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Ohio Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports 2/3/17

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

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

Thanks as always for reading our reports friends. As the weather gets more conducive we should be reporting more regularly….but we need your HELP!

Send any and all reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we’ll do our best to get them up.


* Find us at the “Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show” on Saturday! Brian and Roger will be manning the booth and have a ton of great deals on Rods, Reels and a variety of other gear. If you are at the show, be sure to stop by the booth and shop around! 


Click Here for more details on the show!


* Also a reminder that next weekend is the “Columbus Fishing Expo” in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center. MRO will have a HUGE presence this year and will be showcasing Scientific Anglers, Korkers, Smithfly and more. Also on hand in the booth will be local angling celebrities like Jerry Darkes, Jeff Lisky, Donnie Knight, Josh McQueen, Ethan Smith and more. 


Of course, don’t miss Brian Flechsig’s presentations on the “Hawg Trough”-


2:00 p.m. Friday
Noon- Saturday
Noon- Sunday


(Nice to see the Fly Fishing Program get some decent time slots for a change)


Click Here for more details on the Expo!


* For the weekend look for typical winter conditions…below freezing night temps and hovering around freezing for the day time highs.  Looking at the flows around the state most streams are clear with a few on the low side.  There are been people fishing around and having success.  Also there have been a large bump in fly tying materials going out the door.  If the cold is not for you then it is a great time to fill your fly boxes or try tying some new patterns.  



Mad River

The Mad is currently very clear with stable conditions for the past week.  Nymphing has been the ticket as usual this time of the year.  The typical nymphs are our go to choices: Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, Cranefly Larva, Trophy Nymphs, Copper Johns, Double Stones, Zud Bug, Phlamin Pheasants.  Do not overlook some of the non-typcials from your steelhead box also: Formally Known as Prince, Flashabou Caddis, Great Lakes Caddis, Psycho Prince, and Steelhead Candy.  These heavier nymphs will help get your rig down and we usually trail an unweighted nymph in a different color.  Trailing nymphs that are usually on our guide rigs are non beaded pheasant tails, Hares Ear, San Juan, Prince, Sunk Spinners, and Soft Hackles.  Pull out the 10′ 3-5wts, Air Lock Indicators, a few shot, tippet rings, Stanleys Ice Off Paste and add your double nymph rig and head out.  

No sign of any winter stoneflies yet but surely time to start fishing the nymphs. A #12 or #14 Black Copper John works just fine and is all you need. Also time to start tying some Hendrickson Nymphs as they will begin to get active and be on the menu here starting in March.

There is some rain in the forecast for early next week.  This could fire up the Streamer bite. Shoot us a call if you need a mid winter streamer fix and we will keep you updated on conditions.  

Our buddy Cody Darling sent this report last week:

“Caught two brown trout while streamer fishing the mad on Saturday, after visiting the shop on Friday and talking to Andy and Ryan they helped me pick out streamers that would catch fish. The water had a slight tint and was perfect for streamer fishing. Thanks for the help!”- 
Cody Darling

Thanks Cody! Keep up the good work.

Clearfork River

There have not been too many reports from the Clear Fork way, but the conditions do look promising for the weekend.  The Upper Clear Fork is low with fish in typical wintering areas. Nymphs also are the ticket here.  The typical nymphs are our go to choices: Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, Cranefly Larva, Trophy Nymphs, Copper Johns, Double Stones, Zud Bug, Phlamin Pheasants.  Do not overlook some of the non-typcials from your steelhead box also: Formally Known as Prince, Flashabou Caddis, Great Lakes Caddis, Psycho Prince, and Steelhead Candy.  These heavier nymphs will help get your rig down and we usually trail an unweighted nymph in a different color.  Trailing nymphs that are usually on our guide rigs are non beaded pheasant tails, Hares Ear, San Juan, Prince, Sunk Spinners, and Soft Hackles.  Pull out the 10′ 3-5wts, Air Lock Indicators, a few shot, tippet rings, Stanleys Ice Off Paste and add your double nymph rig and head out.  

The water levels below the dam look good for some streamer fishing over the weekend.  Load your box with Kelly Galloup patterns in a good mix of colors and design.  You cannot go wrong with Dungeons, Barely Legals, Bottums Up, Cougars, and others.  Pull out the 6-8wts, sink tips, and stripping guards for some winter streamer excitement.  

A report from last week sent via e-mail:

“Hello MRO. I escaped to the outside for a few hours on the Upper Clearfork yesterday (1/29). I was well rewarded for dealing with cold and icy guides with a good fish, caught swinging a muddy buddy through the deep water.”-  Sam Hojnacki

Clear Creek
Clear Creek is running very low and clear.  Fish can still be taken, but the water may start to slush up in the mornings as the night temps push below freezing.  


Mostly like on the Mad nymphing will be the most productive, but do not forget your midge box. With the stable water levels and Sun forecasted this weekend you might get a small window to catch fish on dry midges.  Tenkara rods are great anywhere, but shine on Clear Creek and in the winter.  
Erie Steelhead
The steelhead streams look great at the time of this report!  From the Vermilion to the PA boarder there are fish in and well dispersed.  The grand is still high so stay away unless you are swinging big flies on heavy tips and know the water very well.  Many people have been planning to make it up to the Alley this weekend.  Look for typical winter conditions and indicator fishing eggs and nymphs.  There is no need to get out at first light with the night time temps being below freezing.  The 10am-3pm window is the most productive.  There is some rain coming in early next week so check in with us for up to date conditions if we don’t post. 

 We have a couple open spots in the guiding schedule so make sure you jump on those as they are filling fast!   

Interested in a guide trip this coming Spring Season?

Our guides can provide most equipment and are available most any time.

Click HERE for information and pricing on an Erie Steelhead Trip.


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

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

Fishing Reports- 12/2/16

* 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

Thanks as always for reading our reports friends. As the weather gets more conducive we should be reporting more regularly….but we need your HELP!

Send any and all reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we’ll do our best to get them up.


In the News


Special THANKS to all who participated in the “Black Friday” through “Cyber Monday” promotions. We had our biggest Holiday Weekend by far in our 22 + year history. We truly appreciate the support!

* Just another reminder that we are OPEN Sundays from Noon- 5:00 p.m. now through Chrstmas. We will also be running “Sunday Specials” which will be available in the shop or the online store. Watch Facebook and here on the Blog for the details each week.

* Should be posted shortly but we ARE participating in the Orvis promo this month- buy a Helios 2 rod and get a FREE Hydros SL fly reel. We should have the details on the website within the next day or so but if you just can’t wait…give us a call. We’ll get you the FREE reel with the purchase.

* Also a reminder as you shop this Holiday Season- Mad River Outfitters will always meet or beat any price that you find out there and ALL competitors coupons always welcome! Any questions don’t hesitate to give us a call.

* Brian has a few spots OPEN on the Bonefish Trip in February- 

You get to Andros Island and we’ll do the rest! Our 18th season at the Andros Island Bonefish Club.

Click Here for details and pricing on this trip

Here’s a quick video teaser on the trip as well:



* Linda wanted us to also remind you to tell the gals-
“Ladies Night” is coming up on Tuesday! 5-9 p.m.

Click Here for the details


Mad River

Not alot exciting to report. We have pretty much been writing this same report for almost 6 months now. It’s just a bit colder now.

The intermittent rains have not done much for the Mad. The drought is taking it’s toll and fishing continues to be tough. We desperately need a few solid days of rain before anything is really going to change.

That being said, we have had a few folks out catching some fish. Most fish have been the smaller fish from the Spring or Fall stocking but a handful of nicer fish. Most have been on nymphs or small streamers.

The good news is that the leaves are not hindering fishing like they were during November. That’s a plus.

The fish are eating tons and tons of midge larva right now. If you just want to catch a few fish, #16-20 red or natural midge larva patterns will do the trick. If you are looking for a larger fish, go with something bigger like a Cranefly Larva or a Bitch Creek, Big Nasty etc. A rig that has been producing fish the past few weeks is a Cranefly Larva with a #14-16 Green Soft Hackle behind it. Try putting some Frog’s Fanny on the soft hackle. It will get their attention.

A few folks catching some fish on smaller streamers in the shallow water but it does seem as if we are getting screwed out of our Fall Streamer season. A big push of water and that could change in a heartbeat, but as of now, nothing to report.

Here’s an e-mail that we got from our new friend from Colorado:

“Just wanted to say thank you to Brian (if I remember right), who helped me at the shop there on Saturday. He told me to fish the Mad river where the river runs under the 55 bridge near Urbana. I went downstream from there and caught a few small browns using the flies he sold me there in the shop. I fished a green soft hackle below a crane fly using an indicator rig and all the fish hit the green soft hackle. I saw a few bigger fish (in the 10 lb range) swimming in some of the deeper holes but I wasn’t sure if they were browns. They looked more like carp to me but I wasn’t sure if carp are even in the system there. One big fish did flash after I hooked a smaller trout and it looked like a big brown to me. Just thought I would give you a quick report and say thanks for making my visit from Colorado a good one.” – Jeff Marlo

Clearfork River

The lower stretch of the Clearfork did fish fairly well over the weekend. We did hear some reports of both nymphs and streamers producing some decent fish. Also egg patterns did the trick for several.


They were releasing some water to bring Pleasant Hill Lake to “Winter Pool’ but that seems to have slowed as the week has gone on and it is looking pretty low as we speak. Still better than Summer flows but not what it was last weekend and earlier in the week.


The Upper river is still very low and most reports have fishing as challenging. As most elsewhere in the state, we are in dire need of water. Not that you can’t go catch a fish or two but we just haven’t had any reports of anything other than recent stockers being caught in the upper.


Go fish and prove us wrong and if you do….send a pic!


Hopefully we get some rain here and can get some trout fishing in on the Clearfork before the end of the year.


Clear Creek
Clear Creek is of course also low and clear but fishing has been ok. We have had a few anglers down there this week and they are catching trout. Nothing to write home about but they are there and willing to eat. You just need to be a bit stealthy!

Most reports have fish eating nymphs. No reports of any surface activity and the water is a bit too low to really concentrate on streamer fishing. If you did, you might throw smaller more traditional stuff on longer leaders.

The leaves are pretty well down and not as much a problem as in November but we still need to get the water up to push them all the way out of the system.

If you get out there, let us know how you do.

Erie Steelhead
The big news this week has been Steelhead fishing in Ohio! It has come a bit late but it does seem like thiings are busting wide open, especially here this week. We have had tons of good to excellent reports and several anglers reporting 20+ fish days. A few guide trips this week did VERY well. Pretty much everyone reporting that the best fishing is from the Chagrin and East.

Happy angler on a guide trip 11/3016 with Josh McQueen

The Vermilion right now is in the same shape that it has been in all season. Virtually a trickle and super clear. Nothing to report in the West as of yet but a good push of water could change this in a heartbeat. It just hasn’t rained at all West of Cleveland.

The Rocky has some fish in it for sure but is on the low side right now.

The Chagrin is looking good and has been fishing good to excellent. Guide trip there this week did extremely well and they found fish throughout the system.

The Grand is a bit up today but should fish well this weekend. Most reports have the largest population of fish downstream of Painesville but with this second push of water this week they should be fairly well spread out.

The Ashtabula and Conneaut are also a bit up but should shape up nice for the weekend. They both have lenty of fish throughout and all phases of fish from fresh to post spawn. The further East you go the more you get a mix of the Manistee and Pa fish and it shows in these two right now. 

Elk Creek of course has tons of fish in it but has also been very crowded. Certainly can catch some fish if you are willing to fight the crowds.

Egg patterns have been the hot ticket this week for sure. If the water has been stained we have been doing well on Steelhead Orange and Bright Pink and as the water clears switching to Cheese and lighter, more subdued colors. A few fish taken on nymphs of course but the bulk has been on eggs. Also a few reports of fish slamming swung flies and streamers which makes sense with all the bright fish we have seen this week.

All in all, seems like December is going to be a great month for steelheading here in Ohio.

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


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- 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

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