Friday, March 31, 2017

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 admin@madriveroutfitters.com.

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

Thursday, March 16, 2017

BIG NEWS for fly tyers and jig/lure makers! Faux Bucktail is here!

Truly some of the hottest news in fly tying in years. Flymen/Fish Skull brings us.....Faux Bucktail!


Tie flies of all types and sizes from nymphs to Clousers to T-Bones with Fish-Skull Faux Bucktail, a tapered synthetic multi-use fly tying fiber designed to imitate typical premium-length natural bucktail.

Fish-Skull Faux Bucktail fibers have the same basic diameter, gentle crinkle, and taper as natural bucktail. In appearance, it looks almost identical and has the same distinctive bucktail fly or lure action in the water. However, the fibers are not hollow (which helps your fly sink faster) and will not “flare” in the same way as regular bucktail while tying. This means you will need to tie with slightly different techniques to achieve the same effect.

Every Faux Bucktail fiber is premium 6” (152 mm) length, giving you more than twice the amount of usable fibers per tail and eliminating the headache of sorting and searching for ideal strands. Simply peel off the full length of your desired amount of fibers, trim to length, and tie them in.



The fibers can be used in a wide range of fly or lure types.

* Trout flies: Beautiful tapered wrapped “quill” bodies, nymph wing cases, Mayfly tails and legs.
* Streamers: From tying typical Clouser Minnows or Deceivers right up to large, “bite-proof” Pike, Musky or Golden Dorado flies.
* Poppers: Tie simple and durable tails on foam poppers
* Bucktail Jigs: Tougher, longer lasting fresh and saltwater bucktail jigs.
* Musky Bucktail Lures or dressed trebles.



Note: Faux Bucktail cuts easily, but like most other synthetic materials can be hard on your nice scissors. Use serrated heavy duty scissors designed for synthetics (or an old pair you don’t mind abusing).


Click HERE to get yourself some Faux Bucktail today!


Mad River Outfitters
 Your online fly tying headquarters!

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

Monday, March 13, 2017

New Korkers Hatchback Wading Boots


Introducing the Korkers Hatchback- the World's 1st rear-entry wading book system!

Get first water, then get the 1st beer with the world's first easy-on, easy-off rear entry wading boot system. With insanely tough, abrasion-resistant support and nine interchangeable traction options (two included). 

Exactly what a foot soldier like you needs to get it done on the water!




* Closure System: Evolutionary “Rear Entry Easy Access” with BOA M2 automation. 
* Fit: 3PFS Achilles stabilization for the superlative fit. 
* Fast Drying: Hydrophobic upper material with ultra abrasion resistance. 
* Internal Drainage: Water flows thru internal channels then out midsole ports, removing excess water and weight. 
* Comfort: Flow Foam Fit System™ conforms around the foot providing the ultimate comfort experience. 
* Durability: Molded TPU Toe, Calf, and Shin Guard for added protection from the harshest conditions and protected stitching for prolonged thread life. 
* These come standard with Felt AND the Rubber Kling-on Soles


All engineered to keep you fishing long after those in lesser boots have invented an excuse to leave!


Available NOW.

Click Here to view the new Korkers Hatchback wading shoes

Click Here to view our selection of Korkers Boots and accessories


Mad River Outfitters
Full-Line dealer for Korkers Boots and Accessories

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


Fishing Reports- 3/13/17

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

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

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

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



**The report is running a little late this week due to the fluid change of the weather forecast for this coming week.  Although this past week has been fantastic fishing it appears that things are going to change for a few days. 

* Special THANKS to those who attended the F3t this past Thursday. It was again a fun night and it looks like we broke the donation record by quite a bit. We are still paying a few bills but should have an announcement within the next few days. Looks like Brian will be doing a Facebook LIVE sometime this week to announce. 

The BIG highlight of the night was learning about The Mayfly Project. Founder Jess Westbrook was on hand with his family and came in all the way from Arkansas. He educated the crowd on TMP and what they are doing. This guy is a true Hero and making a positive difference in this world. We were honored to have him there and honored to support this wonderful cause.


Jess got to hang out in the shop for a bit before we headed to the Gateway for the show.


Sold out show as usual! Thanks again for the support!


The Mayfly Project founder Jess Westbrook addressing the crowd.


MRO Guide Donnie Knight along with Mike McNeese putting The Mayfly Project in action here in Ohio on Friday


Again, stay tuned for the announcement of the donation amount to The Mayfly Project and also stay tuned for info on how you can get involved.


Mad River


* The Madmen Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding their Annual Membership Meeting this coming Saturday, March 18th. Will be held at the Champaign County Library and will last from 9:30- 1:30. Special guest Matt Supinski!!! Matt is the author of some great books like Selectivity and Steelhead Dreams as well as a guide, instructor, lodge owner, chef, scholar....etc. Should be a great time as they also have some great raffles in store as well.


Click Here for more info on the meeting



* Matt will also be joining us here at the shop on May 5th- 7th for a Spring Creek Weekend! He'll be putting on some classes and clinics both in the shop and on the water. We should have details announced this week. Watch here or Social Media.


The Mad did get a bump of water last week, but it was very short lived.  Lots of traffic through the shop heading that way this week.  Most reports from our guides and customers were of tough fishing....which is for some reason the case in March.  Those that did get out during the prime water conditions were rewarded with a few streamer fish.  

The main focus has been nymphing for most though.  Many reports of the Little Black/Winter Stones still out in force.  As we go into the actual "Winter" weather for the next few days focus on nymphing with our usual weighted flies: Double Stones, Trophy Nymphs, Cranefly Larva, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Off the hook bend tie on a dark nymph: Steelhead Stone, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Soft Hackle, Hendrickson Nymph and ZugBug or Prince.  


Its going to be cold this week with the beginning of Monday and Friday only being above freezing.  In these condition we focus on using Stanleys Ice Off Paist and minimizing the amount of line stipped through the guides.  A long nymphing rod: Redington Hydrogen, Sage ESN, or even your light Switch rods will get the job done.  Also we leave the yarn style Indicators in the box and focus on Airlocks, and Float Masters as they will still float with a little ice up. 

Let us know how you do!



Clearfork River



A few anglers have made it up north to fish for trout, but most are adding a few more minutes to the trip and fishing for steelhead right now.  Those that have been fishing the Clear Fork have been rewarded with a few fish though.  Much like the Mad the Winter stones have been the fly to match.  Here is the rig set up from that report: Double Stones, Trophy Nymphs, Cranefly Larva, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Off the hook bend tie on a dark nymph: Steelhead Stone, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Soft Hackle, Hendrickson Nymph and Zug Bug or Prince.  Looking into early this coming week focus on the upper river as the lower is just now being dropped to fishable levels...but that can change as the Army Core of Engineers feels the need to let out more water...

Today (Monday) will present a few hours of Streamer conditions on the lower river, but the window will be small.  Snow will move in and bring colder conditions forcing us to switch to the tacktics mentioned on the Mad River report.  In these condition we focus on using Stanleys Ice Off Paist and minimizing the amount of line stipped through the guides.  A long nymphing rod: Redington Hydrogen, Sage ESN, or even your light Switch rods will get the job done.  Also we leave the yarn style Indicators in the box and focus on Airlocks, and Float Masters as they will still float with a little ice up.  


Clear Creek


The past couple weeks have been hard on this little stream.  Water levels high with some in flood stage.  This time of the year Clear Creek can be finicky as the water temps fluctuate dramatically.  There are fish to be caught, but each day provides its own challenges.  There is some rain in the forecast Monday night with cold temps following.  If the stream does raise it will take a few days for things to clear out.  The small window Monday morning will provide nymphing and streamer conditions.  The rigs are the same across the state this time of the year: Double Stones, Trophy Nymphs, Cranefly Larva, and Guides Choice Hares Ear.  Off the hook bend tie on a dark nymph: Steelhead Stone, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Soft Hackle, Hendricson Nymph and ZudBug or Prince.  We usually drop down one hook size compared to the Mad.  These nymph sizes vary, but the smaller nymphs will need to be #16-18 and midges into the 20's.  

Streamer fishing will be mostly dead drifting traditional patterns: Black Nose Dace, Muddlers, Black Ghost, Buggers, and other small weighted streamers like Autumn Splendors and Clousers.


Erie Steelhead

Fishing has continued to be the best we have seen in years!  If you do not have a guide trip on the Calendar then make sure to call the shop this week as slots are filling fast.  Many people have been catching the biggest steelhead of their life and our guides are having a blast!.  Eggs Eggs Eggs!!! have been the ticket as usual, but many have been taking advantage of the higher water to catch a fresh fish on the swing!  If this is something you are interested in learning make sure to give us a call and we will take the confusion out of the Two-Handed game.  

It is still winter and this week will be a big reality check up north.  The forecast as of now looks like a lot of snow and sub freezing temps.  This will make it tough dealing with ice in the guides and possible slush.  There are plenty of fish to be caught if you are willing to deal with the conditions.  Make sure to have your Capilene, Cold Weather pants/ Nano Puff pants, Exstream gloves, Stormy Kromers, and wool Buffs.  

Indicators will be the ticket with a double fly rigs.  Focus on either double eggs in contrasting colors or a bugger egg dropper.  Ice in the guides will be the biggest challenge this week so use the Stanleys Ice off Paste and your 10 footers or switch rods.  Swinging can be done, but one tug will be a good day.  If you prefer to swing select flies that have a big silhouette as these fish will not be moving far for the fly.  The Flow Rider is a good choice, but Senyo's AI always gets attention.  Swing slow and deep covering lots of water and you should at least get a tug. Take a look at the Spey and Switch page for setups or give us a call. 


Good friend and great customer Mike Gray on a guide trip last week.


"Awesome day in steelhead alley. Thanks guys at MRO for the advice".- Ryan Fisher


MRO guide Patrick Campbell sent us this gorgeous shot from the Rocky last week. Swinging flies has been pretty productive with the warmer temps we WERE having.



Here's a little commercial we put together. Ohio's "Steelheadquarters".


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

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Look what we all did!!!! Thanks F3t ers!

Last year at the F3t, with the help from our friends and loyal supporters, we were able to raise over $3,600.00 for the fine folks at Reel Recovery . This was enough to "jump start" a Southern Ohio retreat!!!!

To all who generously participate in the Fly Fishing Film Tour each year, we sincerely Thank You for your support. With your help, we ARE making a difference in people's lives.





Ohio
Fly-Fishing Retreat
for Men with Cancer

September 11-13, 2017
Spring Run Trout Club
& Baymont Suites 
in Fairborn, OH


REEL RECOVERY is a national non-profit organization that conducts fly-fishing retreats for men recovering from cancer.  Our mission is to help men in the recovery process by sharing with them the healing powers of the sport of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences with cancer, with others who share their stories.  Retreats are offered at no cost to the participants and are led by professional facilitators and expert fly-fishing instructors.  Reel Recovery provides all meals, lodging and fly-fishing equipment, and no previous fishing experience is required.  
A maximum of 14 men are invited to participate.


The Retreat Starts: 4:00 PM Monday, September 11
The Retreat Ends: 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 13
Primary Service Area: Ohio
Eligibility: Men living with cancer


To apply for this event, please fill out and submit:

Retreat Application Form
Medical Release Form

available on the website- http://reelrecovery.org/

For more information, contact Reel Recovery at 

info@reelrecovery.org

or call 800-699-4490



Mad River Outfitters
sponsors of the Fly Fishing Film Tour- Columbus, Ohio



Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Film Tour Raffle Items


As many of you know, the Fly Fishing Film Tour is coming up on Thursday. Just a reminder that the tickets have now SOLD OUT and we have a full theater.

We are now compiling the raffle prizes and thought we'd list them here, as well as on the webiste. There are a few more en-route to the shop and we'll do our best to post once they arrive.



Just a reminder that the proceeds from the Raffle this year to to benefit the Mayfly Project. This is a great organization that mentors Foster Children through fly fishing. Jess Westbrook, the founder of the group will be on hand for the show and will give a short presentation at the beginning. He'll also of course have some literature there about the group and info on how we can get involved.

In the meantime, you can learn more on their website HERE.

These raffles do good things! And we'd like to thank all of you in advance for participating.

Last year we raised over $3,500 for Reel Recovery. It was enough to start a retreat here in South Central Ohio!!!!!! We will be announcing the date of the retreat and some details at the show and also then on our website. Many folks had offered their help and now is the chance!!! We have been "making a difference" each year through our contributions and look forward to keeping it up.

Here is how the raffles will work-

Tickets will be $5.00 each or 5 for $20.00

The Grand Raffle items will each have their own "hopper" for you to place a ticket in. This allows you to put tickets on items you are interested in.

The Regular Raffle items, hats, stickers, tippet, lines etc. will have 1 box for tickets and the items will be selected first-come, by the winners.

***We will be accepting Cash, Checks and Credit Cards at the show for the purchase of Raffle Tickets. 


Here is a listing of the Grand Raffle Items:

1. Nautilus NVG 89- CR Custom Shop "Ohio State" Edition- $910.00 value


This is the one everyone has been salivating over at the shop. Made possible through donations from TU Madmen, Central Ohio Fly Fishers and Mad River Outfitters


2. Custom Leather Rod Case- handmade by Mia Graves-Stone of SoleBird Leather Designs- $500.00 value




This thing is truly a work of art! Thank you SO MUCH Mia for your generosity! If you see her at the show, be sure to thank her.


3. TFO Fly Rod of Choice- up to $500.00 value- donated by Ray and Kate Schmidt- our TFO Reps

4. Certificate for FREE Costa Sunglasses of choice- up to $300.00 value

5. Orvis Recon 9' 8wt 4wt Fly Rod- $475.00 value- donated by Park Burson our Orvis Rep

6. Simms Waypoints Hip Pack- $99.95 value- donated by Mad River Outfitters

7. Yeti Rambler 36 oz Bottle- $49.99 value- donated by F3t

8. FREE Dinner- 1X Per Month at Mama Mimis Pizza- ? value- donated by Jeff Aufdencamp of Mama Mimis Pizza

9. Ross Rapid Fly Reel- $110.00 value- donated by Jerry Darkes- our Ross Rep

10. Smith "Outlier" Chroma POP Sunglasses- Polar Brown- $229.00 value- donated by Ben Hunting- our Smith Rep

12. Fishpond Nimbus Guide Pack- $89.95 value- donated by Ben Hunting- our Fishpond Rep

13. Yeti Hopper 40- Tan- $299.99 value- donated by Mad River Outfitters

14. Certificate for 40% OFF any Patagonia Waders- up to $240.00 value- donated by Mad River Outfitters

15. 1 Day of Fishing and Lunch for 2 at Rockwell Springs Trout Club- donated by Joe Scaletta of Reel Recovery

and possibly a few more to come!!!!

General Raffle Items-

Hats, stickers, tippets, leaders, fly lines, BUFFs etc. There will be a ton of this stuff on the General Raffle table and again will be "Your Choice" if your ticket is called.


Thanks again for the tremendous support of this fun event!!!

All of us here at MRO appreciate what YOU do....so that we can do what WE do.


Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363