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

Steelhead Alley Fishing Reports

Fishing Reports- 11/20/18

* 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.


Big Weekend!


Friends,


Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family! We hope that you enjoy a day off with good food and good people.


Around the shop here, we are thankful for 24 years in business and counting…and we couldn’t have done it without you….so THANKS!


Of course, we will enjoy the Holiday…and then things change for us on Friday. Big weekend ahead to kick-off the holiday season.


* Black Friday- open at 8:00 a.m. for “Early Bird” specials and then great deals and “Cash Back” awards all day- full details will go out via e-mail and social media tomorrow


* Small Business Saturday- shop small and support locally owned business.


* OPEN Sundays through Christmas- look for Sunday specials each week


* Cyber Monday- our biggest internet shopping day of the year and we’ll be offering 20% “Cash Back” awards for every online purchase.- full details will go out via e-mail and social media tomorrow


* Ladies Night- join Linda Farner on Tuesday, December 4th- from 5-9 p.m.- Click Here




As usual, Thanks for taking the time to read and we’ll be in touch!!!!!!


Brian, Andy, Pat, Linda, Ryan, Judy, Roger, Dick, Cristina, Kevin, Josh and Rogue




Thanks in advance for supporting a small, locally owned, family business this Holiday Season!


Over 10,000 subscribers and almost 2 million views!

Subscribe to our You Tube Channel!

Warmwater

Seasons change overnight here in Ohio it seems.  Summer to Fall right into Winter.  Fishing local has been a weather window game.  Understanding fish seasonal movements are a must.  Hybrid Stripers, Smallies, Saugeyes and Panfish are been the quarry.  Most individuals have targeted the dams during higher water.  Big shad flies are the common choice.  High water in these areas can be very dangerous for both boating and wading.  If you do brave the conditions grab a buddy.  Looking for schools of shad have provided the most success.  Most of the time these fish are visible as they school tight together.  Once you find these baitfish casting sink tips and matched sized flies to the edges get the job done.


Forecast:


Although we are technically still in Fall most of the fish are in winter mode.  With Temps below freezing and highs in the 30’s and 40’s bass fishing will be limited to just a few hours on the warmest days.  Targeting Panfish will be your best bet.  Hit the coves, fish slow, and send us come pictures! 


Pike fishing continues to be great.  When the rain has given us a break there has been some great fish brought to boat.  There are a few openings on our calendars so shoot us a call.   

Dave Wineland with one of the largest Ohio Pike we’ve seen on a guide trip in quite some time. Congrats Dave…and guide Josh McQueen.

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.  

***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 has been great with the higher water.  Fish are done spawning and ready to eat.  This is streamer season and the high water is cleaning out the leaves and sustaining height.  Most success has come from those coving water either floating or moving fast.  Sink tip lines and big streamers like the Mini Masked Deceivers, Modern Deceivers, all of Galloups patterns, Legals and Dungeons especially and Half and Halfs are a great start.  This type of fishing is your best chance at seeing a fish well into the 20” range.  Other successful techniques are swinging Soft Hackles and nymphing.  Swinging Soft Hackles in tandem on a floating line or with a Versileader sink tip is a great way to cover water and work on your single-hand spey casting.  For this setup we like to lead with either a Bead Head Soft Hackle or a very productive Swing Nymph followed by a standard Soft Hackle.  Nymphing though has been the most productive.  Heavy nymphs like a Cranefly Larva, Double Stone or the new Jig style flies are must haves.  Either drop an unweighted fly behind these heavier ones or utilize a dropper higher up on your leader.  Make sure you get long drag free drifts and you will see success.  Those familiar with Euro Nymphing have consistently caught fish.  The new Quil jig flies have been producing very well the past few weeks also.    


Forecast:

We currently have great flows and it should hold through the rest of the week.  There are some cold night temps though so make sure you are prepared.  Streamer fishing will continue to be good as well as the usual nymphing.  There is some rain coming next weekend so keep an eye on the gauges or call the shop.  We should see great fishing for the next few months.  

Seasonal:

The past few years 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.***


The Clearfork is currently high in both the upper and lower river.  When the flows have been right the fishing has been good.  Many have reported that the stocked fish are very willing to take a fly, but there have been some larger fish being caught also.  With these high waters the locals or those familiar with the water have been fishing streamers with great success.  The upper river is small and challenging to cast a big streamer.  Those experienced with a fishing big flies on sinking lines are catching the biggest fish in the river.  Most numbers of fish have been caught on nymph rigs though.  Caddis larva like the Nitro Caddis, Flashabou Caddis, Core Caddis and Holy Grail are staples.  Team those up with a small Pheasant Tail, Gray Quil, Spanish Quil or Purple Hot spot for fishing slow and deep.  If you are fishing the faster and shallower water then a caddis larva and a small non-bead Pheasant tail or Hares Ear is a great choice. 

The lower river should start to drop soon offering you a great chance at catching some Rainbow Trout.  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:  


The high water should slowly continue to drop thought the rest of the week.  There is some rain heading in this weekend so keep an eye on the flows.  This will mess up the upper if thing keep as forecasted, but the lower should continue to fish.  There are some cold nights heading our way so make sure to have some Stanley’s Ice off Paste for the early mornings.  Nymphing will be your best bet as usual for numbers.  Do not leave your streamer rod at home though.  Once the air temps are above freezing then stripping a streamer can be a good change to get the blood pumping.     


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 are scheduled to be stocked this fall. In fact, one round has been with more to come! Once fish do get stocked 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 has not been an issue.  We went from very low to high in just a week.  Fish have distributed themselves well and willing to take a fly.  Most individuals have been nymphing Flashabou Caddis, Hares Ear, Trophy Nymph, Jig Buggers, and others.  Streamer fishing has also been very good.  Mostly Buggers, Trick or Treats, Zonkers, Matukas, Skiddish Smolts, and Clousers are the best choices.

Forecast:  

We have gotten the rain that we needed a few weeks ago and it has not stopped.  The creek is currently high but will fish later in the week.  There is some rain predicted for Saturday so keep that in mind if planning on fishing this weekend.  Shoot us a call and we will let you know more specific if needed.  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.  A sinking line is not a must but can help if you plan on stripping a streamer fast or swinging deep.  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 Baltazar with a nice fish- guide trip on Sunday 11/18

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


STEEEEEELS as we like to say…well just Josh.  Fishing has been good between high water events.  The cold temps did put the fish in a bad mood for a few days, but there is a steady flow of fresh fishing moving into the tributaries.  Those who are seasoned to fishing the Steelhead Alley know that being diverse and flexible is a must.  Fishing egg patterns under a float/indicator/bobber is typically the best option for numbers of fish.  Having an understanding of a swinging setup though is always good to have when you need to cover larger slices of the river.  We are seeing a good number of fish being caught swinging now that the temps have stabilized.  We are just at the beginning of good numbers of fish so there is plenty of time to plan a guide trip.  
Forecast:

Fishing this week is going to be great.  We do have cold temps though so make sure to be prepared with good layering and Ice off Paste.  Keep your stream thermometer handy as the day progresses.  A raise of just a few degrees can wake the fish up, or a drop can put them down.  We are seeing fish in their winter holding areas though.  Make sure to target these areas to find the most fish.  Next weekend looks like some more rain and higher temps.  This is what we wait for after a few days of cold.  Shoot us a call for up to date info and to make sure you get on our guide’s calendars.  

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- 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!

We can also e-mail to you so you don’t have to worry about shipping! Can be e-mailed up to 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve!

Click Here to get an MRO Gift Card!

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- 12/4/17

* 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 pics and reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we’ll do our best to get them up.

Big Night Coming Up!
Join Clothing and Gift Manager Linda Farner on Tuesday night!

Click Here for the details!



Subscribe to our YouTube Channel?
The boys…and girls….have been hard at work the past month or so filming a new season of YouTube videos and we will begin posting them to the channel this week. 

We will be posting some Product Reviews, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Tutorials as well as some full Fly Tying Videos of some of our favorite patterns.

Have an idea for a tutorial or a topic that you’d like to see us do or cover? Have a question on something that we could film the answer for?

Feel free to give us an idea and we’ll see if we can’t get your question/topic answered via video!

[email protected]


Click Here to check out our YouTube Channel


2018 1-Day and 2-Day Fly Fishing Schools Announced!



Click Here  to check out the “School Schedule” for 2018


Anybody up for some Bonefishing?

Join MRO host Pat Kelly at the Andros Island Bonefish Club in the Bahamas

February 17th- 24th, 2018

You get to the island and we’ll do the rest!!!

Click Here  for the details and pricing

Warmwater


Everything local has remained high but dropping all week.  These streams are currently slightly stained or clear depending on which water way you are fishing.  Saugeye fishing continues to be the main species.  The ODNR stocks them in great numbers in reservoirs throughout the state.  These fish also find home in many of the local streams.  Sink tips fly lines with shad patterns is the usual routine, 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.  

Here are a few pointers that will help you extend your local winter fishing options here locally.  With the water temps in the low 40’s your best bet will be to target Crappies and Panfish.  This time of the year 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.  

Although Pike get a slight backseat during Steelhead season there will continue to be opportunities but the forecast will put a damper on things.  Also Pat has been kicking off his Musky season with some great success.  If you are interested in booking any of these trips make sure to call the shop with a few dates as there are a few dates still available this year.  

Forecast: Early week will be your best bet as there is a severe cold front heading our way. There will be some rain followed by near freezing high temps.  This will probably “close the door” for a few day if not totally for fly gear.  If you have some time off stop by the shop and pick up some Loon’s Stanley Ice Off Paste and we will talk about options. 


Mad River


Fishing continues to be good.  As usual water conditions have been very clear.  Although the streamer fishing has been good most have been focusing on nymphing tactics.  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 Rio Euro Nymph or Indicator leader, 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 going into late fall 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.  As we move 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.  These big pushes of water help clear out the remaining leaves and flush out the dying off vegetation.  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 Rio Streamer 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.  Also bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter.    

Forecast:  The rain might mess things up for a few hours, but will open the door for some great streamer water midweek.  After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics.  There is a BIG cold front heading in and it will start to look like winter.  Grad some Ice off Paste and your Tenkara Rod to keep the ice under control.

Good friend and great customer Bob Wing with a fish taken on a Galloup’s Mini-Dungeon last Sunday on a float trip with MRO Guide Josh McQueen. We turned him onto that fly last week and then he sent us these pics and note from yesterday:

“That fly is KILLER.Thanks for turning me onto it”- Bob Wing

Galloup’s Mini-Dungeon- our #1 selling fly- available in 5 colors- Click Here



Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

Like on the Mad, fishing has been good the past week.  Most people have been nymphing and having good success.   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.  Grab a Rio Euro Nymph or Indicator leader, 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 going into late fall 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.  This time of the year do not overlook adding a Conehead Muddler, Autumn Splinder, or Clouser as a heavy “nymph” also.  As we move 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.  The Clear Fork offers some unique opportunities with the more Spring Creek feel above the dam and a Tailwater below.  This provides us with extended streamer water once the upper settles as the lower river usually continues to be high as they stabilize the lake levels.   Also without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a bit longer to clear out.  Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and Rio Streamer tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs like Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads.  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.  


Forecast:  The rain might mess things up for a few hours, but will open the door for some great streamer water midweek.  After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics.  There is a BIG cold front heading in and it will start to look like winter.  Grad some Ice off Paste and your Tenkara Rod to keep the ice under control.



Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Fishing has continued to be great this past week.  Most of the stocked fish are now well dispersed and starting to act a little more like wild trout.  Like the other trout streams nymphing will be the key for numbers.  If you prefer the streamer game then Clear Creek offers great small streamer fishing throughout the winter.  Also do not overlook your Tenkara Rods as either a backup or main tactic.  

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 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.  

Flies to have going into late fall 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:  Early this week will be tough because of the rain.  There is a BIG cold front that will bring in winter conditions.  Once the conditions stable nymphing will be your best bet, but swinging a small streamer can produce a few fish. 




Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Midwest Fly Fishing School Alumn Roberto Noden and his father were out with Josh on Saturday. You can also find a short video of Roberto with Josh on Facebook and Instagram from Saturday.
Conditions have been very tough this past week.  Little to no rain has caused the tribs to be low and clear. With the high angling pressure and low water successful fisherman were forced to cover lots of water.  There have been fish being caught for those putting in the time.  Indicator fishing has produced the most success, but those that have been stripping streamers and swinging at the right times were not left out.  

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.  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 give us a call!  For swinging flies either a Skagit or Scandi line with a 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.  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:  The rain early in the week will be a welcomed sight.  As usual this time of the year rain brings a cold front though.  Look for temps at or below freezing for the next couple weeks.  Without ice on Lake Erie also look for pop up snow showers.  Mid to late week should produce good fishing conditions as long as you are prepared for the cold.  No rush to get out at first light though.  Keep an eye on your water temps knowing that a change of 2-3 degrees can turn on the fish.  Stanley’s Ice Off Paste, Rio’s Switch or Trout Steelhead line, SA’s Anadro will be your go to choices.  


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- 11/3/17

* 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.


Anybody up for some Bahamas Bonefish this Winter?

Join host Pat Kelly at the Andros Island Bonefish Club- “Land of the Giants”

February 17th- 24th, 2018

You get to Andros Island and we’ll do the rest!

Click Here for further details, pricing and photos 




Warmwater

Well for the past week or so have really put a damper on the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass fishing.  With the night temps being so low most of the water is in the upper 40’s to mid 50’s.  This has really made it tough to have good number days.  Fishing during the warmest part of the day in typical Fall holding water will treat you well if you take your time thoroughly covering water.  Fish this time of the year are focused on putting on weight before winter comes.  Targeting the local streams you will need at least an Intermediate sinking line like the Scientific Anglers Sonar Titan Clear Tip and large Shad color/style flies.  We really like the Modern Deceivers, Half and Half, Big Fish Deceiver, and really any Kelly Galloup articulated streamers. 

Pond fishing has definitely slowed down as the water is cooling off fast.  Fish deep with slow swimming motion flies like the Super Worm, Reaper, and J-Pig for bass.  Panfish are still being caught, but most are using an indicator and flies like Clousers, Crappie Specials, or big trout nymphs to get the job done.  

Pike fishing continues to be the best we have ever had.  Right now we are having a little problem with leaves especially if using the Jet Boats…good thing we have Drift Boats and rafts!  We have a couple more months of great Pike fishing, but we can fish all winter as long as the weather treats us well.  Make sure to contact the shop to book your dates! 
Speaking of Pike, we had the pleasure of spending some time on the water with Ryan Shea who owns Brookdog Fishing Company up in New York. Here is what he had to say on his Blog:

EXPLORING A SLICE OF OHIO

It’s been nearly a year now since I started following Josh McQueen of Mad River Outfitters on social media. I began following him because he was posting pics of some beautiful pike – all caught on the fly. Over time, only looking at those fish on a little screen became too much for me to take. When I found out they were natives and Josh gave me the back story on the fish – I had to experience this place for myself. What an awesome experience!

Small, clear rivers. Tons of timber and over hanging trees. Numerous challenges for the fly caster. My kind of place. It’s a tough watershed to fish even for the best of casters. However, all the risky casts and snags that sometimes follow are well worth it. Missiles shoot out of nowhere, startle the hell out of you, and just destroy your fly. This pattern persists throughout the day. Every down tree, root ball, and impingement presents an opportunity. We caught over 400 inches of fish in 2 days.

Accompanying great fishing was an even better guy. Josh is an awesome guide. He’s passionate about his fishery and his craft. I felt like I’d known him for years within minutes of meeting him. Oh yeah – within minutes of meeting him, I caught a pike over 30 minutes and the action didn’t stop all day. Josh told me that this place fishes well year so I’m already planning on another visit during the winter. Stay tuned!

Thanks Ryan for the kind words and for the shout out on your Blog.

Be sure to check out the Blog HERE

Check out Ryan’s website HERE.


Mad River


Finally a little bump in flows on the Mad has pushed out some of the leaves and moss.  The only issue is that there are still leaves on some trees.  Unless we get a hard freeze after some rain we will be dealing with the leaves for another week or two.  There have been some fish caught, but with the low flows the fishing has been slow.  Look for fishing into the weekend to be better because of the slight raise of flows.  

Nymphing will be the best option if the water continues to drop.   For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  We have multiple options for great nymphing sticks.  Take a look at the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, and the new Peiroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  The forecast looks good for a few chances of rain.  If we do actually get more rain pull out your streamer rod, sink tip line, and big flies.  We really like the Rio Streamer Tip, short leader, and articulated streamers fished on our 6-8wts.  

Flies to have going into late fall 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.  Streamers will be Bottom’s Up, Dungeons, Modern Deceivers, and Bunkers to name a few.  

**Public Service Announcement**  The ODNR stocked trout during the month of October.  Most of the stockings are at the bridges.  There are many people who actually get to catch their first trout taking advantage of these stocking.  Keep in mind that these fish are the future of the fishery and must be treated with the utmost care.  We suggest keeping the pressure off or at least very light on these fish.  Make sure to pinch your barbs and handle them delicately keeping them in the water as much as possible. 

Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

We have finally gotten a push of water to fire things up in the upper river.  Although it is not much look for the fish to start moving.  With the chance of rain in the forecast hopefully we will get the water table filled back up keeping good flows in the river.  They are letting water out of Pleasant Hill giving the area in the Park a good flush out of the leaves.  It is currently high, but as long as it stays under that 1.5′ range it is safe for experienced waders who take care. 


Nymphing will be the best option in both sections.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  We have multiple options for great nymphing sticks.  Take a look at the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, and the new Peiroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.    For streamers we pull out the 6-8wts Rio Streamer Tip and the biggest streamers we can cast on these rods.  


Flies to have going into late fall 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.  Streamers will be Bottom’s Up, Dungeons, Modern Deceivers, and Bunkers to name a few.  


**Public Service Announcement**  The ODNR stocked trout during the month of October.  Most of the stockings are at the bridges.  There are many people who actually get to catch their first trout taking advantage of these stocking.  Keep in mind that these fish are the future of the fishery and must be treated with the utmost care.  We suggest keeping the pressure off or at least very light on these fish.  Make sure to pinch your barbs and handle them delicately keeping them in the water as much as possible.


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek has not bumped as much as the other streams in the state, but is fishing ok.  With the forecast the levels should continue to raise.  The leaves are getting really bad so some water would be very helpful.  Like the other trout streams in the state nymphing will be the best option unless we get some streamer water.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  We have multiple options for great nymphing sticks.  Take a look at the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, and the new Peiroway Renegade 9’6″ 5wt to name a few.  For streamers we pull out the 6wts Rio Streamer Tip and streamers like Mini Dungeons, Wooly Sculpins, Buggers, Barely Legals, and Stacked Blonde.  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 Ears will get the job done.  

**Public Service Announcement**  The ODNR stocked trout during the month of October.  Most of the stockings are at the bridges.  There are many people who actually get to catch their first trout taking advantage of these stocking.  Keep in mind that these fish are the future of the fishery and must be treated with the utmost care.  We suggest keeping the pressure off or at least very light on these fish.  Make sure to pinch your barbs and handle them delicately keeping them in the water as much as possible.


Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

We are now officially offering Float Trips on several Ohio Tributaries for steelhead. Click Here for details and pricing on booking a guide on Steelhead Alley.

Man are we fielding calls and booking trips for the past few days. Thanks!!! It appears that folks in the region have “Steelhead Fever”.  With the new SA Spey Lite, Jerry French Renegade rods, and Scott L2H and T3H rods in the shop everyone has Steelhead on the mind.  We are really excited to “Get this going”.

Our partner and steelhead mentor Jerry Darkes always says: “Steelhead season starts once the leaves are down and the water ‘greens-up'”. Looks like we are about there so get ready!!!

We have gotten a push of water and there are fish moving into the tribs.  This weekend looks really good especially with the forecasted rain.  Indicator fishing with tandem fly rigs bring the numbers to hand.  If this is your game then make sure your 10′ 7wt is ready with a reel with good drag and a Rio Trout/Steelhead line.  Organize your egg box and make sure to have a good assortment of Wooly Buggers and Chicken Littles.  If you are new to steelhead fishing  booking a guide will take years off the learning curve.  Grab Nagy’s Steelhead Guide book and do a little homework before your trip.  It’s pretty much the Bible for Erie Steelheaders.

“Steelhead Guide”- by John Nagy

Flies for Indicator fishing will be Glo Bugs, Scrambled Eggs, Meth, and others.  In conjunction with these we like to fish nymphs like Wiggle Stones, Psycho Prince, Formally Known as Prince, and Steelhead Candy.  We also fish Wooly Buggers in the place of the nymphs in many situations. 

If you like to swing we have a load of new items in the shop.  SA Spey Lite lines, new flies, and rods have been keeping us busy.  Make sure to give us a call or stop in the shop to help you sort through all of this as it can be overwhelming on your own.   If you are looking to swing make sure to have pleny of Senyo’s A.I and Flow Ryder along with the new Sili Leg Intruder for flies.  

Looking ahead things will continue to be great as long as we get some rain every few days.  We are booking guide trips daily so make sure to contact us soon to get your name on our calendar.  

A few shots from a successful float trip last week. Things are starting to happen!



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- 10/11/17

* 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.


We LOVE Happy Customers!



Jackson Ballinger with his 1st fish on a fly rod!

MRO Friends,

Attached is the picture of our grandson Jackson Ballinger age 9 with his first fly rod that I purchased for him from your store. Less than 24 hours later he got his first fish. 
Thanks for your help.

Roy Whited


Caleb Blair and his 1st Pike on gear purchased on www.madriveroutfitters.com
Hello,
    
A little over 2 years ago I contacted you guys looking for a musky rig. I don’t remember who I spoke to. I was easily convinced to chose a 10 wt TFO over an Orvis. The whole purchasing experience was based on trust as I live in North West New Mexico and was not able to be in your store to handle the rod in person. I’ve used this rod perhaps a dozen times and my efforts so far have been fruitless in my pursuit to catch a pike or muskie on a fly rod,  until today. Even though this pike is a small one I wanted to share it with you and thank you for recommending the rod and reel.   Both the TFO and the Ross are definitely my finest fishing products.

Sincerely,
Caleb Blair


Top student who has now graduated to a guide client…..Brennon Shanks

My dad and I went out smallmouth fishing with Pat Kelly of Mad River Outfitters. I found the experience to be beyond expectations, as I learned so much about fly casting, presentation, and fish behavior. Pat did an excellent job of answering any questions we had and was always helpful and enjoyable to fish with. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and excitement for fly fishing as well, it made the trip so much more fun because one of the best parts of fishing is sharing your passion with others. I sincerely thank you guys for all the help developing my fly fishing and always being encouraging and fun to be around. All the best!

Brennon Shanks


Kathy Schultz at the 1-Day Fly Fishing School in September
We inherited some fly fishing gear from my father, and we spoke with Brian about what to do with it in Ohio. We attended the 2 hour free class, which was excellent, and it inspired us to take the one day class on the river in Zanesfield. Brian was very patient, working with a group who had a wide range of experience and knowledge. Brian covered a lot of information and made a very confusing topic understandable. Brian debunked a lot of the ritual associated with the sport. We couldn’t stump him on any questions related to fishing – he has a wealth of experience about current topics as well as fly fishing history. We all enjoyed the day, and we now have confidence in going alone. The best part of learning how to fly fish was the next day! We had an amazing feeling of tranquility and zen! Thank you Brian for getting us involved with fly fishing!

Art and Kathy Schultz


Bill Previty was on our “Naktoberfest” Alaska Trip in September with host Jeff Liskay

MRO,

This year’s trip to Alaska with Jeff Liskay was one of my best fishing trips ever. Jeff did a superb job as coordinator, coach, and cheerleader. The fishing was spectacular, the new lodge a treat, good food, and great guides headed up by James who is managing the lodge. We had a good cross section of participants who enjoyed each other’s company and spiced up the entire week with good humor. I am sure Jeff will provide you a dropbox with a good array of photos. We did have a little competition on the river from a brown fisherman.

Thanks again for allowing me to swap to this year’s trip after some medical issues last year. I can say at the end of the week of six straight days spey casting that my arms and shoulders were a bit tired. Comes with age. I’ll be in Columbus late next week and will drop by the shop. I certainly would be interested in another late September trip next year.

Warm regards,
Bill Previty- Boise, Idaho



Thanks for all the great feedback and reviews friends! We love to hear it so…..keep it coming.




Warmwater



Smallmouth fishing continued to be great going into the past weekend.  Currently the local streams are high and muddy.  Looking at the rest of the week’s forecast the streams will continue to drop back into fishable levels for this weekend if not sooner.  This rain was a much needed event to flush out some thick vegetation and leaves that have been backing up in the low water.  Once levels stabilize and water clears then we will find some very nice Smallmouth and Hybrid fishing.  If you do want to get out this week keep an eye on the gauges and focus on the smaller rivers in the area.  Shoot us a call and we will help you sort all this out.  


Going into the fall the main rig we call use will be a fast action 7wt (6-8wt will get the job done) Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip, short leader in the 12-20lb tippet range and a large streamer.  Take a look at the Modern Streamers in the Flies section of the website.  Here you will find all of the patterns that fill our Bass boxes.  


Lake fishing has also started to fire back up.  Again once the water conditions settle in the local lakes the bass will continue to focus on schools of baitfish.  The water temps are still pretty high, but are falling.  As the fish get conditioned to the lower temps they will start to feed heavily in prep for the winter.  This is a great time to be fishing the lakes and ponds around the state.  With the stream conditions not favorable then we are taking advantage of the numerous opportunities for Largemouth Bass and Panfish.  


If you are new to Bass fishing make sure to take advantage of one of our guides.  Things usually start to slow down at the end of this month so give us a call before our schedules are booked up.  Speaking of guide trips the Pike fishing continues to be amazing!  Josh and Pat have been steadily putting clients on fish.  Take a look at our guide trip page to see the quality of these fish…and in OHIO! 

Dr. Neil Murphy on an MRO Pike Guide Trip this past Susnday!


Mad River


As usual the Mad did not significantly change despite the inch of rain over the past few days. Conditions continue to be low and clear.  

The fish are cooperating though as long as you plan out your approach.  Utilize extreme stealth (as usual for this Spring Creek) making sure you have your casting well tuned.  Just like for the past few months you will want to use all of the stealth tactics in your tool box.  Always the case with this river but things are extremely exaggerated right now.

Tactics for the rest of the week and into the weekend will focus on nymphing.  Here we like long rods in the 9-11′ range with the longer rods focused on the Euro techniques.  With the low conditions a very small indicator is must for either traditional nymphing or the Euro/tight line tactics.  Here one of the Wool New Zealand indicators are the most versatile.  Flies will consist of small Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and caddis like the Flashabou or Nitro.  Trail these with a slightly smaller unweighted fly and you will be set.  If you need some split shot make sure to have the micro sizes as you do not want to use shot as big or bigger than your fly. 

 In the evenings there have been some good caddis activity.  We usually fish a dry like the Elk Hair Caddis or October Caddis with a small lightly or unweighted dropper like the Galloup’s Diving Caddis or small Guides Choice.   

Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

The rain did help the flows earlier, but they have dropped back down.  Focus on the upper river until they settle the flows back down below the dam.  Focus on nymphing the upper river with caddis and small mayfly nymphs.  Flies will consist of small Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and caddis like the Flashabou or Nitro.  Trail these with a slightly smaller unweighted fly and you will be set.  Like on the Mad in the evenings there have been some good caddis activity.  We usually fish a dry like the Elk Hair Caddis or October Caddis with a small lightly or unweighted dropper like the Sunken Caddis or small Guides Choice.


If you just want to fish the lower then you will need to be stripping streamers with a sink tip line. The Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip or Rio Streamer Tip, short leader in the 12-20lb tippet range and a large streamer will get the job done.  Take a look at the Modern Streamers in the Flies section of the website.  You will be rewarded with a good mixed bag of fish down there below the dam. 


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

The creek is currently “high” and off color, but clearing and falling fast.  Conditions should be good later in the week and into the weekend.  Nymphing will present the most productivity.  Like in the other reports your rig will be small Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and caddis like the Flashabou or Nitro.  Trail these with a slightly smaller unweighted fly and you will be set.  

Small streamers can be a good choice also.  Wooly Buggers, Glass Buggers, Mojo Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and the new Mini Dungeons are great choices.  Here you will want fast 5wts and 6wts.  As long as you are fishing a weighted streamer a sink tip is not ususally needed on this small creek.  Also keep a few caddis dries hand once everything clears.  Here typically small Elk Hair Caddis and Goddard Caddis are the key, but do not overlook those bigger October caddis if you do not see any fish rising. 


Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Steelhead Season is right around the corner in the Great Lakes Region!

RAIN!!!  We have finally gotten a decent push of water up to the lake.  Everything as expected is dropping fast though.  There is some scattered rain in the forecast which will be needed to keep the conditions perfect into the weekend.  Just because the SOME fish are moving into the Tributaries does not mean that you need to drop everything and call off work…this is just the very beginning of the run.  There are many factors that we need to keep in mind when heading that way.  Keep an eye on the water temps.  Looking at the forecast the air temps will be pushing 80.  If the streams get low there might be a water temp issue.  Just something to keep in mind.  This week focus on the lower rivers and harbors.  Stripping streamers, swinging flies and indicator/bobber fishing buggers, eggs, and nymphs will cover all your tactics needed.  If you are new to this game stop by or give us a call and we will help you get set up.  If swinging and Spey casting is your game we have the Scientific Anglers Spey Lite lines, Sonar Leaders and the best Skagit tips on the market the TC Textured dual density tips.  

If you need help lining a rod contact us and we will take the confusion out of the game.  
Interested in a guide trip this coming Fall 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/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- 9/30/17

* 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.


New Orleans Redfish Update-

The trip was a smashing success! Great group of guys enjoyed a fantastic adventure at Woodland Plantation. 2018 dates are already up on the website and we expect that most that attended this year will repeat. It simply doesn’t get any better!

The 2017 Woodland Plantation Group- Left to right: Mike Billow, David Ellis, David Kitchen, Al Carnes, John Raisbeck, Jeremy Moore, Ralph Rothfelder, host Brian Flechsig, Phil Clay, Ed Yen and Woodland owner Foster Creppel.

Trip host Brian Flechsig. Hands-down his favorite destination on the planet!


CLICK HERE to view the full photo album.

CLICK HERE to check out the details and pricing on the 2018 trip.



“Naktoberfest” Alaska Update-

The group, hosted by Jeff Liskay,  is just arriving back in Anchorage here this afternoon and then dispersing to their hometowns so we don’t have a ton of photos yet….but we will. Preliminary reports have this as an “Epic” week of swinging up trophy rainbows and more. It does look like they did a fly out for Arctic Char as well so we can’t wait to dig into the photos once the guys get home and start sending. Keep your eyes on the Photo Albums as well as Social Media for updates.

The “Naktoberfest” group had a surprise visit from none other than Jerry Darkes. Here is long-time friend and great customer Bill Previty and Jerry with a trophy rainbow.

MRO Trip host Jeff Liskay and James Johnson from the Katmai Trophy Lodge/Blue Bonefish Lodge 
Jeff Liskay twisting up some bugs for the group this week at Katmai Trophy Lodge


CLICK HERE to learn more about our Alaska Trips- 2018 dates already posted



Next up in October: Peacock Bass in Brazil-

Pat Kelly hosts 8 lucky anglers in Brazil for Peacock Bass- October 21st- 28th


CLICK HERE to learn more about our legendary trips to Brazil



Warmwater


Low Low Low!  Across the state everything is running low and clear.  That does not necessarily mean the fishing is bad.  We now have good temps, but we just need some rain to make the fishing even better.  

Smallmouth Bass fishing has been very good.  Pencil poppers and small streamers provided the most consistency.  With this cold snap we are all excited to hunt for big fish.  The stream fish will start to put the feed on like a few weeks ago.  Float trips right now are pretty tough due to the conditions, but we can still run a few on certain waters.  If you want to target some big Smallmouth Bass then make sure to get a date setup before the leaves start to come down.  

Lake and pond fishing will fire back up into next week.  The Largemouth Bass have been in summer mode holding in deep water.  Most of the lake temps have been in the upper 70s and lower 80s.  Once the fish adjust to these cooler temps they will be much easier to catch.  These big fish will start to move shallow searching to fatten up before the water temps fall.  


Ohio Power/AEP is a great place to catch a good number of large bass and panfish. The fishing there can be FANTASTIC in the Fall. 


Not familiar? Hit this link here:


https://www.aep.com/environment/conservation/recland/



Pike fishing continues to be strong as well and should continue through the fall. Interested in a trip? Let us know. Pat and Josh have a few openings yet in October and November and would love to get you out on the jets or drift boats.

Josh was out today scouting some new water on some smaller creeks. He’s reporting that we should have some new options in the rotation soon. 

Mad River


As with everything else the flows are low.  We will need a steady rain over a couple days to fire the streamer bite back up.  This doesn’t mean that the fishing has been bad, just very technical.  
Euro style nymphing, long leaders, and Tenkara have provided the most success.  There are a few caddis and small mayflies around, but the dry fly fishing has been inconsistent.  As Fall progresses nymphing will be the best tactic.  We prefer a longer rod for nymphing something like the Redington Hydrogen 10′ 3 or 4wt, 10′ 4wt BVK, or Sage ESN.  Flies for nymphing will be the usual Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, and the caddis imitations like the Nitro Caddis, Swinks Core Caddis , and the Flashabou Caddis.  Trail these bead headed nymphs with a soft hackle and you are set.  Once we get some water you will want to add a Double Stone to the mix to get your rig down. 

Keep a few caddis dries in your box and maybe add a few small Blue Wing Olives or Parachute Adams……although the dry fly bite has been pretty tough here the past week or so. 

Like in earlier reports you will need to use all of Mat Supinski’s tactics from Selectivity.  Stealthy approach is nothing new for the Mad, but with these conditions you will have to be extra careful.  

Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

Nothing much has changed over the past month.  The creek is very low.  If you are up that way there are trout around, but you will have to use very long drifts and casts.  Fish very small caddis and midges both dries and nymphs on long leaders.  Euro or High Stick drifting will be the most productive presentations also.  


Down in the park below Pleasant Hill Dam there have been a good mixture of fish being caught. A few trout with plenty of Smallies and Rockbass are the norm.  If you are looking to cross off a new species on the catch list then take advantage of the great Yellow Perch fishing.  These panfish are plentiful and of good size.  Fishing small streamers like Buggers, Zonkers, Clousers, and gummy minnows will keep you busy with the mixed bag.  


The forecast does not look like much will change in the flows.  As soon as the water levels do come up then fishing bigger streamers will bring the bigger fish to hand. 


Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map


Same story for this little creek.  The water temps have been better than we have ever seen them this year.  At flows in the teens we need some rain to get the fish more fired up and not so skittish.  Very stealthy approaches have been needed.  Tenkara has been the most productive allowing the individual to naturally drift a fly with little to no line on the water.  Also tight line nymphing will get the job done and allow you to fish even deeper.  

As for flies for nymphing will be the usual Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, and the caddis imitations like the Nitro Caddis, Swinks Core Caddis , and the Flashabou Caddis.  Trail these bead headed nymphs with a soft hackle and you are set.  If you are in the Hocking Hills enjoying the changing leaves and want to trout fish then study up on your weary trout tactics or grab Matt Supinski’s book Selectivity.  There have also been a few smallies caught on those fishing small Clousers and Classis trout streamers like the Black Nose Dace, and Grey Ghost. 


Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Steelhead Season is right around the corner in the Great Lakes Region!

Nothing has changed other than the air temperature.  These cooler night temps will push the fish even tighter to the beaches.  Once we get some significant rain there will be a good push of fish.  Keep an eye here and we will keep you updated.  There have been a lot of people in the shop gearing up for fishing the Alley.  If you want to get a Spey casting class in make sure to contact the shop before the run starts!

Interested in a guide trip this coming Fall 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
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- 4/14/17

* 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.

Congrats!


We’d like to extend a HUGE thanks to all of our friends and supporters…especially those who attended the Fly Fishing Film Tour this year.


On Wednesday, we announced the Proceeds from the event that are being donated to The Mayfly Project.


We SHATTERED last year’s record!

If you haven’t seen it already, hop on over to Facebook and you can watch the repost of a Facebook LIVE that we did of Brian calling Jess Westbrook to give him the news! Needless to say, he was thrilled.

Even if you didn’t attend, just supporting and shopping with Mad River Outfitters, you are helping us to make things like this possible. We truly appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and in turn, serve our community.

THANKS and Congrats Columbus!!!!





**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.  

Warm Water


The ponds and streams continue to warm and the fish are very active.  While the reservoirs are not quiet prime focus on the ponds for large mouth bass and bluegills.  Crappies are also starting to move shallower in these smaller waters.  There has been reports of White Bass also starting to move up into the feeder streams of the reservoirs.  For all of these fish stripping streamers will get the job done.  Grab some Wooly buggers, Clouser Minnows, Half and Halfs, Decievers, Deep Shad, Murdich Minnows and Skiddish Smolts to name a few. 

Smallmouth Activity picking up both inland and on the Erie Tribs





Mad River


The Mad River is fishing very good.  Look for typical clear water and active fish.  The hatches continue to be the main topic this past week.  Hendricksons have been thick.  Normally we have seen these mayflies from the 11am-2pm range, but lately the brunt of the hatch has been later in the day.  There have been some large blanket spinner falls into the evening also.  Currently the weather is overcast with spotty drizzle.  Conditions like this we always have a good size range of BWO (Blue Wing Olives) on hand.  Streamer fishing continues to be great during the low light periods and on cloudy days.  If you happen to head out mid-morning and there is no visible hatch going on make sure to have a nymph rig ready.  


As for rigs being diverse/prepared is always the best bet this time of the year.  Streamer fishing low light times will require 4-5 different colored patterns with varied designs.  Flies for this style are Barely Legals, Articulated Monkeys, Dungeons, Bottoms Up, Silk Kitty, Boogie Man, and others.  Smaller streamers also get the job done: Cougars, Dirty Hippies, Wooly Sculpins, Near Nuff Sculpin, and other traditional streamers.  Nymphing will be our typical Hendrickson Nymphs, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Pheasant Tails, Prince, Copper Johns, and Galloup’s Peacock Hares Ear.  These will need to be in the #12-18 size range.  Grab a Lemer Lead Selector pack, Airlock Indicators, and some 3-4x tippet leaders to get you ready.  Dry fly fishing is pretty simple: Beck’s Henny, Bear’s Para Henny, Hendrickson Sparkle Dun, Borchers, BWO- paracute, Adams, and Quil Gordon.  


Clearfork River

Clearfork Map

Not much happening on the lower river with the recent high water, but we expect that to change in the next few weeks.  The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam is a great place to have a mixed bag of fish.  

The upper river id dropping nicely after the rain earlier in the week.  Look for good hatches of Hendrickson to be the main focus in the next few days.  Nymph the mornings and keep an eye out for rising fish then switch to dries into the evening.  As for dry flies stock up on Beck’s Henny, Bear’s Para Henny, Hendrickson Sparkle Dun, Borchers, BWO- paracute, Adams, and Quil Gordon.  Nymphs to focus on are Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns, Galloups Peacock Hares Ear, Prince, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  There is some rain in the forecast.  If the river comes up then streamers will be a great choice.   Flies would be Barely Legals, Articulated Monkeys, Dungeons, Bottoms Up, Silk Kitty, Boogie Man, and others.  Smaller streamers also get the job done when the water is clear.  Stock up on Cougars, Dirty Hippies, Wooly Sculpins, Near Nuff Sculpin, and other traditional streamers.




Clear Creek

Clear Creek Map

The creek is starting to clear out from the mid week rain making for good conditions this weekend.  Clear Creek is not the same fishery as the Mad or Upper Clear Fork, but if you are down in that part of the state it makes for a beautiful outting.  Rummors of some Hendrickson, Blue Quil, and BWO are hatching, but not in the quantity as the Mad River.  

Dry flies to have in your box are Beck’s Henny, Bear’s Para Henny, Hendrickson Sparkle Dun, Borchers, BWO- paracute, Adams, and Quil Gordon.  If you want to focus on numbers then nymph with Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns, Galloups Peacock Hares Ear, Prince, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Streamers would be single hooked patterns like Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Sculpins, Wooly Buggers, Big Hole Bugs, and Clousers. 




Erie Steelhead



Lots of traffic through the shop this week from people heading up to the ‘Alley.  Seems that the streams are pretty crowded here this week. 


Most of the streams are clearing out well and should be great for the weekend.  There are a lot of fish on or heading to gravel.  As standard in the industry we do not advise disrupting these fish as they spawn.  There are plenty of fish eating eggs in the runs below the spawning riffles and that is where we fish.  


With the forecast we should still have decent numbers of fish for the next few weeks.  If nymphing is your game then focus on eggs and nymphs as the streams clear.  A bead headed nymph followed by an egg is a great place to start in clear water.  Nymphs that we like are the Steak and Eggs, Bloody Mary, Psycho Prince, Chicken Little, Sparkle Maggot, Steelie Stone, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  As for eggs Glo Bugs, Glo Bugs, Glo Bugs.  Have them in bigger and bright colors for dirty water and then smaller pastel colors for clear water.  Swinging is still an option even in lower water.  Using intermediate iMOW tips on your skagit heads or an integrated switch line is a good choice.  In low water conditions we swing flies like Skiddish Smolts, Wooly Buggers, Chicken Little, Cross Dresser, Zonkers, and Classic salmon style flies.  If the water is on the rise or drop your typical Greg Senyo flies like the Flow Ryder and the A.I. Intruder will get the job done.  



THE SMALLIES ARE IN!!!  There is a good number of Lake Run smallies in the lower rivers already!  If you are heading up to Steelhead Alley do not leave the streamer rod and sink tip at home.  Here you will want to fish the Kelly Galloup articulated streamers stripped though likely holding water.  These fish are fat mad and a blast to catch.  Also do not be surprised if you come in contact with a Chrome or spawned out (Drop Back) steelhead.  This is a great time to book at trip on the ‘Alley!  


A Good Friday for Bob Berner- Guide trip today with MRO Guide Josh McQueen


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

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

Fishing Reports 3/31/17

* 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.



** E-News went out today with some cool stuff in it. Read it HERE!

** Warmwater fishing has really been picking up around the state. We are a report or so away from keeping tabs on things a little more and updating. Anybody doing well out there….let us know. Send reports and pics to [email protected].

The local ponds have been warming up and the fish are starting to get active.  With the high water in the streams many of us have been taking advantage of the bass and panfish.  If you are looking to catch some warm water fish focus on the shallow bays with dark bottoms.  These areas are full of small minnows and the smaller bass are right there hunting.  Most of the Bluegills are being caught in the middle of these coves and bays or on the drop offs right at the mouth.  Fishing small streamers slowly will allow you to cover water and also have a mixed bag of bass, bluegills and crappies.  There has been many people asking about poppers, but we are still a month or two out from consistent topwater fishing. 

** Our good friend and great customer Don Gregroy was just down in New Zealand and sent this pic and report:

“Thanks for getting me properly geared up for the 15 foot leader game in gin clear New Zealand waters. Humbling experience as the 10 pounders toasted me. The last good one ran UP a waterfall to break off.” – Don

** We SHATTERED the donation record for the Film Tour this month. Congrats to all F3t participants. We raised alot of money for Jess Westbrook and The Mayfly Project. Brian and the gang are going to do a Facebook LIVE when they call him to “present” the total monies raised. As soon as we get the time and date we’ll let you know on Social Media etc. Stay tuned.


*** PIG STICKERS are HERE!!! Thanks Nate Karnes!!!

Click Here to check out the selection of “pig fish” available. We’ll be adding more cool stickers as we go also.

* Spring Creek/Selectivity Weekend with special guest: Matt Supinski- May 5th, 6th and 7th. Click Here to check out the schedule of events and programs.



Mad River

There has been lots of people stopping by and calling asking about how the Mad is fishing.  


The big news…..we HAVE SEEN BUGS.


Although hatches are a little sporadic due to weather changes there have been a few Blue Quills and Hendricksons….starting as early as Monday or Tuesday of last week.  That being said, right now the most productive technique will still be nymphing, but make sure to either have your dry fly rod  or at least your dry fly box handy.  It does appear that the temps are going to stabilize only helping the dry fly season to get a good start.  We do expect the next few weeks should see the Hendricksons come on strong. Be ready.


If you are looking to get some fish on dries then you will want to be on the river between 10am-4pm.  This gives you the best chance to find fish looking up.  As for flies you will want to have a good mix of style of dry flies like Parachutes, Catskills, and Comparaduns.  Specific patterns would be Adams, Parachute Adams, Henny Sparkle Dun, Bears Para Henny, Becks Henny, Mr Rapidan (for HiVis), Irresistible all in size 14-16.  


If you want to get out early and nymph first.  The main nymph is going to be the Bead Head Hendrickson.  For your second fly keep the classics well stocked: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and Soft Hackles.  


Streamer fishing has been rather limited.  These past rains have raised the river, but only for a few hours.  Those that have made it out during the right conditions have had some success.  Most fish have been taken on Galloups Stacked Blonde, Bottoms Up, Dungeons, and Peanuts.  We have a big shipment of new streamers here in the shop.  We are working to get them online, but stop by and take a look. 


Let us know what you are seeing out there!!


“Hey guys, got out to the Mad today for a bit. Parked at 36 and fished both directions. The day started cloudy and I picked up a fish on a streamer and moved a few others without hook ups. The sun replaced the clouds and I switched up to nymphs. Managed a half dozen fish and a few missed hook sets but all in all a great day. Flows were around 300cfs and water was very clear. Saw some bug activity as the temperature rose.  As always, thanks for all the tips and tricks. Tight lines.-  Tim Greiner”

Good work as always Tim and Thanks for the report!

“The Mad is full of baby nasties… made it out yesterday and had a bunch of meat eating browns take my twisted woolly. Also noticed some bugs coming off the water (BWO’s?). Anyhow, great to get out and enjoy the nice-rainy weather.
Yours truly ~ Clay Sommerfelt”


Clearfork River

The Clear Fork is high currently and with the rain will probably be that way for a couple days. 

There have been a few reports of people catching fish nymphing both above and below the dam.  Most fish have been caught on Trophy Nymphs and Peasant tails.  Just like on the Mad River report keep your dry fly gear handy as Dry Fly season is going to start to heat up.  As for flies to keep stocked in your box would be Adams, Parachute Adams, Henny Sparkle Dun, Bears Para Henny, Becks Henny, Mr Rapidan (for HiVis), Irresistible all in size 14-16.  As for nymphs Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and Soft Hackles will keep you in the game, but don’t over look streamers.  

With the water being up make sure to take advantage of the streamer bite.  Big articulated flies with sink tips and heavy tippet will be the key.  The typical will be Dungeons, Barely Legals, Peanuts and other Modern Streamers.  We have a big shipment of new streamers here in the shop.  We are working to get them online, but stop by and take a look. 

Clear Creek
The past few weeks have been fairly good fishing.  This Spring has really changed and moved around some timber and holes.  Make sure to wade carefully as there has been some reports soft mud and sand.  Small streamers and nymphing rigs have been the ticket.  Dry fly fishing will be a couple weeks out because of the current rain and what is being forecasted.  Wooly Buggers, Clousers, Black Nose Dace, Matuka, Zonkers, Trick-or-Treats, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and Soft Hacklesare always productive.  


With this rain look for the stream to not be fishing till late into the week if we do not get too much more rain.  


Erie Steelhead
This season has been going down as one of the best for fish size, numbers, and temps.  The past few rain events have continued to bring in pushes of fish.  All of the tribs have good numbers of fish well distributed throughout.  Our guides have been putting people on lots of large fish this season and it is only getting better by the day.  The guide calendar is filling up very quickly so make sure to give the shop a call and get your days before they are booked. 

The next few weeks should bring some of the BEST steelhead fishing of the season. Still plenty of time!!!! 

Eggs under an Indicator are always the most productive this time of the year.  We really like to fish a bugger or weighted streamer with an egg trailing behind.  Crystal buggers, Clousers, Zonkers, Egg Sucking Leaches then trail an Otters Egg single or cluster, Glo bug, Scrambled Egg, Crystal Meth, or Cyclops Egg.  Colors for eggs are Chartreuse, Steelhead Orange, Salmon Pink, and Kiwi. 

****Guide Trip Special****

Anybody want to fish on Tuesday? April 4th?

We had a cancellation on Tuesday and desperately need to fill the day. We’ve got mouths to feed.

The trips are normally $375.00 for up to two anglers and we could get you fishing for $300.00

Call the shop if interested! 

Stephen Was out with Josh on this past Monday. His 3rd year in a row and he says: “It just keeps getting better. Can’t say enough about Josh as a guide and a person”. 



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

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

Fishing Reports- 3/3/17

* 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.


* Some crazy weather eh? Hot, cold, sun, snow, rain, wind. Ohio


* With the warm weather we WERE experiencing, it’s been really crazy to hear the reports of good to excellent smallmouth fishing. A TON of folks were getting out locally and the smallmouth bite was on. Seems to have slowed up a bit with the cooler temps but no question that our season is starting early.


* Also good reports of folks catching largemouth and bluegill in ponds. Bluegill in particular have been very active and very aggressive from most reports. Even some decent surface activity.


Mad River

With the rains the past few days the river did spike up….big time….but has dropped right back down and is clearing. 


As we get into the weekend the streamer bite will be switching over to the typical nymphing. There have been quite a few people in the shop buying sink tips and streamers for today and tomorrow, but we havent heard any reports yet.  Saturday will be tough stripping streamers with the air temps so nymphing will be the ticket although it doesn’t hurt to try.  


Sunday will be a transition day was the stream will be clear, but warming.  Mix up your game for the day and you will be rewarded.  


The warm conditions last week had the stream fishing very well.  Some reports of caddis and plenty winter stones had the fish very active.  As soon as the weather warms again we will be keeping an eye out for Hendricksons…crazy, but it we were not far from now last year.  
The fly list will be the usual: As for Nymphs fish big nymphs followed by smaller nymphs and soft hackles.  For patterns in the Nymph category Guide Choice Hare’s Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Hares Ears, Prince, and Pheasant tails also and don’t overlook the San Juan.  Also time to start tossing Hendrickson specific nymphs as they are maturing and getting active. Won’t be too long now and we’ll start “Hendrickson Watch”.


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, Bottom Up, Cougars and Totally Articulateds will produce.  Make sure to have your sink-tip lines and 6-8wts!  


A report from the 21st of February from our friend and customer Bill Rice:


“Went to the Mad river yesterday and fished from 1:00 to 6:00. The river was low and very clear, but the overcast skies probably allowed the fish to feed a bit more confidently. There were substantial numbers of black stoneflies flitting around and a few rising fish noted in slow current areas. I fished most of the time with small streamers and had decent success. My best catch of the day was an 18” Brown with a liking for grizzly wooly buggers.”


Nice “Winter” catch for Bill Rice

Clearfork River

The upper River is going to still be off colored into the weekend.  If you have permission the mouths of the feeders will treat you well.  
Saturday and Sunday will be nymphing with the usual for this time of the year.  Sunday has the look of a good streamer day throughout the system.  
As for nymphs keep Trophy Nymphs, Guides choice Hares Ears, and plenty Prince Nymphs in your boxes.  Also make sure you have some small stone imitations as there are still a few Winter Stones around.  

This winter our streamer boxes have been getting a workout on the Clearfork.  Make sure to have all of the usuals Dungeons, Barely Legals, Bottom Up, Cougars and Totally Articulateds will produce. Make sure to have your sink-tip lines and 6-8wts!    

Clear Creek
Clear Creek had a good washout this week!  The gauge says it came up almost 10’…We didnt make it down that way to verify, but we are sure some things have shifted around a little.  


Not much going to be happening down that way, but if you are in the area bring your streamer rod and sink tips and have some fun.  The same streamers as for everywhere else, but make sure to have a few smaller versions also.  With the forecast and current conditions we do not expect the creek to clear out for a while.  Muddy to off colored water is what you will encounter this weekend, but fish can be caught! 

Erie Steelhead
The past couple weeks have been some of the best steelheading we have had in years!  Fish are well distributed and in good supply everywhere.  Before the heavy rain this week our guides have been putting clients on some very nice big fish.  These high flows are just going to continue to add fresh fish to the system.  

If you are looking to get out this weekend there will be a small window, but should be some of the best fishing of the year so far.  Saturday is looking very cold up north so look for the middle of the day to provide the best opportunity.  With the high temps still below freezing you will be dealing with ice in the guides.  Remember to bring some Stanley’s Ice Off Paste, long nymphing rods, long belly lines and lots of split shot.  Trying to keep from stripping line through the guides as much as possible.  Nymphing with a double fly rig is the name of the game for numbers of fish.  Usually we run a Crystal Bugger or Zonker and then follow it with a Glo Bug, Sucker Spawn or Crystal Meth.  

As we get into Sunday the temps will be in our favor along with even better flows.  Sunday will also be a better day to take advantage of fresh fish on the swing.  There will still be some color to the water for most part and the warmer weather should fire these fish up.  Make sure you have a good variety of colors in flies, but dark colors have been the ticket in the off colored water.  Senyo’s A.I and Flow Ryder are our common staples.  Make sure you have a good set of different sink rates for tips and 12-15lb tippet.  

As for locations…everything but the Grand is going to be fishing.  The streams are not all going to be clear, but that is how we like it.  Make sure to get your name on the calendar being that we are starting to fill up quickly.

We are having one of the best winter seasons we have had in years.  So clear out those schedules and plan on heading up to the Alley!

Mike Billow from Cleveland on a guide trip with Josh this past Monday. He’s a graduate of the Midwest Fly Fishing School this last season and has been killing it since!

Our good buddy Tim Greiner out enjoying the fantastic steelhead fishing this week.



Interested in a guide trip this coming Spring Season?

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

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


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

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

Fishing Reports- 12/2/16

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

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

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

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


In the News


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

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

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

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

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

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

Click Here for details and pricing on this trip

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



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

Click Here for the details


Mad River

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clearfork River

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


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


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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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