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ohio fly fishing

Fishing Reports- 4/13/18

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

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

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

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

Warmwater

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

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

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

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

Mad River


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


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


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


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

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

Click Here to check out our early season Hatch Matching flies



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


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

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


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

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


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


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


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


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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


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


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





Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps



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


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


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


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



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

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

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

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

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



Fishing Reports- 3/16/18

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Mad River


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

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

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

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

Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall…..as usual.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  We run these all season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.

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

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


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

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


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

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

Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall…..as usual.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  We run these all season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.

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


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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


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


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


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


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





Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

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

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



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


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



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

Seasonal Tactics:
You will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  These lines offer you the best line control and short roll casting ease.

Our go to rods are 10′ single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range.  On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Do not overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s especially for those low clear flows.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-3x fluorocarbon.

The typical rig for swinging flies will consist of a switch rod in the 10’6″-11’9″ 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not have the proper guidance so make sure to also give us a call for advice!  For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a Rio or SA sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will be ready to find those “grabby” fish fresh out of the “Big Lake.”

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

Fishing Reports- 1/26/18

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

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


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


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


Jaunuary 2018 Peacock Bass Trip- Brazil

The
2018 Peacock Bass Group pictured here with host Brian Flechsig, Guides
and Camp host Alejandro Caures. The group landed 1284 peacock bass
during the week and had a blast as always. They were right on the
equator on a river called the Xeuiriuni. Tons of footage and photos to
come…….

 
Shane Chamberlin from Robinson Creek, Kentucky with the fish of the trip. Just over 19lbs on the Boga!


2019 Peacock Bass in Brazil

January 12th- 19th

host Ryan Ratliff

Click Here for the pricing and details!
Next Up!- Andros Island Bonefish!
February 17th- 24th
host Pat Kelly
Should be posting reports as they come in from Andros. Stay tuned……
 

Now back to reality…….
Our 1st report of 2018 as pretty much everything has been locked up…..but things are chaning a bit here for the better.
Wow
what a crazy winter it has been so far.  Everything started out low
then it seems like overnight rains came that turned directly into over a
month of arctic conditions.  The past month has been a crazy roller
coaster of temps too.  We have had everything from -6 to pushing 60 and
heavy snow to heavy rain.  We are all dealing with cabin fever and
hoping for stable weather…but it is still winter in Ohio!  These past
few warm ups have been welcome though.  Fishing is still limited
to Trout and Steelhead for the most part but if you do happen to find
good water locally let us know!


Mad River


There
were a couple times that the lower river had slush and even reports of a
few spots of anchor ice forming, but the Mad as usual, produced through
the cold. The river is dropping from the snow melt and looks to be a decent weekend. 

Those
nymphing have been the most successful.  Double nymph rigs with a heavy
tungsten beaded fly and then a smaller unweighted nymph is our usual
setup.  We start with a black Double Stone, Cranefly larva, or jig nymph
and then follow that with a small soft hackle like the Purple Haze or a
Peasant Tail, Prince, or Hares Ear.     This rig does not differ too
much from other times of the year just make sure you are dropping down
in size for your flies.  Fishing this rig with a long slow drift has
been a must.  For those giving the tight line nymphing techniques a try
they have found it much easier to deal with the cold air temps.  With
only leader material out of the rod ice in your guides is not much of a
problem.  Also make sure to always have one black pattern on your rig in
the 10-14 range.  This is the time of the year we start seeing our
Little Black Stones/Winter Stones.

Streamers have also been a
choice for those finding those small windows of ideal conditions.  It
seems that all of us streamer junkies have been itching to get out. 
Individuals who have kept an eye out for dropping flows after some rain
have been rewarded.  Mini Dungeons, full sized Dungeons, Bottom Up,
Cougars, and other have been very productive.  This past week has also
produced some nice fish on streamers and will continue into the
weekend. 
 

Seasonal Tactics:
Nymphing
is the key this time of the year.  For this we like to fish long rods,
indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you
cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN,
Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to
name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very
productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the
Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to
build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two
Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t
forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.

Flies to have right now are
nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear,
Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the
Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  As we move further into winter
conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formerly Known
as Prince, and Shop Dips to name a few.

Streamer fishing into the
winter will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.  This window
is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields
look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just
means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  When the conditions
hover around freezing ice in the guides is just something that we deal
with.  Stanley’s Ice off Paste helps along with tapping the grip of the
rod to shake off the excess water. 

Rigs for streamer fishing
consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast
array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and
Articulated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly
Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things
out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  We
run these all winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of
the year. 

Adding some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep
the ice in the guides to a minimum.  This is specifically helpful when
nymphing.  The 9’6″ 5wt or 10’6″ 6wt Pieroway Renegade combined with the
appropriate SA Anadro or Spey Lite Scandi are the top choices.  Also
bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter. 
Combine these with the 4.5 Tenkara USA Level line and a yarn indicator
if needed and your set.  

Forecast:  
Weather
next week will bring us more below freezing temps.  As of right now
everything looks like it will be hit or miss for decent weather.  Winter
in Ohio means diversity and keeping your tactics flexible will be the
best bet.  Continue with the nymph rig and focus on your black Double
Stones, Copper Johns, and especially Wiggle Stones.  Make sure your rigs
are fished close to the bottom with long slow drifts.  Having a dropper
of a Squirmy Wormy, Purple Haze, or Shop Dip will be a good start.  If
streamers are your game focus on flies with a jigging swimming motion
close to structure.  The flies to have are Bottom Ups, Dungeons, Legals,
and sculpin patterns.
  


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

The
upper river is currently high and off color.  If you are local keep an
eye on the conditions as there will be some good streamer water later
into the weekend and early next week.  Nymphing too will be a good
choice as long as you know the river well and target undercuts and other
structure.  If you are nymphing keep an eye out for Winter Stones. 
These aquatic nymphs climb out on the banks to split their exoskeletons
and emerge as adults. The nymph stage is the most productive pattern to
match here.  The upper river is mostly private so make sure you are
following all of the state’s regulations for obtaining access
permission.  Just entering at the bridges like on the Mad does not make
it okay. 

The lower river has also been producing.  A mixed bag
is always possible down there.  This time of the year Saugeye have a
tendency to stack up below the dams across the state.  Here they are
gorging themselves on dead or crippled shad that pass through the dam. 
Fishing shad streamers or the above nymph rigs have been producing. 
 

Seasonal Tactics:
Like
on the Mad, nymphing is the key this time of the year.  For this we
like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator
leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks
are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway
Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style
tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line
for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber
fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia,
Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet
rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.

Flies
to have right now are nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides
Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout
nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  As we move further
into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy,
Formerly Known as Prince, and Shop Dips to name a few.

Streamer
fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows that are on the
fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the
crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear
out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  When
the conditions hover around freezing ice in the guides is just
something that we deal with.  Stanley’s Ice off Paste helps along with
tapping the grip of the rod to shake off the excess water. 

Rigs
for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  We have
some of the new Kelly Galloup’s AirFlo lines in the shop that will be
perfect for this type of fishing.  These are what we have been waiting
for a long time!  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors
and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads
flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern
Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always
shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  We run these all
winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year. 

Adding
some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep the ice in the guides to a
minimum.  This is specifically helpful when nymphing.  The 9’6″ 5wt or
10’6″ 6wt Pieroway Renegade combined with the appropriate SA Anadro or
Spey Lite Scandi are the top choices.  Also bring along your tenkara
rods as this is a great option for the winter.  Combine these with the
4.5 Tenkara USA Level line and a yarn indicator if needed and your set. 

 

Forecast: 
This
weekend looks like a slight chance of rain that might keep the upper
river high.  Check the flows and keep the lower as your backup plan. 
Next week looks like the typical Ohio winter weather.  Keep some Ice off
Paste on hand and your tactics diverse.  Look for the stream to be
slushy as we get further into the week.



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Flows
are currently high and off color.  Before the big melt last weekend the
fishing was decent with most fish being taken on the usual caddis
nymphs and small Pheasant Tails.  We have not been able to get much
access into the park with the weather. 
 

Seasonal Tactics:
Rigs
for nymphing will consist of 3-5wt 9-10′ + rods.  These rods provide
great control, feel, and reach.  Although this creek is not very big a
long rod allows for the best presentation and longer drifts.  Use a Rio
Indicator Leader when float/bobber/indicator fishing or a Rio Euro Nymph
leader when using Tightline tactics.  Streamer rods for this situation
will be fast 4wts or 5-6wts.  An aggressive Scientific Anglers MPX,
Wulff Ambush or Rio Grand a 9′ leader and a weighted streamer will set
you on the right path.  As for Tenkara we really like the TFO Cutthroat,
Tenkara USA Rhodo, Amago or Iwana for this creek.  Match those rods
with either the Level Line 3.5/2.5 or the Tapered Nylon leader by
Tenkara USA and you are ready to go.  If you want to use a small yarn
indicator then bump your line up to the 4.5 Level Line or a Furled Mono
that matches the rod length or slightly longer. 

Flies to have
going into winter will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva,
Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical
trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  Streamer
fishing will require Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Wooly Buggers, Autumn
Splendor, Clousers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossoms, Cougars, Wooly
Sculpins, Cactus Wooly, and Near Nuff Sculpin to name a few. 

Forecast: 
Looking
into next week there will be a small window of ice free guides, but as
long as we do not get too much rain the creek should be back to normal
by early-week.  Focus on nymphing black Double Stones, Copper Johns, and
Wiggle Stones as your main flies and either a Soft Hackle or Purple
Haze as your dropper.  Keep a few caddis nymphs and Squirmy Wormy
patterns on hand just as another options. 




Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

The
past few days have been the first good shots at open water and good
conditions.  Those that have dropped everything and headed up have been
finding some fish despite the muddy water.  Most people have been
fishing bobbers/floats/indicators and egg patterns like Scrambled Eggs
and Crystal Meth.  For those that prefer to swing they have found a few
grabby fish, but until now most of the fresh fish have not been able to
head upstream.
 

Seasonal Tactics:
You
will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the
year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us
are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and
move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or
Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt
Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  These lines
offer you the best line control and short roll casting ease. 

Our
go to rods are 10′ single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range. 
On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and
a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of
fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal
Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs,
Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Do not
overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s
especially for those low clear flows.  Tippet sizes will range from
0x-3x fluorocarbon. 

The typical rig for swinging flies will
consist of a switch rod in the 10’6″-11’9″ 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry
French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are
effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all
day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your
specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching
your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not
have the proper guidance so make sure to also give us a call for
advice!  For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a Rio or SA
sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece
of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will
be ready to find those “grabby” fish fresh out of the “Big Lake.” 

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

Forecast:
As we go into the weekend and even
early next week look for great steelhead conditions.  There is some
usual snow with mixed rain forecasted.  With the ice jams cleared out of
the lower rivers fresh fish are able to head into the systems.  Keep an
eye on the flows and air temps as things look like they might start
getting slushy by mid-week.  If you head up north have a good supply of
split shot, egg patterns in various colors, Crystal Buggers, and Wiggle
Stones.  As long as you are prepared for some slush and icy guides you
should be able to fish somewhere next week. 



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



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


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

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 12/23/17

* 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.

From all of us at Mad River Outfitters…….

OPEN Christmas Eve! Noon- 5:00 p.m.


Mad River


Conditions are low and clear.  Individuals focusing on nymphing with long drifts have been catching some fish.  Also those fishing small streamers like Wooly Buggers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossom Specials, and other traditional minnow patterns have also been catching fish.  Most of the fishing pressure has been focused on the lower river though covering water in the upper river is a great choice.  

Seasonal Tactics: 
Nymphing is the key this time of the year.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.
Flies to have right now are nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  As we move further into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formerly Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.
Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  When the conditions hover around freezing ice in the guides is just something that we deal with.  Stanley’s Ice off Paste helps along with tapping the grip of the rod to shake off the excess water.  
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Atriculated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip. We run these all winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.  
Adding some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep the ice in the guides to a minimum. This is specifically helpful when nymphing.  The 9’6″ 5wt or 10’6″ 6wt Pieroway Renegade combined with the appropriate SA Anadro or Spey Lite Scandi are the top choices.  Also bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter.  Combine these with the 4.5 Tenkara USA Level line and a yarn indicator if needed and your set.  

Forecast: This weekend conditions are changing fast.  A huge cold front with lows into the single digits will make fishing tough.  Nymphing heavy flies and split shot will put the numbers to hand.  Also do not overlook swinging soft hackles or small streamers slow and deep.  Ice in your guides will be a big challenge.  Make sure to have some Ice off Paste and be careful if you do bust the ice out by hand as your rod tip can break very easily.  

Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

The upper river is currently low with a touch of stain in the deeper runs and holes.  Fishing has been good for those who put in the effort to get away from the typical locations.  Remember that getting access permission is a must so refresh yourself with requirements.  Below Pleasant Hill Dam is park property so there are no access issues.  Flows have been good below the dam.  Individuals have found success fishing streamers and nymphing. 

Seasonal Tactics: 
Like on the Mad, nymphing is the key this time of the year.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart. Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.

Flies to have right now are nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  As we move further into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formally Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.

Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  When the conditions hover around freezing ice in the guides is just something that we deal with.  Stanley’s Ice off Paste helps along with tapping the grip of the rod to shake off the excess water.  


Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  We have some of the new Kelly Galloup’s AirFlo lines in the shop that will be perfect for this type of fishing.  These are what we have been waiting for a long time!  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs. Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Atriculated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  We run these all winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.  


Adding some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep the ice in the guides to a minimum. This is specifically helpful when nymphing.  The 9’6″ 5wt or 10’6″ 6wt Pieroway Renegade combined with the appropriate SA Anadro or Spey Lite Scandi are the top choices.  Also bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter.  Combine these with the 4.5 Tenkara USA Level line and a yarn indicator if needed and your set.  

Forecast: 
This coming week is going to be tough.  The rain has the water high and muddy.  Levels will settle down into early week just in time for the cold temps.  Daily and night temps in combination with dropping water levels will start to slush up the majority of the upper.  Fishing in the lower river will continue to be good as long as you prepare for the cold conditions.  Nymphing in both areas will be your best bet.



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

The creek continued to fish well last week despite the very low and crystal clear conditions.  Nymphing small caddis and mayfly imitations have been the staple.  Midge activity has been good with the warmer weather, but fish looking up for dries have been very few.  Small streamer continues to bring a few flashes and follows.  With the clear water the catch rate on streamers has been low.  
Seasonal Tactics:
Rigs for nymphing will consist of 3-5wt 9-10′ + rods.  These rods provide great control, feel, and reach.  Although this creek is not very big a long rod allows for the best presentation and longer drifts.  Use a Rio Indicator Leader when float/bobber/indicator fishing or a Rio Euro Nymph leader when using Tightline tactics.  Streamer rods for this situation will be fast 4wts or 5-6wts. An aggressive Scientific Anglers MPX, Wulff Ambush or Rio Grand a 9′ leader and a weighted streamer will set you on the right path.  As for Tenkara we really like the TFO Cutthroat, Tenkara USA Rhodo, Amago or Iwana for this creek.  Match those rods with either the Level Line 3.5/2.5 or the Tapered Nylon leader by Tenkara USA and you are ready to go.  If you want to use a small yarn indicator then bump your line up to the 4.5 Level Line or a Furled Mono that matches the rod length or slightly longer.  

Flies to have going into winter will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  Streamer fishing will require Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendor, Clousers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossoms, Cougars, Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Wooly, and Near Nuff Sculpin to name a few. 


Forecast:  
The stream is currently muddy and high.  Look for it to take into early next week to settle down. By later in the week flows will be back down to clear and low.  Ice will start to be an issue, but there will be open water if you keep on the move.




Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

There was a small window last week with some great fishing for those who could drop everything and head to the rivers.  The ice has all pushed out into the main lake and melted off. Also the snow pack has done the same causing the rivers to be elevated and muddy.  The second shot of rain elevated the rivers even more.  Swinging and indicator/bobber fishing eggs and brightly colored flies put a few fish in the net before this last rain.

Seasonal Tactics:
You will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  These lines offer you the best line control and short roll casting ease.  


Our go to rods are 10′ single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range.  On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Do not overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s especially for those low clear flows.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-3x fluorocarbon.  


The typical rig for swinging flies will consist of a switch rod in the 10’6″-11’9″ 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not have the proper guidance so make sure to also give us a call for advice!  For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a  Rio or SA sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will be ready to find those “grabby” fish fresh out of the “Big Lake.”  

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

Forecast:
High water falling to slushy conditions will be the main theme of next week.  The good thing about the rain is that it will keep the tribs from locking back up as fast.  Look for a small window Tuesday – Thursday with fair conditions.  Later in the week will be tough as most of the tribs will start to lock up with ice.  Make sure to shoot us a call if you are heading up as conditions are going to be changing very quickly.  Lets hope for another warm up and some rain to keep the cycle going so we can stay on the water. 


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



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

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

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

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

Fishing Reports- 12/15/17

* 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.

Holiday Shopping

Plenty of time for Holiday Shopping at www.madriveroutfitters.com

* FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00

* 1-4 Day Delivery in the U.S.

* In-Store Pick-Up for our local friends

* “Same Day” order processing

* Shop by Category, Department or Brand!

* Order Notes- we communicate on each order

* Website backed-up by our customer service department- we are always here to help during business hours- 888-451-0363

* Price Match Guarantee- we typically can’t be undersold

* Competitor’s Coupons and Promotions always welcome!

*  Entire Store Inventory  on our website! Want to know if an item is in stock….our site will tell you!!!

We’ll get it there in time!

 
  
We have been getting alot of calls and e-mails asking if we can deliver by Christmas.

The answer is….YES……

Order safely up to December 18th or 19th for standard ground shipping and up to December 22nd for 2-day shipping.

We process most orders the day they are received and they are on the truck and headed to you!



MRO Gift Guide
We have put together a Gift Guide for those who are looking for some great ideas!

Great ideas for Men!

Great ideas for Women!

Great ideas for Anglers!  


Click Here to view our Gift Guide



Mad River Outfitters Gift Cards make great Gifts and can of course be used in the shop or online!

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Warmwater


With the cold temps we have not been out fishing around town.  Water levels are starting to settle providing the hardcore fisherman some good opportunities for Saugeye and a few Hybrid Stripers.
    
Seasonal Tactics: 
Make sure to have some of Loon’s Stanley’s Ice Off Paste!  Focusing on Saugeye you will need sink tips fly lines with shad patterns, but most of your Smallmouth flies will do the trick.  The main objective here is to focus on patterns that give off plenty of vibration and have a lazy jigging motion.  Focus on hard bottom flats close to deep water during low light periods. This goes for both lakes and streams.  6-8wts with a sinking line like the Scientific Anglers Sonar series or Rio Streamer tip are your rigs of choice.  Flies will include Clousers, Mojo Minnows, Half and Halfs, Barely Legals, Mini and regular Dungeons, Meat Whistles, Whitlock’s Deep Shad, Articulated Fat Head Minnow, Zoo Cougar, and other similar flies that push later and give off vibration.  If you tie your own flies make sure to add rattles, rubber legs, and Bucktail to your own versions of above.  

For the Crappie bite this time of the year (and when everything is not iced up) we like to borrow some tactics from the conventional fishing side the “Float n Fly Rig.”  Fishing a float/bobber/indicator (whatever you want to call it) with a heavy minnow pattern like a Clouser and trail it with a smaller lightly weighted fly like a Crappie Special, Little Devil, or Wooly Worm is a great setup.  Target structure on drop offs either from shore or by boat.  These areas in the local reservoirs generally mean the dam faces and secondary or long points in the main lake.  

Do not forget that Pike and Musky fishing continues throughout the winter as long as conditions remain in our favor.  Shoot us a call if you are looking to book a trip!

Forecast:
Next week looks like things will warm up slightly.  Early on in the week with a touch of rain and above freezing temps look for the local waters to have a little stain from runoff as the top layers of soil thaw out.  Saugeye fishing will continue to be good along with Crappies if the ice melts off the local still waters.  


Mad River


Fishing has continued to be great despite the cold temps.  Icy guides and lines are just a part of the game this time of the year though.  Nymphing and swinging soft hackles deep have been the tickets.  Those fishing small streamers have also been picking up a fish or two, but with the air temps it has been a challenge.  Most individuals are focusing on the mid to lower river.  

We have some of the new Kelly Galloup’s AirFlo lines in the shop!  These are what we have been waiting for a long time!  

Seasonal Tactics: 
Nymphing is the key this time of the year.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.
Flies to have right now are nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  As we move further into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formerly Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.
Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  When the conditions hover around freezing ice in the guides is just something that we deal with.  Stanley’s Ice off Paste helps along with tapping the grip of the rod to shake off the excess water.  
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Atriculated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip. We run these all winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.  
Adding some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep the ice in the guides to a minimum. This is specifically helpful when nymphing.  The 9’6″ 5wt or 10’6″ 6wt Pieroway Renegade combined with the appropriate SA Anadro or Spey Lite Scandi are the top choices.  Also bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter.  Combine these with the 4.5 Tenkara USA Level line and a yarn indicator if needed and your set.  
Forecast:  
Looking into this coming week things are going to be much easier.  The air temps will be above freezing pushing 50.  There is a slight bit of rain predicted that will only color up the water for a few hours.  This stain in the water will give us a small window to fish a few streamers.  Do not look for the flows to raise though.  Continue to fish your small streamers like Barely Legals, Sumps, Peanuts, Cactus Woolys, Cougars, and the like all on a sink tip lines.  Nymphing will continue to be your numbers choice though.  For things to get really good we need some significant rain really bad!  Nothing is in the forecast that will bring up the levels, but keep your fingers crossed! 


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

The upper river is very low, slushy, and locking up in a few places.  With these conditions few individuals have been out fishing.  The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam has been the most consistent water in the state.  Those that have made it up that way have found good flows with some shelf ice along the banks.  Most have been fishing tandem nymph rigs with a Double Stone trailed by a caddis nymph.   Ice in the guides has been a problem so those limiting the amount of line stripped through the guides have been the most successful.  Streamer fishing below the dam has also been a good choice, but with the air temps and icy guides it has been a challenge.

Seasonal Tactics: 
Like on the Mad, nymphing is the key this time of the year.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing.  If you want to build your own leaders then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart. Don’t forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.

Flies to have right now are nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  As we move further into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formally Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.

Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  When the conditions hover around freezing ice in the guides is just something that we deal with.  Stanley’s Ice off Paste helps along with tapping the grip of the rod to shake off the excess water.  

Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line.  We have some of the new Kelly Galloup’s AirFlo lines in the shop that will be perfect for this type of fishing.  These are what we have been waiting for a long time!  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs. Galloup’s Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Atriculated Fatheads flies are a good start.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup’s book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  We run these all winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.  


Adding some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep the ice in the guides to a minimum. This is specifically helpful when nymphing.  The 9’6″ 5wt or 10’6″ 6wt Pieroway Renegade combined with the appropriate SA Anadro or Spey Lite Scandi are the top choices.  Also bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter.  Combine these with the 4.5 Tenkara USA Level line and a yarn indicator if needed and your set.  

Forecast:  
We are finally going to get some above freezing air temps.  Look for both sections of the river to be fishing well next week.  The upper will continue to be very low.  Long casts and drifts will be the top technique.  Euro nymphing tactics will put numbers to hand as well as slowly swinging small soft hackles.  Make sure to have your winter dry fly box handy as we can see some midge activity.  The lower river will continue to produce fish both nymphing and stripping streamers.  With the flows in the upper river being low look for most people to be heading to the Covered Bridge area below the dam.  We need some rain bad, but we will at least have decent conditions going into Christmas weekend. 



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Fishing has been tough as the flows are low and the water is Gin clear.  Combine that with slushy water and most people have just been heading to the Mad River.  For those that have found some good water nymphing continues to be the best bet.  A small bead head fly like the Phlamin’ Pheasant, Psycho Prince, Copper John, and Trouphy Nymphs have produced the most success.  Trail these with an unweighted Hares Ear, Prince, or wet fly and your set. Tenkara setups are also a great choice for this creek.

With these conditions nymphing has been the most productive.  Yarn indicators and small bead heads have produces the best results.  Tenkara rods are a great choice for Clear Creek also.  For those willing to cover water and adjust tactics they have been rewarded with fish.  These fish are small, but the scenery is what usually brings people to the area.  

Seasonal Tactics:
Rigs for nymphing will consist of 3-5wt 9-10′ + rods.  These rods provide great control, feel, and reach.  Although this creek is not very big a long rod allows for the best presentation and longer drifts.  Use a Rio Indicator Leader when float/bobber/indicator fishing or a Rio Euro Nymph leader when using Tightline tactics.  Streamer rods for this situation will be fast 4wts or 5-6wts. An aggressive Scientific Anglers MPX, Wulff Ambush or Rio Grand a 9′ leader and a weighted streamer will set you on the right path.  As for Tenkara we really like the TFO Cutthroat, Tenkara USA Rhodo, Amago or Iwana for this creek.  Match those rods with either the Level Line 3.5/2.5 or the Tapered Nylon leader by Tenkara USA and you are ready to go.  If you want to use a small yarn indicator then bump your line up to the 4.5 Level Line or a Furled Mono that matches the rod length or slightly longer.  

Flies to have going into winter will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guide’s Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  Streamer fishing will require Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendor, Clousers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossoms, Cougars, Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Wooly, and Near Nuff Sculpin to name a few. 


Forecast:  
Looking ahead the warm up will be very welcomed.  Look for fish to be well distributed throughout the park.  Nymphing with your typical flies will be a good choice.  Make sure to have small indicators like the New Zealand yarn or the Loon Tip Toppers as the water is very clear. Make sure to have your winter dry fly box handy also as the midge fishing can be very good. We need some water bad.  So let’s hope for some rain or snow runoff soon.




Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Good friend and great customer John Myers started taking classes with us and buying gear this Summer. This was his 1st “official” fish on a fly rod…..on a MRO Float Trip with Josh McQueen last week.

ICE!  ICE!  ICE!  There is some open water, but it is very limited and only found in the fastest runs.  Most people have been heading to the Clear Fork, Mad River, or tying flies.  Those willing to cover miles of water and spend a lot of time in the car have found a FEW fish.  

Seasonal Tactics:
You will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  These lines offer you the best line control and short roll casting ease.  

Our go to rods are 10′ single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range.  On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Do not overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s especially for those low clear flows.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-3x fluorocarbon.  

The typical rig for swinging flies will consist of a switch rod in the 10’6″-11’9″ 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not have the proper guidance so make sure to also give us a call for advice!  For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a  Rio or SA sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will be ready to find those “grabby” fish fresh out of the “Big Lake.”  

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

Forecast:
Going into next week we will see warmer temps and more open water.  Once the tribs open up, look for fish to be active and feeding.  Nymph rigs will put numbers in the net, but do not overlook your switch rod and swinging.  It only takes a few degree temperature change to make these fish fire up get grabby.  The flows will continue to be low, but will spike slightly due to runoff and the slight chance of rain.  Make sure to be prepared for any water condition as things change very quickly up there this time of the year.  


Good friend and great customer Erik Arce on a float trip with Josh last weekend. Yet another Midwest Fly Fishing School Alumni. Love to see our students and their successes.


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



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

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

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

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

Fishing Reports- 7/29/17

* 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.




The Alaska Group is headed home today and the Montana trip leaves tomorrow. An exciting time of year around here!

The July 2017 Alaska Group with hosts Jerry Darkes and Josh McQueen- hop on over to Facebook…we’ve started an album there and will be adding pics as they come in!



Warmwater

Well the weather continues to be the main topic and issue.  We have had one of the wettest July’s that we can remember.  The forecasts seem to be changing by the hour…the good news is that it has changed for the good finally.  The rain predicted for the past few days did not amount to much so the streams are dropping fast!  Look at the Olentangy to fish, but will still have some stain.  They could decide to open the dam at any time, but it does not appear that it is needed.  The Scioto is actually coming down also and should fish well by mid week.  Now is the time to be fishing poppers like Boogle Bugs, Bass Poppers, Pencils, and other Bass Hair Bugs.  If you do not find any fish looking up cover some water with streamers and the SA Titan Clear Tip (our favorite smallmouth line by FAR).  Streamers to carry are Bottoms Up, Peanuts, Modern Deceivers, and other patterns by Kelly Galloup.  


Pond and lake fishing has continued to be great, but look for the Largemouth Bass to be found deep close to vegetation or other structure.  Fishing a floating/diving fly like a Swimmy Jimmy or Todd’s Wiggle Minnow consistently get the job done when fished with a long sink tip or full sinking line like the Orvis Depth Charge, SA Sink 30 Warm or the Rio InTouch Deep 7.  


With the rivers shaping up look for our guiding schedule to fill up fast.  Make sure to contact the shop and put in for those sick/vacation days at work.  Pat, Josh and Ryan are always ready to get you on a boat and out there fishing Ohio!!!

MRO Fly Tying Manager and Guide Ryan Ratliff was supposed to teach the On-River Seminar: Smallmouth Bass last weekend but wound up having to postpone due to the high muddy water. Here is what he did instead:

“These shots are from last Sunday where the only thing that wasnt muddy was some ponds. Tony Makris and I hiked back deep into Ohio Power/AEP lands to a pond I haven’t fished in 15 years.  The Bass where deep from the Thunderstorms, but the BIG panfish were looking up eating bugs getting knocked off the trees by the rain.  Boogle bugs and Double Barrel Poppers were the ticket all day.  I had to introduce a few fish to Tenkara also!”- Ryan

No better combination- Bluegill and Tenkara!


Mad River


The Mad has continued to produce very well with the higher than usual water levels.  Remember in most situations the river will be fishing within 24 hours after a rain event and even sooner if you are looking to throw streamers.  

This time of the year streamer fishing is not the usual talk so many people have taken advantage of the levels and found aggressive fish eating most of the day.  Looking ahead at the forecast and we will be back into typical summer tactics.  

For the up coming days focus on Tricos in the morning along with Midges and Caddis.  During the middle of the day swinging Soft Hackles or nymphing is a good place to start.  Into the afternoon it will be a Beetle, Ant, and Cricket game.  Fish are very cooperative right now so fish your favorite stretch covering water.  

The forecast is for bright days so the best times are going to be early and late in the day.  If you need help figuring out the Mad shoot us a call and we will get you on the calendar for a guide trip.  


Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

The water temps have been much better than usual.  The higher flows have also been keeping the trout happy.  Like on the Mad early and late have been the key. 


 Look for Tricos early at first light and then pull out the caddis and midges.  Ants and beetles have been the ticket in the evenings along with some hoppers along grassy banks.  


The upper has been the key for trout, but the lower when conditions are favorable have been better for smallies and rock bass.  For the warmwater fish poppers and big hoppers around overhanging brush is the key.  Also streamers and covering water has produced good numbers.  


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

There has been a little more rain down south than in the city so the creek is currently high.  Look for it to fish by early to mid week.  

The water temps have been great for this time of the year also.  Look for early morning Tricos then switch over to tiny caddis and midges.  The evenings will produce some great Ant and Beetle fishing as well.  


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

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

Fishing Reports- 7/3/17

* 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.



**4th of July SALE started today and runs through Sunday!**

25-50% OFF Seasonal and Clearance merchandise from brands like Simms, Sage, Scott, Orvis, Howler Brothers, Patagonia and more!

Please remember that we are CLOSED tomorrow for the holiday but the website is ALWAYS OPEN!

Click Here for the SALE page- all items listed

Click Here for the Men’s SALE page

Click Here for the Women’s SALE page


Warmwater



Smallmouth fishing continues to be good to great.  We have had some great guide trips over the past few weeks.  We are focusing on the smaller streams in the area though.  With the Scioto and Olentangy high the Darbys and others have been a popular choice.  many of these smaller waters have heavy canoe, kayak, and tubing activity though.  Getting to the water at first light or staying to last light will give you a few good hours to yourself.  


The main focus for us guiding has been topwater flies.  Boogle bugs in various colors are our top choice with Todd’s Wiggle Minnow and either Whit’s or Dahlberg diving bugs as close seconds.  Streamers are always a good choice if fish are reluctant to coming to the surface. Skiddish Smolt, Mojo Minnow, and Clousers are top choices for deep fast water while Mini Murdich Minnows, Woolhead Sculpins, and EP Minnows are great for skinny water.  Dont over look big flies too.  For these you will need 7-8wts and the SA Titan Clear Tip line.  We like to throw the Modern Deceivers, Little Swimmers, Articulated Fat Heads, Peanuts, Bottoms Up and Big Fish Deceivers.  These same flies are a great choice for pond Largemouth Bass also. Add in a few Grim Reapers, J-Pigs, and Superworms to round out your fly box. 



Mad River


The rain from Friday night put the river at an unfishable level for Saturday.  Sunday provided clearing water and great streamer opportunities.  Some really great fish were caught over the weekend on both streamers and nymphs.

Looking into the rest of the week focus on terrestrials, caddis, and nymphs.  Make sure to have plenty of ants especially our favorites Ant Acid, Power Ant, and Fur Ant.  Fish these with a Sunken Caddis or Sunken Ant dropper to cover water.  There are a few “Summer Olives” about, but the fish are not consistently targeting them.  For these have a few #22 BWOs just in case.  We haven’t seen much evidence of Tricos yet, but now is the time to start dusting them off and keep handy.  

With the typical Summer storms in the forecast it is always a good idea to have a few streamers with you.  Dirty Hippies, Skiddish Smolts, and Barely Legals round out your typical Wooly buggers.  Usually the water is only off color for a few hours and drops quickly.  Keep an eye on the gauge or shoot us a call for current conditions.

Clearfork River

Clearfork Map



Both sections of the stream are blown.  The upper should clear out in a day or two under normal situations.  There are some storms in the forecast though.  It is hard to predict what the Army Core will release out of the dam so keep an eye on the gauges.  Fish hoppers, poppers, and streamers below the Pleasant Hill Dam for a mixed bag of trout, bass, and panfish.  In the upper stream you will be fishing caddis, ants, hoppers, and beetles.



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map



The bottom half of the state did not get as much rain so the creek is currently very low and warm.  Focus on the early mornings fishing caddis, midges, and ants.  Fish an Elk Hair caddis with either a Sunken Caddis or Ant as the dropper for the most productivity.  There is some rain forecasted late into the week so keep an eye on the gauge, but we will keep you posted.



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

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

Fishing Reports- 6/10/17

* 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.


Warmwater

Fishing in the city is still limited to the smaller streams as the Scioto and Olentangy are still off.  The fish are eating if you are familiar with the rivers and take along a wading staff.  The conventional gear guys are fishing and doing well.  The smaller streams have been producing though and the fish are taking flies well.  Most of us have been fishing streamers, but make sure to bring your poppers as they have also been producing.  With all of the warm weather we have had this spring we are all glad to finally be fishing poppers.  Boogle bugs are our go to for poppers so make sure to have plenty as they are going fast!  


Other flies to be well stocked with are the Murdich Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Clousers, Nancy P, Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanut Envys, and Tequeely.  These streamers will require a 6-8wt pared up with the SA Titan Clear tip and 12-16lb Rio Bass tippet.  Stop in the shop or shoot us a call if you want some more information about Smallmouth bass fishing.  We have been busy guiding for Smallies so make sure to get your trips planned now.  Smallmouth fishing will continue to be great as we get into summer.  

“Few good pics from guide trip with Alex. Smallmouth fishing has been excellent! Popper bite was great all day.”- MRO Guide Pat Kelly



Pond fishing also has been fantastic.  Largemouth Bass are out of their post-spawn funk and are looking up for a popper or diving fly.  The panfish are finishing up with their spawn and will continue to readily take poppers and dry flies.  Largemouth Bass flies are much like Smallmouth flies, but we like to fish flies with more marabou in the still waters.  A sink-tip line and  flies like a Swimmy Jimmy, Articulated Fathead Minnow, Dirty Hippie, Ted Brook Trout, and the Peanut are the go-to’s.  Boogle Bug poppers are always a good choice also. 


The BIG news is…….it’s Carp season! Carp fishing has been picking up as they are off the spawn and on the feed. Great time to get out and chase these magnificent gamefish all-over Ohio. Andy has been guiding out of the Fly-n-Carp for a few weeks now and doing well. Reports are starting to pour in from locals doing well. Carp fishing will remain strong throughout the summer but don’t miss the incredible Mulberry action. The “hatch” should be good through the 1st week or so of July. 

“In between the low temps, clouds, threatening rain and wind still had a great day on the water a few nice  carp where caught “I believe one was Tom’s personal best and Johnny is very new to carpin on the fly”.- MRO Guide Andy Jensen







Sunday, July 2nd at the Muzzy Lakes Club with guide Andy Jensen


9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.


Register Online HERE


Mad River


The Epic Brown Drake fishing has slowed way down and with the high temps in the coming days what bugs that are left will be well into the night.  There are still some small Sulfurs and Light Cahills around in the evenings. The best dry fly fishing on bugs right now will be in the upper river, well above Urbana. Should still see decent numbers of Sulphers and Cahills but the Drakes will be sporadic at best and if they happen at all, it will be well after dark.

 If you are looking to get out in the next few days make sure to have a very diverse dry fly box.  Terrestrials are the next category to either dust off or add to the box.  Earlier in the day most fish will be keying in on midges and caddis and will transition to the beetles, crickets, and ants into the afternoons.  

Flies to have will be Griffiths Gnats, Goddard Caddis, Elk Hair, Henryville Special, Ant Acid, Fur Ant, Splitsville Flying Ant, and Dave’s Cricket.  We like to drop a small unweighted nymph behind these dries and skate them on the end of the drift.  Other than Matt Supinski’s Statute of Liberty technique, Tenkara is the best way to mimic a Caddis on the surface.  

Streamer fishing takes a back seat for the summer, but if you just need a fix and the Smallmouth waters are not cooperating then focus on the first and last light times with smaller natural streamers.  Also skating a mouse at night can be a lot of fun.  

“Fished the middle river on Tuesday hoping to take advantage of sulphur, caddis activity and had decent success with nymphs and soft hackles in riffle areas. In the late afternoon I decided try something different and switched to a Grizzly  wooly bugger and hit the banks in medium current areas. I was a bit surprised that the trout had larger items on the menu along with the size 16 insects. I landed  two 12-13”  Browns and this 20” beauty.”- Bill Rice



Clearfork River

Clearfork Map


The upper river is currently low and clear.  There have been some great reports of hatches and fish. Truth is, the Upper Clearfork has probably been the best trout fishing in the state the past week or so. Dry fly fishing in the evenings especially has been fantastic…..Brown Drakes, Light Cahills and Caddis have been the fare.  


As the water temps climb though here the Oxygen levels start to fall due to many issues.  We try to focus on fishing early mornings or at night in the summer.  The hatches have continued to be good with Sulfurs and Light Cahills being the main evening and caddis the morning and mid-day.  There also was some great Brown Drake hatches, but they have seemed to slow way down.  


The lower river flows are good and the mixed bag of fish has been great.  If you are down there camping make sure to bring the poppers, beetles, ants, and small streamers.  


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

The creek is VERY low currently.  The temps are OK, but with the 90’s forecasted look for the water temps to climb quickly.  Thick morning midge hatches and then small caddis into the afternoon.  Sulfurs, Cahills, and a few Brown Drakes have been hatching, but the fish are keyed in on Midges and Caddis as usual.  Dead drifting and swinging a Drowned Caddis, Core Caddis, Sunken Spinners, and Swing Nymphs will produce.  Make sure to have a thermometer with you to make sure your not fishing water in the 70 degree range.  These warm temps have low Oxygen levels and the fish have a hard time recovering.  Keep them in the water and fight them quickly. 


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

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

MRO/MWFF May Classes and Schools

Education is the Cornerstone of our Business!


Upcoming Classes:

Wednesday, May 10th- FREE Beginners Fly Fishing Program- 7-9 p.m.- Click Here to Register

Saturday, May 13th- Basic Knots and Rigging Class- 9-11 a.m.- Click Here to Register

Monday, May 15th- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- 6-8 p.m.- Click Here to Register
Saturday, May 20th- 1-Day Fly Fishing School at Sunnybrook Trout Club- 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.- Click Here to Register

Saturday, May 27th- Advanced/Saltwater Fly Casting Clinic- 8-11 a.m.- Click Here to Regsiter

Wednesday, May 31st- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- 6-8 p.m.- Click Here to Register


For more information or to read our reviews…….

www.midwestflyfishingschools.com
614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 4/21/17

* 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.

Across the board most of the streams are on the drop and fishable.  There is some rain in the forecast for Sunday and the middle of next week.  The amounts are changing by the hour so make sure to contact us if you head up early in the week.  This is a great time of the year as almost everything is active.  Get out there and fish.  

Got plans this Summer? How about a trip to Montana?

Join Brian Flechsig and Kelly Galloup at the Slide Inn on the banks of the Madison River

July 30th- August 5th

Click Here for details and pricing


Warm Water


Smallmouth Bass fishing has been on fire lately!  With the temps forecasted for next week it will not be long before they start to spawn.  Many of the local streams are off colored.  The fish are aggressive and feeding, but with low visibility make sure to have a wading staff with you.  We do guide for smallies so get your trip on the books to take advantage of this pre-spawn bite! Bass and Panfish have also been the talk as the ponds continue to warm.  Look for the Largemouth Bass to start thinking about spawning in the next couple weeks also.  

Local ponds are really starting to produce. Our good friend and customer Joe Olivas sent us this pic just the other day


Gear for Smallmouth Bass would be 6-8wt rods, Intermediate sinking lines, and flies 4-6″ in length(Kelly Galloup style Modern Streamers).  These same flies and rigs can be used for Largemouth Bass as well.  Panfish or small pond Bass will be fine on a 4-5wt with floating lines. Flies will be small traditional sized trout streamers (Black Nose Dace, Muddlers, Matukas, Mickey Finns), Wooly Buggers, big nymphs (Prince, Hares Ear, Bears PM Caddis) and San Juan Worms

MRO Guide Pat Kelly on the Water today with clients

Hybrid stripers and white bass are also running throughout the region and we’ve been hearing some GREAT reports. Josh, Pat and Donnie have been scouting some new waters and are now ready to start booking trips. Anybody interested in catching a mess of these “white” fish, let us know. Interested in searching them out on your own, we can point you in the right direction there as well. A ton of fun on a fly rod and lots of opportunities around.

Send us pics this week to use in the reports? Be sure to include your address and such and we’ll send you a FREE MRO “Fly Fish Ohio” sticker.

Click Here to view our full selection of “Cool Stickers”.



Mad River


The Mad continues to be very productive!  Look for lots of rising fish in the late afternoons and into the evenings.  These fish are keying in on the tail end of the Hendrickson hatch.  If you want to take advantage of this dry fly fishing stock up on Rusty Spinners in various sizes, Parachute Adams, Thorax/Traditional style Adams, Red Quill, Quill Gordon, and Irrisistibles.  With the cloudy forecast into the weekend make sure to have some Blue Wing Olives in your box also.  In the next coming weeks stock up on Light Cahill, Sulfurs, March Browns, and Caddis. 

Yesterday, Brian and Donnie were both out on the water with clients. It was pretty windy so the hatch really didn’t come off at all but the spinner fall was GREAT in the evening so the bugs are still around. Tons of fish eating the spinners from 7:30 till about 8:15 or so. We are truly experiencing a great dry fly season here with the best activity by far in the evenings, an hour or so before dark. Did also see a handful of March Browns and Light Cahills. No Sulphers yet.

Brian got to float in the AuSable boat yesterday with John Fisher from Batavia, Ohio

Anybody interested in a float trip in this boat, or with Donnie or Pat in their drift boats?

Let us know, we have some dates open and it’s a great way to fish the river.

Click Here  for details and pricing on our guide trips.



Fishing in the mornings have also been good.  The most productive has been nymphing and swinging Soft Hackles of various colors.  Nymph with Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs.  

With the low clear water the streamer bite has not been the best so we suggest getting your streamer fix on one of the many Smallmouth Bass streams in the state.  If you insist, the smaller stuff like muddlers, buggers and small sculpin patterns are the way to go.



Dear Mad River Outfitters, 

I visited the Mad recently and the water level was around 250 cfs and held a light green stain, the conditions were absolutely perfect for stripping streamers. The hot streamer for the morning was a red, white, and blue clouser minnow.  Fish were rising in many of the locations I stopped at, and the morning was action packed. Many fish were caught, and it was the best morning of fly fishing I have ever had. Here are pictures of my two biggest browns for the day.

Keep doing what you’re doing at the shop, its always a blast going in and being surrounded by those with the passion of fly fishing.

Tight lines, and sincerely,

-Murphy Coan



Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

The Clear Fork is starting to fire up.  Dry fly fishing has been good to excellent in the evenings. Much like the Mad River report: These fish are keying in on the tail end of the Hendrickson hatch although it seems to still be going strong up there. Best activity has for sure been the evening spinner falls. Some reports of EPIC numbers of bugs and rising fish.

 If you want to take advantage of this dry fly fishing stock up on Rusty Spinners in various sizes, Parachute Adams, Thorax/Traditional style Adams, Red Quill, Quill Gordon, and Irrisistibles. With the cloudy forecast into the weekend make sure to have some Blue Wing Olives in your box also.  In the next coming weeks stock up on Light Cahill, Sulfurs, March Browns, and Caddis. 

Most of the consistent fishing has been in the upper river focusing on the afternoon and into evening hatches.  The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam offers you a good mix bag of fish. 


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

The recent rains have made the creek raise, but the levels are now dropping and will be good into the weekend.  Saturday will still provide small streamer fishing along with nymphing.  Look for Hendrickson, Caddis, Blue Wing Olives and midges to continue Sunday and into next week.  
If you want to take advantage of this dry fly fishing stock up on Rusty Spinners in various sizes, Parachute Adams, Thorax/Traditional style Adams, Red Quill, Quill Gordon, and Irrisistibles.  With the cloudy forecast into the weekend make sure to have some Blue Wing Olives in your box also.  In the next coming weeks stock up on Light Cahill, Sulfurs, March Browns, and Caddis. 

Nymphing is always productive.  Nymph with Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Copper Johns, and Prince Nymphs.  Also make sure to have a variety of sizes and colors of Soft Hackles.  


Erie Steelhead



Everything is blown out currently.  the weekend outlook is not looking very good, but if you know the smaller rivers then the second half of Sunday will be your only bet.  Early next week though is looking very good!  With the high water and lower temps look for a fresh push of fish.  From what we have been seeing over the past few weeks we are on a steep downward slope to the end of the season.  Looking ahead at the air temps for the end of next week combined with the lack of significant rain the season will be close to over very soon.  If you want to get a last trip or two in then make sure you clear out your schedule for Tues or Wed of next week.  Conditions can change very quickly so we will keep you posted.  

Rigs for this time of the year are the typical nymphing with two fly rigs and long rods and swinging setups.  Indicator nymphing is a numbers game.  Either rig a bugger/Zonker and egg or the double egg under a float.  Focus on the faster deeper runs (waste and deeper) below the spawning riffles.  If you want to swing this time of the year you can be rewarded with hot drop back/spawned fish and Lake Run Smallies.  Swinging Dolly Llamas, Senyo’s A.I. Intruders, and Flow Ryders are the best choices.  

Repeat customer Mario Vezza on a guide trip with Josh earlier this week. He called us up the other day and signed he and his father up for the Alaska Trip this Summer hosted by Josh and Jerry Darkes.

Click Here for info and pricing on our “Alaska Sampler” Trip- July 22nd- 29th


The Smallmouth fishing has been fantastic in the Tribs and should only get better as we get into May.  If you want to focus on these fish look at the lower few miles of the rivers.  Stripping big streamers is our go to tactic.  Streamers like Kelly Galloups Dungeons, Monkeys, Peanuts, Totally Articulated, Fat Head Minnows and Deceivers.  Load up your 6-8wt, Scientific Anglers Titan Sonar Clear Tip, heavy tippet and have fun!  



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

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