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Mad River Outfitters Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports- 3/23/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
***THANKS for all of the reports and pics this week friends. Although we can’t use or reference all, they are appreciated. Keep them coming!***
Mad River


3-25-16- Weekend update- The rain last night did bring the river up a bit but it should be looking perfect for the weekend. For those looking to throw streamers, the lower river should be in fantastic shape for this….especially tomorrow. With the front and the chill in the air we probably won’t see bugs for a few days but sounds like Sunday will be a sparkler so maybe a chance. Otherwise, we’ll be back on “Henny Watch” 1st of the week.


***Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We’ll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!


3-23-16- BREAKING NEWS! Hendricksons on the water yesterday!!! 

Good numbers of bugs spotted yesterday around 3:00 p.m. and fish were responding in a big way. Quite a few folks reported good to excellent dry fly activity for a few hours. No reports of spinner falls yet, but it’s already time to be thinking of evening fishing. Although it’s hard to say what will happen with the cooler temps and precip expected the next few days, it’s safe to say that Spring is here….and it’s early. (It’s been many years since we have seen Hendricksons in March).

The upper river is in perfect shape for dries and nymphs and the lower river still has enough flows for larger nymphs and streamers. We are expecting a front to move through tomorrow with quite a bit of precip so we’ll see what happens over the next few days. May put the kabosh on the bugs for a few days at least. We’ll try to update on Friday for the weekend but for sure…word of the day….Hennies.

Shop rat and guide Ryan Ratliff was out on the Mad yesterday with young Jack Tjarden and his father and wrote up this little blurb:


Happy Jack on a guide trip with Ryan!

Eigth grader Jack Tjarden made the most of his Spring Break this week by giving his skills a little boost on the Mad.  It was a cold windy start, but Jack soon had his mending, roll casting and even the single-hand spey stuff perfected by the time the midges were coming off thick.  After seeing a few fish rising to midges we pulled out the Tenkara rod and Jack fell in love with the simplicity and ease of casting.  As the day was starting to come to an end we found some more consistent rising fish.  At closer inspection there was a good Hendrickson hatch starting.  Jack was quickly introduced to the selectivity of the Mad’s inhabitants!  Combine selectivity, complex current seems and 30mph winds things got pretty challenging…well down right frustrating!  After watching many beautiful takes only to find too much slack in the line or a gust blew some line into the brush Jack finally had a fish to hand!  His dad had to drag him off the water or he would have stayed there all week…  Great time out with a young man who has a love for the outdoors and is a natural at the spey style casting!  It is good to see our next generation with a love for fly fishing!- Ryan 

Also got this note from Arthur Wolf:


“Thanks guys for all your help. Pulled this brown out of the Mad River on Friday. It’s my 2nd trout on a fly!!”

Clearfork River

3-25-16- Weekend Update- The Upper did come up enough to give us that streamer water we were looking for. Get out there!!! They did raise the lower a bit as well so it should fish well. Keep your eyes on the gage though as they might open her up a bit more tonight or tomorrow. Regardless, looks like a great weekend of fishing ahead. Keep your eyes out for bugs!!! Should be some BWO types and Hennies popping soon.

Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We’ll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!

3-23-16- The upper Clearfork is looking pretty good as we speak, maybe getting a touch on the low side. The lower is…well….pretty low. We could use this rain that looks like is going to hit tomorrow and into Friday. The lower stretch especially needs a bump.

Once again though the upper has been producing some fantastic fishing. Those willing to chuck big streamers have been rewarded big. Once again, Josh Snyder sent us these photos from Sunday:
“Got out on the UCF this morning to toss some meat.  Fish were eager to chase!  They wanted it as fast as I could jerk-strip it.  Number of decent fish to the bank, including these two!” – Josh Snyder
No word on any bugs yet…and probably not going to happen this weekend, but with Hennies popping on the Mad the past few days they can’t be far behind on the Clearfork. Keep and eye out for Caddis as well and surely arm yourself with some caddis larva patterns. They will be key food along with the #12-16 mayfly nymphs.


Let us know if you get out!

Clear Creek
3-25-16- Weekend Update- The Creek is in good shape….just enough bump in flows that you might consider throwing some streamers. We did have some good to great reports the past few days and seems that the season is starting off great down there. We did get some hats and stickers out to those that have contributed and we’ll get the rest out 1st of the week.

***Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We’ll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!

3-23-16- Clear Creek is looking good right now and fishing has been surprisingly decent. We’ll see what the rains the next few days do for the weekend but we are hopeful we can get out.

The big story here is our friends Elliot Cantwell and Justin Shiflett.
Last week we challenged folks to get out on Clear Creek and send us some reports/pics. Well….Elliot and Justin did! We’ll let them take over here:
“Saw your report on clear creek and thought I would send you a report. Fished the last three days with good results, numerous fish per day with a few bigger than average. Nymphed consistently and caught most fish on a 16 grey hare’s ear, bed head hare’s ear, or dark grey scud pattern. Fish were in deeper holes half the time but picked up the fish above ( one of the nicest) in a thigh high run. Black caddis coming of sporadically Monday but no rising fish. Thanks for being an awesome shop, ordered from you guys a couple times. Hard to find in Ohio”

And yet another report from today:

“Today resulted much of the same as last week, some bwo coming off and a few winter stonefly but no rising fish. The drop and water temps seemed to slow things back down. Grey hares ear and scud patterns took most fish. Here’s some pics, will be out tmrw let you know if anything changes”- Elliot Cantwell

And from Justin:



“Since my bracket was busted, I decided to go try my luck for the first time at Clear Creek. Threw some streamers around looking for larger fish, but no luck. Caught plenty of the smaller guys on smaller streamers and nymphs. Decided to snap a few photos to share because, well, who doesn’t love a free hat? Thanks for pushing me to try a new spot.”- Justin Shiflett


Thanks Elliot and Justin for taking us up on the challenge and delivering. Free hats and new MRO/Ohio stickers are on the way to you guys. We really appreciate the participation and support.
Erie Steelhead
3-25-16- Weekend Update- 


The V did shoot up overnight but has crested and will probably fish well tomorrow and for sure on Sunday. It will be a little dirty but probably good swinging water. This water should have brought some really nice fish in. We look for the V to be hot here for a few weeks.


The Rocky and Chagrin are pretty high and off color but should be fishable for the weekend. They have both been fishing pretty well this week and should continue and maybe even get better.


The Grand did come up to where it might not be the best choice for a few days. We’ll have to see what happens overnight and get some eyes on it. As soon as it does start to drop to safe levels….get out there…..she’s packed with large, fresh fish. This weekend though if the main stem is too much, try the tribs.


The Ashtabula and Conneaut didn’t get much. The Ash is a bit low but may still be worth trying. The Conneaut has been good but it’s pretty clear. As the weekend rolls on it may get tougher as the water drops. For sure lighter tippets and more subdued colors are on the menu. Could have used a push of water but we’ll see what we hear over the weekend.


****Thanks again for all of the pics and reports friends. We’ll do our best to get them up here and on Social next week. Great to see the sense of community this Blog is creating!!!!


3-23-16- As we speak right now, we have several guides out on the water today having “Epic” days…to say the least. For those of you that follow us on Facespace or Google or Twittergram etc. you know what we mean. 


Here’s just a taste of the day that Stephen Was had today:



Hopefully we can get Stephen to write something up about his legendary experience with MRO guide Josh McQueen today.

As you can see, Ohio Steelhead fishing is absolutely on fire. It seems that the past few days things have just lit up…and lit up chrome….even despite the mostly low and clear creeks. We are finding large numbers of large fish in the streams. Some drop backs but plenty of fresh fish as well.

The problem is, the waters are mostly getting pretty low and we are hoping for the rains tomorrow and Friday to freshen things up a bit. Depending on how much rain we get, the weekend and 1st of the week could again provide Epic fishing.

Most fish have been caught on small nymphs and egg patterns. The more subdued colors have been working better than the bright stuff…especially in clearer water. Black Stones, Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails and the like have been good and we have had to go to 3X and even 4X tippet to get takes. That should change with a bit of rain here. If all goes well, we should be back to swinging some big and bright stuff for at least a few days.

The Vermilion has really turned on and is getting pretty clear. A bit of rain will do this creek wonders and it should fish well moving forward. The Chagrin and Rocky are getting a little low. Don’t get us wrong, you can still go catch some fish, but this rain will help alot. Conneaut is on the low side and super clear, but folks have been doing very well but reports of the fish being a bit spooky. A bit of rain and it will turn on again big time! The Ashtabula is just too low right now and not really conducive to fishing until we get some more water.

The big news is that the Grand has come fishable in the past few days. It has been the hot ticket as you would expect. We really haven’t been on the main stem at all this spring but we know that the feeders have been full of fish. Hopefully this rain won’t completely shut it down for weeks again and we can get right back out there. Fishing the Grand River in the Spring is such a treat!

We’ll keep a close watch on the rain coming in and try to get a report up for the weekend. In the meantime, we’ll hope to get a story out of Stephen Was about his day today.

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363


Fishing Reports- 3/18/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River


The river has been dropping nicely the past few days and looks to be a good weekend ahead. Sounds like it will be a bit chilly….but it shouldn’t affect the fish much. The lower river is still a bit on the high side which only makes for good streamer water anyways. By the time tomorrow rolls around it should be really good.


Some good reports here the past few days. Frequent contributor Jose Olivas got some nice fish on St. Patrick’s Day and our new friend Bryan O’Mally finally got his 1st Mad River trout to the net-


From Jose Olivas- “I’m not Irish but I am Lucky! Best of 4 landed today”
From Bryan O’Malley- “Hooked 3 but landed only this one. Thanks for the help”
As you probably read last week in the updates, we did have confirmed BWOs and Blue Quills as early as last Tuesday. Fish were feeding on them, especially the Quills. Not any confirmed reports since then but with the warmer temps they have surely been hatching sporadically. Might not see much with the cool down this weekend but worth having a Blue Dun dry in size 16 and some BWOs 18-20 just in case.

Otherwise, it will probably be a nymph and streamer game this weekend. The lower river should still be good to great streamer water so have the articulated junk along if you head that direction. For sure you want to have some Hendrickson nymphs along with you and the fish should be focusing on these. A #14 Pheasant Tail or the standard Hendrickson nymph that we sell are must haves for the next few weeks. If that doesn’t do it, try a San Juan Worm or Cranefly Larva…..they always work this time of year.

If the warmer temps come back next week, “Hendrickson Watch” will be back on. If we do see them in the month of March, it will be the 1st time we can remember this happening in about 12-15 years or so. Just like old times!

Let us know how you do out there!

Clearfork River

The Clearfork is in good shape and should fish well this weekend. The upper is right about normal flows and they did drop the lower down this afternoon. It might even be a bit on the low side..

Not too many reports the past few days but would be looking for some dry fly activity up there. Have some midges and some 18-20 BWOs just in case. Otherwise, standard nymphs like Princes and Pheasant Tails 14-16 should be the hot ticket. Still decent enough water for streamer fishing in the upper as well. This stretch of water has been fishing extremely well and surely worth stripping an articulated fly through there and see what happens.

Let us know how you do if you get out……should be good!

Clear Creek
Clear Creek is also looking good for the weekend. Water is back down to fishable levels. Still enough to toss a streamer through the deeper holes and hunt for a larger fish.

Again, have some dry flies along just in case although the temps this weekend might prohibit bugs from hatching….we’ll see. Regardless, have some midges, some BWO types, 18-20 in the event of rising fish. Otherwise, stick with nymphs below an indicator. Pheasant Tails or Hendrickson style nymphs will be the best bet although flies like Copper Johns, Princes and others will work well too. If dead drifting isn’t doing it, try swinging a soft hackle. This is a great tactic down there (and anywhere). Start with green and if that doesn’t do it switch to a yellow or orange.

Get out there and let us know how you do! We need some pics from Clear Creek for the collection! Send us a pic this week from Clear Creek and we’ll send you an MRO Hat! How about that?

Erie Steelhead
Unlike last weekend, this weekend is “game-on”.


The streams are just coming into shape the past two days and all indications point towards a banner weekend for steelhead anglers along the Lake Erie shorelines. Good reports the past few days….mostly from the feeders to the Grand. Here is an e-mail we got from our good friend and customer Dan Dunkley:


Hello all.


I just wanted to let you know how this past Wednesday turned out for us steelheading.


I took my brother and son in law up to our comfortable spot on the Rocky but as expected the water wasn’t cooperating, fortunately I took Ryan’s strong suggestion and headed to a tributary off the Grand that I knew of.


I’m glad we did.


Our best day to date.  We landed 19 steelhead between the three of us.  It was my son-in-law’s first time and he ended up landing the most of us all-9 total, his first and largest and freshest was 28″.


Because of Ryan and Andy’s encouragement, I got out of my fishing comfort zone and explored and it sure paid off.


Thanks again to all the folks at Mad River Outfitters for all the knowledge, encouragement and time you spend with us.  It is greatly appreciated.


To a great spring season.


Dan Dunkley


The Vermilion has come down to fishable levels but it is still really muddy. Might think more along the lines of late tomorrow or Sunday for the V. Might be good swinging water though if you have the 2-hand and some big flashy flies.


The Rocky and Chagrin are looking good and should fish very well this weekend. Conneaut and the Ash are actually perfect right now but will start to get a little low as the weekend progresses. If you hit the Ash and it’s too low, head over to Connie.


The Grand is still too high and muddy but as you have read here and in previous reports, the tribs to the Grand have been pretty good. They have saved the day for quite a few folks this past week.


A variety of techniques have been working. Folks have been swinging and stripping flies as well as dead drifting nymphs and eggs. Hot nymphs have been the Brer Possum, Bloody Marys and Black Stones. With the off colored water we have also had some success on the Steelhead Candy. Bright colored Scrambled Eggs have been hot this week but we might see a trend towards the more neutral colors like Oregon Cheese or the Peachy Cream. Guide Josh McQueen swears by that Peachy Cream version…..better get to them before he does.



We do have guides out all weekend and we’ll check in 1st of the week. Send reports and pics!!!! Always helps.



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

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

Fishing Reports- 3/16/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River


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


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


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

Clearfork River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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



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


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



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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 3/10/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River


***3/11/ Update- yes, we have fired our weatherman. The rain started up again after our report yesterday and just kept coming. The River shot up and blew out. It is dropping pretty quickly so the upper may fish tomorrow….the way upper. Otherwise upper river on Sunday should be good and the mid to lower river maybe late Sunday and into Monday.


Of note though….we did get a solid report of confirmed Blue Quills on Wednesday and a water temp of 52. They were spotted in good numbers around mid-day and there were good numbers of fish feeding. Could be an early season for a change? 


We’ll try to keep you informed!


***Late 3/10 Update- the rain is falling and the river is rising. Hard to say what will happen overnight but right now the river is on a steady rise. The upper is still fishable but it looks like the lower will blow out here. We are all headed down to the Gateway Film Center for the F3T tonight so no more updates but we’ll get right on it in the morning. Regardless, get your streamers ready.


Early 3/10 Report- Looks like the rain won’t be as much as 1st reported which is good news for the weekend….or is it?


The river is in good shape. The upper is just about perfect and the lower river still has enough water to chuck the big stuff in hopes of a hog.


We have had varying reports this week. A few anglers did well over the weekend on streamers but no reports of monsters. A few anglers did not so well and a few skunks reported. It has almost always been the case that March is not our best month of fishing. Can’t say why but we have always said that it’s like the “calm before the storm” (Hendrickson hatch in early April). Regardless, with the Spring like weather we have been experiencing, it’s still better than staying home and who’s to say that you can’t “buck the trend”.


Did see some midges and some small Baetis/BWO types hatching over the weekend. Not much feeding but the bugs were out. No reports the past week on any Winter Black Stones but they should still be around, especially in the upper river now. Should start seeing a few of the #16 Blue Quills here as well but that is usually an upper river event. With the temps we have been experiencing, if it keeps up, we may be looking at hatches coming a bit earlier than recent years. Hard to say but we’ll be watching closely here over the next 2-3 weeks. Certainly want to get to tying or buying Hendricksons any way you look at it though.


In the meantime, nymphs and streamers are the way to go. Would still have some Black Stones or Copper Johns in #14 as well as Pheasant Tails/Hendrickson Nymphs in size #14 as well as some #16 and #18 for the Blue Quill/Baetis types. If this stuff isn’t working for you go bigger with a Cranefly Larva or large attractor nymph and fish them slow and deep. If fishing a cranefly might even try pulsing it a bit to get some action.


If for some reason the water fluctuates over the weekend we’ll try to let you know and always remember you can call the shop if you need an up-to-the-minute report.


* On another note: We did get a call from a local landowner this week asking if we could again post about folks walking through farmer’s fields. He said he had approached several folks who said that other anglers told them it was acceptable practice and/or that the farmers/landowners didn’t care. This is not the case. It is simply not acceptable to most if not all of the landowners to be walking through their fields. You must stay in the river corridor. We really need to get this word out to folks so that we don’t start seeing sections of the river closed all-together. Please stay in the river and out of sight of landowners!!!!

Clearfork River

***3/11/ Update- the River did blow out over the night and not looking good today or probably tomorrow. It is dropping fast and the upper may fish on Sunday…..probably not tomorrow. The lower came up to pretty much un-fishable and hard to say when they will drop it again. Hopefully on Sunday or Monday. We’ll try to get a report up 1st of the week.

***Late 3/10 Update- More rain than we expected and the river is rising. The Upper looks like it will be pretty high and off color tomorrow depending on what happens overnight. They have opened up the dam a bit on the lower but it is still very fishable. Hard to say for tomorrow, watch the gauges. We are all headed down to the Gateway Film Center for the F3T tonight so no more updates but we’ll get right on it in the morning. Regardless, get your streamers ready.

Early 3/10 Report- Once again, the weekend is looking pretty good on the Clearfork. The rain has yet to make much of a difference and looks like that will remain the case through the weekend. 

The Upper stretch doesn’t have as much flow as it did last weekend but should still be a good bet for chucking streamers. This stretch of water has been the “sleeper” in the state all Winter. Again, good to GREAT reports of large to extra large fish caught on big streamers. Our good friend Josh Snyder got out with his Dad over the weekend and although said that the water was cold and the fish were sluggish, he did manage a nice one…pic below. Frequent contributor Mike Letizia also sent us some photos of hogs from the upper over the weekend.

Josh Snyder with a gorgeous Ohio Brown Trout from the Upper Clearfork
The lower stretch of the Clearfork is a bit on the low side right now but very fishable. Very possible that with these temps we have been seeing you could probably find some fish eating dry flies. Probably mostly midges but should start seeing some small Olives here any day now. Otherwise, stick with nymphs or streamers and you should do well.

Thanks for all of the reports from up on the Fork by the way. We really appreciate it. We’ll try to get some more of the pics up here and keep sending them. Great to see this fishery doing so well this Winter. Should be a great spring.

Clear Creek
***3/11 Update- fired the weatherman. He’s outta here. The creek blew out last night with the rains and probably going to be a few days here. We’ll try to check-in 1st of the week.

Clear Creek is in good shape as well for the weekend. Ryan got out yesterday morning before work and did pretty well. He said that he did see some midges hatching a few fish rising to them. He stuck with streamers though and got a couple of above average fish. The larger fish seem to be holding in the deeper slots and have not moved out to feed yet but once the water warms and bugs start moving they should spread out.

If interested in smaller fish on the surface, have some Midge dries along with you. This can be super fun on a 2wt or 3wt rod! Otherwise, nymphs and streamers are the way to go here until we start seeing bugs on a regular basis.

The good news is that Clear Creek also seems to be fishing above average for this time of year and we are hopeful for a good Spring season down there. Even if not gangbuster fishing, you can’t beat the scenery!

Erie Steelhead
***3/11 Update- Again, our on-staff weatherman has been fired. Hiring a new one. More rain than expected and the creeks all blew out big overnight. Not good news for the weekend. They are dropping fast but it’s probably Monday before we get back out. Maybe a chance that Ashtabula fishes afternoon on Sunday? We will for sure get a full report up 1st of the week with the prognosis and may try to check in here if we find otherwise but not good for the weekend at this point. The good news is that there should be some big bright fish swimming in that high muddy water! Get ready!!!!


***Late 3/10 Update- Creeks are on the rise more than we expected. Might not be great news for tomorrow but probably great news for the weekend and into next week. The Vermilion is rising but still fishable. Same with the Rocky but it’s shooting straight up. The Chagrin looks like it will blow out and be a few days. Conneaut is rising but remains fishable as we speak. This precip could put the Ash back into the game here for the weekend. Hard to say….we’ll have to check 1st thing tomorrow and let you know. We are all headed down to the Gateway Film Center for the F3T tonight so no more updates but we’ll get right on it in the morning. 


Early 3/10 Report- What a luxury it is to be a fly angler in Ohio eh? Especially when the steelhead are running.


It’s been a great week around here. We have had guides out on the water with clients and scouting for upcoming trips and they have been doing very well. Fishing has been good to excellent and there are decent numbers of fish spread throughout the system. As long as conditions are right, you can pick a river and have a shot at steelhead. No question.


Steve Krum was out on Tuesday with Josh and got his 1st Ohio Steelhead!



Here is what our guides are telling us as of yesterday:


The Vermilion has been fishing pretty well the past few days. Not tons of fish, but they are there. Most have been on the smaller side and it looks like we are still waiting on a big push of bright Manistees to arrive. Another push of water and the V may explode with steel! As of right now the river has not budged with the rains but keep your eyes on the sky and the gauge.


The Rocky and Chagrin are both in good shape and have been fishing well. The Chagrin seems to have some larger fish but who knows…that can change in a minute. The Chargin is starting to head upwards a bit as we write but it looks like the big rain expected may hold off. Should be good to go for the weekend on either side of Cleveland.


The Grand is still a bit too high but if this rain holds off, we may be on the water there before too long. We’ll try to keep you informed.


The Ashtabula is getting a bit low..might want to wait for a push of water here. Conneaut has good flow but is very clear. It’s full of fish and has been fishing very well but need to stick to the smaller flies and more subdued colors.


Over the weekend we were swinging Intruder style flies and doing very well. Black and Blue as well as Blue and Pink were hot colors. As the week progressed we switched over to Eggs and Nymphs. Chartreuse eggs have been working well in stained water and Peach or Creamy Peach in the clearer water. Black Stones have been the hot ticket on nymphs but pick your poison and you should do well. In the clearer water think about basic Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails or Chicken Hawks.


Looking forward to a great weekend of steelhead fishing throughout the region. Get out there and let us know how you do….send some pics!


We’ll update if things change for the worse as needed and for sure check-in next week for a report and more pics.




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

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

Fishing Reports for 3/4/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River


Looking good for the weekend friends! Although still a bit chilly, and some precip in the forecast for tomorrow, still should make for a good to great weekend of trout fishing.


The Upper River is in good shape and nice and clear. The lower river is in great shape as well and still has enough water flushing that the streamer bit should be good. 


Doubtful for tomorrow but some sunshine Sunday/Monday/Tuesday combined with the increasing temps may bring some dry fly fishing? Especially in the upper river. For sure have some BWO types and some dry midges along just in case. Otherwise, your standard, table fare nymphs will be the way to go. Black stones #12-14 have still been producing as well as #14-18 nymphs that imitate the upcoming mayfly hatches.


In the lower river sling some meat and see what happens. Could be another big fish weekend? May also try some Cranefly larva fished deep and slow through the greener holes. It’s time again for them to start producing fish here. Attractor nymphs like Big Nasties and Bitch Creeks could also be a good idea.


Please note that the river has been pretty crowded on the weekends. Also remember that the Mad River is….and is surrounded by private property. We have heard some horror stories of folks walking through farmers fields (stay in the river corridor at all times) and also a few bad apples being pretty disrespectful in other ways to anglers out looking to enjoy themselves. Respect is always the best avenue….it’s only fishing. 


If you get out let us know how you do and we’ll try to do the same early next week.

Clearfork River

Both stretches of the Clearfork looking good for the weekend. The lower is right about as high as we might deem safe so that makes for some good streamer water. It’s about time somebody reports a hog from the lower river. Throw some big streamers through those deep holes below the covered bridge and see what happens?

Otherwise, probably going to be a nymphing game this weekend. Black Stones, Pheasant Tails, Green Caddis larva and the like should all produce fish. As the temperature warms and the water drops a bit more you might also keep your eyes out for surface activity. Most likely it will be on midges and you don’t want to head that direction without them.

Had a few reports the past couple of days of folks doing very well on San Juan Worms in particular. Although they always work, thought we’d mention it in case they were onto something which they claim they were.

If you get out, let us know how you do!

Clear Creek
Clear Creek has come into good shape and looking good for the weekend. Should be decent fishing. Mostly a nymphing game but just like our other two trout streams, be on the lookout for any dry fly activity. It could happen especially if we get the temps predicted for early next week. Probably still midge activity but you might be lucky and see a few early BWO’s.

Did have reports from a few folks that the streamer fishing down there has been good to excellent the past few days. That may taper off a bit as the water drops and clears but surely be prepared. If the big stuff doesn’t work try some smaller flies like Wooly Buggers or Muddler Minnows. Be sure to let them swing in the current at the end of your retrieve also!

We have really been impressed with the reports from Clear Creek this Fall and Winter. Looking for a good to excellent season on this wonderful creek.

If you get out, try to let us know how you do! It always helps!

Erie Steelhead
Wow….thanks for the calls and the visits! We have been absolutely swamped the past two days with eager steelhead anglers. If we didn’t get to your phone call……keep trying…..we’ll get to it eventually. E-orders too…thanks! You can tell that steelhead are on the move, we’re gonna have to stay late on Friday night to fill fly orders!


All reports have most of the creeks pretty full of bright and fiesty steelhead. It should be a great weekend for those of you that can get out…and we hope that you can. We do have guides heading out so we should have some photo evidence for you next week. Feel free to send us photos! We love to see that the equipment and flies you are ordering are working!


The Vermilion has dropped to just perfect levels. Problem is that is is still pretty dirty and may not be great yet for a few days. If you are willing to experiment, it could be a good to great idea to swing some big bright stuff and see what you come up with. If not, you might want to wait until Monday or Tuesday and see how she looks.


The Rocky and Chagrin are both coming into shape as we speak and should be good to excellent the next few days. May try swinging or stripping some flies tomorrow as they may still have some color but otherwise, the traditional eggs and nymphs will be the ticket. 


The Grand is still a few days at least from fishable. If things go our way though, we might get some lines wet mid to late next week. We are hoping to with as well as it fished in the Fall.


Ashtabula and Conneaut have both been fishing the past few days and the reports we are hearing is that fishing has been excellent. Fish are on the move so fish all of the likely holding areas. Egg patterns have been the weapon of choice but always have some nymphs with you as well. Brer Possums, Black Stones, Bloody Marys, Chicken Littles etc. They’ll all catch fish! Drop a nymph below and egg, crimp on some shot, lash an indicator to that leader and go fish!!!!!


Exciting times to be a fly fisher in Ohio! We love this time of year.


Keep us informed and we’ll try to do the same. With the weather and temps predicted early next week it’s truly “game-on”.



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

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

Fishing Reports- 3/2/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River


Just as we were about to write up a report yesterday it started raining and did through the evening. It did bring the Mad up a bit and really should only be good news. The upper river may be good today and the lower should come into play tomorrow or Friday. For sure the lower will be looking good to great for streamer fishing through the weekend.


A few folks out this week that we have spoken to and they did ok. Mostly reports of small to medium sized fish on nymphs. Black Stones continue to work well although we have not heard any reports of adults flying around the past few days. If they are still hatching it will most likely be an upper river thing and may only last another week or so. Then we’ll switch over to Hendrickson style nymphs in preparation for the hatch. The nymphs are maturing and getting active as we speak!!!


With the warmer temps coming next week we may also start seeing some of the early Blue Quills and BWO’s as well. Might not be a bad idea to have a few #16-18 dries along with you just in case. Could also see some Midge activity on the surface….especially in the upper river.


We WILL get a report up on Friday and let you know how things are looking for the weekend. If you do get out, drop us a note and let us know what you find.

Clearfork River

The Upper was coming into really good shape the past few days but the rains yesterday brought it up again. Good news is that it is not too bad and should fish tomorrow if you are a good wader! The weekend saw aggressive flows but those that did get out found some nice fish on streamers of course. Our good friend Bryan Clem sent these photos:

The Lower Clearfork is in good shape as we speak. They have gradually been lowering the flows over the past few days. Hard to say if they will bump it up again with the rain yesterday. Watch the gauge if you are planning on heading up there. If it stays where it is it should fish well the next few days and into the weekend.

Again, the streamer fishing on the Clearfork has been good to fantastic for those willing to fish hard and aggressive. Otherwise, nymphing will be your best shot at catching a few fish. Not much to report on the dry fly front here as of yet but that should start to change here as we approach April.

We WILL get a report up on Friday and let you know how things are looking for the weekend. If you do get out, it’s always helpful when we get reports from the field!


Clear Creek
The Creek did rise a bit with the rains yesterday but should be fishable over the next few days and into the weekend. The next few days could be good streamer fishing and could give a shot at a larger fish down there. We did have a few reports here recently of folks catching larger than normal fish on streamers…..so it can be done.

Otherwise, small nymphs and midge larva bounced along the deeper slots are your best bet right now. May even try swinging a soft hackle and see what happens.

We’ll try to get some eyes on the water down there in the next few days and let you know. If you do get out, give us a shout….it always helps!

Erie Steelhead
Things are really starting to heat-up here on Steelhead Alley. Those that have made it out in the past few days are finding good to excellent numbers of bright and strong steelhead. We’ll be watching the temps the next few days but pretty safe to say that it’s “game-on”.


The rain yesterday did bring a few of the streams up again, but we should be looking pretty good by the weekend. The Vermilion is high today and has been pretty stained, but should be worth looking at by the weekend. The Rocky and Chagrin are high today as well but are dropping nicely and should be full of fish. The Grand of course is out of the question for a bit but we’ll keep a close eye on it…..as well as it fished this Fall we can’t wait to get on it.


The Conneaut and Ashtabula are both actually fishable today and both fishing pretty well. Most reports have been that fish were starting to pile in and were eating the standard eggs and nymphs below an indicator. 


We have guide trips starting up this weekend and should be able to get some evidence posted here but if anybody wants to submit….we’re happy to share here. We love to see happy anglers holding pounds of chrome!


We’ll get a report up on Friday and let you know how the weekend looks!



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

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

Fishing Reports- 2/24/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River


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


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


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


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


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

Clearfork River

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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


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


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




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


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




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

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

Fishing Reports- 2/16/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River

Mad River Map– seems to be un-available on ODNR at the moment


Pretty much in “Winter Mode” here for a bit with the cold and snow. The river is in good shape and has been fishing decent….problem is that it’s just been too damn cold the past week or so to get out there. The snow on the ground is also making it challenging to get around.


It does look like we are going to get a bit of a warm-up later in the week. This will most likely raise the river due to runoff so we could be looking at a good streamer weekend for those looking to get out.


We have had some good reports of the Winter Black Stoneflies out and about. Pretty much right on time. As always, have some #14 Black Stonefly nymphs with you if you get out. 


We’ll keep an eye out over the weekend and try to let you know here. Meanwhile, stay tuned and make sure that you are signed-up for our E-News….some big announcements coming!


**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the “Anti-Super Bowl Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Clearfork River

Good friend and customer Mike Letizia sent us this photo of a nice brown out of the Upper Clearfork last week before the cold set in.
As you can imagine, things are pretty much in “Winter Mode” up on the Clearfork as well. Although there is some open water, especially on the lower stretch, it’s just a challenge getting around both in and out of the water.

Before the cold snap we did have some good to excellent reports as you can see in the picture above. The Upper Clearfork continues to impress and let’s hope this continues into the season.

We are expecting a warm-up this weekend and that could change things and get us back out on the water. We’ll try to let you know as we do.

**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the “Anti-Super Bowl Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Clear Creek
Clear Creek is pretty well locked-up right now and not much fishing going on. We did get eyes on it yesterday and probably won’t think about fishing until we get a warm -up. Hopefully this weekend will change things for the better but we’ll surely see the water rise with runoff.

As always, we’ll try to let you know as we do.

**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the “Anti-Super Bowl Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Erie Steelhead
“Big-time” Winter all along Steelhead Alley. Lots of ice and snow are making it pretty much impossible to fish for the time being. They have been getting pounded with snow and frigid temps.


Although there is a bit of open water, not too many reports the past few days. We can tell you that the weekend prior, we did have some EXCELLENT reports and a mess of fish caught all through the system. The fish are there, and more to come, just a bit tough getting to them right now.


Let’s hope with the warm-up expected this weekend things open up a bit and we can think about steelhead again early next week. We’ll try to let you know as we do.


**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the “Anti-Super Bowl Party” with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!



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

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

Fishing Reports- 2/4/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363


Mad River

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


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


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


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


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


Clearfork River

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

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

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

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

Want to learn more about “Jerk Stripping”?

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


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



Clear Creek

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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



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

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

Fishing Reports- 1/25/16

* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don’t have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don’t update as often as we like, it doesn’t mean that we don’t care.

There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don’t forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363


Mad River


The Mad is a bit low and super clear……we are definitely in “Winter Mode” here for the foreseeable future. Not alot of reports this past week.

A few folks that we know have been out fishing and actually, most have been reporting good to excellent fishing! The Upper River, as well as Mac-O-Chee has been producing some surprising numbers of fish, especially for this time of year. Most reports have had fish taking smaller nymphs. Midge Larva, small Copper Johns and the like have been doing well. No reports of Winter Stoneflies yet but surely time to be fishing the nymphs. Be sure to have some size 14 black nymphs….a Copper John works great for these bugs. Would be a top pick for nymphing, especially in the upper river.

Streamer fishing has been ok although the fish are not as inclined to move too far with the colder water. Small streamers have seemed to be producing a bit better with the clear water. Hopefully we can get some precip here in the next few weeks and change this up a bit.

Many folks have been calling and/or e-mailing about the brook trout in the last post. A few more caught in the past week as well. The answer to the question is No…the state is not stocking these. They are escapees from the Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club located up near the headwaters in Bellefontaine. They are actually quite common in the upper part of the river, as are rainbows. We don’t see too many down where Ben caught his but it obviously happens.

Keep your eyes on the forecast and over the next few weeks, if you see a 45+ for the temps and calling for sun, it can be a great time to catch fish on dry midges. Something we always look forward to this time of year.


Clearfork River


The Clearfork is getting some pretty good rim-ice, especially in the upper. Not many reports this week as to be expected.

If you were to go, probably best to think about the lower stretch although it is pretty low and clear. Just be careful getting down into the park as the road can be treacherous if there is any snow or ice. Search out the deeper, greener water and could do ok.

Nymphs will be the hot ticket although still waiting for a monster on a large streamer  in the lower. It’s going to happen…just a matter of time. Same thing here as well like the Mad….if you see a nice warm, sunny day in the forecast, you could have a banner day with Midge dries. Always a winter highlight!!!

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


Clear Creek


Clear Creek is pretty well iced-up and looks like it will be for some time. No real reason to head that way unless you are looking for a nice winter hike. Great place for that!
We’ll try to let you know as things change.
Erie Steelhead
Not alot going on right now on the steelhead front. With the weather, most streams are pretty well locked-up and looks like they’ll be that way here for a bit. Not uncommon for this time of year. There are a few spots open and fishable, but not too many folks getting out as you can understand.

We are busy tying flies and stocking the boxes for when things open up and we get back to fishing. Guides are primed and ready and trips are booking for March and April. Let us know if you want to get in on the action!

In the meantime…

If you happen to be in the Cleveland area this weekend. stop by and say hello! Brian and steelhead guide Josh McQueen will be manning the booth at the Northern Ohio Fly Fishing Expo in Brecksville. Also on-hand will be our good friend and partner Captain Brian Meszaros so a great chance to learn more about what we do with him up on Lake St. Clair.

Click Here to learn more about the show this weekend.

Let’s hope the weather works out and we don’t get “snowed out” like we did in Louisville last weekend!
Of course, as things change on the Steelhead front, we’ll let you know!!!



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

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