airlock or even a yarn indicator.  A simple bead head will get you down in most situations.  Also, do not overlook bringing your Tenkara rod.  These rods are great tools for this creek as you can fish many different techniques and offer a great fight on these fish. 




Seasonal:


Rainbows are easily caught by small streamers, bright egg patterns and nymphs.  Once the fishing pressure picks up or we get a few rain events these fish will spread out and get selective.  With these past rains we are seeing fish well distributed.  Nymphing is the main tactic for numbers.  There are a couple methods that we like to use.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice, but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  If you prefer to indicator/bobber/float (just calling it what actually is here) fish then you can use the same technique, but just with your usual nymph rig.  We like to rig our droppers off our heavy fly (small streamer or big nymph) though.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer/nymph and you are set.  If you do decide to try a small streamer then you should focus on small white or natural colored flies with a little weight.  No need to pack the sink tip and 8wt here.  A 4-5wt rod matched with a size 6-12 streamer is all you need for this small creek.  


Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Tom Blackerby on a guide trip with MRO Guide Josh McQueen this past Tuesday

Click Here for information and pricing on booking a guide trip along “Steelhead Alley”


We are seeing a good number of bigger fish starting to push up the tribs with every rain event.  Despite the cold air temps and the icy problems that brings this weekend should still be good.  The lake effect snow has been an issue as usual for this time of the year so keep an eye on the radar when fishing.  

There are plenty of fish distributed in the eastern systems, but fishing closer to the lake (lower) in the rivers are your best bet.  Swung flies, nymphs and eggs are producing fish.  As the water temps continue to drop the need to keep flies tight to the bottom is the biggest concern.  

Those that know how to produce long dead drift presentations consistently bring fish to the net.  Glo Bugs, Sucker Spawn, Cyclops Eggs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, and Wiggle Stones are must haves for bobber/Indi/float fishing.  Swinging flies that have been producing are Sili Leg Intruders, Low Water Sculpin, Stray Dog, Jerry French Intruder and Mini Intruders.  With the dirty water Red/Orange and Black/Blue have been the most productive.  
Forecast:

This weekend will be tough with the low air temps.  There are fish to be caught if you are willing to put in some time and make sure your flies stay deep.  You will want to have Ice off Paste and a line that roll casts very nicely.  Using Spey casts will limit the amount of line stripped in keeping the ice out of your guides. 

Next week will bring some higher air temps.  Look great conditions to continue until the next rain event.  Cover a lot of water looking for winter holding areas and you will find fish.  We do have a few dates open before Christmas so make sure to call in to get on our calendar.


Seasonal:

Cold water has put the fish in winter holding areas a little earlier than usual.  Cold water techniques mostly limit the angler to fishing slower water.  Active fish can be found in faster water, but usually with decent depth.  The key to fishing all of these areas is to make sure your rigs are down for as long as possible.  Plenty of split shop, stack mending, and advanced line control is a must.  Casting these rigs can be frustrating for beginners.  

Guide trips will help you perfect the needed methods with hands on training.  Rigs for nymphing consist of 1” floats plenty of BB-3/0 shot and two flies.  Flies change per water type, color, temp, and time of the day.  A good steelhead nymph box consists of an assortment of different color, size, and designed egg patterns along with nymphs of the same stipulations.  This game requires a lot of extra flies especially if you are fishing the right water and depth.  

Egg patterns are Glo Bugs, Sucker Spawn, Crystal Meth, Cyclops and Scrambled Eggs.  Nymphs that are must haves include Steelhead Stones, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Flashabou Caddis, Sparkle Magots, Squirminator, Wiggle Stone, and Schmidts Caddis to name a few.  Grab a 10’ 6-8wt and aggressive nymphing line like the SA Anadro, and a nymph rig and you are set.  Using a Switch rod offers you much more versatility though.  Selecting the right setup can be very confusing so make sure you stop in or shoot us a call to simplify this journey.  Your basic Indi Switch setup consists of a 5-8wt rod, Rio Switch line to match the rod and the materials to build out your leader.  The longer Switch rod offers much better line control and ease of casting these heavy rigs.  You can then simply grab another spool for a dedicated swinging setup or grab the right sink tips to add to your indicator line.  A dedicated swinging setup would consist of a Skagit head or integrated line from either SA or Rio, a running line if needed, and a variety of density and length sink tips.  Shoot us a call and we can help with selecting all of these.  

If you need some help with learning the more advanced casts we are here to help.  Flies for swinging include Mini Indruders, Sili Leg Intruders, Jerry French Intruder, Dirty HOH, String Leach, Flow Ryder, A.I, Summer Sculpin and Stray Dog to name a few.  We have a lot of new flies for swinging so make sure to take a look as they have been treating us very well so far this season.  Calendars are filling fast for the remainder of the year so if you are planning on booking make sure you call in very soon.  We are here to help you with all your Steelhead needs.  


“Steelheading Made Simple” now available on our YouTube Channel:


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

Quick Fishing Report- 11/24/18

PSA Announcement:  Deer Gun Season Starts on Monday.  Be advised when fishing next week that individuals should wear at least a Blaze Orange hat while fishing.  Be careful out there!



Mad River

Remember the land owners allow us to wade this river.  If you do find someone deer hunting then find another fishing location.  Flows continue to be elevated.  This weekend is turning into great streamer fishing as the flows start to bump up slightly.  With some more rain heading our way early next week these conditions will continue.  Pull out the streamer rods and cover some water.  

Clear Fork River

Flows have been elevated and with this rain the upper river is on the way even higher.  Fishing has been good, but this rain will most likely limit the upper river to streamer fishing.  The lower river is in great shape and has been fishing well. Rainbows are being caught! As long as the upper does not blow out the lower river should continue to fish well.  

Clear Creek 

Clear Creek will be closed to fishing from Monday to at least Wednesday for deer hunting.  With the rain this weekend the creek will not fish until then anyhow.  

Steelhead


Be aware of Deer hunting this coming week.  Although many of the fishing locations are parks the surrounding areas will have hunters.  Traditionally this has been a time of lower fishing pressure and the dedicated steelheader looks forward to this week each year.  Fishing continues to be fantastic.  Temps are cold, but there are fish around.  This rain will continue to add a little color to the water and flush out some more leaves. 

More to come next week but just wanted to bring this to everyone’s attention. Stay tuned.


Congrats to our friend and customer Brayden Flake! His 1st Ohio Musky on the fly.


“My buddy and I got out to Alum Creek the day before thanksgiving. The flows were up at 600cfs. In 4 hours we had 8-10 follows, 3 eats, and I landed my first Muskie. It wasn’t a giant by Muskie standards, but it was probably the most satisfying fish I have caught after all the hours I’ve put in trying to catch one. It ate a variation of Scherer’s figure 8 that I tied that morning. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!”- Brayden Flake




Upcoming:







* OPEN Sundays- Noon-5:00 p.m.- through Christmas- rumor has it will be running “Sunday Specials” throughout the season!





* Cyber Monday- our biggest online shopping day of the year! FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00, same day or next day shipping, 2-4 days delivery to either coast. Click Here







* Tuesday, December 4th is “Ladies Night”- Join softgoods manager Linda Farner for fun, refresments and savings- Click Here





* In-Store Pickup- Shop our website, (which shows our Entire Inventory and Stock Status) from the convenience of your home and choose “In Store Pickup”. We’ll have your items waiting for you when you arrive.








Thank you for supporting a small, locally owned family business this Holiday Season!

Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

[email protected]
www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reports- 11/20/18

* 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 Weekend!


Friends,


Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family! We hope that you enjoy a day off with good food and good people.


Around the shop here, we are thankful for 24 years in business and counting…and we couldn’t have done it without you….so THANKS!


Of course, we will enjoy the Holiday…and then things change for us on Friday. Big weekend ahead to kick-off the holiday season.


* Black Friday- open at 8:00 a.m. for “Early Bird” specials and then great deals and “Cash Back” awards all day- full details will go out via e-mail and social media tomorrow


* Small Business Saturday- shop small and support locally owned business.


* OPEN Sundays through Christmas- look for Sunday specials each week


* Cyber Monday- our biggest internet shopping day of the year and we’ll be offering 20% “Cash Back” awards for every online purchase.- full details will go out via e-mail and social media tomorrow


* Ladies Night- join Linda Farner on Tuesday, December 4th- from 5-9 p.m.- Click Here




As usual, Thanks for taking the time to read and we’ll be in touch!!!!!!


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




Thanks in advance for supporting a small, locally owned, family business this Holiday Season!


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Warmwater

Seasons change overnight here in Ohio it seems.  Summer to Fall right into Winter.  Fishing local has been a weather window game.  Understanding fish seasonal movements are a must.  Hybrid Stripers, Smallies, Saugeyes and Panfish are been the quarry.  Most individuals have targeted the dams during higher water.  Big shad flies are the common choice.  High water in these areas can be very dangerous for both boating and wading.  If you do brave the conditions grab a buddy.  Looking for schools of shad have provided the most success.  Most of the time these fish are visible as they school tight together.  Once you find these baitfish casting sink tips and matched sized flies to the edges get the job done.


Forecast:


Although we are technically still in Fall most of the fish are in winter mode.  With Temps below freezing and highs in the 30’s and 40’s bass fishing will be limited to just a few hours on the warmest days.  Targeting Panfish will be your best bet.  Hit the coves, fish slow, and send us come pictures! 


Pike fishing continues to be great.  When the rain has given us a break there has been some great fish brought to boat.  There are a few openings on our calendars so shoot us a call.   

Dave Wineland with one of the largest Ohio Pike we’ve seen on a guide trip in quite some time. Congrats Dave…and guide Josh McQueen.

Seasonal:


Fall fishing in Ohio means change.  Being flexible will keep you on fish.  We have many streams that have great Smallmouth fishing.  This time of the year the fish are starting to school up and push around baitfish.  Your summer 5wt or even soft 6wt gets up away and out comes the better bass rod sizes of 7-8wts.  Sink-tip lines like the new Rio Big Nasty and SA Titan are your best bet.  If you fish the big rivers then a SA Sonar sinking line with a longer head is a better choice especially out of a boat.  Most of these fish are targeting dense schools of Shad.  Flies like Whitlock’s Deep Shad, Clousers, Half & Halfs, Bottoms-Up, Dungeons, Peanut Envy and Double Barrel Baitfish poppers are great choices for a floating line.  While fishing the more productive sink-tips lines we focus on flies like Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Murdich Minnow, Gummy Minnows, Zoo Cougars, Wooly Sculpin, Todd’s Wiggle Minnow, Stacked Blondes, and EP Minnows.  


Smallmouth Bass will feed heavily for the next couple months but you will need to target different water than where you find them in summer.  Look for the deeper water with good flow around large hard structure.  Bridge pilings, rip rap banks, large boulder fields, or other rock structure.  


Pond and Lake fishing also continues to be fantastic as long as the water temps stay in the 50s.  Largemouth will also start to school and cruse feeding on baitfish.  Sinking lines like a SA Clear Tip or Rio Big Nasty are great options for these fish.  Flies like the Barely Legal, Bang Tail, Todd’s Wiggle minnow, Dungeon, and Boogie Man work great for fishing fast.  If fish are not chasing then slow down with the same lines, but change flies to Super Worms, Reapers, Bottoms-Up, and Gulley Worms get the job done.  Do not overlook the Bluegill and Crappie bite also.  Fish bobbers/indicators with nymphs or Crappie Specials under them and keep them close to drop offs with structure.  


Pike and Musky fishing continues to be great from now into winter.  Slowly stripping big flies on heavy sink tips is the game.  Josh and Pat’s schedules are usually locked in right now, but both do have some open dates.  Make sure to call the shop for details.  

***PSA:  This time of the year the ODNR stocks small Brown Trout at various bridges along the River. These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  We advise if you do find yourself catching a couple dull colored fish in the 8-10” range change locations to another stretch of river far away from the bridges.***

Trout fishing has been great with the higher water.  Fish are done spawning and ready to eat.  This is streamer season and the high water is cleaning out the leaves and sustaining height.  Most success has come from those coving water either floating or moving fast.  Sink tip lines and big streamers like the Mini Masked Deceivers, Modern Deceivers, all of Galloups patterns, Legals and Dungeons especially and Half and Halfs are a great start.  This type of fishing is your best chance at seeing a fish well into the 20” range.  Other successful techniques are swinging Soft Hackles and nymphing.  Swinging Soft Hackles in tandem on a floating line or with a Versileader sink tip is a great way to cover water and work on your single-hand spey casting.  For this setup we like to lead with either a Bead Head Soft Hackle or a very productive Swing Nymph followed by a standard Soft Hackle.  Nymphing though has been the most productive.  Heavy nymphs like a Cranefly Larva, Double Stone or the new Jig style flies are must haves.  Either drop an unweighted fly behind these heavier ones or utilize a dropper higher up on your leader.  Make sure you get long drag free drifts and you will see success.  Those familiar with Euro Nymphing have consistently caught fish.  The new Quil jig flies have been producing very well the past few weeks also.    


Forecast:

We currently have great flows and it should hold through the rest of the week.  There are some cold night temps though so make sure you are prepared.  Streamer fishing will continue to be good as well as the usual nymphing.  There is some rain coming next weekend so keep an eye on the gauges or call the shop.  We should see great fishing for the next few months.  

Seasonal:

The past few years we have had prolonged low and clear water in the Fall.  We love streamer fishing, but with the low water from earlier has made fishing difficult.  That is not the situation now.  6-8wt rods with Sink tip lines line the SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip or the AirFlo Streamer Max Short are a great choice.  Select flies in the 4-6+ range and make sure to have various colors and designs to figure out what will get the attention of the fish.  Most of us carry a large array of colors of the same pattern also.  We take Kelly Galloup’s approach of switching colors until we find out what they want.  A good place to start would be Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanuts, Drunk and Disorderly, Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Fat Heads, and other Modern Streamers.  Wading can be difficult if you do not know the area or new to the sport.  Make sure to call the shop for conditions and safe water level suggestions.  Nymphing is most consistent choice choice for numbers of fish though.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice, but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set.   


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

***PSA:  This time of the year the ODNR stocks small Brown Trout at various locations along the upper river and Rainbow Trout below Pleasant Hill dam in the lower river. These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  We advise if you do find yourself catching a couple small dull colored Brown Trout in the 8-10” range change locations to another stretch of river far away from the bridges.  The same goes for the lower river Rainbows.  If you find yourself catching a couple fish change locations as to spread out your impact on these fish.  It is legal to keep the Rainbows, but if we would like to catch fish through late Spring then putting them back is the best bet.***


The Clearfork is currently high in both the upper and lower river.  When the flows have been right the fishing has been good.  Many have reported that the stocked fish are very willing to take a fly, but there have been some larger fish being caught also.  With these high waters the locals or those familiar with the water have been fishing streamers with great success.  The upper river is small and challenging to cast a big streamer.  Those experienced with a fishing big flies on sinking lines are catching the biggest fish in the river.  Most numbers of fish have been caught on nymph rigs though.  Caddis larva like the Nitro Caddis, Flashabou Caddis, Core Caddis and Holy Grail are staples.  Team those up with a small Pheasant Tail, Gray Quil, Spanish Quil or Purple Hot spot for fishing slow and deep.  If you are fishing the faster and shallower water then a caddis larva and a small non-bead Pheasant tail or Hares Ear is a great choice. 

The lower river should start to drop soon offering you a great chance at catching some Rainbow Trout.  Nymphing bigger nymphs like the Rubber legs, Double Stone, Cranefly Larva, or even the TB Jig Bugger in conjunction with an egg pattern will keep you busy.  Fishing flashy streamers will also get the fishes attention.  For streamer fishing you will want some Skiddish Smolts, Crystal Buggers, Precious Metal, Egg Sucking Leaches, and Glass Bugger.  Swinging a light switch rod or using a sing-hand-spey setup can also be a great choice.  Here you can use the above streamers or a Micro Intruder. 

Forecast:  


The high water should slowly continue to drop thought the rest of the week.  There is some rain heading in this weekend so keep an eye on the flows.  This will mess up the upper if thing keep as forecasted, but the lower should continue to fish.  There are some cold nights heading our way so make sure to have some Stanley’s Ice off Paste for the early mornings.  Nymphing will be your best bet as usual for numbers.  Do not leave your streamer rod at home though.  Once the air temps are above freezing then stripping a streamer can be a good change to get the blood pumping.     


Seasonal:

In the lower river Rainbows are easily caught by small streamers, bright egg patterns and nymphs.  Once the fishing pressure picks up or we get a few rain events these fish will spread out and get selective.  If you are targeting Brown Trout then nymphing is a great choice, but streamer fishing should not be over looked.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set.  


As for streamer fishing both in the upper and lower river these tactics will work.  6-8wt rods with Sink tip lines line the SA Sonar Titan Sink Tip or the AirFlo Streamer Max Short are a great choice.  Select flies in the 4-6+ range and make sure to have various colors and designs to figure out what will get the attention of the fish.  Most of us carry a large array of colors of the same pattern also.  We take Kelly Galloup’s approach of switching colors until we find out what they want.  A good place to start would be Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanuts, Drunk and Disorderly, Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Fat Heads, and other Modern Streamers.  



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

***Rainbows are scheduled to be stocked this fall. In fact, one round has been with more to come! Once fish do get stocked these fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  These fish are totally legal to keep, but we always encourage catch and release so we have productive fishing through Spring.***

Fishing has been good when the water levels has not been an issue.  We went from very low to high in just a week.  Fish have distributed themselves well and willing to take a fly.  Most individuals have been nymphing Flashabou Caddis, Hares Ear, Trophy Nymph, Jig Buggers, and others.  Streamer fishing has also been very good.  Mostly Buggers, Trick or Treats, Zonkers, Matukas, Skiddish Smolts, and Clousers are the best choices.

Forecast:  

We have gotten the rain that we needed a few weeks ago and it has not stopped.  The creek is currently high but will fish later in the week.  There is some rain predicted for Saturday so keep that in mind if planning on fishing this weekend.  Shoot us a call and we will let you know more specific if needed.  Bring some streamers along with your nymphing setup.  Covering water is a great choice with a streamer.  Make sure to have ‘Buggers, Zonkers, and other traditional streamers.  A sinking line is not a must but can help if you plan on stripping a streamer fast or swinging deep.  Nymphing rigs should have small floats like the Airlock or even a yarn indicator.  A simple bead head will get you down in most situations.  Also, do not overlook bringing your Tenkara rod.  These rods are great tools for this creek as you can fish many different techniques and offer a great fight on these fish. 


Seasonal:


Rainbows are easily caught by small streamers, bright egg patterns and nymphs.  Once the fishing pressure picks up or we get a few rain events these fish will spread out and get selective.  With these past rains we are seeing fish well distributed.  Nymphing is the main tactic for numbers.  There are a couple methods that we like to use.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice, but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  If you prefer to indicator/bobber/float (just calling it what actually is here) fish then you can use the same technique, but just with your usual nymph rig.  We like to rig our droppers off our heavy fly (small streamer or big nymph) though.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer/nymph and you are set.  If you do decide to try a small streamer then you should focus on small white or natural colored flies with a little weight.  No need to pack the sink tip and 8wt here.  A 4-5wt rod matched with a size 6-12 streamer is all you need for this small creek.



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Tom Baltazar with a nice fish- guide trip on Sunday 11/18

Click Here for information and pricing on booking a guide trip along “Steelhead Alley”


STEEEEEELS as we like to say…well just Josh.  Fishing has been good between high water events.  The cold temps did put the fish in a bad mood for a few days, but there is a steady flow of fresh fishing moving into the tributaries.  Those who are seasoned to fishing the Steelhead Alley know that being diverse and flexible is a must.  Fishing egg patterns under a float/indicator/bobber is typically the best option for numbers of fish.  Having an understanding of a swinging setup though is always good to have when you need to cover larger slices of the river.  We are seeing a good number of fish being caught swinging now that the temps have stabilized.  We are just at the beginning of good numbers of fish so there is plenty of time to plan a guide trip.  
Forecast:

Fishing this week is going to be great.  We do have cold temps though so make sure to be prepared with good layering and Ice off Paste.  Keep your stream thermometer handy as the day progresses.  A raise of just a few degrees can wake the fish up, or a drop can put them down.  We are seeing fish in their winter holding areas though.  Make sure to target these areas to find the most fish.  Next weekend looks like some more rain and higher temps.  This is what we wait for after a few days of cold.  Shoot us a call for up to date info and to make sure you get on our guide’s calendars.  

Seasonal:
Cold water has put the fish in winter holding areas a little earlier than usual.  Cold water techniques mostly limit the angler to fishing slower water.  Active fish can be found in faster water, but usually with decent depth.  The key to fishing all of these areas is to make sure your rigs are down for as long as possible.  Plenty of split shop, stack mending, and advanced line control is a must.  Casting these rigs can be frustrating for beginners.  Guide trips will help you perfect the needed methods with hands on training.  Rigs for nymphing consist of 1” floats plenty of BB-3/0 shot and two flies.  Flies change per water type, color, temp, and time of the day.  A good steelhead nymph box consists of an assortment of different color, size, and designed egg patterns along with nymphs of the same stipulations.  

This game requires a lot of extra flies especially if you are fishing the right water and depth.  Egg patterns are Glo Bugs, Sucker Spawn, Crystal Meth, Cyclops and Scrambled Eggs.  Nymphs that are must haves include Steelhead Stones, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Flashabou Caddis, Sparkle Magots, Squirminator, Wiggle Stone, and Schmidts Caddis to name a few.  Grab a 10’ 6-8wt and aggressive nymphing line like the SA Anadro, and a nymph rig and you are set.  Using a Switch rod offers you much more versatility though.  Selecting the right setup can be very confusing so make sure you stop in or shoot us a call to simplify this journey.  Your basic Indi Switch setup consists of a 5-8wt rod, Rio Switch line to match the rod and the materials to build out your leader.  The longer Switch rod offers much better line control and ease of casting these heavy rigs.  You can then simply grab another spool for a dedicated swinging setup or grab the right sink tips to add to your indicator line.  

A dedicated swinging setup would consist of a Skagit head or integrated line from either SA or Rio, a running line if needed, and a variety of density and length sink tips.  Shoot us a call and we can help with selecting all of these.  If you need some help with learning the more advanced casts we are here to help.  Flies for swinging include Mini Indruders, Sili Leg Intruders, Jerry French Intruder, Dirty HOH, String Leach, Flow Ryder, A.I, Summer Sculpin and Stray Dog to name a few.  We have a lot of new flies for swinging so make sure to take a look as they have been treating us very well so far this season.  Calendars are filling fast for the remainder of the year so if you are planning on booking make sure you call in very soon.  We are here to help you with all your Steelhead needs.    


“Steelheading Made Simple” now available on our YouTube Channel:


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- 10/22/18

* 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.


**Sorry for the long lag in fishing reports.  No excuses other than we have been extremely busy. We are working very hard at keeping everything running smoothly and regret that these reports have taken a back seat.  Most of you have been calling in to get the most up-to-date report and we love hearing from you.  We will continue to supply these reports and commit to getting back on schedule! **


What a Summer!

To say that we have been busy is actually an understatement. Seems hosts and guides are always coming and going these days…..and we love it!

Our Summer “officially” kicked-off in Labrador in early July. Brian hosted an amazing group to a remote lodge called Three Rivers Lodge for trophy brook trout and pike. Not only was this a fantastic fishing trip but it was HIGH ADVENTURE at it’s finest. He’s already got dates reserved for 2020 and details should be on the website soon.

Then, as Brian was on his way back from Labrador, Jerry Darkes and Ryan Ratliff  were on their way to Katmai Trophy Lodge to host the “Alaska Sampler” trip. As always, a GREAT time was had by all and this trip is already close to a sellout for 2019 already.
Late July and early August found Pat Kelly on his “maiden voyage” to Montana. Our annual pilgrimage to visit our good friend Kelly Galloup at his famous “Slide Inn” This was Pat’s first trip out West….believe it or not…and he’s hooked. He’s already set up to host the Soaring Eagle Lodge trip on the San Juan next September and can’t stop talking about it! Of course, Pat always forgets to get a group photo. He’s always too focused on fishing but says he’ll work on it.
September found us in New Mexico on the San Juan River as the guests of the Soaring Eagle Lodge. What a group! What a place! What a river! If you are a trout fisher and have never experienced the San Juan…..PLEASE DO IT! Brian finally got to host this one and made a ton of videos that should be on the YouTube Channel soon!
“Naktoberfest” 2018. The BEST “swing” fishing for trophy rainbow trout on the planet. Jerry Darkes and Jeff Liskay hosted 9 lucky anglers back at the Katmai Trophy Lodge for this Fall Classic. Just now wading through photos from the week and should be getting some on social media shortly. Dates already booked for 2019.
Early October of course found us in Louisiana at the famous Woodland Plantation. Brian will tell you this is his favorite trip of them all! Although we faced some tough conditions, a good time was had by all as usual. Dates posted for the 2019 trip which will again be hosted by Brian (he won’t give this one up!).

Despite tough conditions, like 5′ of extra water in the marsh kinda tough, a few nice fish were caught. The Woodland Plantation trip continues to be a highlight of our hosted trips!



Upcoming-
Muskegon River Michigan
November 11th-14th

1-Spot OPEN

Click Here for details and pricing


Andros Island Bonefish Club

February 16th- 23rd with host Brian Flechsig

Watch the video and Click Here for details and pricing

Hosted fly fishing trips designed to EXCEED your expectations!

Click Here to see a full listing of our trips!

Warmwater

Smallmouth fishing continues to be fantastic as the fish are fattening up for the winter.  Despite the cold temps fish have been eating poppers with regularity.  The local streams are very low and clear.  This has caused some issues with finding fish for those unfamiliar with certain water systems.  Understanding migratory patterns of bass at certain water temps has played a major factor in finding quality fish.  Most people have been fishing shad streamers on a sinking line like the SA Clear Tip, Rio Big Nasty, or SA Titan sink tip.  We still have a few weeks of great Smallmouth fishing so make sure to get out there or book a trip.  

Lake fishing also continues to be fantastic.  Bass and panfish are bulking up on baitfish making streamer fishing good right now.  Most of us are fishing shad patterns on our larger rods with sinking lines.  The window of productivity is getting smaller as the air temps are dropping fast, but if you adjust your technique then you will find fish. 

Frank Zubel on a recent guide trip with guide Josh McQueen


Pike fishing continues to be fantastic, but for this year so far it has not slowed down!  These fish are packing on the pounds right now making fishing really good.  Expect good numbers and big fish this time of the year.  Seeing the pictures coming from guide trips we are exceeding our client’s expectations.  Make sure to get on our calendars now before you miss out on any of these warm water opportunities. 


Forecast:
COLD!  We are not getting a break from the cold…seems like just a few weeks ago we were saying the same thing about the heat…well it was just a few weeks ago.  The good thing is that we have decent flows on our warmwater rivers and not many leaves as of yet.  If you can keep your mind off of Steelhead and Trout this time of the year a diverse bag will be your reward.  The cold night temps are going to get the leaves changing fast so make sure to take advantage of clearer water and feeding fish before you miss out.  We have a few open spots for the Smallies and Stripers left and a quickly shrinking window for Largemouth.  Pike season seems to go on all year, but the best is right now.  Guide Pat Kelly is also in FULL ON Musky mode in case you were interested in chasing these Apex Predators. 

Make sure to contact us now if you want to book a guide trip.  Take advantage of some great fishing right in town on your own also before water temps drop and the bass get into winter mode.  

Seasonal:
Fall fishing in Ohio means change.  Being flexible will keep you on fish.  We have many streams that have great Smallmouth fishing.  This time of the year the fish are starting to school up and push around baitfish.  Your summer 5wt or even soft 6wt gets up away and out comes the better bass rod sizes of 7-8wts.  Sink-tip lines like the new Rio Big Nasty and SA Titan are your best bet.  If you fish the big rivers then a SA Sonar sinking line with a longer head is a better choice especially out of a boat.  Most of these fish are targeting dense schools of Shad.  Flies like Whitlock’s Deep Shad, Clousers, Half & Halfs, Bottoms-Up, Dungeons, Peanut Envy and Double Barrel Baitfish poppers are great choices for a floating line.  While fishing the more productive sink-tips lines we focus on flies like Bang Tails, Modern Deceivers, Murdich Minnow, Gummy Minnows, Zoo Cougars, Wooly Sculpin, Todd’s Wiggle Minnow, Stacked Blondes, and EP Minnows.  

Smallmouth Bass will feed heavily for the next couple months but you will need to target different water than where you find them in summer.  Look for the deeper water with good flow around large hard structure.  Bridge pilings, rip rap banks, large boulder fields, or other rock structure.  As long as we stay out of the 40-degree temps at night, fishing will continue to be fantastic.  


Pond and Lake fishing also continues to be fantastic as long as the water temps stay in the mid-50s and up.  Largemouth will also start to school and cruse feeding on baitfish.  Sinking lines like a SA Clear Tip or Rio Big Nasty are great options for these fish.  Flies like the Barely Legal, Bang Tail, Todd’s Wiggle minnow, Dungeon, and Boogie Man work great for fishing fast.  If fish are not chasing then slow down with the same lines, but change flies to Super Worms, Reapers, Bottoms-Up, and Gulley Worms get the job done.  Do not overlook the Bluegill and Crappie bite also.  Fish poppers with nymphs or Crappie Specials under them and keep them close to drop offs with structure.  As temps cool down swap out the popper for a float and add a dropper to your other sub-surface fly.  

***PSA:  This time of the year the ODNR stocks small Brown Trout at various bridges along the River. These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  We advise if you do find yourself catching a couple dull colored fish in the 10” range change locations to another stretch of river far away from the bridges.  Fall also means spawning time for Brown Trout.  During this time some of the biggest fish in the river are in shallow water on gravel.  Out of ethics these fish should be observed, but not pestered with fishing pressure.***

Flows have been a broken record for many months…low and clear.  With the cold temps the fish have been more cooperative and prepping for their Fall spawn.  Leaves continues to be an issue as the Sycamores and small bushes are dropping.  Most of the leaves have not even begun to turn so we are in for a prolonged leaf hatch this year.  Combine these with low flows and fishing can be a challenge.  Success has come to those who are willing to be diverse in technique and stealthy in approach.  With the amount of baitfish in the river this time of the year a lot of fish have been caught on small streamers dead drifted close to structure.  Despite the low water some very nice fish have come to those who fish far from the stockers at the bridges and target ideal holding areas with flow. 

Forecast:
Looking at the forecast we are not going to get any relief from the low and clear conditions.  Make sure to be very stealthy and plan out your approach as you cover water.  Caddis and a few very small mayflies will be your main dries.  Nymphs will be caddis like Nitro, Core Caddis, Drowned Caddis, Net Builder and the like.  Mayfly nymphs will be small Pheasant Tails, Peacock Hares Ear, Spanish Bullets, Purple Hot Spots, and Gray Quill jigs.  Cover a lot of water and maybe explore a new section of the river with your “A” trout game and you will be rewarded.  

Seasonal:
The past few years we have had prolonged low and clear water in the Fall.  We love streamer fishing, but with the low water streamers can be difficult.  Nymphing is a better choice during these water conditions for numbers of fish.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice, but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set.  

“Made a trip to the Mad River yesterday with modest expectations because of windy conditions that can dump lots of leaves in the river. As expected, the leaves were an issue with half of my drifts catching twigs, branches and leaves. I did however persevere and had a so-so day with several 12″ trout landed from deep riffles later in the afternoon. Around 6:00 I decided to head back to the car and tied on a white streamer for my trip downstream. After 30 minutes I had not seen a strike and figured my day was over . As I approached a shallow glide downstream from a large log , I thought I saw a dimple on the surface of the water. I assumed it was a small – medium trout feeding on drifting insects and it occurred to me that a soft hackle fly would be a better choice than my white streamer. I made the change and swung the fly through the area . After several casts I was surprised by a 24″ Brightly colored male Brown. Not sure if he would have eaten the streamer or if the surface dimple was a different fish, but it worked out OK. One of my better days on the river.”
– Bill Rice- from October 4th

“A picture of a fish taken on a cell phone is just that. Dear friends let tell you i had a $1000 day at the Mad river today. I think because most of the canoe traffic has slowed down considerably. Today i caught ten brown trout that put as much bend in my rod as any smallmouth. My three flies that did the trick were the Adams dry fly, the Henryville special and the bwo.  Two years ago when i took the entomology class (with Brian at the shop) i rejected all the flies. One by one a purchased each one of the top 5 flies. I fished them until i caught a trout. I began tying my own flies about one year ago. It seemed overwhelming at first when i priced out the cost of materials for just one or two flies. I just began collecting materials with an allowance i gave myself. I can only say that being able tie and put fresh flies into my flybox is more than worth it. The fish in the picture was caught on a size 14 Adams.”
– Jacob Arima from October 3rd


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

***PSA:  This time of the year the ODNR stocks small Brown Trout at various locations along the upper river and Rainbow Trout below Pleasant Hill dam in the lower river. These fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  We advise if you do find yourself catching a couple small dull colored Brown Trout in the 10” range change locations to another stretch of river far away from the bridges.  The same goes for the lower river Rainbows.  If you find yourself catching a couple fish change locations as to spread out your impact on these fish.  It is legal to keep the Rainbows, but if we would like to catch fish through late Spring then putting them back is the best bet.  Fall also means spawning time for Brown Trout.  During this time some of the biggest fish in the river are in shallow water on gravel.  Out of ethics these fish should be observed, but not pestered with fishing pressure.***

As usual this time of the year we have had a few more reports and guides out over the past few weeks.  Brown Trout fishing in the upper river has been very slim with the very low and clear water.  Those that have had success have permission to fish close to the feeder creeks.  The public fishing sections have produced a few fish, but mostly late in the day on small nymphs or very small dries.  Again, the water is very low so approach has been the most challenging factor in success.  Small dries like BWOs, Parachute Adams, Henryville Specials, Elk Hair Caddis, and RS2’s have produced.  Nymphs that have provided results are Nitro Caddis, TB Jig Pheasant tails and Hares Ear, Purple Hot spots, Spanish Bullets, Swing Nymphs and Peacock Hares Ear.  Reports from the lower river has continued to be a mixed bag of warmwater fish for the most part.  Streamers have been the most productive for these fish.   

Forecast:  

No relief from the low and clear is in sight.  There is a slight chance of some rain late next week, but that can change from day to day.  Look for a continuation of very small dries late with a few caddis sporadically in the mix.  Euro nymphing, very small yarn indicators, or a beetle with a dropper will be your best bet.  We will keep you updated if conditions change.

Seasonal:

Like on the Mad the past few years we have had prolonged low and clear water in the Fall. In the lower river Rainbows are easily caught by small streamers, bright egg patterns and nymphs.  Once the fishing pressure picks up or we get a few rain events these fish will spread out and get selective.  If you are targeting Brown Trout then nymphing is a great choice during low water conditions for numbers of fish.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set.  If you do decide to try a small streamer during low water, then you should focus on small white or natural colored flies with a little weight.  No need to pack the sink tip and 8wt here.  A 4-5wt rod matched with a size 6-12 streamer is all you need for this small creek at this point.  



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

***Rainbows are scheduled to be stocked this fall.  Once fish do get stocked these fish are the future of our fishery and need extreme care when handling.  They are easy to catch, but take a beating from the pressure.  These fish are totally legal to keep, but we always encourage catch and release so we have productive fishing through Spring.***

The creek continues to be low and clear.  Success has been diverse along with the species.  There are some Brown Trout still around and the cool temps have them more active.  There also have been reports of some Smallmouth bass being caught.  Most of these bass are small, but we still have a few weeks left before they slow down for the season.  We have also seen a few reports of other species being caught.  Most have been nymphing, but those fishing small streamers have been catching the most diversity.

Forecast:  

We really need some rain.  The creek is slightly higher than normal, but is still very low and clear.  We had some serious wind this past weekend so expect a few new trees to have found their way into the creek.  Cold temps and very little rain is forecasted.  Next weekend will give us some of that needed rain, but so far does not look like very much.  So as usual for the past few years Fall has been dry so let’s hope this pattern ends soon. 

Fall trout fishing in Ohio means prolonged low and clear water.  Rainbow Trout are slotted to be stocked starting this year.  Rainbows are easily caught by small streamers, bright egg patterns and nymphs.  Once the fishing pressure picks up or we get a few rain events these fish will spread out and get selective.  Nymphing is a great choice during low water conditions for numbers of fish.  Euro nymphing is big talk around the shop and industry.  There is a little learning curve, but we can get you into the game with the basics.  We have the rods, nymphs, leaders, and lines to get you started.  Typically jig style nymphs are the flies of choice, but fall nymphing is not just a bug game though.  Nymphing Sculpin colored streamers like the Peacock Bugger, Strawberry Blonde, Autumn Splendor, Trick or Treat, Orange Blossom Special, T.B. Jig Bugger, Teds Swimming Hex, and Conehead Muddlers are great choices.  Drop a Soft Hackle, Nitro Caddis, or Swing Nymph off the streamer and you are set.  If you do decide to try a small streamer during low water, then you should focus on small white or natural colored flies with a little weight.  No need to pack the sink tip and 8wt here.  A 4-5wt rod matched with a size 6-12 streamer is all you need for this small creek.  





Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps


MRO Guides have been out scouting and are ready to go when you are!

Click Here for information and pricing on booking a guide trip along “Steelhead Alley”



STEEEEEEEEL!!!!  We are a long way away from the run being at full force, but there are some fish around and we are booking guides!  With every rain we are getting a few fish pushing into the streams.  Now is the time to pull out your gear, make sure your two-handed casting is tuned up, and your fly boxes are filled.  Guides have been out scouting the rivers and have been rewarded with fresh fish.  The conditions have been very low with clear water.  Those that have polished up their casting, refined their rigs, and came prepared to adapt have put fish in the net.  These conditions have not been ideal so lets hope for some rain every few days to help with flows. 

Forecast:
We did receive a slight bump in flows which will bring in a few more fish.  Look for some good fishing in the next few days.  Despite this rain the streams will be back to low and clear by mid-week.  Technical casting and rigs will provide the most productivity.  The next significant rain event is not until next weekend, but anything can happen this time of the year.  Focus on the lower rivers and make sure you cover a lot of water.  Nymphing rigs with either a small yarn indicator or Hopper/Indy Fly will be a good choice.  If you are versed in your two handed game then pull out your Scandi lines using small streamers with intermediate tips or just a packaged leader.  This also is a great time to swap out your indicator line on your 10’ rods for a Wulff Ambush or SA Spey Lite Scandi and use a single-had spey approach. 

Seasonal:
This time of the year we usually have very low and clear water.  Small indicators pastel colored Glo Bugs, Scrabbled Eggs, and Chicken Littles combined with Elk Creek Caddis, Wiggle Stones, and TB Jig  Buggers are the name of the game.  Drop down to 3x tippet if needed and even have a few Chubby Chernobyl’s or Indicator Flies for “hopper dropper rigs.”  If you do find a pod of fish try stripping a Bugger through the pod looking for an aggressive fish.  Once temps drop and flows pick up we will be back to usual nymph rigs and bright eggs.  Do not over look swinging in the lower rivers also.  Scandi heads or Skagits with intermediate tips and small sparse flies will get the job done in the clear water.  Once flows raise pull out the denser tips and big flies.  If you need any help with any of these setups do not hesitate to shoot us a call!  Our guide calendars are filling up fast so make sure to give us a call to lock down your dates!


“Steelheading Made Simple” now available on our YouTube Channel:



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- 7/5/18

* 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.


Upcoming Trips


Mad River Travel kicks-back into high gear here next week! Should be getting reports as we go so be sure to follow along on Social Media and such




July 13th- July 20th- Three Rivers Lodge in Labrador– Brian Flechsig is hosting 9 lucky anglers for trophy brook trout and pike. We already have reservations to do this trip again in July of 2020.


July 21st- 28th- Katmai Trophy Lodge- Naknek River in Alaska. “Alaska Sampler” trip. 14 guests along with hosts Ryan Ratliff and Jerry Darkes. Always a great trip at a great lodge!


July 29th- August 4th- Slide Inn- Montana. A Summer Tradition! We always love visiting our old friend Kelly Galloup and the gang at the Slide Inn on the banks of the Madison River. This has always been “Brian’s” trip but due to the fact that he’ll be just getting back from Labrador, Pat Kelly got the nod this year. 7 folks along with Pat on this one and is sure to be a ton of fun…..as it always is.










Late Summer/Fall Classes

The schedule for Late Summer and Fall Classes has been announced. 


Click Here to check it out!
Warmwater

The pop-up thunderstorms over the past few weeks have made the windows small, but rewarding.  We are in full Bass fishing mode and the amount of poppers heading out the door tells the story well.  Ponds, lakes, rivers and streams have all been producing.  Like mentioned before the rain has put the damper on some locations.  Ponds have been the most consistent producing good bass and panfish.  Streamers close to weed cover never lets down, but the topwater bite has been the most popular.  Over the past few days though the heat has pushed the bass deep and limited the popper bite to low light periods. 


Will Ratliff with a nice Largemouth on his Tenkara Rod!



Smallmouth fishing continues to be great when conditions allow.  Streamers, crawfish patterns, and poppers have been our go to flies.  Having a good knowledge of the local streams will provide you with a backup plan if a pop up thunderstorm forms as there is usually something that runs off quickly. 


Pike fishing continues to be fantastic and our guys have been putting clients on some great fish.  As long as we continue to have some rain every few days fishing will continue to be good.


Isaac Helterbridle and his dad Jason from up near Cleveland were out with guide Pat Kelly on 7/1 and described the day as “EXCELLENT”

Carp season is in full swing! Andy has been guiding at least twice a week during June and just completed “Carp School” this past Sunday. It’s really amazing to see the number of folks who are opening up to this incredible sport.

Be sure to check out the “Carpin” DVD on our YouTube Channel to learn more.

“Carp School” 2018. Ralph Bierdman, Jordan Kessler, Duane Smith & Robert Livingston out today for Carp School. Everyone had a great time and learned a lot! We expect to see great catches from this group.

“Mulberry Regular” Tom Ryan was out with guide Andy Jensen on 6/27/18- had a great time as always!





Forecast:
Look for the heat and pop ups to continue to be a problem.  Looking at the rest of the week the Scioto and smaller streams will fish well as long as we do not get too much more rain.  Fish poppers under over hanging branches with decent flow and cover.  The heads of pools are also great places to target on top or with streamers.  Look for large rock or log jams with current as prime locations.  Grad some Booglebugs or Double barrel poppers, Clousers, or articulated streamers and cover lots of water.  If you plan on hitting a local lake or pond Clousers, Bottoms Up, Reapers, and Super Worms are great choices.  If you are fishing out of a boat grab a lake line from Rio or SA Sonar Warmwater and a few unweighted flies like Fathead Minnow, Zoo Cougars, or Swimmy Jimmy and target the deep weed edges and points.


Pike fishing should be on fire during the month of July. Josh and Pat have been lighting things up here the past week or two and they expect this action to continue. Give us a call at the shop if interested.


Guide Donnie Knight also claims that the Stillwater and Great Miami are coming into great shape and he’s looking to get folks into smallmouth. If you are interested in fishing over near Dayton, let us know! Donnie is a hoot to fish with and can put you on the fish.


Carp fishing should only get better here the next few weeks as the streams begin to clear. Sight fishing should be excellent and the carp have been on the feed. Typical nymphs like the Wabbit Worms, Barry’s Carp Bitters, Carp Charlies and Back Stabbers are all worth having in your box. Have some crayfish along as well.



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


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


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

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

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

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

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

Thanks for all the advice.- Mike Canter


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

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


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


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



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




Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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


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



Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

[email protected]
www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reports- 6/1/18

*
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.


Summer Classes

Our Summer season kicks-off on Monday with our FREE Beginner’s Fly Fishing Program and then runs through early July.
Can’t
make it to the shop for the class? You can now watch the 15 Episode
Series….”Getting Started in Fly Fishing” on our YouTube Channel.
 

Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:

Monday, June 4th- FREE Beginner’s Fly Fishing Program- 7-9 p.m.- Click Here
Saturday, June 9th- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- 9-11 a.m.- Click Here

Wednesday, June 13th- Basic Knots and Rigging Class- 7-9 p.m.- Click Here

Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th- 2-Day Fly Fishing School at Sunnybrook Trout Club- Click Here

Monday, June 18th- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- 6-8 p.m.- Click Here

Saturday, June 23rd- Knots and Leaders Class- 9-11 a.m.- Click Here
Sunday, June 24th- 1-Day Fly Fishing School at Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club- Click Here

Wednesday, June 27th- Entomology 101 Class- 7-9 p.m.- Click Here

Sunday, July 1st- “Carp School” with guide Andy Jensen at the Muzzy Lakes Club- Click Here

Monday, July 9th- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- 6-8 p.m.- Click Here

Sunday, July 15th- On-River Seminar: Smallmouth Bass with guide Ryan Ratliff- local river- Click Here
Click Here to read the reviews from our excellent students!
Looking for a unique trip yet this year?
 
“Naktoberfest” at Alaska’s Katmai Trophy Lodge
September 29th- October 6th
with hosts Jeff Liskay and Jerry Darkes 
“Naktoberfest”
celebrates the end of the Alaska fly fishing season and the opportunity
to tangle with the largest rainbow trout of the year on the Naknek
River.  In a river famous for its trophy trout, this is time when “in
the know” anglers show up.  Each Fall the Naknek produces rainbows
pushing 20 pounds.  These “coastal rainbows” travel the Naknek River
corridor between Naknek Lake and Bristol Bay feeding heavily all
season.  By the end of the year they are at peak size and in prime
condition.  If you love to fish streamers and swing flies on both
single-hand and two-hand rods for giant trout, you need to experience
Naktoberfest! 
Click Here to learn more about this exclusive and amazing trip!

Customer Feedback
We LOVE getting photos, reports, reviews and feedback from our customers…..both locally and around the world!

Please keep it coming!
 
Our
good friend Doug Perrett from Johns Island, South Carolina sent us this
photo: “Flounder on the fly. It’s not easy but it CAN be done. 
 
Dear MRO,
Stopped
in the shop before I left for northern Michigan, and Ryan helped me out
with a new line and some streamers for pike. Extremely happy to have
gotten my first pike on a fly, caught on a firetiger half and half.
Thanks for the help and the flies! Sincerely,
Ann Heuerman
And from our new friend and recent Ohio transplant Mark Fryt:
Just
wanted to give a quick thanks to Pat. I stopped into the shop last week
to get some smallmouth flies and more advice and Pat hooked me up. All I
have for the time being is my 5wt so the advice and the
poppers/streamers that I got worked well with my fly rod. It was my
first time going for smallmouth on a river and I was able to catch a
pretty good size smallie and a bunch of smaller ones. I caught the
larger smallie right in some riffles and spooked a lot in the shallows.

I
started just below the Griggs reservoir and floated down to 5th Ave on
my paddle board…really makes me focus on my casting while trying to
balance on that thing haha! But made it work. Just a blast of a day!

So thanks again Pat!
 

P.S.-
Didn’t have any pics this time, I was too busy trying to not fall off
my SUP lol. Once I get used to the paddle board I’ll snap some. 
 
Warmwater

Bass
fishing continues to be the big talk around here locally.  Over the
past couple weeks most of the major streams have been producing some
really nice post-spawn Smallmouth.  With the recent pop-up storms the
windows have been tight
though.  Guides have been reporting a good number of fry in the shallow
areas close to spawning sections of the rivers.  This is a great sight
being the tough conditions over the past few springs.  Those anglers who
know locations were these fish migrate during different seasons have
been very successful.  Streamers are still the best option, but there
have been some reports of great popper fishing right before most streams
“blew out” from the storms.  


 
Guides
Josh McQueen, Pat Kelly, Ryan Ratliff and Donnie Knight are all
chomping at the bit to get you out on the water to experience the
amazing smallmouth bass fishing going on in Ohio right now.
Largemouth
fishing has been great in the ponds and lakes throughout the state. 
Most of the bass are in post-spawn also, but this past week started to
put the feed on.  The cottonwood seeds, flowering trees and shrubs, and
the algae bloom from the rapid warm weather has created tough pond top
water fishing.  Look for days with a slight breeze to push the mat of
all this stuff to one side of the water.

Crappies are either in
full spawn mode or finishing up around the state.  Many people have been
targeting them with double Clousers or Clouser with dropper rigs. 
Fishing these flies on an intermediate sinking line for aggressive fish
or under a float for those inactive fish are the main technique. 
Bluegills are either just hitting the beds or in full swing.  These bed
fields are a great place to throw a popper if that is your thing.  Look
for schools of panfish roaming the surface over deep water also.  These
fish will continue this routine all summer.  Fish small streamers to the
cruising fish and San Juans or Midge larva to the rising fish.  Trout
dries can also be used in this situation, but make sure to have your
floatant and Loon Easy Dry handy to take care of the slime.  These areas
are also great attractions for bass looking for an easy meal.  Casting
streamers to the outside edge or weed line close to the spawning flats
will produce some nice fish.  Choose flies like the Dirty Hippie, Monkey
Butt, Dungeon, Bang Tail, Bottoms Up or others in Olive or Bluegill
colors are top choices. 

Pike fishing continues to be
fantastic.  The popup thunderstorms have put a damper on a few streams,
but the fishing will continue to be great for the next couple months. 
We have been seeing some really great fish lately too.  This fishing is
not a leisurely float down a river though.  If you are in for some
serious streamer fishing and big eats then make sure to get on the books
for one of these trips.  Musky fishing also has been very good.  The
rains have been tough on the streams lately, but this should help
lengthen the season for a couple more weeks.  


 
Friend,
customer and frequent contributor Don Gregory was out with Pat on a
Pike guide trip last Friday. “This fish ate 5 times before we finally
hooked up. He wouldn’t take no for an answer! He really wanted to make
it to the MRO Social Media pages!
Hybrid
Striper fishing also continues to be fantastic.  Josh has this game
dialed in, but what doesn’t he have dialed!  Streamers, Jet Boats, and
sink tips are the name of the game here.  These fish are strong and love
to put a deep bend in a flyrod!  We have many great fisheries in the
state that are growing some big fish.  Shoot us a call with some dates
and we will get you on Josh’s boat!  
 
Midwest
Fly Fishing School grad Roberto Noden was out on a Wiper Trip with Josh
last weekend and scored big. This kid has been on a tear since his 1st
school last June. Not the last time you’ll be seeing him for sure! 
The cottonwood seeds have been fallling pretty good for about a week now. You know what that means!
Carp Season!
Let’s get some photos up for the next reports!!!!
How about this-
Send us a 2018 caught Carp Photo and we’ll send you out this cool camo MRO Hat for FREE! Send to [email protected]
Be sure to include your name and address in the e-mail so we can send your hat out. 
In the meantime……
 
Brian’s
legendary Carpin’ DVD is now being released by chapter on our YouTube
Channel. It features Dave Whitlock, Jim Andrix, Michael Bennett and
Jerry Darkes. New chapters released each week. Be sure to subscribe
while you are there.

Watch Chapter 1 here:
Forecast:
With
the popup storms we have had lately, Largemouth Bass will be the main
target this weekend and into early next week.  Most of the local ponds
stay clear providing a fun day of sight fishing.  Water temps are way up
so look for the bigger fish to be in those deep weeds or in thick
vegetation.  Fish slow swimming flies on a sinktip or lake line for the
most success.  Flies like the Bottoms Up, Super Worm, Reaper, Half and
Half, Mud Puppy, and Peanuts will get the job done.  If you are just
looking for numbers then target the shallow flats for smaller bass and
panfish.  On the flats fish sparse streamers like Wooly Buggers, Black
Nose Dace and Stacked Blonds with a quick jerk-strip technique. 

Once
the streams drop look for great Smallmouth fishing to pick back up. 
The smaller streams are just about back to perfect conditions with this
weekend or early next week being good depending on the location.   There
also are still a few Lake Run fish up north, but they will be moving
out soon from the increasing water temps up there.  Popper fishing will
pick up by next week also.  The new Double Barrel poppers have been a
big hit so far as they are loud and very durable.  Channel Catfish have
also been targeted while fishing these streams.  This is the rare time
of the year when these fish readily eat a fly.  Do not be surprised if a
few of these show up on your Smallie trip.

If you are looking to give Pike or Stripers a shot make sure to shoot us a call.  Josh and Pat continue to add new waters and their boats are wamed up and ready
to go at a moments notice.  Also as for anything else you are looking
to target make sure to get on our calendar soon before your wanted dates
are gone.  Most of our schedules are filling fast, but there are a few
slots open.



The Mad continues to be a bit perplexing here this Spring. We are certainly catching fish, just not in the manner that we are accustomed to. The hatches have been “off” this year and the number of rising fish has been way down. Not sure why but surely has something to do with the strange, cold Spring we had. As stated, we are still catching fish, but most have been on nymphs and soft hackles and a handful on streamers when the water has been right.

The BIG news as we speak is that we have Brown Drakes and hopefully the next week or so will make up for the lack of dry fly fishing. Hatches have been decent in the lower parts of the river and will be moving upstream over the next week or so. No reports of huge spinner falls yet so the fishing the next week or so could be fantastic to EPIC.

Be sure to have some Brown Drake nymphs if fishing in the afternoon before the hatch. Then around 8:00 p.m. start looking. Make sure to look up at the sky as well for the spinners. Those of you who have experienced this before, you know what we are talking about!!! If you love catching big trout on big dries, drop everything and go fishing in the next week and plan to stay until dark or after.

By the way, the “top secret” fly that our guides have been hoarding the past few seasons is now available to the public:

 
The
Glo Drake Spinner actually has a Glow-in-the-Dark parachute post wing.
Charge it up with a flashlight or better yet a UV light and you can see
it on the water…..even after dark.
This fly is a MUST have if you are chasing Drakes.
Check out Alex’s Glo Drake Spinner HERE
You
could also experience a buffet of different bugs starting in the early
evening, depending on where you are on the river. Plenty of Sulphers
still around, both #16 and #18 but will most likely be an upper river
event for the next few weeks. Mostly an evening thing although on an
overcast day you could see them hatching all day. Also a few March
Browns still around as well as some Light Cahills. The spinner falls
though have been about the only activity that has been getting the fish
interested. We haven’t seen strong hatches of either bug but the
spinners have been falling right before dark and some fish have been
paying attention. 
Decent
numbers of caddis flitting around during the day as well and wouldn’t
hesitate to throw an Elk Hair or a Galloup’s Butch Caddis #14-16 to try
and bring fish up. They have been eating pupa in the afternoons so no
big secret that a green soft hackle will produce fish…..as always on
the Mad.
All
that being said, our focus will on the Drakes for the next week or
more. Brian will be out on the water two or three times at least next
week and will surely update on Social Media as he often does.
Stay tuned and let us know what you find out there. Nothing like Drake season!!!!

   


Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

The
upper river has been producing very well.  Good hatches of March
Browns, Light Cahill and Sulphurs.  No word yet of any Drakes but should
be any moment. These will mostly be in the Upper stretch and can provide for some amazing evening fishing just like the Mad. 

Caddis
have also been active and they make for a great choice while you are
waiting for a mayfly hatch.  Mid-morning can be a great time to skate an
Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulator to see if you get a response.  Trail one
of these with a Soft Hackle and you will usually find a few fish.  The
lower river has also produced some fish, but the warm water fish have
been more willing to cooperate.  Water levels are slightly high
providing good streamer water.  If you make a trip up that way make sure
to let us know if you see some bugs hatching or stream conditions. 
Mohican State Park offers some camping opportunities right on the river
and there are many other family activities. 
Forecast:
Expect
Sulphurs and Caddis to be the main hatches.  We are on Brown Drake
watch also.  Keep an eye out for these big mayflies late in the
evenings.  Make sure to have your dry fly box stocked and ready for
anything.  Keep a few ants and beetles handy also as the thermals start
to pick up and drop a few bugs into the water.  Flies to have are the
Quick Sight ant, Hi-Vis Para Ant, and Ant Acid for terrestrials.  For
mayflies Sulphurs are king.  Have plenty of the Thorax, Compara Dun,
Parachutes and Spinners. Caddis will be Elk Hair, Stimulators, Butch
Caddis, Goddard, and Henryville Special.  For Drakes take a look at the
new Glo Drake Spinner, Compara Drake, Para Drake, Brown Drake nymph…they
are all good.  

Have a few March Browns, and Lt Cahils also, but those are coming to an end in the Upper river. Cahills will continue in the lower stretch for a few more weeks, especially in the evenings. 

 

Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Earlier
last week the creek was in great shape but producing very few quality
fish.  Most trout were taken on small Hares Ear or Pheasant Tail
nymphs.  Midge and small caddis dries also have produced.  Smallmouth
Bass have also started to show up.  Striping a streamer has been the
most successful for these fish.  Water temps continue to be great. 

Forecast:
The
storms have put a damper on the creek this week, but looking ahead
Saturday should start good streamer fishing for those who know the creek
well.  Early next week will be your best bet.  Look for Sulphurs, Lt
Cahills, and caddis to be your dry flies if the fish are keying in on
them.  Fishing a small streamer can produce trout and a few Smallies. 
If you are visiting the Hocking Hills area and want a chance at a trout
(despite the size) Clear Creek is worth a quick detour.  This time of
the year there are many other opportunities down there for Smallmouth in
the Hocking or Largemouth in the numerous area lakes. 


Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

[email protected]

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reports- 5/11/18

*
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.


Upcoming Trips
 
Alaska- “Silvers and Bows”
August 11th- 18th with host Josh McQueen 
Click Here for details and pricing 

 
San Juan River- Soaring Eagle Lodge
September 14th- 19th with host Brian Flechsig
1-Spot OPEN
Click Here for details and pricing

 
Alaska- “Naktoberfest”
September 29th- October 6th with hosts Jerry Darkes and Jeff Liskay
Click Here for details and pricing 
 
Andros Island Bonefish
February 16th- 23rd, 2019 with host Brian Flechsig
Click Here for details and pricing
 


Click Here to view all of our hosted fly fishing trips
Midwest Fly Fishing Schools
 
David Mangels from Cincinnati attended our 2-Day Fly Fishing School in April- picutred here with instructor Jerry Darkes 
 
Laurel Kennedy from Granville, Ohio caught her 1st trout on the fly during the 2-day School in April 

Upcoming Schools-

Sunday, May 20th- 1-Day School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Register Here
Saturday and Sunday, June 16th and 17th- 2-Day School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Register Here
Sunday, June 24th- 1-Day School- Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club- Register Here
Saturday, August 25th- 1-Day School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Register Here
Saturday and Sunday, September 22nd and 23rd- 2-Day School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Register Here  
Sunday, September 30th- 1-Day School- Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club- Register Here
Saturday and Sunday, October 13th and 14th- 2-Day Intermediate School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Register Here
Sunday, October 28th- 1-Day School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Register Here 
Click Here to learn more about the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools!
 
Warmwater

Bass
fishing has picked up big time around the city and throughout the
state.  We have BIG Lake run Smallmouth heading into the tributaries as
the Steelhead are leaving, pond Largemouth bass are starting to head
shallow, local Smallmouth bass are being caught as the flows drop and
clear, and we are seeing White Bass and Hybrid Stripers pushing into
feeder creeks of the reservoirs.  The Bass techniques are very
consistent focusing on sink tip lines and rods in the 6-8wt range and
lightly weighted to neutrally buoyant flies.  

 
Flies
like Peanuts, Murdich Minnows, Dungeons, Bang Tails, Long Strip Craw,
Near Nuff Sculpin, Woolhead Sculpin, Zoo Cougar, Cactus Wooly, J-Pigs,
Reapers, and Articulated Fat Heads to name a few.  As the streams warm
the fish will begin to push up out of winter holding areas heading
toward spawning locations.
 
Forecast:
Winter
is officially over and the fish will continue to prep for spawning.  In
the ponds and lakes there are plenty of small bass roaming the
shallows.  Keep an eye out for those bigger fish as they will be moving
shallower focusing on structure.  With the temps this coming week
spawning beds will start showing up and more cruising big fish.  The big
pre-spawn Smallies will continue to push up stream.  Targeting holding
areas below riffles, log jams, and bridges are a great place to start. 
These areas concentrate fish as they wait for raising water levels or
conditions to improve.  Make sure to have your stream thermometer handy
as water temps are everything this time of the year.  Grab your above
mentioned rigs and head to the river or lakes.
 
 
 
“Thanks Jim Andrix for your creation of the lil bugger .
Never lets me down in the spring .Urban smallmouth on a lunch break”- Jeff Aufdencamp
 
 
Dr.
Neal Murphy with a surprise Ohio Pike on a smallmouth float with guide
Josh McQueen. Ohio Pike fishing has been excellent as well.


Mad River




There have been
many calls and walk-ins asking about the current situation with the
hatches. Bottom line is that we are not really sure what to tell you. We
can tell you the Brian and the folks that have been guiding are
claiming this has been one of the worst dry fly seasons in years. Not
many bugs and even fewer rising fish.

Here is what we CAN tell you:
There
continues to be sporadic Hendrickson throughout the river, but the
Sulphurs have started showing up, and that usually signals the end of
the Hendricksons. It seems that the Hendricksons have hatched
sporadically throughout April and we really never saw a “peak”.  Light
Cahills are also around along with March Browns and some various
caddis.  But yet…..few rising fish.

Right
now is the time to have a diverse box of Pheasant Tails and Hares Ear
nymphs in 12-16, Soft hackles in green, yellow and natural pheasant also
in the same sizes, and plenty of Sulphur dries in 16-18 and various
colors.  Right now the trout are not as finicky as they will be in a
couple weeks, but that does not mean you can just slap a dry out there
and catch a fish.  Now is the time to perfect your reach casts and
aerial mending.  Match your 3-5wt rods with a Rio Gold, SA Trout, or
Triangle taper and a Rio Supple Flex leader and you are set.  If you
need some help with these cast make sure to schedule a private casting
class and we will help you change your dry fly game.  If wet flies are
more of your game nymphing and swinging Soft Hackles continues to
produce.  Mastering these techniques will produce just about any day of
the year.  The growing popularity with Euro nymphing offers a very
productive tactic for those times when a hatch does not appear to be
active above water.  The TFO Drift rod or the Redington Hydrogen coupled
with the Rio Euro Nymph line and leader are great options.  Flows
continue to be slightly elevated providing some good streamer
opportunities for those willing to adapt to the clear conditions. 
Smaller streamers in natural colors is a good place to start.

Forecast:
We
will continue to see great dry fly weather through next week.  Look for
caddis and midges to be the main morning action and mayflies to focus
on the evenings.  This is a great time of the year to fish the Mad as
there is plenty of bug activity.  All stretches of the river will be
producing fish for those who come prepared and willing to change
tactics.

 
 

“The
beginning and the end of an amazing day, courtesy of Brian Flechsig and
@madriveroutfitters- beautiful day, lots of fun. Brian made me a (much)
better angler and oh yeah, caught some nice fish too. Mad river really
is a gem- the shop and the water.” – Will Umphres
 
A regular on Spring floats in the AuSable boat with Brian- Will Umphres from Cincinnati

Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

The
Clear Fork has been a great choice for those wanting a change from
Steelhead fishing up north.  The upper river continues to offer good
hatches in the afternoon and into the evenings.  Most people are
nymphing late mornings and then switching to dries as they find feeding
fish.  Hendrickson and Sulphurs are the main bugs right now, but we are
starting to see a few caddis, March Browns and a few Cahills in the
evenings. March Browns and Cahills are a must for the next few weeks and
even into June. 

 
Streamer
fishing has been more focused on the lower river below Pleasant Hill
dam.  This area offers a great opportunity to camp right next to the
river.  Also the lower river holds a big variety of species.  Stripping a
streamer can offer just about every game species of fish the state has
to offer.  For the upper river have a diverse box of Pheasant Tails and
Hares Ear nymphs in 14-18, Soft hackles in green, yellow and natural
pheasant also in the same sizes, and plenty of Sulphur dries in 16-18
and various colors.  The growing popularity with Euro nymphing offers a
very productive tactic for those times when a hatch does not appear to
be active above water.  The TFO Drift rod or the Redington Hydrogen
coupled with the Rio Euro Nymph line and leader are great options. 
Streamer options are 6-8wts, sink tip lines and various streamers in
shad colors like the Barely Legal, Dungeon, Clouser, Peanut, Bottom’s
Up, Boogie Man and Murdich Minnow.
 
Forecast:
Look for dry fly fishing to continue to improve.  Sulphurs, March Browns and Lt Cahills will be on the menu as
the Hendricksons come to an end.  Have your dry fly box well stocked
with those and caddis of various sizes and colors.  If you see only a
few fish rising a good trick is to fish a dry with Galloup’s Sunken
Spinner as the dropper.  This will give the fish a couple bug stages to
choose from.  In the lower river we have about a month before we have
good popper fishing, but do not be surprised if you have some bass or
panfish grab a caddis or mayfly dry while fishing for trout.  Streamer
fishing as mentioned above is the most productive choice for below the
dam.   
 
 
“Dear
friends at Mad River Outfitters, thank you for the information that you
have taught me from conversations we’ve had while I was in shopping and
visiting, the classes, the online tutorials. I have learned more about
the art of fly fishing than I ever thought I would. This mourning I woke
up and made coffee and decided to drive out to Clearfork and possibly
even the mohican state park. To do that i needed to tie a few flies for
the days adventure. I tied 2 henryville specials, a muddle minnow and an
olive woolly bugger. I stopped off the road on the upper section and
made a few casts and observed march browns and fish rising. Thanks for
everything.”- Jacob Arima
***We
absolutely love to hear kind words like this from great friends and
customers. It has been our pleasure to help Jacob along his journey and
to watch him grow as an angler. One of the many blessings of being able
to do what we do for a living. Thanks right back at you Jacob. We
appreciate your friendship and keep up the good work!
 





Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Hatches of small caddis, a few Hendricksons, and some Sulphurs have been showing up.  

 
Despite
these hatches most fish have been caught on nymphs and wet flies. 
Right now is the time to have a diverse box of Pheasant Tails and Hares
Ear nymphs in 14-18, Soft hackles in green, yellow and natural pheasant
also in the same sizes, and plenty of Sulphur dries in 16-18 and various
colors.  The growing popularity with Euro nymphing offers a very
productive tactic for those times when a hatch does not appear to be
active above water.  The TFO Drift rod or the Redington Hydrogen coupled
with the Rio Euro Nymph line and leader are great options.  This is
also a great location to perfect your Tenkara technique.  The Iwana or
the new Hane are great choices from TenkaraUSA while the whole line from
TFO also get the job done.  Fishing continues to be tough as
regulations have changed allowing people to keep anything.  The fish
that have been caught are very small.  Despite what the Wildlife
officers state it seems like the stocking amounts were also lower last
fall.  We will see what happens this fall when they change up the
stocking program.  As for Smallmouth fishing it is a little early, but
there have been a few resident fish caught.
 
Forecast:
Hatches
will continue to improve as we go into next week.  Look for the evening
to be the best opportunity to dry fly fish.  Cover water using a
stealthy approach is the best way to catch fish when conditions are very
clear.  Euro Nymphing or using a small yarn indicator is a must to find
success.   Having a 5-6wt and a box of small bass streamers is a good
choice as there can be some good bass fishing as the water warms.
 
 
“I
caught this brown at Clear Creek Park this morning on a hare’s ear
nymph. Thanks for the advice yesterday. Keep up the great work!”- Daniel
Green
 



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps


Probably our last Steelhead report
of the season. Although there are certainly still a few fish to be had,
it is mostly winding down. The warm weather the past week has any remaining steelhead moving back into the lake.

Our thoughts are now turning to Lake Run Smallmouth!

 
Guides have been out and are ready to go! Lake Run Smallmouth Trips booking now!
Click Here to get the details on booking a Lake Erie Smallmouth Trip
 



Forecast:
As stated, you can still find some steelhead around but we are in the final stages of the Spring 2018 season. Good numbers of huge smallmouth are showing up and man are they aggressive. We should see good smallie fishing in the tribs up into the 2nd week of June or so. Big white streamers are just about all you need on a sink tip or Titan Clear Tip line. Stop in the shop or give us a call and we can help you out.

Thanks for an amazing 2017/2018 Steelhead Season! Our best on record by a long shot! We appreciate the opportunity to help find and catch Erie steelhead whether through our guides, on the phone, in the shop or the online store. We thank you for your trust and support.
 
“I want to thank you all, for your help. THANKS!”- Lori Ash 
 


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- 4/27/18

* 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.

Warmwater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Click Here for information on booking an Ohio Smallmouth Trip


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

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

Mad River


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


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


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

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



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


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






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


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



Click Here to check out our early season Hatch Matching flies


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

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


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




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


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






Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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


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




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





Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps



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


If you have not made it out yet…


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

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



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


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



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

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

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

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

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



Fishing Reports- 4/13/18

* 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.

Warmwater

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

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

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

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

Mad River


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


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


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


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

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

Click Here to check out our early season Hatch Matching flies



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


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

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


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

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


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


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


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


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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


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


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





Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps



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


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


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


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



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

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

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

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

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



Fishing Reports- 3/16/18

* 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.




Fly Fishing Film Tour
Thanks again to all who attended the annual visit of the Fly Fishing Film Tour to Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, March 8th. A good time was had by all and some great raffle prizes went out the door that night. The fly fishing community came together to support the Children’s Hunger Alliance and we really knocked it out of the park.

We should be presenting the donation check to the folks at CHA this coming week so stay tuned on Social Media and our YouTube Channel. We’ll be broadcasting when we present. They are gonna be thrilled!

In the meantime, here’s a few photos from the night:

The Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour- Columbus, Ohio at the Gateway Film Center- brought to you by Mad River Outfitters

Proceeds from the event go to the Children’s Hunger Alliance of Ohio- check will be presented this week and will be broadcasted on Social Media Channels

Over $5,000 in Raffle Prizes! Thanks to those who donated and helped us out. A list of donors is here on our last Blog Post as well as on our website.

Adrienne Galloway from the Children’s Hunger Alliance was on hand and did a great job of promoting the charity to the crowd!

A sell out crowd as always! 262 tickets sold! Thanks again for your support of this great event!
Warmwater

Despite the early warming trend the current conditions are still feeling more like winter…well truth is……it is winter here for a few more days.  Those that have access to shallow ponds with dark bottom have been catching a few small panfish and bass.  The window to fish these locations have been very small.  Finding a day that has a good amount of sun and little wind gives you a good chance to catch fish in the late afternoon.  Most of these fish have been caught on small nymphs under floats or small streamers fished very slowly.  Saugeye have also been consistent for those who keep an eye on the water levels below the local dams.  There have not been many reports of productive lake fishing as of yet, but this has probably been due to the high water.

Forecast:
Looking into the weekend and next week there will be limited windows, but still worth hitting the local ponds for a quick trip.  Plan ahead to be out for the peak high temps of the day targeting those shallow protected bays.  The predicted weather looks like things are heading the right direction, but it is still March.  


Mad River


Fishing continues to be great with the good flows.  We have not seen the river take this slow of a drop in a long time.  Conditions are clear as expected this far from the last rain.  Although there have not been any reports of large fish caught the numbers have been very good and will continue to improve as the temps creep up. We did see a 25″ caught last week on a streamer so they are out there.

With this cold front setting in  this weekend, nymphing continues to be the most productive choice.  There are plenty of maturing mayfly nymphs around so make sure your boxes are prepared with Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, and Hares Ear.  There have also been a few spotty mayfly hatches, but these are the usual BWO and a few early Blue Quills.  As for the Little Black stones they are pretty much done, but fish are still being caught on small black Double Stones and Black Copper Johns #12-14.  Look for this bite to slow and the previously mentioned nymphs to dominate.

Forecast:
Once we see some stable weather, well as stable as an Ohio Spring will give us, look for more Blue Quills to show up.  Now is the time to stock up your dry fly box with Blue Quills, Bear’s Para Hendrickson, Sparkle Dun, Red Quill, Becks Hendrickson, Borchers, BWOs, and Adams.  You do not want to be out on the river anytime in the next couple months without a diverse dry fly box.  Until you see hatching bugs focus on nymphing typical mayfly patterns like the Trophy, Guides Choice, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Copper John, Hendrickson, and Hares Ear.  Also swinging a B.H. Soft hackle, Swing Nymph, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail or Holographic Wet can help you productively cover plenty of water.  Fishing small streamers can still produce as long as you fish them very close to the bottom tight to cover.  There is not much precipitation in the forecast so expect clear falling water into next week.   

Another week or so, coupled with some warming temps…..and “Hendrickson Watch” will be on!!!! Always an exciting time of year and if you see some bugs hatching, please let us know and we’ll do the same.
Seasonal Tactics: 
Nymphing is the key this time of the year…..although we are starting to think about dry fly season for sure.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs and enhance the dead-drift presentation. Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Ultragreen, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.

Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall…..as usual.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a 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 a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads flies are a good start.  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.  We run these all season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.

Gearing up for dry fly season means adding some proper leaders and flies to your arsenal. Rio Suppleflex are of course our favorite dry fly leaders along with the MRO Brand Furled Leaders. These will enhance your dead drift presentation which is so critical on the Mad. Have a look at our website for our “Hatches” offerings when it comes to the right flies for the job. You will need some Blue Winged Olives (16-18) which will work for the Blue Quills as well and then some #14 Hendricksons. Be sure to check out the new line of Dry Fly Floatants from our friends at High-N-Dry as well. These are truly superior products that will keep your flies floating higher and longer.

Our good friend Mike Canter sent us this photo and quick report the other day:
 
“About a dozen small ones. Some decent ones also. Small mayfly hatch around 2pm”- Mike Canter
This photo just came via e-mail moments ago from our friend Jacob Arima- no details but from today


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

Despite the clear falling flows there has not been much to report.  Most of the fish have been of the fall stocked size.  Nymphing continues to produce with Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, and Hares Ear being the top producers.  There has not been any reports from the lower river mostly being that the flows have just now dropped to safe levels.  Gear guys have caught Saugeye and a few Trout right below the dam when conditions allowed.  


Forecast:
The water is in great shape with only a little snow melt causing slight issues.  Nymph typical mayfly patterns like the Trophy, Guides Choice, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Copper John, Hendrickson, and Hares Ear.  Keep your dry fly box handy as you never know when you might find a few Blue Quills sneaking out early.  With the forecasted up and down temps nymphing and swinging B.H. Soft hackle, Swing Nymph, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail or Holographic Wet should be your focus though.  

Seasonal Tactics: 
Like on the Mad, nymphing is the key this time of the year……although we are starting to think about dry fly season for sure.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs and enhance the dead-drift presentation. Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Ultragreen, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.

Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall…..as usual.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a 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 a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads flies are a good start.  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.  We run these all season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.

Gearing up for dry fly season means adding some proper leaders and flies to your arsenal. Rio Suppleflex are of course our favorite dry fly leaders along with the MRO Brand Furled Leaders. These will enhance your dead drift presentation which is so critical on the Mad. Have a look at our website for our “Hatches” offerings when it comes to the right flies for the job. You will need some Blue Winged Olives (16-18) which will work for the Blue Quills as well and then some #14 Hendricksons. Be sure to check out the new line of Dry Fly Floatants from our friends at High-N-Dry as well. These are truly superior products that will keep your flies floating higher and longer.
 


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Water levels and temps have been favorable the past few weeks and fishing has been good to great.  We’ve been getting some really excellent and almost surprising reports from “down South”. 


Most fish have been caught nymphing close to the bottom with mayfly and caddis patterns. Keep the typical Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, Hares Ear, Psycho Prince, Holy Grail, Flashabou Caddis, and soft hackles at hand for the most success. 


Small streamers have also produced a few fish.  There have not been much insect activity, but it is very early for this creek. 


As with our other trout streams, we will be watching for dry fly activity to pick up here over the next few weeks. BWOs and Hendricksons will be on the menu soon.


Forecast:
If you find yourself down in the Hocking Hills this weekend you should take advantage for the warmer weather and spend a couple hours on the creek.  Next week looks unstable, but would probably still produce a few fish.  Rain is predicted Tuesday so keep an eye or call the shop if you have plans for mid-week down there. 





Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

“Stepped into the shop for a quick chat with you guys yesterday and ended up getting to catch up with Ryan.  Ryan gave me some useful tips and tricks for targeting late winter steelhead. I was able to apply those tips on my trip to the Chagrin this morning and was rewarded with a 31 inch tank! Thanks a lot, and here’s the pic I promised y’all! 

I fished in the slowest deepest pools I could find. Pink egg patterns were the ticket. I used enough split shot to barely bounce along the bottom. A lot of fish were being caught today, and many of the other anglers were throwing pink and red egg patterns/spawn sacks. “- Murphy Coan



What a crazy week this has been.  High water falling and clearing mixed with heavy Lake-Effect snow and fresh fish.  For those that have been able to make it out there have been plenty of opportunities to catch fish.  The Grand is still high as usual, but most of the other streams are heading to the low side.  Lets hope for enough snow melt to stabilize flows into the weekend. 


Expect heavy crowds this weekend and into next week.  There are plenty of fish in the systems so now is the time to plan those days off.  Make sure to call the shop with your dates as our calendar is filling fast.  



Water temps are still in the 30’s with fish, although willing to bite, currently in winter mode. Focus on the deeper runs making sure your flies are very close to the bottom is key.  Wooly Buggers and a Glo Bug or double eggs have been the most productive.  A few fish have been taken on the swing, but with the cold water and low visibility the swing game has been hard play.  

Seasonal Tactics:
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.  Do not overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s especially for those low clear flows.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-3x 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 also give us a call for advice!  For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a Rio or SA 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.”

As conditions hover around or below the freezing point learning some spey casts with mid to long belly lines keep the ice in the guides to a minimum.  These casts can be done with any fishing tactic not just swinging.  The most versatile lines for this are the Rio Switch and SA Anadro lines. Keep in mind that swinging flies can be done at any flow or condition, but a couple grabs will be a great day this time of the year.

Forecast:
It is still officially winter and it does not take long to be reminded.  Last week water temps were in the low 30’s and looking ahead things will not change very quickly here.  Although by the end of next week things look better that is a long way out as those things can change.  As long as we continue to have a little snow melt and added snow levels will be low, but okay.  Make sure to have plenty of the smaller Glo Bugs in various colors along with some Wiggle Stones, Psycho Prince, Chicken Little, Steelhead Stone, and Steelhead Candy.  We still have plenty of fishing ahead of us so make sure to plan your days off.  


We are continuing to book guide trips daily so make sure to contact us with a couple of your date options! We have a few tricks up our sleeve and are still getting folks into fish despite the tough conditions.


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

Star student Brennon Shanks was out with guide Josh McQueen on 3/3/18 and did extremely well. Steelhead season is ON!!!!

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