Monday, January 25, 2016

MRO Awarded "Google Trusted Store"


Press Release- January 25th, 2016:


Positive shopping experience at Mad River Outfitters recognized via inclusion in Google Trusted Stores Program!





  Mad River Outfitters of Columbus, Ohio, which offers the finest in fly fishing equipment and services, was recently selected to join the Google Trusted Stores program. To help shoppers identify online merchants that offer a great shopping experience, the Google Trusted Stores badge is awarded to e-commerce sites that demonstrate a track record of on-time shipping and excellent customer service. When visiting the Mad River Outfitters website, shoppers will see a Google Trusted Store badge and can click on it for more information.

"We couldn't be more thrilled and of course, are extremely proud" said owner and founder Brian Flechsig when interviewed recently. "Our team has been working their tails off to make sure our online customers are thrilled with our service, just like they would be if they visited our store. The guys and gals at MRO deserve this badge of honor!"

As an added benefit, when a shopper makes a purchase at a Google Trusted Store, they have the option to select free purchase protection from Google. Then in the unlikely event of an issue with their purchase, they can request Google's help, and Google will work with Mad River Outfitters and the customer to address the issue. As part of this, Google offers up to $1,000 lifetime purchase protection for eligible purchases.

Google Trusted Stores is entirely free, both for shoppers and for online stores. The program helps online stores like Mad River Outfitters attract new customers, increase sales and differentiate themselves by showing off their excellent service record via the badge on their websites.

Mad River Outfitters opened it's doors for business in Columbus, Ohio in 1994 and has since become one of the largest and most recognized names in the Fly Fishing Business. Their Online Store has been in operation since 2000 making them one of the longest standing online retailers in the industry. They take great pride in their "online customer service" and exceeding their customers expectations each and every click of the way.

Shop with confidence at www.madriveroutfitters.com......and tell them Google sent you!


Fishing Reports- 1/25/16


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

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



Mad River


The Mad is a bit low and super clear......we are definitely in "Winter Mode" here for the foreseeable future. Not alot of reports this past week.

A few folks that we know have been out fishing and actually, most have been reporting good to excellent fishing! The Upper River, as well as Mac-O-Chee has been producing some surprising numbers of fish, especially for this time of year. Most reports have had fish taking smaller nymphs. Midge Larva, small Copper Johns and the like have been doing well. No reports of Winter Stoneflies yet but surely time to be fishing the nymphs. Be sure to have some size 14 black nymphs....a Copper John works great for these bugs. Would be a top pick for nymphing, especially in the upper river.

Streamer fishing has been ok although the fish are not as inclined to move too far with the colder water. Small streamers have seemed to be producing a bit better with the clear water. Hopefully we can get some precip here in the next few weeks and change this up a bit.

Many folks have been calling and/or e-mailing about the brook trout in the last post. A few more caught in the past week as well. The answer to the question is No...the state is not stocking these. They are escapees from the Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club located up near the headwaters in Bellefontaine. They are actually quite common in the upper part of the river, as are rainbows. We don't see too many down where Ben caught his but it obviously happens.

Keep your eyes on the forecast and over the next few weeks, if you see a 45+ for the temps and calling for sun, it can be a great time to catch fish on dry midges. Something we always look forward to this time of year.



Clearfork River




The Clearfork is getting some pretty good rim-ice, especially in the upper. Not many reports this week as to be expected.

If you were to go, probably best to think about the lower stretch although it is pretty low and clear. Just be careful getting down into the park as the road can be treacherous if there is any snow or ice. Search out the deeper, greener water and could do ok.

Nymphs will be the hot ticket although still waiting for a monster on a large streamer  in the lower. It's going to happen...just a matter of time. Same thing here as well like the Mad....if you see a nice warm, sunny day in the forecast, you could have a banner day with Midge dries. Always a winter highlight!!!

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




Clear Creek


Clear Creek is pretty well iced-up and looks like it will be for some time. No real reason to head that way unless you are looking for a nice winter hike. Great place for that!

We'll try to let you know as things change.



Erie Steelhead

Not alot going on right now on the steelhead front. With the weather, most streams are pretty well locked-up and looks like they'll be that way here for a bit. Not uncommon for this time of year. There are a few spots open and fishable, but not too many folks getting out as you can understand.

We are busy tying flies and stocking the boxes for when things open up and we get back to fishing. Guides are primed and ready and trips are booking for March and April. Let us know if you want to get in on the action!

In the meantime...

If you happen to be in the Cleveland area this weekend. stop by and say hello! Brian and steelhead guide Josh McQueen will be manning the booth at the Northern Ohio Fly Fishing Expo in Brecksville. Also on-hand will be our good friend and partner Captain Brian Meszaros so a great chance to learn more about what we do with him up on Lake St. Clair.

Click Here to learn more about the show this weekend.

Let's hope the weather works out and we don't get "snowed out" like we did in Louisville last weekend!

Of course, as things change on the Steelhead front, we'll let you know!!!



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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
www.madriveroutfitters.com

614-451-0363

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Fly Fishing Film Tour- Columbus, Ohio



Mad River Outfitters again brings the Fly Fishing Film Tour to Columbus!

Thursday, March 10th

Gateway Film Center



All proceeds will go to benefit our new friends at Reel Recovery.



Tickets on SALE Now!




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



Sunday, January 17, 2016

Fishing Reports- 1/17/16


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

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



Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

Thanks,

Ben Soltis



Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

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

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

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

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

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

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


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

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

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

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



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps



Bre with a nice Winter Steelhead from last week!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

Saturday, January 9, 2016


Starting Tuesday, January 12th- 


Ladies come shop at MRO with Clothing Manager Linda Farner from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesdays


* Learn about our unique brands
* Enjoy some wine, cheese and more
* Take 25% OFF any purchase
* Additional 10% OFF on SALE items
* Have some fun...bring a friend or two!


No need to register...just stop by any Tuesday from 5-8 p.m........Linda will be looking for you!

Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
admin@madriveroutfitters.com
www.madriveroutfitters.com

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Fishing Reports- 1/5/16


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

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


Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

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

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


Bryan Clem



Bryan Clem with a nice fatty!


Bryan's friend Josh with a fish of a lifetime....right here in O-H-I-O!

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

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



Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

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

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



Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

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

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

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

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



Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps


Alot of larger fish caught over the weekend!


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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



Sunday, January 3, 2016



Going on NOW in the shop and online store!

Save 25-60% on Clearance merchandise from brands like Barbour, Patagonia, Simms, Woolrich, Howler Brothers, Kuhl and more!


CLICK HERE to view the entire SALE selection

CLICK HERE to view our Men's SALE selection

CLICK HERE to view our Women's SALE selection


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

614-451-0363


Friday, January 1, 2016

Fishing Reports- 1/1/16


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

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




Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

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

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

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

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

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



Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

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

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

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


Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

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

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

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

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps


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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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