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Mad River Outfitters Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports- 1/17/16

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

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



Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks,

Ben Soltis


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

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

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

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

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

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

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


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

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

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

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

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps


Bre with a nice Winter Steelhead from last week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

Fishing Reports- 1/5/16


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

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


Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

As predicted….what a weekend it was for those that got out. A ton of reports…thanks for those…but this one tops them all. Our good friend Bryan Clem sent this report to us via Facebook. Congrats to Josh!!!

“I’m sure you’ve received several reports from this weekend given the number of people on the river, but I thought I’d drop you a line and some pictures…  I did well this weekend getting a few nice fish, and my friend Josh did great!  He ‘killed 2 birds with 1 stone’ when he got his first brown over 20”, which also happened to be over 25”.  Everything from watching this fish come up out of dirty water and do a Jaws-style attack on a big streamer to the pure excitement we felt when we finally got her in the net is something I’ll never forget.  As always, thanks for running a great shop and online store.  Have a great 2016!”


Bryan Clem

Bryan Clem with a nice fatty!
Bryan’s friend Josh with a fish of a lifetime….right here in O-H-I-O!

The Mad has been on a nice steady drop and is still in pretty good shape. Might not be the streamer bite that we had last weekend, and the cold will slow things down a bit, but still worth getting out and fishing if you can.

We’ll try to post again over the weekend but thanks again Bryan and all who checked-in.

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Both stretches of river in good shape. They did bring the lower back down on Sunday and it’s at a pretty nice level. Haven’t heard too much here about the lower is it was un-fishable there for a few days but the fishing should be good to excellent. Let us know/send some pics if you get down there. Should be worth the trip.

The upper Clearfork continues to fish very well. Again, some really nice fish caught the past week on streamers. The streamer deal is catching on up on the Fork as well! Nymphing has also been producing fish as well. Seems that the fish are feeding on the smaller stuff, especially midges, but don’t be afraid to throw a big attractor. Nothing reported on the surface but would surely have some midges in the box especially if it’s a warmer, sunny day. Might try an egg pattern here also, they can produce fish up there when nothing else will.


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

The creek is in great shape.  The rain finally gave the stream the flush it has been needing. Lots of gravel, wood and boulders gave away the sediment and leaves.  This flush did move around some wood too.  I didn’t get to see the whole creek, but from what I did see there are some new trees and log jams to hold fish.  The deeper holes and runs still contained some stain and gave that perfect “winter/steelhead green.” 

Although the water has chilled dramatically in the past week the streamer bite has been fantastic.There have also been a few fish rising taking emergers.  This just proves the importance of being prepared for whatever might happen with a diverse fly box.  All of the fish caught today had nice potbellies and still slammed my streamers.  There is a good number of holdovers this year and keeping away from this year’s stockers will only help to add to the fish population later this year. 

Ice on the guides was getting to be an issue while fishing the streamer.  It is finally time to pull out the Stanleys Ice Off for the streamer sessions.  Swinging streamers was also productive and a good choice for those of us that don’t put the streamers away in the cold weather. 

A long belly line and single-hand spey style casts keep the stripping to a minimum and thus taming the ice build up.  These casts are also a great choice while nymphing giving you the opportunity to practice your steelhead tactics a little closer to home.  Another tactic that we use in the winter utilizes Tenkara and traditional kebari or western softhackles.  Along with traditional Tenkara methods dead drifting the fly and then utilizing the “wet fly swing” to finish out the drift bring the most fish to hand.  There are no worries about frozen guides or iced up drag systems with Tenkara.  A traditional level line with only the tippet in the water is the best choice to keep the ice under control.  Braided or furled leaders would need to be treated with floatant being that the added surface area can cause ice buildup.



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Alot of larger fish caught over the weekend!

Just a quick report to let you know what we saw and heard over the weekend.

As expected, the high water definitely brought fish in throughout the region. We even heard of a few fish being caught in the Vermilion for a change!

The Rocky, Chagrin and Ashtabula fished very well over the weekend. Definitely a big push of fresh Manistee chrome. Alot of larger fish also, some topping 28″. The Rocky in particular seemed to get a really big push and fished extremely well. Not too many reports from Conneaut and we didn’t get that far over but it surely fished. The bad news is that most of these are now back to low and clear and we need more water….again.

Our friend and guide Michael Bennet (Dr. Steelhead) always used to say that New Years weekend was his favorite to fish. He claimed that the larger Manistee fish knew and would run into the rivers for the new year. It’s pretty amazing how it does seem to happen more than not. Just sayin’.

The Vermilion is right back to where it was and the Ashtabula and Chagrin are in need of water again too.

The Grand should turn on here in the next few days. If the tribs to the Grand are any indication, it got a nice push of fish as well. The Grand looks to be the hot ticket later this week and into the weekend unless we get some more rain.

The temps have now come into more winter like and the fish are responding as such. They are in the deeper runs and holding in the slower water.

Egg patterns did seem to be the ticket although many folks caught fish on nymphs. Swinging and stripping still caught a few fish but not like previously. Fish slower and deeper and you’ll probably do better. Go with smaller flies and more subdued colors in clear water and larger brighter stuff if you find off-colored water. 

Just a quick report here for those thinking about heading out later this week or this weekend.

We’ll get a full report up for everything on Saturday. Stay tuned here though, we have alot of big news coming!!!!




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

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



Fishing Reports- 1/1/16

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

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



Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

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

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

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

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

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


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

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

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

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


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

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

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

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

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

Fishing Reports- 12/28/15

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


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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

If you hadn’t noticed, it has been raining for days and the Mad is seriously blown out. The rain keeps coming so it is hard to predict when we will get back to fishing but when we do……..the streamer game is ON!

We’ll let you know as we do and if we don’t get a report up before…..Happy New Year!

Please check out our Calendar of Events as we have added a ton of Classes and Events for the Winter that you won’t want to miss!

Here’s a few highlights:

* FREE Beginner’s Fly Tying- Saturday, January 9th and Monday, February 15th

* Basic Fly Tying Course- 1st session starts Wednesday, January 13th- 4 weeks- 7-9 p.m.

* Tuesday is “Ladies Night” starting on Tuesday, January 12th and running through March. Come shopping with softgoods manager Linda Farner. Enjoy some snacks, refreshments and 25% OFF. 5-8 p.m. and feel free to just “show up”.

* FREE Fly Tying Classes with the boys- Starts on Tuesday, January 12th and runs through March. 1st session with Brian Flechsig showing two of his favorite saltwater flies.

* Special Guest: Kelly Galloup- Sunday, February 7th- details TBA any moment!

* MRO at the “Columbus Fishing Expo”- February 12th- 14th at the Ohio Expo Center- discount coupons available at the shop

* F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour- Thursday, March 10th- proceeds to go to Reel Recovery


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

As you can expect, the Clearfork is blown out. Although not good news for the next few days or so, this IS good news for the start of 2016. We’ll let you know here as things change but for now…it’s still raining and the river is rising.

If we don’t report before the end of the week, nothing has changed and we hope that you all have a safe and Happy New Year!
Please check out our Calendar of Events as we have added a ton of Classes and Events for the Winter that you won’t want to miss!

Here’s a few highlights:

* FREE Beginner’s Fly Tying- Saturday, January 9th and Monday, February 15th

* Basic Fly Tying Course- 1st session starts Wednesday, January 13th- 4 weeks- 7-9 p.m.

* Tuesday is “Ladies Night” starting on Tuesday, January 12th and running through March. Come shopping with softgoods manager Linda Farner. Enjoy some snacks, refreshments and 25% OFF. 5-8 p.m. and feel free to just “show up”.

* FREE Fly Tying Classes with the boys- Starts on Tuesday, January 12th and runs through March. 1st session with Brian Flechsig showing two of his favorite saltwater flies.

* Special Guest: Kelly Galloup- Sunday, February 7th- details TBA any moment!

* MRO at the “Columbus Fishing Expo”- February 12th- 14th at the Ohio Expo Center- discount coupons available at the shop

* F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour- Thursday, March 10th- proceeds to go to Reel Recovery



Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Same story…broken record. Clear Creek is really blown and will be quite a few days if not next week before we get back down there to fish. We’ll let you know as things change.


If we don’t report before the end of the week, nothing has changed and we hope that you all have a safe and Happy New Year!
Please check out our Calendar of Events as we have added a ton of Classes and Events for the Winter that you won’t want to miss!

Here’s a few highlights:

* FREE Beginner’s Fly Tying- Saturday, January 9th and Monday, February 15th

* Basic Fly Tying Course- 1st session starts Wednesday, January 13th- 4 weeks- 7-9 p.m.

* Tuesday is “Ladies Night” starting on Tuesday, January 12th and running through March. Come shopping with softgoods manager Linda Farner. Enjoy some snacks, refreshments and 25% OFF. 5-8 p.m. and feel free to just “show up”.

* FREE Fly Tying Classes with the boys- Starts on Tuesday, January 12th and runs through March. 1st session with Brian Flechsig showing two of his favorite saltwater flies.

* Special Guest: Kelly Galloup- Sunday, February 7th- details TBA any moment!

* MRO at the “Columbus Fishing Expo”- February 12th- 14th at the Ohio Expo Center- discount coupons available at the shop

* F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour- Thursday, March 10th- proceeds to go to Reel Recovery



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Wow….we asked for water….and we got it! All steelhead streams in the region are seriously blown out and it will be many days if not more than a week before we get back out there again. As our guides have been saying the past few days…”This is the best news we have had all Fall.”

Rest assured that we’ll keep you informed as things change and when they do….look out…the fishing should be EPIC for the start of 2016.

If we don’t report before the end of the week, nothing has changed and we hope that you all have a safe and Happy New Year!
Please check out our Calendar of Events as we have added a ton of Classes and Events for the Winter that you won’t want to miss!

Here’s a few highlights:

* FREE Beginner’s Fly Tying- Saturday, January 9th and Monday, February 15th

* Basic Fly Tying Course- 1st session starts Wednesday, January 13th- 4 weeks- 7-9 p.m.

* Tuesday is “Ladies Night” starting on Tuesday, January 12th and running through March. Come shopping with softgoods manager Linda Farner. Enjoy some snacks, refreshments and 25% OFF. 5-8 p.m. and feel free to just “show up”.

* FREE Fly Tying Classes with the boys- Starts on Tuesday, January 12th and runs through March. 1st session with Brian Flechsig showing two of his favorite saltwater flies.

* Special Guest: Kelly Galloup- Sunday, February 7th- details TBA any moment!

* MRO at the “Columbus Fishing Expo”- February 12th- 14th at the Ohio Expo Center- discount coupons available at the shop

* F3T Fly Fishing Film Tour- Thursday, March 10th- proceeds to go to Reel Recovery




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

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



Fishing Reports- 12/23/15

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

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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

Bill Rice got this beauty last night on an Olive Wooly Bugger. Also caught a nice 18″ on his favorite….the Trophy Nymph.
Just a quick update here as we know folks have been calling and asking all day…..

The Mad did get a slight bump in flows but not really much to get too excited about. At least not for the streamer anglers out there who are chomping at the bit. The previous report still pretty much stands at this point although we are supposed to get another shot of rain tonight so stay tuned…things could change pretty quickly here. 

Did have some friends out today and they did well on small nymphs and of course you see that Bill had a good/great day yesterday.
If we don’t report tomorrow then nothing has changed…and again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all out there reading. Thanks for helping to make the 2015 season our best on record!!!

12/24/15- Update

Of course, as soon as we wrote the report last night it started raining and we DID finally get that push of water that we needed. The river is up pretty good and it should be game-on.

The upper parts of the river should fish tomorrow and the lower should come into shape on Saturday.

We’ll get a report up on Saturday to let you know what we hear and see.


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map


“Facebook Reporter” Eric Roth sent us some photos from the Upper Clearfork today. He said this push of water really turned things on. This is one of many nice fish to hand today.

The Clearfork definitely got the better of this precip in comparison with the Mad. The Upper fished very well today and we had many reports of the streamer bite being hot. Didn’t really seem to matter the color or size either but big articulated flies were rocking them. Black did seem to do well today with the overcast skies.

The lower did get a nice bump today also and should be looking good for tomorrow and into the weekend. This could be the weekend we have been waiting for up there. We did have a guide out on the water today but haven’t heard the report yet. Maybe his cell phone isn’t working?

There is of course more rain supposedly heading our way so we’ll see what happens overnight.
If we don’t report tomorrow then nothing has changed…and again, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all out there reading. Thanks for helping to make the 2015 season our best on record!!!

12/24/15 Update- 

The rain last night did hit the Clearfork pretty well and again, we have good water. The Upper came up again but should be fishing well this afternoon and into tomorrow. The lower is holding steady at where it was but likely that it will rise in the next few hours? If you are heading towards the park check the gauge 1st and if it does rise more today you might be better off in the Upper.

We’ll update on Saturday when we get back in the shop and let you know what we hear and see.


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek is up and muddy right now. Probably about a foot to foot and a half up so it is out of the equation for a few days. Did get some reports today from the past few and fishing has been pretty slow down there. Hopefully this water will help.

We’ll try to get a report up as things change but if we don’t…Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all out there reading. Thanks for helping to make the 2015 season our best on record!!!



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Some good news for a change for Steelhead Anglers! Rain…and quite a bit of it….in spots.

Here is what we know at this point but keep in mind that we have more rain coming tonight.

The Vermilion didn’t really budge. It’s still not on the radar at this point and although we continue to scout it periodically, we are not seeing many if any fish on most outings. 

The Rocky came up nice but is dropping right back down. As we speak now it will fish tomorrow and will be right back down and low again. The Chargin about the same. It’s a bit higher and more off color than the Rocky but it is fishable and should be nice and “swingable” tomorrow.

The Grand and Conneaut are both blown and will be for a few days here. Good news is that it could be a banner weekend for both. This could be the weekend we have been dreaming of all Fall!!!

We didnn’t get eyes on the Ashtabula today but from the looks of conditions out East it is probably out for at least a day or more. 

Again keep in mind that there is more precip headed our way so things could change yet again tomorrow. We’ll try to get a quick update posted before we leave tomorrow. We will be in the shop until at least 6:00 p.m. tomorrow night and remember that Gift Certificates can be e-mailed for last minute stocking stuffers!

12/24/15 Update-

Rains last night did affect most streams and again, once we get back out there, the last week of the year will probably be the best fishing of the season!!!

The Vermilion did come up a bit but still below normal flows. Nothing to get excited about yet but a step in the right direction.

The Rocky and Chagrin did bump up again last night but are coming back down today. They should be in fishable shape tomorrow and look great for Saturday.

Pretty much the same for Conneuat although it didn’t bump up last night so the rains were more concentrated around Cleveland. It is coming down and may fish tomorrow and for sure on Saturday.

Steelhead anglers in the region have gotten the best Christmas gift ever……water!!!!

We’ll check-in on Saturday.



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

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

Fishing Reports- 12/18/15

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

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


Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map


The Mad is as low and clear as we have ever seen it this time of year. At least in recent memory. It is approaching scary status. The little bit of precip that we have gotten has hardly been a blip on the radar. 

With the weather we have been having though there have been quite a few folks out in the last week or so. Despite the horrible conditions, we have been getting some decent reports. 

A few folks reported fishing the upper river near West Liberty and catching quite a few fish, including some nice ones, on Blue Winged Olive dries, stating that they had to go really small to get the fish to eat. Like size 22 small. Also some reports of good surface activity on Mac-O-Chee with fish rising to midges.

Midge fishing should remain good, especially in the upper river and on the warmer sunny days. Just might surprise you how good the dry fly fishing CAN be in the winter months. Always be armed with midge larva though for sub-surface if nothing rising. This time of year the fish are gorging themselves on #16-20 midge larva.

The lower river has been ok with most reports of fish being caught on nymphs. Pretty much the same story…either go really big and attractor-like or go small with Copper Johns, Pheasant Tails or midge larva.

Streamer fishing, although always a good choice for the Mad has been off this Fall. No question, and it’s surely due to the lack of water. Not that you can’t catch fish, you just might want to go a bit smaller with your flies. Muddlers, Matukas and Bucktails will probably out perform the big stuff that we are used to throwing. We have also been hearing that the more natural colors are out performing the bright stuff which makes sense with the water levels.

Streamer fishing has been best in the lower river and you need to seek out the deeper pools and runs. Look for dark water and there should be fish there. 

Hopefully we’ll get a report up next week but if not, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that. Thanks for reading and most of all for supporting an independently owned, local specialty retailer. We truly appreciate it!


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Customer and angler Steve Katona from the Upper Clearfork a little over a week ago!

The Clearfork has actually been fishing pretty well despite the low water season we are having. It may well be the best trout fishing in the state right now and should hold up here for a while.

The Upper in particular has produced some really nice fish the past three or four weeks, as you see above. Most activity has been on standard, #14-16 nymphs but a few folks reporting good catches on Wooly Buggers and in particular White Streamers. White has always been a good color on the Clearfork and seems that the fish have been responding. Try a #4-8 White Wooly Bugger or a White Zonker.

The lower has been decent also but most reports are of the recently stocked fish. They have been rising pretty steadily to small dries, midges and soft hackles fished on or near the surface. Haven’t heard about any of the larger fish being caught but they are surely there. Probably best to walk a bit away from the covered bridge and look for deeper runs. The water is super low of course so you may have to walk a bit but it should be worth your time.

Most likely the smaller streamers will produce but try stripping a big articulated fly though some of these holes and see what happens. Someone is going to be rewarded here shortly. Send a pic! 

Hopefully we’ll get a report up next week but if not, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that. Thanks for reading and most of all for supporting an independently owned, local specialty retailer. We truly appreciate it!



Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek is getting dangerously low and the fishing the past week or so has been really tough. Of course some folks are catching some of the recent stockers on small dry flies but not much else reported here. You can also catch a few fish with small nymphs in the deeper holes.

Not much to report on streamers though. Just not really enough water to work them…maybe as you get closer down to the Hocking but have not heard any reports of anyone trying.

Fishing here will continue to be tough until we get some water, but it’s still a beautiful place to visit this time of year.

Hopefully we’ll get a report up next week but if not, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that. Thanks for reading and most of all for supporting an independently owned, local specialty retailer. We truly appreciate it!



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Angler and new friend Erek Fink was out with Josh last week fishing with his new Scott A4 that he bought on the Cyber Monday Sale. 

Tough conditions just getting tougher here as each dry day goes by. Things are not looking good for steelheaders in the region….at least until we get a really good stretch of rain.

We have had guides out it he past week, and they are catching some fish as you have seen if you follow along, but even they are telling us to warn folks before booking.

The Grand was the hot ticket as you have read in previous reports but even it is getting to the point where it is questionable. Sounds strange to say….the Grand is almost too low to fish.

The boys had been having a blast swinging up fish with Intruders and 2-handed rods but that has given way to dead drifting below an indicator. If you do go, be sure to have plenty of nymphs and eggs and stick with the more subdued colors. The water is so clear everywhere that we have seen fish shying away from the bright stuff.

All this being said and there are still some guys out there doing pretty well. One angler reporting catching a mess of fish on size 16 nymphs and 5X Tippet. He said that’s all he could fish that they didn’t shy away from.

Also reports, of course, of plenty of fish in Elk Creek but it is dangerously low and the crowds will probably be Epic here due to the holidays. We did have some folks report though that they were catching fish though and on eggs, blue eggs in particular seemed to be hot for whatever reason.

We can tell you that we know quite a few anglers/guides who have given up on the rivers and are out on the lake. They are doing extremely well and catching tons of fresh fish. Most of our fish are still out in the lake so no question…the best is yet to come. We do of course have guides with boats and anyone interested in giving this a try let us know! Can be a ton of fun fishing big streamers and sinking lines.

Please pray for rain!!! If we get some, with this weather we are haivng, the fishing should be excellent through the winter.

Thanks for reading and be sure to click on the “Steelhead Central” page to view the gauge heights, view maps and for some links to “Cool Steelhead Stuff” on our web page.

Hopefully we’ll get a report up next week but if not, have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all that. Thanks for reading and most of all for supporting an independently owned, local specialty retailer. We truly appreciate it!



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

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

Untitled Blogger post

Erie Steelhead- mid week update

Gauge Links and Maps

Our friend and customer Hiroshi Yanagase from over the weekend. One happy angler there!


Thought we’d drop a mid-week report with what we are hearing from up North. 

The push of water DID bring some fish in..no question, and fishing was pretty hot for quite a few folks we have heard from.  We are finding nice fresh fish and larger fish in most of the streams but there are still mostly concentrated in the lower rivers. Of course not that you can’t find fish upstream, but the greater numbers are still closer to the lake. 

Just as quickly as a few of the streams came up though, they are now right back down to where they were. Most of our guides are telling us that not much changed…..still alot of shad and baitfish and not alot of green water yet. Fish are being caught, but still tough to very tough conditions. These little bursts of rain or runoff are just not enough. We need a prolonged “storm”.

The Grand is the hot ticket, no question. It was a bit blown over the weekend but right back down and the guides were back on it Monday and yesterday. They had been on the Ash but it is now back down to virtually un-fishable. The Conneaut did come up but was back down by Sunday, much quicker than anticipated and is now pretty much too low to get excited about. The Chagrin is do-able, and there are fish there but you’ll be pretty shocked at how low it is again if you go. The Rocky pretty much the same. Some fish are being caught in both mind you of course, but the holes with water are pretty much shoulder-to-shoulder. The Vermilion is a waste of time. Again had folks scouting over the weekend and nothing to report. They had to get out binoculars to find water!!!

Swinging flies with 2-handed rods continues to produce again the past few days. Ryan here at the shop has been twisting up some custom Intruders for the boys and they have been crushing nice fish on the swing. Pretty cool to be getting this action at this time of year. We have also had folks reporting fish chasing streamers which is a testament to the warmer weather. Did get some fish to respond to Egg patterns the past few days. The “Peachy Cream” and the Oregon Chees scrambled egg have been good in particular but that’s usually the case. Nymphs will of course produce fish as well but stick with the more subdued and smaller stuff…..Black Stones, Bloody Marys, Pheasant Tails etc. Fish seem to be shying away from the brighter stuff which makes sense with the clear water.

We do have guides out the next few days and we’ll try to get a report up on Friday before the weekend.


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

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

Fishing Reports- 12/4/15

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

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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

Frequent contributor Joe Olivas with a a nice little brown from the Mac-O-Chee earlier this week.

The Mad did get a nice bump in flows with the rain early last weekend but is right back down to where it was. On the low side. That being said we have been getting some decent reports this week. 

The Upper river as well as a few of the feeders have seen some decent dry fly activity on midges. For sure have some with you, especially if you are up North. If the dries aren’t on you MUST have midge larva and small nymphs. Of course, the fish are gorging themselves on #18-20 midge larva so have some Brassies or Red Midge Larva and fish them along the bottom below an indicator. Also reports of smaller attractor nymphs like Copper John’s working well especially in the red and chartreuse varieties.

The middle and the lower river have mostly seen fish caught on nymphs. Either go really small or really big. The midges and small attractors will work but don’t overlook the larger stuff like Craneflies, Bitch Creeks or Big Nasties etc. You could be rewarded! We are still looking for our Fall “Streamer Season” to kick-in but that’s not to say that you can’t catch a fish on a streamer. Just might want to go with something a little smaller and go a little lighter on the tippet. Smaller buggers, muddlers and the like can catch some fish for sure. Again, not to say to leave the sink-tips and articulated flies at home but still not yet “game-on” for the big stuff like we are used to this time of year.

Let’s hope for a couple of days of good rain in the next week or so. Fishing will remain good on the Mad of course through the winter but some water would help.

Thanks for reading and we should be in touch next week.


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map


The Clearfork did get some water last weekend and a bit here during the week. The upper was not affected much but the lower did get a bump yesterday afternoon. Not much but should be enough to turn things on for the weekend.

Although we have had some decent reports from the upper stretch, you will probably see a few of us on the lower this weekend. Things should get cranking pretty good there with a chance at some larger fish.

If you see fish rising, it is probably the recent little guys that they put in and they will be eating midges and pupa at or on the surface. The larger fish will come more on nymphs and streamers. Might even consider an egg/nymph dropper rig. That often produces decent results this time of year. Throwing a bit streamer through some of the deeper holes is a pretty good idea also.

Get away from the covered bridge and you’ll probably do better, especially if you are looking for a bigger fish.

Stay tuned and let us know how you are doing out there! We’d love to get some customer Clearfork photos up here!


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map


A bit of precip this week did turn things on a bit but the Clear Creek is still pretty dang low. Not low enough to stay home but just not what we are used to this time of year. We are mostly fishing small nymphs and streamers and catching a few fish. Nothing much though reported this week other than the usual 9-11″ variety.

With the weather predicted this weekend you should see some surface activity on midges. This can be a blast on this small creek. Have some Griffith’s Gnats, Bryan/Ryan Midges and the like. If you don’t see fish rising, try some small midge larva below the surface.

Of course, dragging a small streamer through some of the deeper pools would be your best shot at a larger fish, especially as you get closer to where it dumps into the Hocking.

Thanks for reading and we’ll stay in touch!


Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Angler Fred Rosenberg from Cleveland on a guide trip today with Josh

Good news and bad news for what appears to be a popular weekend for steelheaders. Wow we have had some traffic the past couple of days both in the shop and on the phone. Alot of folks heading out for steel this weekend. We appreciate you all checking with us and stocking up!!!

We did get some precip the past day or so and it has brought the streams up. Also precip combined with some snow melt today and things are looking up. The good news is that the water is more plentiful than last weekend and looks like we have fish moving.

The bad news is that the Grand and Conneaut are out for a couple of days and on the rest of the tribs we didn’t quite get enough and what it did was bring a bunch of leaves off the banks and choke the water a bit. Several of our guides today said the leaf matter today looked like the 3rd week of October! Made it hard to swing a fly so the method of the day was nymphs and eggs under an indicator. 

The Vermilion and Rocky are still pretty low. Anglers scouting the Vermilion are just not finding fish yet and pretty much haven’t all Fall. The Rocky of course has a few here and there but has not been on fire as of yet. Same with the Chagrin,  although it did come up a bit, and was hot earlier, we are not hearing of big numbers of fish.

The Grand is out for the weekend and will be early to mid next week before it fishes…maybe a pinch earlier but surely out for the weekend. The Conneuat may fish on Sunday but we’ll see. If we don’t get a report up, please give us a call. Regardless, when they do fish, it could be EPIC!

Hot picks this weekend might be the Elk, which of course has alot of fish and fresh fish, if you are willing to fight the crowds. The other would be the Ashtabula if you are willing to fight the leaves that this rain brought off the banks.

We did hear from guides this week that although your standard fare nymphs were working, they were starting to find some fish eager to slam egg patterns. Typical…go with more subdued colors in clear water and brighter colors in stained water. Good sign though if they are willing to take eggs….more fish in the system.

We’ll try to throw a Steelhead Update here on the Blog as we know but if we don’t….feel free to give a call. We have guides on the water daily right now and customers in-and-out so we are keeping close watch.

Thanks for reading and be sure to click on the “Steelhead Central” page to view the gauge heights, view maps and for some links to “Cool Steelhead Stuff” on our web page.



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

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

Fishing Reports- 11/25/15

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

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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

Glad to be up and running again with our Fishing Reports. As you have probably read, we were unable to update due to the website being modified this Fall. We have now moved everything over to this Blog and we hope that you will sign-up to follow us here. You’ll then be notified every time we update. Please also click the link back to the old reports page as we will be keeping the history there as a fishing reports “archive”……oh……and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at MRO!! Be sure to stop in this weekend for “Black Friday” weekend and if not, hit the website for “Cyber Monday/21st Anniversary”.

Our buddy Phil Ritter just this morning on the Mad. Was caught on a size 16 Chartreuse Copper John. Measured at just under 18″. Beautiful Fall colors!

Although some folks have been getting out on the Mad and doing pretty well….it’s been a tough Fall, to say the least. As is the story everywhere in Ohio the river is super low and clear and has been for some time. We can only hope that this weather pattern changes and we get some water. The good news is that the leaves have pretty much cleared out and less of an issue like they have been for about a month. You still may have some issues on a windy day but much less from here on out.

Our Fall streamer season has been pretty non-existent. Yes, of course a few nice fish have been caught, but this has been in deeper holes in the lower river. If you want to fish streamers, you may consider going to a smaller, non-articulated fly. In these types of conditions the smaller stuff CAN work a bit better than the larger, “Kelly Style” flies, but of course you never know until you try.

We did have some decent Blue Winged Olive and Pseudo fishing during October, mostly in the upper river and it was technical stuff….but fun. From here on out if you do see any rising it will probably be to midges. Have some Griffith’s Gnats, Brian/Ryan and I.C.S.I. dries along just in case. Small midge larva bounced along the bottom will produce good number of fish all winter, the fishes bellies are full of them. Try a red midge larva and see what happens.

Other than that, nymphing will be the way to go for sure. Either go really small with the midges or go big with a Cranefly or big attractor type. Fish them slow under an indicator, be stealthy, and you can still catch fish.

Speaking of Indicators…have you seen the new Air Lock Indicators? Best we have found….hands down.

Thanks for reading and we’ll try to update again next week. Pray for rain!


Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Glad to be up and running again with our Fishing Reports. As you have probably read, we were unable to update due to the website being modified this Fall. We have now moved everything over to this Blog and we hope that you will sign-up to follow us here. You’ll then be notified every time we update. Please also click the link back to the old reports page as we will be keeping the history there as a fishing reports “archive”……oh……and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at MRO!! Be sure to stop in this weekend for “Black Friday” weekend and if not, hit the website for “Cyber Monday/21st Anniversary”.

The Clearfork has been the sleeper this Fall. Especially the past few weeks. We have seen some excellent fish caught in the upper stretch, mostly on nymphs, but some really excellent 16-19″ fish. The lower is yet to show us much like this but there are plenty of smaller fish swimming around and pretty eager to eat a fly.

As with the rest of Ohio, the Clearfork is super low but the fishing has remained decent. Most reports have been that small nymphs like Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails have been working well. Also arm yourself with some midges if you go. There have been some reports of dry fly activity down in the park and the fish have been eating small midge dries on the surface.

Not much to report yet about streamer success but that should change here this week…especially if we get some water. There should be a bunch of bigger fish swimming around (if you know what happens this time of year) and they will jump on streamers. If the big stuff doesn’t produce with the low water, go to bucktails or muddlers and see what happens.

If we get some rain this weekend, it could REALLY turn on!



Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Glad to be up and running again with our Fishing Reports. As you have probably read, we were unable to update due to the website being modified this Fall. We have now moved everything over to this Blog and we hope that you will sign-up to follow us here. You’ll then be notified every time we update. Please also click the link back to the old reports page as we will be keeping the history there as a fishing reports “archive”……oh……and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at MRO!! Be sure to stop in this weekend for “Black Friday” weekend and if not, hit the website for “Cyber Monday/21st Anniversary”.

Looks like the flow gauge has not been working for a few days but trust us…the water is low! Pretty low even for this time of year. The temp gauge does seem to be accurate though. There are still quite a few leaves choking the system and we are of course in need of a blowout….let’s hope it happens soon!

With the cooler temps this week though we have seen the fish moving into their winter hangouts. It doesn’t take long in this small stream to find the fish….look for deeper, darker runs and pools and they will be there. Also look for rock slabs, boulders and wood. Working these areas with nymphs will not disappoint but don’t overlook a small streamer if the leaves are not presenting a problem. Standard nymphs like Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears and Copper Johns have been working but lean towards the smaller…#16-18 variety.

There has been a good midge hatch during the warmth of the sunny afternoons and we have had some reports of fish rising to them. A few decent fish caught on dry flies the past few weeks. Overcast days have been seeing some Blue Winged Olives, size 20-22 but they will surely subside as the temps cool further here. We should see the midge activity continue though so have some Griffit’s Gnats, Brian/Ryans and such as well as some midge larva for below the surface. Red midge larva, Brassies and Disco Midges will catch fish all winter.

Thanks for reading and we’ll stay in touch!

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Glad to be up and running again with our Fishing Reports. As you have probably read, we were unable to update due to the website being modified this Fall. We have now moved everything over to this Blog and we hope that you will sign-up to follow us here. You’ll then be notified every time we update. Please also click the link back to the old reports page as we will be keeping the history there as a fishing reports “archive”……oh……and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at MRO!! Be sure to stop in this weekend for “Black Friday” weekend and if not, hit the website for “Cyber Monday/21st Anniversary”.

Ron Martino with his 1st Ohio Steelhead…and on the swing! Guide trip with Josh on Monday 11/23


Unfortunately, for our belated 1st report of the season, there is not a ton to report. With the low water and un-seasonably warm Fall we have had, it has been a tough start to the season. Don’t get us wrong, we ARE catching some fish, but not in the numbers we are used to and we are having to work/walk a little extra this year. The good news now is that the leaves are pretty well out of the system with the exception of the smaller streams like the Ashtabula and the Vermilion which are still in desperate need of a blowout. The water is also starting to “green-up” for the winter and that’s always a good sign. The East side of Cleveland did get some snow the past few nights, and that may help a little…..but boy….do we need rain.

The hot spots have surely been the Grand and the Chagrin although reports have the fish mostly still down towards the mouths and have not moved much past Painesville or above Daniels. We have been doing pretty well on the Grand the past week but the problem is the crowds. Josh had to get on the water at 5:30 a.m. the other day just to hold a spot for his clients. When we have gotten water, the Conneaut has actually been on fire, but then right back down to mediocre with the water levels. The Rocky has been sporadic and for most has been a disappointment although we did get some reports of decent catches there the past few days, including a few big browns. The Vermilion is pretty much flowing upstream….you could walk across it and not get wet!

The PA streams of course have fish in them and folks are catching a few but it’s tough….and top that off with the crowds it makes for a questionable outing at best. Some decent fishing up in New York and the Catt but they are also in need of rain in a big way.

Our guides are reporting that they have been doing surprisingly well swinging baitfish patterns on the Grand. Also drifting some smaller Emerald Shiner type patters under an indicator with some success. The Skiddish Smolt pattern and the Ice Man Minnow in the Olive/Yellow color have both been top choices. Small white wooly buggers have also been producing fish…..stripped or swung with warmer temps and drifted in colder. A few folks reporting that nymphs have done pretty well. Of course our favorite Brer Possum, Bloody Marys and the Fly Formerly Known as Prince always do well for us. All of our guides are saying that streamers and nymphs are far out performing egg patterns right now but that should change here with the weather and as we get more fish in the system.

Thanks for reading and be sure to click on the “Steelhead Central” page to view the gauge heights, view maps and for some links to “Cool Steelhead Stuff” on our web page.



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

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