Free shipping over $50 1-888-451-0363

ohio fly shop

Fishing Reports- 12/8/18

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

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

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

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


Customer Feedback

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

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



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

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

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

https://captainsforcleanwater.org

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

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

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

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




Warmwater

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


Forecast:


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

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

Seasonal:


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


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


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


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


Mad River

Mad River Map

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


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


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

Forecast:

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

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


Seasonal:

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

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


Clearfork River
Clearfork Map

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


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


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


Forecast:  


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


Seasonal:

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


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



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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


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

Forecast:  

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




Seasonal:


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


Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


Seasonal:

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

Fishing Reports- 6/1/18

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

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


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


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


Summer Classes

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

Here’s a breakdown of the schedule:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So thanks again Pat!
 

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

   


Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

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

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

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

 

Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

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

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


Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

[email protected]

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reorts- 5/13/17

* 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.


Mad River





Sorry for the delay in updated reports.  We are still recouping from the great Selectivity weekend programs with Matt Supinski.  Thanks again to all who participated. It was a GREAT weekend and we all learned alot.


The river was high late last week and into the weekend, but has been fishing great all this week.  Look for EPIC hatches in the evenings.  Brian had Matt Supinski out Monday evening and they were rewarded with one of the best Sulpher hatches we have seen in years! Maybe EVER! The reports the remainder of the week have also been of excellent to epic dry fly fishing.


 There have been good hatches of Caddis, Light Cahills, March Browns and a few Blue Wing Olives mixed in everyday this week but the big news has been the Sulphers.  It seems that the fish have been keying in on them although we did hear of fish choosing the Light Cahills last night. 


Consistent dry fly fishing can be done throughout the river, but the section above Urbana would be a great place to start.  With the forecast next week it looks like the evening dry fly madness will continue.  


Legendary author and “Selectivity Man” Matt Supinski on a float trip Monday with Brian



Pull out your 3-5wt fly rods, Wulff Triangle Tapers, Rio Perception, or Rio Gold fly lines, 4x Dry fly leaders, Floatant, pleny of Sulfurs and Light Cahills and hit the water!  Make sure to have a good variety of dry fly styles.  Comparadun, Thorax, Parachute, and Spinners are a must to cover every water type.  Also be sure to have fly sizes  #14-18.  Other patterns to carry now and definitely in the next few weeks are Drakes, March Browns, Adams, Mr Rapidan and plenty of Caddis. 


Nymphs and emergers are a good choice for earlier in the day and when there are no visible hatches around. The typical Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince, Copper John, and a good supply of Brown Drake Nymphs are a good choice.  Swinging soft hackles always produces and is a good choice for beginners and when exploring new water and also imitates the action of the emergent nymph.  


We’ll try to update during the week as things progress but in the meantime, don’t hesitate to give us a call.




Clearfork River

Clearfork Map



The upper river is currently a little off colored due to some recent rain, but will clear out fast.  Good hatches up high also.  Much like the Mad River Report: pull out your 3-5wt fly rods, Wulff Triangle Tapers, Rio Perception, or Rio Gold fly lines, 4x Dry fly leaders, Floatant, pleny of Sulpersrs and Light Cahills and hit the water!  Make sure to have a good variety of dry fly styles.  Comparadun, Thorax, Parachute, and Spinners are a must to cover every water type.  Also be sure to have fly sizes  #14-18.  Other patterns to carry now and definitely in the next few weeks are Drakes, March Browns, Adams, Mr Rapidan and plenty of Caddis. Dry fly fishing on the Fork has also been good to excellent the past few weeks, especially on the upper.


Have a good mix of Caddis nymphs and soft hackles as these have been productive.  The upper river is going to be low and clear by the end of next week.  This will make the fish very spooky.  When the upper is low head down to the lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam.  Here we like to fish streamers as there is a good mix of fish.  Smallmouth Bass, Saugeye, Rock Bass, Brown Trout and others are very common.  The trout down low will key in on hatches so make sure to have caddis, midges, and typical nymphs.  These patterns specifically are Nitro Caddis, Net Builder Caddis, Holy Grails, and Flashabou Caddis for caddis nymphs.  Peasant Tails, Hares Ear, and Prince nymphs will round out your boxes well.  


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map



May can be a great month on Clear Creek.  This small stream does not even come close to matching up to the Mad in quality, but if you happen to find yourself down in the Hocking Hills it will not disappoint.  The smallmouth bass fishing firing up along with a few hatches and the wild flowers can make for a great time.  The trout do not always take advantage of the hatching Sulfurs, March Browns, or drakes, but usually a small Elk Hair Caddis size #16 and smaller will produce.  Make sure to have plenty of midges in both dries and nymphs along with caddis pupa and larva.  We like the Nitro Caddis, Net Builder Caddis, Holy Grails, and Flashabou Caddis for nymphs.  Your usual trout patterns will also produce Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymphs, and Wet flies.  


If you are looking for Smallmouth bass then make sure to have a few Kelly Galloup streamers like the Bottoms Up, Dungeon, and Barely Legal. Floating lines and heavy tippet to keep these fish out of the wood will always treat you fine. 


Our good friend and great customer Steve Buckley sent us this photo of a brown taken this week on a Sulpher dry. Attending the “Selectivity Program” last Friday got him fired up!!



Erie Steelhead/Smallmouth





Steelhead fishing is pretty well done for the Spring season and our thoughts are now onto smallmouth……big, lake run smallmouth.  Yes there are a few leftover steelies here and there, but those fish are either spawning or heading back to the lake.  The big deal is the Lake Run Smallies.  THese fish are big and fat and readily take flies.  Fish streamers in the lower rivers and you will be rewarded with the biggest Smallies of the year.  Make sure to get your spots on the calendar as they are filling up very fast!  


Here is a more detailed report on fishing the tribs from friend and customer Bill Harsha- “Thur PM & Fri AM:  Elk on Thur was low and clear. Lots of quillbacks in the system some suckers.  Bass were not aggressive.and not interested in large flies. Switched to small stuff just crawled across the bottom and started hooking up. Landed 6 in about 4 hours of fishing all on the new trout Spey.


Fri came back to fish Connie. Water good with a little stain. Lots of redhorse and some suckers. Hooked and losta bright steelhead on the swing with a chartreuse and white deceiver. Pretty much kicked my ass on the 4weight. A couple of nice bass on the same fly stripping and one on the swing. Again bass not very aggressive. Talked to a group from Chag. R. Outfitters same story with even less action. They quit bass and were nymphing with bobbers.They pulled out before I did..”- Bill




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

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

Spring Creek/Selectivity Weekend with Matt Supinski

Very Special Guest:



Noted author, angler, lecturer, guide, historian, lodge owner, master chef…this guy does it all. We are thrilled to have Matt as a guest here at the shop for this very special “Spring Creek” weekend. Matt is probably the world’s foremost authority on Spring Creek angling. His latest book, “Selectivity” is one of the best books ever written on the subject. He will be with us to help all of us to become better and more technical anglers.





Friday, May 5th- 6-9 p.m.- Special Presentation: Selectivity

Join us in the shop for a great presentation and some beer and pizza. Matt will blow your mind with the information in this program and you will come away a better trout angler. We will also be running a special price on his “Selectivity” book and a great chance to get it signed by the author himself. Tickets to this event are only $10.00. Pizza and beer starts at 6:00 and the program should start right around 7:00.

Register Online HERE


Saturday, May 6th- 8 a.m.- Noon- Fly Tying Session: Favorite Spring Creek Patterns

Matt is an epic fly tyer and instructor. This class will cover some of his favorite patterns for finicky trout. Bring your vise and tools and we’ll do the rest. Class is limited to 6 and the cost will be $50.00.

Register Online HERE



Saturday, May 6th- 3 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.- On-Water Spring Creek/Selectivity Clinic

This class will be half-classroom learning and half on the water experience. It will be held at the legendary Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club so you will get to practice over some of the finest trout fishing in Ohio. Again, Matt will blow your mind with intermediate and advanced concepts and techniques that will make you a much better trout angler. Sample topic outline listed below. A unique opportunity here to fish this club for the “evening hatch” as we would expect the insect activity to be at a peak and offer a great chance for picky fish on dries. We will be grilling some burgers and dogs and take a break from 6:30 -7:00. This class is limited to 10 anglers and the cost will be $125.00. 

Register Online HERE


Sunday, May 7th- 9 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.- On-Water Spring Creek/Selectivity Clinic

Can’t make it Satruday? We’ll do it again on Sunday.

This class will be half-classroom learning and half on the water experience. It will be held at the legendary Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club so you will get to practice over some of the finest trout fishing in Ohio. Again, Matt will blow your mind with intermediate and advanced concepts and techniques that will make you a much better trout angler. Sample topic outline listed below. Should be a great chance to witness first-hand some terrestrial fishing which Matt is very fond of. Lunch will be provided from 12-12:30. This class is limited to 10 anglers and the cost will be $125.00. 

Register Online HERE




Mad River Outfitters
Spring Creek/Selectivity Weekend with special guest Matt Supinski

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports 1/20/17

* 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.




* This is starting to become a broken record for the weekend, but after our low water summer and fall we are not complaining!  The weather this week and into the weekend makes us think this is a March report not a mid-January report.  With that being said there are a few people messing around with shallow ponds and even catching Bluegills on poppers!  This will not last long, but makes for good stories and bragging rights on the first topwater fish of the year.  Get outside and take advantage of this weather while it is here. 


Mad River

Streamers Streamers Streamers!  We have some great conditions for fishing streamers this weekend.  The flows are high, but falling fast.  If you are wading then focus on the upper stretches.  On foot you will be looking at Sunday before levels are safe to wade.  Fishing streamers is our preferred method, but big buggy nymphs will get the job done too.  

Certain flies have been consistent from week to week this winter.  Patterns in the Nymph category include the Guide Choice Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Jimmy Legs and don’t overlook the San Juan.  The Conehead Mudler is used as a nymph here around the shop too.  And of course, as Brian always says around here: “Don’t EVER fish the Mad River without Cranefly Larva in your fly box”. 

As for streamers supply yourself with a good mix of colors and rotate through them as needed. Pick up any Galloup pattern that is big and articulated.  Dungeons, Barely Legals (take a look at the new Fish-Scull version), Bottoms Up, Cougars, Lil Swimmers, Game Changers and Totally Articulateds will produce.  Make sure to have your sink-tip lines and 6-8wts! 

Clearfork River

It is muddy and high on both ends…Things do not look good for next week either.  Take advantage of the good weather this weekend and maybe think about a quick trip north for steelhead Sunday afternoon.

Clear Creek
Clear Creek is very high and muddy.  This will last for quite some time looking at next week forecast.
Erie Steelhead
Look at hitting a smaller stream Sunday.  Everything is high right now and off color.  I you do not want to change your fishing plans keep an eye on the gauges.  As usual this time of the year the window is going to be small, but there are plenty of fish.  If you have a two-handed rod this weekend will be your time to swing.  

Looking into next week there is going to be a mix of conditions.  Lots of rain is in the forecast followed by snow.  We will keep you updated as things change.  Flies continue to be consistent: EGGS EGGS EGGS and a few buggers and Zonkers…not much more needs to be added…but if you like a little variety in your fly box have a good mix of nymphs.  Steelhead Stones, Bloody Mary, Sparkle Maggots, Guides Choice Hares Ear, and Steak N Eggs will set you on the right path.  Make sure you have a good mix of colors of eggs and dont forget the Trout Beads.  With the higher off-colored water the larger Globugs and Bead in bright colors are our go to flies.   

As for those wanting to swing up a fresh bright fish fill you box with A.I. Intruders, Dolly Llama, Flow Rider, Hare Leech, Skiddish Smolts will get the job done.  Load up your Skagit heads, MOW tips, and 12-15lb tippet.  We don’t get the gift of this type of weather and conditions often so get out there and send us those Chrome pictures!

Here’s a few from guide trips last Sunday before the water came up:

Our good friend and frequent guide client Quentin Baker- rumor has it he’s joining Josh and Jerry in Alaska this Summer?


  And of course Ed Bailey with a nice one as well!

Interested in a guide trip this coming Spring Season?

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

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


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

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