Mad River Outfitters

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus!

2012-02-10T12:10:00.006-05:00

The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) 2012
Gateway Film Center
1550 North High St.
Columbus OH
Thursday, March 8, 2012
(6:00pm - 9:30pm)

Tickets can be purchased online at http://flyfilmtour.com/buy-tickets for $15, or in store at Mad River Outfitters www.madriveroutfitters.com 614-451-0363 for $12.

ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE COLUMBUS SCREENING TO BENEFIT PROJECT HEALING WATERS www.projecthealingwaters.org

Local event sponsors include: Trout Unlimited, Mad River Outfitters, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, and Miami Valley Fly Fishers. Industry professionals and non-profit organizations will be in the lobby before the films begin to meet with guests: Project Healing Waters, The Fiberglass Manifesto, Angler's Choice Flies, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Mad River Outfitters, Steelhead Alley Outfitters, and more...

Don't forget to bring some cash. There are some outstanding raffle prizes that you won't want to miss out on!

FLY FISHING INDUSTRY’S LARGEST EVENT EMBARKS ON CONTINENT-WIDE HD TOUR
Adventure film tour showcases global locales while supporting local businesses and filmmakers
Fly fishing’s most celebrated annual event, the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T), the original and largest event of its kind begins its continent-wide trek January 26th. The traveling spectacle serves as a stage for the best filmmakers in the industry, an avenue for supporting critical conservation groups, an expo for local outfitters, and one heck of a party for growing outdoor enthusiasts and avid anglers alike.

With never-seen footage from across the globe, a party atmosphere, audience giveaways and valuable coupons, the annual high-energy spectacle is the sport’s most anticipated live-event. This year’s tour will make stops in over 125 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Along the way local businesses, conservation groups, filmmakers and fans all stand to benefit from each screening.

“Our goal in doing this is to share our passion and support the sport we love”, says F3T producer Chris Keig. “This year our tour will donate over $30,000 dollars to filmmakers. We’ll work in conjunction with over 175 local business and 150 conservation groups, and we’ll be giving away over $350,000 in prizes to fans who come see us. It’s important people know that walking the talk is at our core.”

This year’s spectacle includes a more diverse set of content than any prior year or any other tour. “We have something for everyone”, says F3T Filmmaker and Road Manager Thad Robison. “From scrappy Steelhead in Kodiak, AK to 100-pound jumping Tarpon in the Florida keys, from places you may have been to destinations we probably couldn’t find on a map if we tried.” Other featured destinations (and fish) include the Bahamas (Bonefish), the Northwest Territories (Grayling and Arctic Char), the jungles of Belize, Scotland, Montana, British Columbia, Wisconsin, Silver Creek, Idaho and more.

With nearly 75% of the shows selling out in advance, the F3T is the fastest growing event of its kind. “We hear from people constantly who couldn’t get tickets, or want us to bring the tour to their town”, Robison says. “As far as tickets go, we recommend our fans visit our local retail sponsors where they can get discounted tickets.”

As for adding screenings, Robison continues, “We’re adding markets each year but we have a program setup where we partner with fans to put on their own show. It’s a great way to raise money for a local group. We help with the marketing and they get to put on a screening, have a great time and make some money.”

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is produced by Webeye Group, LLC. It is presented by Costa, and sponsored by Patagonia, Sage, Hardy Reels, Yeti Coolers, Scientific Anglers, Trout Unlimited, Mountain magazine, El Pescador, Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, and is presented in HD by the Outdoor Channel.

Mad River Outfitters is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Fly Fishing Film tour here in Columbus!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

www.madriveroutfitters.com

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Exciting Early Spring Events!

2012-01-29T20:09:00.009-05:00

Exciting Early Spring Events and News:

Special guest: Jeff Liskay

Saturday, February 25

"Stepping Into Another World"

A program on Spey and Switch Style Fishing

Friend, guide, trip host and long rod extraordinaire Jeff Liskay will be giving a special presentation for us here at the shop. Things will get going around 11:00 and last until about 3:00 with a 1/2 hour break for lunch.
Topics covered will include:* What makes a steelhead tick* Rod Talk- Switch and Two Hand* Fly Lines- A-Z for the Great Lakes Tribs* Choosing the right cast* Sink Tips- The Right Tip for the Job* Go To fly patterns* Wade right in- presenting the fly on the swing

Click Here for more details and pricing!

Or...

Give us a call at 614-451-0363 to sign-up

Fly Fishing Film Tour in Columbus!

Thursday, March 8th

Gateway Film Center

Sponsored by: Trout Unlimited, Mad River Outfitters, Central Ohio Fly Fishers, Miami Valley Fly Fishers and Michael Decoteau.

All proceeds to benefit Project Healing Waters, Ohio Chapter

Click Here for more info

Tickets available in the shop!

Very Special Guest:

April Vokey

Monday, March 12th

Fly Tying Masterclass: Tying Intruder Variations

Click Here for details and pricing

Just a reminder that there are some great deals to be had on our SALE Page. Tons of winter closeout and clearance items and more on the way!

It's also that time of year that some "one-offs", discontinued and a bit of used stuff starts showing up on our E-Bay store. Just added a few things this weekend and much more to come. Might want to check there occaisionally!

See our Ebay Store

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

Layering and Insulation

2012-01-21T22:21:00.020-05:00

Surely a few cold months of fishing ahead for most around here.....for some even more. What an important category. We feature "Layering and Insulation" products from companies like Simms, Patagonia, Orvis, Filson and more. Below are some of our featured favorites! All in stock and available in the shop or on the website.

Patagonia's capilene long underwear has set the standard in "long johns" for decades now. It is simply the best next-to-skin layering material that you can buy....period.

Capilene baselayers feature a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that dries and wicks incredibly quickly. Capilene polyester is also recycled, recyclable and features Gladiodor® garment odor control.

Capilene 3, or Midweight is surely the most versatile. It provides the perfect balance of wicking and insulation. It is by far the best selling weight that they make.

Capilene 1, or what we used to call "Silkweight", doesn't provide any insulation but is the most superior at wicking. For extreme situations or more aerobic situtions you may want this next to your skin for maximum wicking. We use the shirts as undershirts as well as for sun protection in the tropics.

Simms Merino Wool!

In the Fall of 2011, Simms introduced their Merino Wool long underwear. We really felt they did a great job and gave them a shot. We love the stuff and it has sold exceptionally well so far! The merino wool is exceptionally comfortable and the natural fiber is odor-resistant.

A great layering piece that has been around for a few seasons now. Simms Waderwick Fleece Top and Waderwick Fleece Bottoms. 2 way stretch 200 weight polartec fleece at a great price. These things are great and continue to sell well. Now in the Simms Orange!

Top of the Line!

The Simms Guide Fleece Top and Guide Fleece Pants are exceptionally cozy pieces of gear!
Exceptionally warm, comfortable fleece-ideal for layering in any situation. Fabric is smooth on the outside soft inside. Easy-in, easy- out and super comfy. Insulates with hardly any weight and never hinders mobility. Can get away with this as a general top as well and the pants CAN go from river to bar pretty well!

Maybe the most important Category.........Socks!

We do carry a great selection of socks from Smartwool and Simms. Both in the shop and Online.

New this Spring we are featuring the Simms Exstream Wading Sock and the new Liner Socks.

Absolutely one of the finest pairs of insulating type/wader pants we have seen! These have been selling equally as well in the "front" of the shop to casual folks looking to walk the dog or shovel a bit of snow.

It sure is nice to put on fleece-lined Nylon shell pants on a frosty morning headed out to the river. The DurapelPlus finish and COR3™ technology make this cold weather pant a winner.

And to top things off....the Simms Rogue Fleece Hoody. This thing is wildly popular, and pretty cool looking. DWR finish Softshell fleece at a great price!

Of course Gloves are a staple of any layering system. We feature a pretty good selection in the shop and online.

Shown here are the Simms Foldover Mitts. By far our best sellers but there are some other great choices on the site.

The Simms Gore-Tex Exstream Hat is a great choice for keeping the melon warm and dry.

Of course, many other choices in Hats to be found on our website.

Thanks for taking the time to read this folks and of course any questions about "Layering and Insualtion"- give us a call or drop us an e-mail!

Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

New to the shop! The fabulous Bertucci Field Watches

2012-01-12T18:10:00.006-05:00

Mad River Outiftters is proud to now be a dealer for the fantastic Bertucci Field watches!

If you could own only one good watch....it would be a watch well suited for most of life's endeavors. It would need to possess the qualities of durability, singularity of purpose, and versatile styling. In essence, equally rugged and refined, with an understated, classic and enduring design. This is how they approach watches at Bertucci, in the only way that they know.....an original and authentic way!

Their story is a simple one. It's about building a better watch. It's a Promise of Performance this is derived from a belief that innovative design and attention to detail matter. It is this focus and integrity that drive this company, an honest, true and authentic way. They believe if a watch is done right, it connects with you......creating an emotional touch point that says something about you, a personal expression well suited to your lifestyle.

Bertucci Performance Field Watches balance form and function, with an enduring style and rugged quality that are ready to survive the day to day challenges that come your way.....whatever that may be.

You'll feel it the moment you wrap a Bertucci watch around your wrist. You'll notice the innovative and ergonomic design, quality materials, and premium features that went into it. That's no accident. It's the result of their Durability By Design certification process and the basis of their Promise of Performance.

When they create a watch, they study the ways in which it will be worn and used by people that demand the most from the products they depend on in the real world. This approach requires a balance of form and function.....designing, engineering, and manufacturing with an attention to detail.....an attention to performance.

* Durable U.S. patented DX3 Design Case- integrated unbreakable band lugs/pins

* Rugged Screw Down Crown

* Screw Down Case Back

* Hardened mineral or sapphire crystals

* Long lasting and comfortable two-ply U.S. patented nylon bands or top grain USA Made leather bands

* Designed with an attention to detail and performance

* Reliable all metal precision quartz Swiss or Japan made movements

* High performance Solid Titanium or Solid Stainless Steel cases

In the end, each Bertucci watch offers long lasting durability. Simply put, Bertucci watches perform like no other watch because they're built like no other watch!

Check Out our selection of Bertucci watches in the online store!

Don't see what you want there? Please remember that we can special order any product that Bertucci makes. We'd be happy to!!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

www.madriveroutfitters.com

New Luxury Accomodations in Chile

2011-10-15T01:38:00.016-04:00

In March of 2004, Mad River Outiftters escorted a group of 11 anglers to the XI Region of Chile........Patgonia. Since that 1st trip, we have been extremely blessed to have hosted over 200 clients in the region and have shown them the trout fishing trip of their lives! Many folks have been back a 2nd time and a handful of those now fish Patagonia with us every season.

We do have some big news for the late 2011 and 2012 seasons below!

Around the same time as our 1st trip, MRO's Brian Flechsig had been a regular guest on the popular T.V. series The Walker's Cay Chronicles hosted by Flip Pallot. The moment that Brian arrived back in Ohio from that first trip....Flip was his 1st call. It didn't take much coaxing, and in January of 2005 they were in Chile, making movies for ESPN.

Their guide for the filming was none other than legendary Chilean guide Nicolas Gonzalez. Nico and his lovely wife Ilsie own a fly fishing guide and outfitter service called Trouters ltda., based out of the capital of the Patagoina region, a wonderful town called Coyhaique. Albeit another story alltogether...but during these days spent filming, some lifelong friendships, and partnerships were formed. Within a few years, Mad River Outfitters and Trouters teamed up and have been offering the best in Patagonia Fly Fishing ever since!

Patagonia Chile- commonly known as the Brown Trout Capital of the World.

Brian Flechsig and Flip Pallot in Chile during the filming of two episodes of the Walker's Cay Chronicles for ESPN

Setting up perfect shot with Nico Gonzalez.

*****Please note that we do have some "loaner" copies of the shows that the boys did if you are interested. Just contact us...we'll send one out to you FREE of charge!

Now for the Big News!

For the 2011/2012 fishing season (November- April), we will be hosting clients at the Fantastic Coyhaique River Lodge. We are convinced that this operation offers the absolute best in lodging, meals and atmosphere in the entire region. We couldn't be more excited about this new partnership.

The lodge is located 5 miles outside of Coyhaique...right along the river that bear it's name.

We truly believe that we now offer the best guide(s), the best accomodations, the best food and simply the best...most personalized service in the region.

For more pictures of the new Lodge.....Click Here

Here is what MRO Shipping and Receiving manager, Dick Davidson had to say about his recent trip:

" In March, 2011 as the Mad River Outfitters host, I had the opportunity to enjoy the company of one of our most intersting clients, Frank Alexander. Together we experienced wonderful Chilean hospitality and incredibly exciting fly fishing in Patagonia, Chile, the "brown trout capital of the world". Our trip was hosted in Chile by Patagonia Trouters, Mad River Outfitters partner located in Coyhaique, Chile- XI region.

Upon arrival in Balmaceda, the local airport, Frank and I received a very warm welcome from our hostess Ilsie Wolf....who runs the business side of the operation and is also married to the head guide and owner, Nicolas Gonzalez. That evening we were joined at dinner by the legendary Patagonian guide and in short time, we knew we were about to experience a more than memorable week with Nico....and boy were we correct.

Nico is as engaging as he is knowledgeable guide. He is both teacher and guide and his patience and demeanor should set the standard for all fly fishing guides. He shared very interesting information about the area, the geology and the flora and fauna. I can see now why Flip Pallot called him the "Best fishing guide I have ever fished with". I have never fished with a guide who works as harder than Nico to ensure that you enjoy the fly fishing experience of a lifetime...and that we did.

Frank and I both landed some of Patagonia's finest brown trout...with the tuteledge and coaching of Nico of course. Each day our lunch breaks seemed just as memorable thanks to the lunches that Ilsie packed for us. Of course there were the lunch-time jokes by Nico....always a clown and tons of fun to be with.

In short, Ilsie and Nico, as owner-operators of Patagonia Trouters, will go out of their way to make sure that your visit to Patagonia is the experience that you were looking for and much more. One that you will be talking about for years to come."

Dick Davidson- Mad River Outfitters

Our fearless leader- Ilsie Wolfe showing Frank and Dick around town

Mad River Outfitters and Patagonia Trouters

Offering the finest in Chile Fly Fishing!

Click Here for Details and Pricing on our 2012

Fly Fishing Trips to Patagonia

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Mad River Outfitters- Trips Trips and Trips

2011-09-29T13:27:00.021-04:00

Wow! So much going on it's almost overwhelming.......almost.

Tons of stuff to report- new items, new classes, new employees.....store upgrades and more. As always be sure to stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest updates.

Our Trip program is certainly as aggressive as ever and we have some great excursions to choose from.

Alaska trips this year were a huge success! July and September both found great fishing and great adventure. Some photos posted from July and more on the way from the September group.

Salmon season was as good as we have seen it and the September group to Schmidt's had a blast. 2012 dates are already posted.

Brazil trip leaves today and we will of course be posting pics and reports here and other places around the website once they return. Brian Flechsig is hosting and will be filming some video so stay tuned.

Here's some highlights of trips to come:

Fall Steelhead

As always, we are geared-up and ready for a great Fall season. We will once again be working with the great folks over at Steelhead Alley Outfitters and have guides available at any time. Combine their services with our "shop guides" and MRO boasts the largest Steelhead Guide Staff in the region.

Click Here to learn about an Erie Steelhead Trip

We are also very excited about our continued partnership with Steve Kuieck and his Muskegon River Lodge/Riverquest Charters. Two Fall trips on the books this year.

October 30th- November 2nd

November 6th- 9th

Click Here to learn more about these Michigan Steelhead Trips

And of course.......our 14th season coming up!

Andros Island Bonefish Club

November 5th- 12th 2011

February18th- 25th 2012

These trips are always our favorites. Of course the bonefishing is simply the best on the planet but we also love being with the folks from the lodge as well as the clients who go on these trips with us. Many folks are 10+ years with us and not stopping any time soon.

Click Here to learn about our Bonefish Trips

Peacock Bass in Brazil!

January 20th- 28th 2012

with host Jerry Darkes

Our unique and exclusive "Floating Cabin System" allows fly anglers the absolute advantage in this incredible fishery. Wonderful accomodations right smack in the middle of the action.

Our 6th season in the Amazon!

Click Here to learn more about our Peacock Bass Trips

Patagonia Chile

We are approaching 10 years in Chile now and have no plans of stopping soon. Truly the most breathtaking place that you will ever fly fish! Known as the "Brown Trout Capital of the World" and simply the best we know of.....period.

We are once again (and forevermore) working with Nicolas Gonzalez and his Patagonia Trouters. Nico and his wife Ilsie run a top notch, very personalized operation in Chile and those that know them.....love them.

We are proud to work with them and are booking trips for the 2011/2012 season as we speak. Individual bookings available from Thanksgiving to May or we are also offering a shop trip in March.

Click Here to learn more about Fly Fishing in Chile

And last but certainly not least.........Alaska!

We had a great 2011 season with over 30 clients experiencing "Alaska's Affordable Alternative".

We will once again be visiting Jim Johnson and family at the Naknek River Camp.

Alaska trips starting at $2195.00 per week......that's right friends!

MRO Alaska Trip 2012

hosted again by Jerry Darkes with the ample help of Lou Uecker!

July 21-28 2012

Click Here for more information on our 2012 Alaska Trips

That's it for now friends. Thanks for reading and we hope to fish with you soon!

The staff of Mad River Outfitters

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

The ONE is coming!

2011-07-25T17:18:00.007-04:00

SAGE tells us that the one we have been waiting for is coming!

Sage Manufacturing, fly-fishing industry leader, launches the ONE rod series. The ONE rod is the first precision casting instrument to take advantage of Sage's groundbreaking Konnetic technology. The ONE offers exceptional tracking with virtually no lateral or torsional movement, resulting in astonishing casting accuracy that is unparalleled in the marketplace.

The inherent strength of Konnetic technology allows ONE rods to have a smaller diameter and are 25% lighter than comparable Sage rods. These attributes combine to provide augmented aerodynamic efficiency. Further innovations are the 70% lighter, low profile ferrules that help direct and carry energy through the rod without sacraficing strength, critical action and feel.

"The ONE rod becomes a true extension of the angler's arm," notes Sage Chief Rod Designer Jerry Siem. "It offers a more fluid transmission of energy from the arm to the fly. The eye sees the cast it wants to make and is translated to the hand through the rod instantaneously."

The fast-action ONE rod family is intended for all fishing conditions thanks to a list of high-end features. A custom cork handle is fashioned in a snub-nose, half-wells grip on the 3-6 weights and a full-wells handle with fighting butt on the saltwater capable 6-10 weights. Each handle is designed to match the exact taper of the rod providing even greater sensitivity and feel. Other details include the Sage designed round eye tip-top which never pinches or binds the line, allowing the caster to mend and cast in any direction with full control. On the 3-6 weights, the elegant walnut insert is perfectly married with the bronze anodized aluminum reel seat. Saltwater weights feature all anodized reel seat components. The ONE Rod comes in a new Black Ice color, which has a translucent finish and is complemented by black guide wraps and bronze trim wraps. Each rod comes with a powder-coated aluminum rod tube with Sage medallion and a hand-made rod sock.

"The ONE Rod is smooth and precise with an intentionally forgiving 'sweet spot' that complements widely diverse casting styles," says Eric Gewiss, Sage's marketing manager. "This helps the angler make a full range of close-in and long distance casts that hit the mark with equal ease. Being able to feel exactly what the line is doing through all stages of the cast gives anglers ultimate control so they can make the micro-adjustments needed to place the fly precisely where it's wanted"

Already award winning, the One rod has been recognized as the "Best New Fly Rod" at EFFTEX 2011. Award ceremonies were held in June at the EFFTEX show in Amsterdam.

The ONE rod will be available at Sage authorized retail locations in August/September 2011 with a selection of 22 single hand models. ONE rods range from 3-10 weights and will be priced from $715 to $740 (Expected to arrive at MRO the 1st week of August)

About Konnetic Technology

Konnetic technology, the most recent and significant evolution in the fly rod innovation, uses new materials combined with pioneering manufacturing methods and processes. This technology inocorporates an optimized ratio of Sage's proprietary resin to exclusive high modulus aerospace-grade carbon fiber.

The latest construction methods include Sage's Advanced Modulus Positioning System (AMPS); a process that precisely aligns and positions carbon fiber materials to exacting tolerances for the greatest blank strength delivering extremely efficient energy transfer throughout the shaft. Using Sage's High Compression Molding process, carbon fibers are compacted for optimum density and precise alignment while simultaneously fusing the 50% lighter all-carbon fiber inner core.

Also New from SAGE- "ESN" Rods and the Upgraded "Bass" Rods

The new European Style Nymphing rods are gonna be cool. All 10' and 2-5wt models.

The Bass Rods have all been updated for 2012 and they will now be featuring a Peacock Bass model!

All of the new Sage rods including the new ONE are set for delivery at Mad River Outfitters in the 1st or 2nd week of August 2011!!! We'll let you know...don't worry.

Also look for them to be available for pre-sale on the website very soon!

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

Alaska! Naknek River Camp

2011-07-23T12:32:00.005-04:00

Alaska!

Our 2011 July trip is arriving today at the Naknek River Camp. Jerry Darkes is hosting the trip and we will surely be posting some great reports and photos in the next few weeks. We are super excited about these trips and have another one scheduled for trophy rainbows this Fall and have already set aside our July "Sampler" week for 2012!

In the meantime, we wanted to share a bit more with about what Jim Johnson has to say about his unique lodge. The Naknek River Camp- "Alaska's Affordable Alternative"

"Remember way way back in the old days when we could travel to a fancy lodge in Alaska for a week of decadent bliss just by cashing in part of the interest we had earned on our investments?
Me either.
Traveling to Alaska has always involved tough choices. Will the kids get new shoes for school or will I get that new fly line I need? Will the wife finally be able to get that dishwasher she has been dreaming about or will I get the new zip front breathable waders? Will I only be able to golf twice a week or will I be forced to fish shoulder to shoulder on the Alaska road system with all of the other poor souls that bought General Motors stock? Many a fisherman has been forced to save his pennies for years and years to be able to afford that one “trip of a lifetime”.

The economy has been tough for everybody, and we have all had to adapt to the new reality. We are all trying to make our fishing vacation dollars go farther. We are doing our best to help out by offering an all-inclusive week at one of Bristol Bay's best fishing destinations for around $2000.
This package includes a guide, boat, all meals and a comfortable cabin on the banks of the world famous Naknek River, which has some of the best trophy rainbow fishing in the world.

Alaska's Affordable Alternative

"We founded the Naknek River Camp on the basic premise that Alaska was just too amazing to be kept as a playground for the rich. We set out to create Alaska’s Affordable Alternative, featuring 8 comfortable cabins located within Katmai National Park, at the outlet of Naknek Lake. This unique location offers quick access to both the Naknek River with its prolific runs of salmon and trophy rainbow trout and to the wadeable wilderness streams that feed into the incredibly beautiful Naknek Lake.

We use 3 large deep V boats to access remote rivers that are fly-out destinations for most other lodges in our area, including the World famous Brooks river and falls, featuring some of the most photogenic brown bears on the planet!

Of course, no other lodge at any price can boast that they have the amazingly productive upper Naknek River just outside their front door. It is no coincidence that Fish Alaska Magazine has chosen the Naknek as the best place to fish for trophy Alaskan rainbows year after year. Our home run in front of camp features some of the fastest action for trophy rainbow available in the entire state.

You will have to give up a few luxuries, of course, but we do our best to make our guests comfortable. We hope that when you leave, you will feel like you have spent a week with family. My wife Phyllis and my daughter Tana will do their best to keep you stuffed full of the best foods wild Alaska has to offer, like wild salmon and halibut, mixed in with a few favorites from our dinner table in Michigan like smothered pork chops and Dijon chicken. Breakfast will be full of hearty foods like scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage and bacon. You won't have to give up hot showers or running water, and you'll even be able to charge your camera batteries in your cabin. No Masseuse on staff, but I might be able to get one of my kids to walk on your back.
We have over 20 years of experience hosting fly fisherman on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan, so we understand what it takes to put together a great fishing trip and we guarantee that we will make sure that your trip to Alaska will be a cherished memory.

But once in a lifetime? At the very small prices that we are charging, we think you might very well want to make this trip every year!"

Jim Johnson- owner- Naknek River Camp

As stated.....stay tuned. Jerry and the gang will no doubt have stories and pictures to share. We'll be posting on the web, Facebook etc. over the next few weeks. In the meantime, if we have peaked your interest, check out the trips that we have on the books to the Naknek River camp:

Trophy Rainbows- "Spey and Switch Special" with host Jeff Liskay

September 17th- 24th 2011

Spots Open - Click Here for pricing and details

MRO's Alaska Sampler

July 21st- 28th 2012

Click Here for details and pricing! Taking reservations now!

* can't make our dates? Mad River Outfitters can help you put together a private/individual booking to the Naknek River camp as well as several other options in AK.

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

"No Fly Zone" and other Bug Stuff

2011-06-04T13:21:00.015-04:00

With all of the wet weather and standing water throughout the midwest....and the rest of the country for that matter, predictions are that it will be a banner year for pesky bugs. We have already seen evidence around here.

Mad River Outfitters has you covered. We feature a variety of products to keep you protected no matter what your outdoor pursuit.

Introducing: Simms new "No Fly Zone" Clothing and Accessories.

Whether insects fly, crawl or climb, they won’t want anything to do with this protective clothing. Simms partner, Burlington® Labs, has developed a patented process that binds Permethrin, an odorless, water-based, biodegradable compound, directly to their clothing so you don’t have to apply repellent on your skin. This effective, long-lasting technology - up to 70 launderings! - is harmless to you and the fabric. To protect yourself from those annoying bug bites, insist on NO FLY ZONE™ clothing from Simms.

Men's "FlyAway" Shirts- Click Here

Also in a new Zip-Off pant for men- Click Here

"FlyAway" Shirt and basic pants for Women- Click Here

Also a few hats and accessories in the line- Click Here

See the full-line of "No Fly Zone" Clothing and accessories Here

How about "Home-made"? New Ultrathon for Clothing and Gear. "No Fly Zone in a bottle".

We also carry mosquito head nets and they have already been selling like hotcakes! A must for any trip to Alaska but this year they may be a must for just about any trip. Check them out Here

For those that prefer the safer alternative- DEET FREE spray from the folks at Smart Shield. Great reviews on this stuff! Click Here

Click Here to view our entire department of "Sun and Bug Stuff"- just in time for Summer!

Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Simms Footwear in stock!

2011-05-21T09:06:00.012-04:00

Simms has launched a new line of technical footwear and they are finally in stock and shipping!

The new Harbor Gore-Tex shoe offers rugged good looks and superior performance and comfort. We have been wearing these around the shop and they are really great!

Check them out Here!

One of the best boat shoes we have seen! The new Mariner shoe has an awesome non-marking sole and a ton of features that make it "best in class"

Check out the Mariner Shoes Here!

Yes...it's a sandal, but with features that make it worthy of being called a wading shoe! The new Streamtread Sandal is the 1st of it's kind to offer the latest "CleanStream" type sole from Simms. Will accept studs just like their wading shoes.

Check them out Here!

And last but definitely not least.....................

The new RipRap shoe is our choice for "best of season". 1st of all, these things are wildly comfortable....we are getting great reviews. Secondly, these are truly the best "wet wading" shoes that we have seen. The unique 3-layer mesh system allows the breathability and comfort of a sandal while keeping out sand, rocks and debris.

Check them out Here!

**Remember that Mad River Outfitters is a full-service Simms dealer and we can get you anything that they make. Even if you don't see it on our website, give us a call or drop us an e-mail....we can have it shipped right from their warehouse!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

May Orvis Rod Promotion

2011-05-03T13:23:00.003-04:00

Buy any Orvis Helios, Hydros, Access or Superfine Touch rod and pick an Access Mid-Arbor Reel of your choice for FREE! Or, updgrade to a Mirage Reel for only $200.00!Purchase any Clearwater II Rod and Pick a Battenkill Bar Stock Reel for FREE!

Offer valid through May 31st, 2011

Here's How it works:

1. Pick your fly rod (links below)
2. Pick your Fly Reel

That's it! We'll remove the price of the reel from your invoice when we ring you up! FREE reel. If you chose a Mirage reel, we will reduce the price to $200.00.

* please note that the web will still show the cost of the reel but we promise we'll remove the reel cost from your total when we ring you up! (The website doesn't charge your card....we do remember)

Pick your rod:

Any Orvis Helios, Hydros, Access or Superfine Touch-

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/c-406-orvis-fly-rods.aspx

Pick your reel:

Any Orvis Acces fly reel, Battenkill Bar Stock Fly Reel or upgrade to Mirage for $200.00-

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/c-407-orvis-fly-reels.aspx

* This offer also valid at our physical location in Columbus, Ohio

FREE Orvis Access Mid-Arbor Reel or Battenkill Bar Stock Reel of your choice with the purchase of an Orvis Helios, Hydros, Access or Superfine Touch Fly Rod!

Mad River Outfitters
614-451-0363
admin@madriveroutfitters.com

**This offer not available in conjunction with other MRO promotions such as "Make it and Outfit" or "Line it Up". These discounts are still available with other manufacturers but not applicable if a FREE or discounted reel is involved. Thanks

New- Umpqua U-Series Hooks!

2011-04-15T11:56:00.011-04:00

Umpqua now offers the serious fly tyer a value-based hook alternative to the current offerings on the market. The new U-Series hooks offer a basic range of the most desirable hook styles. After extensive product reasearch, they are now delivering this quality product at a terrific price. Umpqua U-series hooks feature: High grade carbon steel, chemically sharpened pints, micro barbs for easy penetration and easy de-barbing. Mad River Outfitters is now stocking the following U-series hooks:

The U001 Dry Fly Hook is a standard wire, down eye and 1XL hook shank

Check them out Here!

The U101 Nymph Hook features a sproat bend, 1XL shank length and is 1X strong.

Check them out Here

The U103 Hook is a Nymph/Streamer hook featuring a 2XL shank length and 1XS wire. Our choice for bead heads!

Check them out Here

The U202 is the Curved nymph hook in the line. Scud/Pupa, 1X short and 1X strong

Check them out Here

The U301 Nymph/Streamer hook has a down eye, 3XL hook shank and 1X strong. Great choice for stoneflies, small buggers and etc.

Check them out Here

The U302 is the 4X streamer hook in the line. Down eye, 1X strong and 4XL shank length.

Check them out Here

2011 Fishing Schedule

2011-01-30T14:11:00.010-05:00

Wow! 2011 is off to a great start and we are looking forward to our busiest year on record!

Hundreds of NEW products have been added to the store over the past few weeks and months and our website is now 2011 "ready". Check out the new stuff Here!

New Flies are already posted for the season. Some cool new patterns can be seen Here!

Not only do we feature all of the gear and flies for the sport...but we actually practice the craft. 2011 will be our most aggressive "fishing" year ever. Every month we have a featured place, or places to fish and an overview is offered here in this blog.

Why not give us a try this year? You don't have to be local.......we meet you at the destination so it doesn't matter to us where you are from. Whether a guide trip in Ohio, Pa or Michigan or one of our more exotic destinations, we want to fish with you this year!

Remember to find full details and daily updates on our Facebook page

January typically finds us in the Amazon chasing peaock bass. Brian Flechsig and a group of 7 anglers were all packed and ready to go on January 21st when word came down that there was just too much water in the jungle.

Long story short but this group has now rescheduled to the week of October 1st- 8th 2011 and there are now Two Spots Open.

We are also booking January 20th- 28th 2012 and hosting this trip will be Jerry Darkes.

For more information on our Peacock Bass trips and the unique floating cabin system that we use- Click Here

Just about anywhere in the U.S.- February is a great month to "get out of Dodge"

We have been hosting Bonefish trips to the Andros Island Bonefish Club in the month of February for over a dozen years now and we aren't going to change anytime soon.

Shop manager Andy Jensen will be hosting a group from February 19th- 26th- full week or shorter stays available. We also serve as a full booking agent for AIBC and can help you put togehter a trip at anytime this spring.

Click Here for details on our Bonefish Trips

Patagonia Chile is one of the last great frontiers on planet earth. The trout fishing is also un-paralleled.

We book trips from November 1st- May 1st for groups of 1-12 but we have always featured a "shop trip" in March.

This year the trip is March 5th- 12th and will be hosted by our own Dick Davidson. As always we will be the guests of Nicolas and Ilsie Gonzalez and their Patagonia Trouters.

A few spots left this season and already booking 2012!

Click Here for the details

March will also find us chasing Steelhead a bit closer to home!

This year we are featuring a trip to the Muskegon River in Michigan as the guests of the Muskegon River Lodge.

This is a fantastic destination right on the banks of the famous Michigan tailwater. Your host will be Steve Kuieck and his staff at Rivequest charters.

Spring Steelhead Trip- March 20th- 23rd- Click Here for Details

We also feature a full service guide operation here in Ohio and Pennsylvania along the famous "Steelhead Alley". We feature the guide talents of Jerry Darkes, Jeff Liskay, John Rochus and Greg Senyo and his Steelhead Alley Outfitters.

Details on booking a day or two for Erie Steelhead can be found Here!

April, May and June is when fishing really picks up here in the Midwest and one of our favorite spots is Lake St. Clair!

We have now teamed up with Captain Brian Meszaros to offer our customers some of the best warmwater fishing to be found on the planet!!!! Don't believe us.....give it a try......we dare you.

Full details AND photos can be found Here!

June 1st is the opening of Musky season on St. Clair and Captain Brian is known for his expertise. Muskies can be had on the fly from June 1st until late into the fall and those interested are encouraged to give us a call and get a trip on the books.

July 23rd- 30th- Naknek River Camp- Alaska

Jerry Darkes will be hosting our July Alaska trip to the Naknek River Camp. They will be chasing a variety of salmon and trout species...and dodging some bears!

This is a fantastic trip and we are thrilled to add it to the line-up. Best part is the price at $1995.00 per angler!

Details on our Alaska Trips Here

Slide Inn- Montana

August 7th- 13th

Join Brian Flechsig and old pal Kelly Galloup on the banks of the Madison River.

A staple trip in the rotation now for over 5 years! Can't go wrong!

Click Here for details on our Montana Trip

Fall Salmon Trip

September 19th- 22nd

We will once again be the guests of Schmidt Outfitters and they will float us down the Manistee in search of King Salmon. A trip we have been doing since 1989!!!!

Click Here for details on our Fall Salmon Trip

September also finds us back in Alaska chasing late season Trophy Rainbows.

Naknek River Camp- Trophy Rainbows/Switch Special Trip

September 17th- 24th 2011

This special trip will be hosted by friend and renowned guide Jeff Liskay. Jeff is a spey/switch expert and will be teaching a hands-on Spey/Switch School during this week. A great chance to learn more about this hot topic and put it to use right in front of the lodge.

Details on the Alaska Trophy Rainbow Trip with Jeff Liskay

September 30th- October 8th

Peacock Bass in the Amazon with Brian Flechsig

Make-up trip from January but currently 2 spots open. January 2012 dates open as well.

November 5th- 12th

Andros Island Bonefish Club

with host Brian Flechsig

Click Here for more on our Bonefish Trips

Other than that....we don't plan on fishing much in 2011.

As always, any questions whatsoever on any of these excursions, don't hesitate to give us a call or drop us an e-mail. We'll be happy to help.

Fish with us in 2011!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Fall Bonefish 2010

2010-11-30T13:00:00.014-05:00

Mad River Outfitters annual Fall Bonefish Trip

Andros Island Bonefish Club

Novebmer 6th- 13th 2010

As the story goes, it was 1999 and Lefty Kreh was making an appearance at Mad River Outfitters. During that visit, Brian Flechsig asked Lefty a very important question: "Where should we take our folks to show them the best bonefishing on the planet?"

"That's easy!" Lefty said, "Call Rupert". Rupert Leadon owns the Andros Island Bonefish Club and is simply a bonefishing "icon".

May of 200 found Brian and Jim Teeny at the camp with a group of 14 folks....and the rest is history. A solid partnership/friendship was formed between Mad River Outfitters and the Andros Island Bonefish Club that continues today. We currently offer two hosted trips per year and can always put together a special package for you or your group at any time.

The Fall 2010 group was a small one..but a special one. All but 1 on the trip were Andros veterans, and all pretty great friends.

We had good weather, great fun, and the fishing was as good as we have seen it. No kidding!

We go in November looking for numbers. The fish are schooling in preparation for winter/spawning and there are chances to see thousands of fish during a week. We were not disappointed! Although February is known for "big fish", we did see plenty of those as well on this trip. Many 5-6 lb fish were taken from schools and double digit fish were hooked.

Jack Dildine has been a friend and customer since the beginning. He became addicted to bonefish right here at the club in 2004 or so and he keeps coming back for more! Looks like he'll be booking a spring trip then surely joining "the group" in November.

This year we were able to re-unite Jack with one of his favorite guides of all time...Eddie. He is back in the rotation at the club and it was cool to have them fish together again. It's the guides that can make or break a trip and one of the main reasons that we keep coming back.

Thanks Eddie!

Sandy Heinz is Jack's full-time fishing partner. She goes where he goes and she usually out fishes him. She is a great gal and it's been fun to watch her grow in the sport.

Steve Ford is everywhere! We are sending him back to El Pescador in Belize over the holidays and then he's headed to Brazil with us in January. He'll tell you though that his favorite spot is AIBC. Steve has taken virtually every trip that we have offered over the past five years and now visits the bonefish club twice a year.

He's a special guy and we are sure glad that he's addicted to fly fishing!!

A great shot of Steve demonstrating the BUFF. This is how bonefishers look these days! It is truly amazing how many of these things you see in the tropics. Every guide has 2 or 3 on the boat and everybody in camp has them. Probably one of the most important pieces of gear that you can have these days......if you want to keep coming back!

Check out our selection of BUFF products!

Dave Kitchen may be the class clown but he sure can fish! This was Dave's 5th Fall with us at the club and it's been great to watch him grow in the sport of bonefishing. One thing is for sure though, Dave enjoys the "afterparty" just as much as he does the bonefishing. He's a hoot!

What a great guy to be around and we are honored that he travels with us. Dave had a great trip this year and is already making payments on next Fall. He also bought the new Xi3 5wt so he has to go back......read about it below.

Ben Hunting is from Ada, Michigan and also joined us on the trip. Ben is our SAGE/Redington/Rio sales rep as well as Tibor, Action Optics and a few others. He was a great guy to have along and he's a fantastic angler. We have been doing a ton of business with him and he said that he wanted to return the favor so he signed up for the trip.

He's already making plans to return and we wouldn't be surprised if he was part of the November 2011 group.

Here is a shot of Ben with guide Brian Leadon. Brian is one of Rupert's sons and has been guiding our groups since the beginning. As we have said many times before, it's the guides that make the trip and the Bonefish Club features some of the best in the business. It's been fun to watch these guys grow up on the flats.

The trip was hosted by Brian Flechsig himself. It has been a while since Brian was able to spend a week on the island but he pulled it off this year. His bonefish addiction is as gripping as ever!!! Looks like he will be hosting the 2011 November group as well.

On Wednesday night, Brian had his hair done in "corn rows" and beads by our friend Keisha. It took two hours but he claims that it was well worth it. "I caught more fish on this trip than I have in years and I attribute it to the harido and the beads"

He may have changed his mind after the "full cavity search" on the flight home though. He's not saying much about it now.

As we have stated, the fishing was fantastic! Some folks had a few days of double digit hook-ups and a few folks over 20!

Countless doubles also- common in November!

As always, the "after fishing" part of the trip was nearly just as much fun as the fishing. Some very solid friendships have been formed while sitting at the "Andros Bar".

Ben Hunting happened to bring along the new SAGE Xi3 8'9" 5wt fly rod. SAGE's only 5wt outfitted for Saltwater fly fishing. The thing was fantastic! It casts like a dream, cuts right through the wind and had no problems handling 6-7 lb bonefish. Dave Kitchen was on the phone Monday morning after the trip and ordered his!

When the wind blows, which it normally does in the salt, most folks will opt for a heavier line weight. The thinking is that the more powerful rod will help "push" the line, leader and fly into the wind. Lefty says that this is backwards......they should go lighter!!!

The basic principle is this: The same amount of line speed is generated with a 2wt as with a 12wt. So therefore...which is easier to push into the wind, a thick 9wt line or a thin 5wt line? You just answered the question. The windier it gets, the lighter your fly rod should be!!!! This 5wt will certainly not be your "go to" bonefish rod but it is a great and much needed addition to the Xi3 family of fly rods.

Check out the new Xi3 Saltwater 5wt Here!

Thanks for reading friends and if you ever wish to go bonefishing......we hope that you will think of Mad River Outfitters. We'd love to set you up!!!

Mad River Outfitters

Andros Island Bonefish Club

* February 19th- 26th, 2011

with host Andy Jensen

* November 5th- 12th, 2011

with host Brian Flechsig

Private/Individual bookings available any time!

Click Here for further information and pricing on these trips!

Click Here for more photos from previous trips!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Louie Louie

2010-11-15T22:11:00.025-05:00

Introducing the Louie Louie Leech!

Wow are we excited to bring these new flies to the market! Thanks to our friend and designer Tony Pagliei....this is a really cool new "system".

The Louie Louie Leech is an ultra modern articulating rabbit strip streamer with an arctic fox tail belly for a full bodied silhouette tibe on a tube. Add in two oversized hackles with some Flashabou sandwiched between and topped off with a Eumer Monster cone to boot. Now you have what may be the ultimate "swing fly" creation that transmits lifelike movement and flare driving fish crazy!

Did we mention that this fly features a major breakthrough in "stringer rigging" technology:

Stringer Rigging a Louie Louie Leech

Instructions for the Surgeons Loop Knot and adding the hook & bead too!

-Take the end of your tippet and double it to form a loop of the required size.

-Tie an Overhand Knot at the desired point, leaving the loop open. -Bring the doubled line through the loop again.

-Hold the line and the end part together, and pull the loop to form a knot.

-Insert loop through the bead and slide bead up the leader near the leech.

-Then pinch the Surgeons Loop tightly and insert through the hook eye.

-Slip the loop around the hook point and tighten at the hook eye.

-Slide the bead down to the hook eye and jam the knot into the junction (hook holding) tubing and your "stringer rig" is complete!

Each leech comes with (1) size 4 Daiichi Bleeding Red Octopus Hook and (2) 6mm Chaser Beads for the stringer rig. This is a 1st of it's kind creation! Can you say "Egg Chasing Leech"? It gives an approaching gamefish an instant "egg" targer or strike point to bite your tube fly on the swing.

Louie Louie Leeches are available in four colors- Purple Haze, Slime Green, Hare's Ear and Think Pink.

* Click Here to purchase Louie Louie Leeches

We also feature the componenets to "Make Your Own"- great new products from T. Pags Co. Custom Tube Fly Products

6mm Chaser Beads

Daiichi Red Octopus Hooks

And more from Tony, HMH and Eumer.

* See our Tube Fly Tying Department Here

For more on the Louie Louie Leech and the products see the new website-

http://www.louiesflybox.com/

For more information on Tube Flies in general- see Tony's other webiste-

http://www.tubeflytyer.com/

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Steelhead New and News

2010-11-02T00:21:00.007-04:00

The leaves are falling and heading to the lake....A bit of snow in the forecast for Cleveland this weekend........

Steelhead Season is here and guide trips are booking now! Mad River Outfitters is working as hard as ever to be your one-stop-shop when it comes to Great Lakes Steelhead on the fly!

Tons and tons of news and new steelhead products can be seen HERE! Full listing of New and Newsworthy to be found there with links!

Breaking News!!!!!!

Mad River Outfitters has again teamed up with old pal Tony Pagliei and we are now the proud sponsors of http://www.tubeflytyer.com/. Great tube fly info, patterns, products and tutorials. Glad to have you back Tony! Check out his site and tell him we sent you.

Watch later this week for full details on Tony's new Louie Louie series of tube flies. A totally new and unique sytem that he calls "Stringer Rigging". We will be offering instruction, related products and even the flies themselves.

In the meantime....here's a teaser! Stay tuned..........

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

New SA Mastery "Textured"

2010-10-27T21:55:00.012-04:00

What is Mastery Textured?

Scientific Anglers "Mastery Textured Series" brings you the best of both worlds. Their tried-and-true Mastery Series lines in conjunction with their exclusive Microreplication technology.

They have given the surface of the lines a completely new patterned texture consisting of small round divots similar to golf balls. This texturing gives the new Mastery Textured fly lines a benefit of less casting effort, very little memory and increased durability.

How does it fish? Mastery Textured fishes with the same high performance you expect from all Scientific Anglers lines. You get more casting distance, less memory, and increased durability.

About the Tapers:

* Kelly Galloup Nymph/Indicator

The testers said "It will turn over a dead chicken". A totally new taper design with a big floating head and an orange tip for strike indication. Dsigned to redefine nymph lines by Kelly Galloup and the SA Lab. * Please note that only the front 3'5" of this line are bright orange- not the entire head as shown in the picture.

* GPX Taper

One of the best selling fly lines of all time just got better! SA's tried-and-true, half-heavy taper, probably the best performing trout line in the solar system.

* Coastal Express

This line was specifically built for inter-coastal fishing in the surf and chop designed with the help of SA Pro Todd Shetter. A short sinking head, a larger handling section and a slim running line for rocket like casts. Jerry Darkes has been using this line at the mouths of creeks for steelhead and Patrick Kelly this fall for Muskies in the creeks. They both LOVE this line!

* Saltwater Taper

SA's proven Saltwater design, now with their new Texture. A floating line designed for wading or deck fishing. Low memory, longer casting than a smooth line and a cool blue color to help camouflage the line.

Click Here to see more new products from Scientific Anglers

Click Here to see ALL of the new stuff for 2011!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Steelhead Season!

2010-10-22T00:21:00.011-04:00

Friend, rep, guide, author etc....Jerry Darkes took an evening's worth of R n R to do a bit of product testing at the mouth of the Chagrin River on October 19th.

Here is a lake-fresh male steelhead that hit a new pattern he and Jeff Liskay have been throwing in river mouth and breakwall areas. Tied on the Eumer Jighead tube with a healthy amount of the new Krinkle Mirror Flash (coming soon). The "Flash and Fall" pattern is proving productive and it too will soon be available at MRO. You can see the size 2 Daiichi hook firmly stuck in this chromers jaw and the fly has slid down leader, making unhooking the fish quick and simple.

JD was casting Scientific Angler's new Coastal Express line. A long, quick strip with a pause allowing the fly to "fall and flash" is triggering strikes. Pat Kelly has been using on Muskies recently and swears by it for the cooler weather!

Congrats to our friends Mamie and Kelly. A few pics here from an MRO guide trip on 10/20/10 on Elk Creek in PA. We set them up on a guide trip with Patrick Robinson of SAO and they had a great time (of course).

MRO serves as a full booking agent for guides like Patrick Robinson, Jerry Darkes, Jeff Liskay and more! See our website for full bios on all of our guides.

Stay tuned for more news and updates. Any day now we will be posting a page with links to all the cool new stuff out there for Steelheaders.

* Click Here for information on our Steelhead Guide Trips

* Click Here to check out our "Steelhead Central" page- cool links and charts

* Check out Steelhead Photos Here!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

MRO Welcomes Jim Johnson

2010-10-13T18:25:00.017-04:00

Jim Johnson

from the Naknek River Camp in Alaska

Friday, November 19th

see below for a link to full details!

Way back in 1990, MRO's Brian Flechsig led his first hosted fly fishing trip while working for Streamside Outfitters in Cincinnati. The trip was to Michigan for Salmon at the then famous Johnson's Pere Marquette River Lodge. It was there of course that he first met Jim and Phyllis Johnson and he continued to book trips with them until they sold the lodge.

Some solid friendships and partnerships were born in these early days in Michigan. Kelly Galloup would often guide for our groups and of course a solid partnership there has blossomed over the years. Charlie Weaver guided Brian on his 1st day of salmon fishing in Michigan and they quickly became a "Duo Act" and recorded the "Riversongs" CD which was released in 2002. It's nice to revisit the old days!

A few years ago we ran into Jim Johnson and he informed us that he had finally made his ultimate dream come true. He and his family had built a rustic lodge on the banks of the Naknek River in Alaska. Trophy rainbow and all 4 species of salmon right out the back door.....and a few 4 legged critters as well.

It took us a bit..but we finally got around to getting this together and we are thrilled to be working with Jim Johnson and family again!

Mad River Outfitters now serves as a full booking agent for the Naknek River Camp....."Alaska's Affordable Alternative" We are offering two hosted trips in 2011 but can also help you put together a trip of your own if you can't make our dates. Either way, you won't believe the pricing on these trips!

On Friday night, November 19th, Jim will be our guest in the shop. At 7:00 p.m. he will be giving a presentation on fishing the Katmai region of Alaska and of course be talking alot about the trips. This will be a great chance to "meet-and-greet" and Q & A about this fantastic new destination for MRO. See the full scoop at the link below and as always just let us know you will be attending the show!

Click Here for Details on the event

MRO 2011 Alaska Trips

July 23rd- 30th with host Jerry Darkes

September 17th- 24th "Spey/Switch School" Trophy Rainbow special- with host Jeff Liskay

Click Here to view the pricing and details on these trips!

Other hosted trips announced recently:

Spring Steelhead on the Muskegon River

March 20th-23rd, 2011 Click Here

Slide Inn- Madison River

with Brian Flechsig and Kelly Galloup
August 7th- 13th, 2011 Click Here

Fall Salmon on the Manistee River
September 19th- 22nd, 2011 Click Here

Mad River Outfitters

Mad River Travel

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Simms Wader Rebate

2010-09-01T10:43:00.008-04:00

That's right friends!

Bring us or send us your old waders!

* We'll get you a $50.00 rebate on any Simms G3 Guide, G3 Guide Pant, B3 Guide Convertible, G4 Pro and G4Z waders.

* We can also get you a $25.00 rebate on any Simms Headwaters, Women's Headwaters and Headwaters Pant waders

It's really, really easy and all of our friends can participate! We'll even pay for you to ship them to us if you are an internet customer!! If you bring them to us, we'll also give you a $10.00 Gift Certificate to the shop. All you need to do is go to the Simms website and print out a voucher.

Full Details and the link below- promotion vouchers available from Simms from September 1st- September 30th 2010 and waders must be received by October 31st

For our internet/out of town customers:

1. Go to http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/recycled_wader_program.html - fill out the required information and print your unique wader voucher

2. Go ahead and order the pair of waders that you are interested in on our website- be sure that when you check-out, you write "Simms Wader Rebate" in the Order Notes section (the discount won't show at this point yet but don't worry)

3. Send your used waders along with the voucher to Mad River Outfitters (address below)- be sure to include a note and let us know how much it costs you to send them to us.....we'll rebate that also!

4. As soon as we get the trade-in waders, we'll process your online order and at that time will adjust the total to reflect the rebate. Again, we will deduct the appropriate amount as determined by Simms AND the amount that you paid to ship them to us!!

5. Your new Simms waders and a receipt will be on your doorstep- typically within 3-5 days!

Any questions please give us a call at 614-451-0363 or e-mail at admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Send Trade-In waders to:
Mad River Outfitters
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

For our local friends:

1. Go to http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/recycled_wader_program.html - fill out the required information and print your unique wader voucher

2. Bring your Trade-in waders and the voucher to Mad River Outfitters shop in Columbus

3. We will get you the appropriate rebate as per the style of Simms wader AND we will hand you a $10.00 Gift Certificate to the shop

4. We will place the order for your new waders and they will be on your doorstep in 5-7 days in most cases.

5. We'll send your waders along to Simms and they will be properly recycled!

6. It's easy!

Any questions please give us a call at 614-451-0363 or e-mail at admin@madriveroutfitters.com

**Vouchers available September 1st, 2010- September 30th, 2010 and must be redeemed by October 31st, 2010

Mad River Outfitters

Your source for the Simms Wader Rebate Program

Mad River Outfitters- now a YETI dealer!

2010-08-19T18:34:00.014-04:00

Mad River Outfitters

The source for YETI Coolers and accessories!

YETI Coolers are built to take the rugged abuse that comes with the way we work and play. Unlike ordinary coolers, which are essentially "disposable", a YETI is made to last!

Mad River Outfitters has become the exclusive dealer for everything YETI here in Central Ohio. We are also one of the few aggressively marketing these online.

* YETI lid latches are the same latches used on ATVs

* You can't break the handles on a YETI!

* Screw-in, gasketed drain plug is leak-proof and rugged

* YETI Coolers don't just close, they seal!

* YETI's full-length, integrated hinge system will not fail

Keep Ice Longer!

Keeping things cold is what a cooler is all about. With thicker walls, more than twice the insulation and a full-frame gasket, YETI out-performs the competition- it's not even close!

Here are a few quotes from folks you may know about their YETI coolers:

"I'm done! I've been buying coolers all my life! I'm through! DONE! FINISHED! I've got my YETI now. All I have to worry about now is what to put in it."- Flip Pallot

"Tough as Nails! YETI collers are truly incredible, easy to stand on as a casting platform or use as a seat. I found them to be very well built and tough as nails. I've never spent so little money on ice."- Jose Wejebe

"Lifetime Investment. In my world, a cooler is as important as a home refrigerator. Coolers have to be much more than just a place to keep cold drinks. They have to be a seat for a 300 pound man and a casting platform. I used to buy coolers frequently as the lid would be destroyed and they would no longer hold ice. No more! I have a YETI now!"- Tom Rowland

Check Out YETI Coolers Here!

Mad River Outfitters

Your source for YETI Coolers and accessories

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Lake Shawn Overnight- August 21st- 22nd

2010-08-10T16:35:00.013-04:00

MRO Presents:

"Warmwater Overnight"

Saturday and Sunday

August 21st- 22nd

Join MRO and our guest hosts Jerry Darkes and Walter Shockley for a fun and informative overnight trip down to Southern Ohio's incredible Lake Shawn. Hybrid Stripers, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass and Hybrid Bluegill are in our sights. Most are excited about the stripers and should be....they are awesome. Lodging in the on-site cabins as well as three meals included in the price of the trip!

Jerry Darkes has been a friend, rep , guide and consultant to Mad River Outfitters for well over 15 years now. He also happens to be one of the best known names and celebrities in the Midwestern fly fishing circuit. His articles, DVD's and seminars have helped hundreds of anglers better their sport over the years.

Walter Shockley has become a quick friend of Mad River Outfitters and is just a simple pleasure to be around. His no B.S. approach to fly fishing and life in general is contagious. He is also the founder of http://www.ohio-kayak-fishing.com/ and obviously holds a special passion for fishing from Kayaks.

Jerry is the rep for Freedom Hawk kayaks and he and Walter will have a few of the boats for people to try. There are also john boats on the premises to use and float tubes/kick boats will be on hand to try as well. Jerry and Walter will also be doing some basic instruction on flies, rigging casting etc.

Lake Shawn was born in 1962. For the past 48 years the property has been owned and
managed as a sporting lake offering some of the best bass fishing and hybrid striper fishing in Ohio. The property consists of over 108 total acres and 30 acres of crystal clear deep water. Some areas of the lakes are as deep as 40 feet providing a perfect habitat for numerous varieties of sport fish. Lake Shawn is located in southeastern Ohio six miles west of Powhatan Point on State Route 148 in Belmont County, approximately a 2.5 hour drive from the cities of Cleveland and Columbus and 1.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh, PA.

The lakes are stocked on a year round basis with a variety of sport fish. All fish are raised on site and great care is taken to preserve the abundance of fish currently thriving in the lakes. It is not uncommon in a days fishing to catch large numbers of smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, perch, crappie, catfish, bluegill, trout and large hybrid striped bass. All fishing is catch and release and overnight accommodations are available in our rental cabins.

Excited about the Hybrid fishing!!!

Great Largemouth!

Monster Hybrid Bluegill

Did we say stripers?

Here are a few details on the trip:

* arrive Saturday the 21st around 11:00 a.m.

* basic welcome/instruction/Freedom Hawk kayak demos

* fishing until dinner

* fishing until dark

* campfire/fish stories

* lodging in gorgeous on-site cabins

* fishing until breakfast

* fishing until lunch/instruction

* fish until 3:00 p.m. departure

* Introductory price of $295.00 per angler!!!!

Details on 2011 will be posted soon!

As always- give us a call at 614-451-0363 or e-mail at admin@madriveroutfitters.com if you have any questions or to sign up for this trip!

Smart Shield - Serious Sun Protection

2010-07-09T10:36:00.008-04:00

Staying protected from the harmful rays of the sun is big business these days! Earlier this year we teamed up with BUFF and their products are selling like hotcakes. UV rated clothing from Simms, Patagonia and Columbia flies off the shelves both here in the shop and on the web. Tilley hats are more popular than ever and local dermatologists now send their patients to us for "full coverage".

We have now teamed up with the folks at Smart Shield and now offer some of the finest and most unique products in their class:

Today's active consumers demand healthier products. SmartShield's unique formulation helps reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. These products are waterproof, sweatproof, non-staining and eco-friendly. UVA/UVB protection that's so light and natural, you forget it's there!

Better than oil-based sunscreens

Unlike oil-based sunscreens that clog pores and capture heat, being Aloe Vera based, SmartShield products are quickly absorbed and bond with the top layers of the skin. This invisible and natural feeling protective shield allows the skin to perspire naturally and stay cooler. SmartShield is hypoallergenic and safe for all skin types. SmartShield is a serious sunscreen that can be worn all-day, everyday. It won't clog pores, won't stain clothes and won't sting eyes. The special formulas contain Vitamins A, C and E are are quickly absorbed for serious, tough protection.

One of the highlights is the SPF 30 Gel- a dry, cooling alchohol base that is great for people with oily skin. A favorite of many!

Another hard to find is the Sunscreen Spray!

They also feature a DEET FREE insect repellent that really works!

See all the new SmartShield products by Clicking Here!

Greg Senyo and Summer Fly Tying

2010-07-01T23:26:00.014-04:00

Summer isn't traditionally a big season for fly tying in our industry....but nobody told this guy!!

Greg Senyo is like the energizer bunny. Despite he and his crew at SAO fishing and guiding hard this summer, they are still cranking out the flies, tutorials and materials. We are sure glad to have SAO as friends here at MRO!

The Big News is Greg's new- "Shaggy Dub"

Senyo's Shaggy Dub is a spandex micro hair material with similar properties to rubber. The major difference is Shaggy Dub is UV resistant and will not break down, crack, deteriorate, rot, and become unusable like straight rubber after being exposed to the elements and sun light.Shaggy Dub is also cut long so that it can be utilized by tyers for everything from small nymphs to extremely large streamers. The movement of this material brings your flies to life, and the faintest motion or water current creates an "Alive" motion to the fly pattern.Offered in 12 colors it can be effectively introduced/blended to your favorite dubbings/furs or used straight to build increased motion to your fly patterns. Here are few pictures of Steelhead fly patterns that use Shaggy Dubbing and currently are used for Great Lakes Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout

Some examples- more can be found on SAO's extensive fly tying blog.

The picture below is a carp caught on guide Mike Schultz's new "Shag Berry" tied with the new Shaggy Dub!

Click Here to check out Senyo's New Shaggy Dub

This Summer Greg also brings us 12 new colors of his wildly popular Laser Dub

Click Here to check out Senyo's Laser Dub

Mike Schmidt has a few patterns on the SAO blog where he uses the Laser dub and they are super cool!

Check out Mike at http://www.anglerschoiceflies.com/ and be sure to tell him that we sent you.

See our Calendar for the dates when Mike will teaching fly tying at MRO! Fall 2010 and Winter 2011 already posted!

Thanks for reading and we hope that everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/

Freedom Hawk Kayaks

2010-06-22T22:28:00.012-04:00

Freedom Hawk Kayaks

Truly the world's best "fishing kayaks"......and the world is starting to take notice!

"Kayak of the Year 2010"- Tropic Bay Kayak Fishing Classics

Check the links below for the full article and more!

New!- Freedom 12 Ultralight

47 lbs with the outriggers removed!

Details on the new boats available on the website via the links below!

Want to try a Freedom Hawk Kayak?

Freedom Hawk Kayaks
FREE Demos/Trial

Wednesday, June 23rd 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 21st 6-8 p.m.

* These two demos will be held at Griggs reservoir near the shop and will feature our sales rep Jerry Darkes and Walter Shockley of Ohio Kayak Fishing.com. We will have a Freedom 12 and a Freedom 12 Ultralight on hand. Call the shop to let us know you are coming and stop by to pick up a map on the way.

Click Here for more details on these demos

Fly Fishing for Carp

2010-06-15T08:16:00.018-04:00

Mad River Outfitters- your full-line "Carpfitter"

Outfitters for Carp on the Fly

It really got started back in 1996 when a guy named Jim Andrix started working at Mad River Outfitters. He was often heard to say that he was "Not much of a trout fisherman.....prefer my smallmouth and my carp". Not something heard very often in a fly shop, especially back then. The more we started talking though, the more we found folks who agreed. The carp are a fantastic gamefish on the fly rod. It was just that few people were willing to publically admit that they were "Carp fishermen"

Then, in 2002, we came out of the closet! "Carpin" was released and featured MRO's Brian Flechsig, fly fishing legend Dave Whitlock, Jerry Darkes, Jim Andrix himself and the late Dr. Steelhead...Michael Bennett. The movie takes a lighthearted look at the sport of catching Carp on a fly rod. It was a ground-breaking work in the industry and still holds it's value almost ten years later. It is one of the few of it's kind right now in the industry!!

We had also started "Guiding" for carp on a few pieces of water in Central Ohio and developed quite a client base. Late June and July became a busy season for us once the "Mulberry Hatch" was on! Muzzy Lakes Club, one piece of water that we work on features some of the best Mulberry fishing that we have ever seen! This was so much fun that it attracted the likes of Dave and Emily Whitlock every season. The photo above is Emily's 1st Carp on the Mulberry. Lefty Kreh even joined us one year and afterwards made a call to his buddy Flip Pallot. A year or so later we filmed a "Walker's Cay Chronicles" that aired on ESPN......and the rest is history!

Today the tradition continues.......

We now feature the talents of MRO's Andy Jensen and his "Fly-n-Carp". Andy has a full-blown "Ohio Flats Boat" and can be found poling the shores of Alum Creek and Muzzy Lakes Club with anglers from around the Midwest who are looking to experience the thrill of Ohio Flats Fishing. Andy will also be conducting a "Carp School" to be held at the Muzzy Lakes. This Summer's class falls on Sunday, July 18th and is limited to 6 students!

We also feature some killer carp trips with Captain Brian Meszaros and his Great Lakes Fly Fishing LLC. Brian is legendary for his muskie and smallmouth fishing but also puts customers on crazy numbers of carp during May, June and July.

For more information on our Professional Guide service for Carp, be sure to see the links below or the website under "Guide Service".

Mad River Outfitters

Your source for Carp on the Fly!

Useful Links:

Fly Fishing for Carp- good links here

Carpin'- the DVD

Carp Fly Department- one of the few online

"Carp School"- Sunday, June 18th 2010

Fly-N-Carp Guide Service

Great Lakes Fly Fishing LLC

New! Carp Photo Album

Andros Island Bonefish Club

2010-06-01T16:40:00.017-04:00

Back in early May I received an e-mail from good friend and GREAT customer Dr. Jeff Innes. Seems he was going to be in Florida for a rendezvous with his son in late May and they were looking to do some fishing. Jeff knows to call and knows that we won't steer him wrong.....and we didn't.

After making a half dozen phone calls or so to my list of preferred guides that we work with I was a bit discouraged. All of our contacts were booked solid. Nothing available until mid to late Summer...but I knew I had an ace in the hole.

I called Jeff back and let him know that it was looking like we wouldn't find a guide. At least not one that I knew and recommended. Then I mentioned Andros.

I could HEAR Jeff's eyes light up over the phone. It didn't take more than a few more phone calls and he and his son were set-up for three days of fishing and four nights lodging at the Andros Island Bonefish Club.

Alex Innes, Jeff Innes and Shawn Leadon

Jeff made it very clear that Alex was not an accomplished angler and in fact this would be his 1st trip with fly rod in hand. I assured Jeff that they would have a great time! I called the club and made it very clear as to what we were dealing with and could they please set Jeff and Alex up with a guide that was patient and willing to help. We couldn't have done better than to put him with Shawn Leadon, one of the best bonefish guides on the planet and son of the owner....Rupert Leadon. Shawn did a bang-up job as always!

We'll make a long story short here. This is the note that I received from Jeff on 5/27/10:

"Brian, WOW! Great trip. We caught about 17 bonefish each and this was Alex's first fly fishing trip. Thanks for helping set it up. I'll get the equipment back next week.- Jeffrey T. Innes M.D."

The pics tell the rest of the story!

Dr. Jeff Innes on Andros

Alex Innes- Andros Island Bonefish Club

Jeff Innes with a beauty on Andros

This is what we do. We help people to catch fish.

Of course it makes the job easy when you get to work with folks like Juliet, Rupert, Marion and guides like Shawn. We have been working with these folks for over ten years now and it is truly a pleasure. Rest assured, we'll be back soon.......and so will Jeff and Alex!

Brian Flechsig- May 2010

Mad River Outfitters Bonefish Trips

November 6th- 13th with Brian

February 19th- 26th with Andy

Click Here for details on these and other great Fly Fishing Trips......or just call!!

Sharkskin Fly Lines

2010-05-11T18:29:00.013-04:00

We at MRO usually aren't ones to jump on the industry bandwagon. Usually takes a bit for us to "warm-up" to what our vendors "tell" us.......especially when it comes to a $100 fly line!

After a few seasons now under our belt.....the verdict is in: Sharkskin is awesome! We love it!

Don't believe us? Here is what Kelly Galloup had to say recently:

"After a season on the Sharkskin all I can say is that I am a full on Skin Junkie. I admit I wondered if the line was worth a hundy but after using it I am convinced it is the best line on the market. If the line truly lasts even a season or two longer than the other lines it is worth the extra cha-ching, and maybe even if it didn’t.

The line not only cast further and easier than any other line on the market, but wait; yes! it talks to you as it does it. I wasn’t sure I liked that when I first used it, but now I wonder where the sound is when I use other lines. But that is not what sold me. I personally think the whole “cast further” thing is a crock of crap. You can only fish so far out and I don’t care how good you cast. The key to fishing is being able to control the fly on the water ( on line mendability ). Sharkskin allows me to mend the line on he water in ways I could not with any other line. This ease of control is what makes the line the best in the business. The line companies are always talking about how far this and that line can cast…I say it doesn’t mean squat. This line will make you a better anger for what it can help you do in close while you are fishing, and that may be the first real improvement in lines in decades.

Like I said I am a total shark Skin junky and I think this line will help any angler, regardless of their skill level, become a better angler through increased on water mendability–Which is what fishing is all about."

Kelly Galloup- author, lecturer and owner of the Slide Inn

Click Here to view all SA Sharkskin Fly Lines

Slide Inn/Montana Trip

August 1st- 6th, 2010

with hosts Kelly Galloup and Brian Flechsig

Click Here for details on this trip!

"Steelhead Alley" Smallmouth!

2010-04-23T11:43:00.004-04:00

Starting in Late April and early May, Small Mouth Bass start to migrate into the Lake Erie Tributaries and around Presque Isle Bay. Bass from 3 to 5 pounds can be caught on everything from top water flies to large streamers and leeches. Fly fishing for Small Mouth Bass has become extremely popular for anglers around the region, and it as exciting as fly fishing gets on 5wt gear. If you are into warm weather, sight fishing, and hard fighting fish this type of trip is for you!

Guided Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass on the Erie Tribs!

Lake Erie Small Mouth Bass Trips Include:(May thru July)-8 Hours with a licensed professional fly fishing guide. All reels, rods, flies, leaders,and tippet if needed. Streamside lunch and refreshments. Angler only required to have valid fishing license! Wade and boat trips available.

These trips will be guided for MRO by our friends and partners over at Steelhead Alley Outfitters!

See the "Guide Service" page of the website for further details and pricing.

See the "Photo Albums" for some recent photos of Erie Smallmouth on the Fly

To book a trip:

call us at 614-451-0363 or e-mail: admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Mad River Outfitters- Guide Service for Smallmouth Bass

Erie Tribs, Local Central Ohio Streams and Lake St. Clair

Jerry Darkes and MRO

2010-04-08T08:24:00.008-04:00

Way back in the winter of 94/95, within months of opening our doors at MRO...we met Jerry Darkes. He had recently given up his day job and was now a full-time rep in the fly fishing business.

That spring Jerry introduced us to the Erie Steelhead fishery and a solid friendship/partnership was born!

Brian and Jerry- 1996?

Jerry is truly one of the most recognized names in the Midwestern fly fishing arena. He basically pioneered the steelhead fishery here in the Erie region and still serves as a Steelhead Guide for us as well as our friends at Steelhead Alley Outfitters. His writings have been published in almost every major fly fishing publication out there. He is a veteran teacher and lecturer and if you have been around at all.....you have crossed his path!

Jerry is also very passionate about warmwater fly fishing and is resposible for our new relationship with Captain Brian Meszaros up on Lake St. Clair. Also watch for another announcement from Jerry/MRO about more warmwater fly fishing opportunities in the area.

In 1997, Jerry and Brian Flechsig embarked on a series of DVDs about the Erie/Great Lakes Steelhead fisheries. The first DVD was entitled "Steelheading Made Simple" and continues to sell well to this day! Although nothing "ground-breaking", it provides a solid foundation of knowledge for those looking to fish "The Alley". Not to mention, while filming, Jerry landed a fish that was estimated at 21lbs!!!!

Brian and Jerry then released a follow-up with "Chasing Silver" as well as the fly tyer's "Cool Flies for Hot Fish". Jerry has also released a few titles of his own including the documentary "Great Lakes Steelhead Chronicles"

You can learn more about Jerry and his adventures on his blog:
http://acs-thefishdog.blogspot.com/

Mad River Outfitters has now teamed up with Rockwell Springs Trout Club near Sandusky and Jerry Darkes will be teaching a few Schools/Clinics up there on our behalf.

This is a great venue....with a great instructor.

The 1st one is this weekend and there are a few spots open if anyone is interested!

Jerry Darkes/MRO Trout School- April 10th and 11th
*lodging included

Jerry Darkes/MRO Trout Class- Saturday, May 1st

see this link here for pricing and details on these classes-

http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/t-classes.aspx

Look for Fall dates to be announced with Jerry as well as some exciting new Warmwater opportunities this Summer!

2010-03-18T08:26:00.007-04:00

Great news! Mad River Outfitters has partnered with a top, big-water destination for freshwater fly fishing- and best of all, only a few hours from the Columbus area! We are now a full booking agent for Capt. Brian Meszaros and Great Lakes Flyfishing and Waterfowl, LLC.

Come and fly fish the crystal clear waters of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River for a variety of warmwater game fish. Lake St.Clair has been recognized by American Angler magazine as one of the “Top 50 Fly Fishing Destinations in the U.S.” and may be the best smallmouth bass fishery anywhere. In addition, Lake St. Clair is rated as one of the top fisheries in the U.S. for muskellunge. Anglers are also likely to encounter largemouth bass, northern pike, white bass, yellow perch, carp, walleye, drum, and rock bass.

See our "Guide Service" page for details and pricing on booking a trip with Captain Brian! Trips booking now for Spring and Summer!

Be sure to check out the new Photo Album for our "Great Lakes Fly Fishing" trips. We'll be adding photos from the upcoming season here!

Join us!

Friday and Saturday, April 2nd and 3rd

special guest Captain Brian Meszaros

Friday at 7:00 p.m. is a FREE presentation by Brian- this will be held at the shop

* please call to reserve a seat

Saturday- 10:00- 4:00 p.m.- meet Brian and learn more about this fantastic fishery!

Click Here for more details and be sure to let us know if you can make it on Friday!

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

2010-03-08T08:32:00.003-05:00

Almost two years ago now we sat down with Greg Senyo and Patrick Robinson of SAO and discussed how we could help each other out. A solid partnership was formed and the rest is history.

Mad River Outfitters is proud to offer the services of Steelhead Alley Outfitters. They serve as our "staff" of professional fly fishing guides in the Lake Erie/Great Lakes region. All services of Steelhead Alley Outfitters can be booked directly through Mad River Outfitters. Basically, they will be doing the guiding and we will be doing the outfitting. We also stock all of the gear, flies and accessories that are needed for a successful trip and recommended by them. More on our partnership with Steelhead Alley Outfitters can be found on the "Guide Service" page of our website. Spring 2010 trips booking now!!!!

Steelhead Alley Weekend March 12th and 13th

Our guests will be Greg Senyo and Patrick Robinson of SAO! Stop by!

Friday night presentation at 7:00 is FREE - just call to RSVP

click here for more details

* New Photo page started- Steelhead Alley 2010 Season

We'll be adding photos of guide trips as they happen. Be sure to send us your photos and we'll try to post them!

* Be sure to see our "Steelhead Central" page- all the hot links in one spot

Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass

2010-02-28T13:47:00.013-05:00

The following is a story by MRO's Bill Conlon about his recent store trip to the Amazon. This was Bill's third trip as host and he's getting pretty good at getting people in-and-out of the jungle!

MRO is proud to partner with River Plate Outfitters and offer some of the best Peacock Bass fishing on planet earth! Trips, tackle, flies, flights and visas.....we can help with everything. For more information on these trips....including the 2011 and 2012 dates, please see the "Trips" page in the bar on the bottom right.

Otherwise, read on:

Rio Cuini, Amazonas Brazil 2010

January 21, 2010 – Thursday
Unlike 2009, when wet weather in the Amazon threatened the fishing and icy weather in the north complicated travel, this year things looked promising for our peacock bass expedition. I met clients in Miami the day before our early morning flight to Manaus, Brazil. At dinner that evening, we talked of past fishing adventures and our hopes for the trip ahead. For Ian this was a return to the jungle. He had accompanied me on the first Mad River Outfitters foray to the jungle two years earlier. I hoped this return would live up to expectations for him and his fellow Hawaiian, Preston.

January 22, 2010 – Friday
This morning, we rose early and checked in for the 7:00am international flight before grabbing a quick breakfast. The flight is nonstop to Manaus and by 2:30pm we were settled in at the Tropical Hotel. The weather in Manaus was gray with on and off showers, so we opted to stay put at the hotel, relax and organize our gear. Tomorrow we are off to the jungle.

January 23, 2010 – Saturday
The travel plan for reaching the floating camps begins this year with a flight to Barcelos, a small city on the banks of the Rio Negro, upstream of Manaus. Looking out of window as we headed out, I was encouraged by the view. Large sand bars were visible in many spots even here on the giant Rio Negro. That bode well for the water levels in the tributary rivers that we would be fishing for the next week. Last year the river was full to the brim – and over the brim in some areas. When the water is up into the jungle, so are the fish. Not good for fishing. To a point, lower water is better water and things were looking great this year! In Barcelos, we loaded into a float equipped Cessna Caravan for the flight to the remote camp. An hour or so later, we saw the floating cabins, neatly pulled up to a white sand beach on a quiet corner of the Rio Cuini. The plane settled into the jungle, landing on the river a short boat ride from the camp. The guides met us at the floatplane and ferried us, our gear and fresh provisions to our home in the jungle.
Tony, the camp manager, greeted us warmly and helped us get settled into our cabins. After a light lunch in camp, it was time to chase some fish. At this point, everyone is raring to go, excited about what lies ahead. Even those of us who have been here before feel the burning desire to get started, forgetting the sore hands and exhausted sighs that will come after days of (wonderfully) hard fishing! On this first afternoon of fishing, no big fish are landed, but in four hours I catch 22 Peacock Bass including a beautiful 7# Butterfly Peacock. (Cichla orinocensis ) After about four hours of fishing, we return to camp at 5:00. The heat has got me beat. Every year, I forget how intense the fishing can be. Mostly, I am casting large streamers with a 9wt rod and 300 grain sinking head line. In the tropical heat, that will wear you out! At camp, Tony has caipirinhas waiting. This Brazilian cocktail is like a cross between hard lemonade and a margarita. The version served in the camp is cold and tart, perfect after a hot day on the water. The best way to cool down in the jungle is to take a swim in the river. Some opt to do this at lunch or during the day, but I save my swim for the evening. Each cabin has an indoor shower for those who prefer not bathing in the river, but I float in the Cuini and let it carry away all my cares. I am not even bothered by my companion’s comment that I look like a cotton ball floating downstream.
My excitement over the water levels is tempered somewhat overnight. It rains steadily from around 10:00pm until 6:00am. For an hour or so around midnight, the rains were heavy and lightning lit the sky. I was glad to be in a dry, secure cabin.

January 24, 2010 – Sunday
Just as I poke my head out the door in the morning, the rain stops. I expect to find muddy rising water, but the river looks fine. The rain might have pushed the level up a few inches, but the tannin stained water is only slightly more turbid than yesterday. Following breakfast, we set out for the days fishing. The morning was good and by 11:00, I have landed many Peacock Bass, mostly the beautiful butterfly species. The largest was just over seven pounds. In the next hour things got very interesting. A large fish was pushing bait onto the shore and making quite a ruckus. My guide, Galdamer, quickly positioned the boat and encouraged me to cast – NOW! In one of those rare moments of glory, everything went perfectly. The fly landed inches from shore and was immediately engulfed. It was as if I had cast into the open mouth of the predator. The peacock bass chose to cut away from shore and allowed me the chance to get him on the reel and begin the fight in earnest. When we had the fish netted, I was sure it was my personal best on the fly. The boga grip confirmed the weight, 15 pounds of angry cichlid. This fish was what the Brazilians call an Assu, the breeding colored variant of the largest species of Peacock Bass in the Amazon. (Cichla temensis). Not long after releasing the 15 pounder, I hooked another large fish on a fast retrieve in deeper water. The initial fight wasn’t spectacular, but the fish wanted to stay deep. When I finally had him near enough to see, the fight changed. It seems he was as agitated to see me as I was excited to see him. Despite several strong surges, we landed another personal best Assu, this one 16 pounds. Hot and happy, Glad and I pulled into a breezy spot in the shade along the shore and took a break for lunch. Here I was, on only the second day of fishing, and already I had two Peacocks that were better that any caught on a fly in our last two trips –WOW! Fly fishing tends to produce more action when chasing Peacock Bass, but the average size is somewhat smaller and the biggest fish tend to take huge top-water lures on bait-casting gear. Our clients have landed fish in the 16 – 18 pound range each of the last two years, but nothing over 13 pounds had come to a fly. Today, even lunch proved exciting. As I ate the sandwiches and cookies that I packed in the morning, I heard splashing along the shore. A short distance away, a lone giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) was watching us. Before I could get to my camera, he was gone. These endangered otters can reach a length of 6 feet and are quite a sight to behold.
I landed more butterfly peacocks, “borboleta” to my guide, in he afternoon and one 12# Assu. The most dramatic peacock bass of the day was the one I never hooked. As I was retrieving a small butterfly, a huge assu chased it about the boat. I handed my rod to the guide and began casting a large diving pike fly at the chasing fish. Sorry to say, he was much more interested in a distressed live fish than my offering and eventually disappeared into the depths. (Last year I had a jumbo fish swallow a 2 pounder as I retrieved it, but after burning my fingers and stopping my heart, that beast let go and swam away as well.) You never know what to expect next when fishing in the Amazon basin. In addition to 43 peacock bass, I also landed Triara (snakehead) and Dogfish on this day.
As I took my evening swim/bath, pink fresh water porpoises (Inia geoffrensis) cruised past, headed upriver. It was just one more amazing moment on the Rio Cuini. I joined some of the others for appetizers and cocktails on the beach, clean cool and feeling quite good about myself. Just to keep me humble, Ian, 83 years young and just weeks after back surgery, trumped my 15 and 16 pound fish with a 16 pound assu and a 17 pound paca. The paca is also a Cichla temensis, but in the non-breeding phase. The colors fade and the fish takes on several horizontal rows of light spots. It seems counterintuitive, but this phase the giant peacock bass is noticeably more aggressive than the assu, or breeding variant. I bought Ian a congratulatory drink – good thing they are all included in the trip. Dinner was followed with cigars, stories and another drink or two. Before bed we made plans for a shore lunch the next day.

January 25, 2010 – Monday
My morning again went well with consistent action and another personal best Peacock Bass on the fly. This time I hooked up on a cast into heavy structure. The fish shot up from the submerged branches and engulfed the fly just as it cleared the tangle. With some luck, great boat handling by Gladamer and stout gear, I soon hoisted a 19 pound assu on the boga grip. Soon after catching that fish, we caught a couple of 3 pound borboleta peacocks that went into the boat for the shore lunch. The pause for the shore lunch gave us all a chance to rest and share stories. Once again I was feeling proud of my big fish, but was (again) quieted by Ian. He had landed a 20# beast in the morning and was still king of the jungle. Several Caracara, a type of falcon, landed in a tree above us, noisily calling out as we relaxed in our hammocks in the shade. The guides built a fire and were soon cleaning peacock bass for the grill. While the coals burned down they also caught several piranhas to add some variety to the meal. Although the guides enjoy eating peacock bass on occasion, they prefer the piranha. Other than the many bones, I have to agree. Piranhas are good eating. As we finished the fresh grilled fish, I looked up to see our camp headed downstream.
Every few days, the camp staff connects the four guest cabins, host quarters, dining room and kitchen into a floating train and tows the whole collection to another beautiful beach. The ability to move the camp to new waters every few days avoids overfishing one area and keeps the daily travel time to unpressured waters short. Most of my afternoon was uneventful. Fishing was consistent but with nothing outstanding until the last cast. As we were nearing the new camp we stopped for one last bit of casting. I put a big Peacock Deception fly against the shore along a sandy drop-off and was rewarded with an aggressive take. By the time we landed that 14 pound peacock, I was ready for my swim, dinner and bed. I had another great day with 32 peacock bass including the 19 pound and 14 pound assu peacocks. My left hand, after stripping flies 24,000/day was sore and inflamed at my middle knuckle. Ibuprofen will be in order for the next few days. (I cast approx 1000/day and each cast yielded 20-24 strips – when not interrupted by a fish or a snag!) Overnight we had more heavy rains and another lightening show. The camp staff was up in the rain, double checking the mooring of the floating cabins and making sure we were safe, secure and comfortable.

January 26, 2010 – Tuesday
Even with the overnight rain, the water is in great shape and the day looks to be clear and dry. As I packed my lunch, I felt the weariness from several days of hard fishing. No wonder my left hand is sore from working the line so aggressively. Despite fishing hard all morning, I had only smaller fish to show for the work. I twice have piranha cut my fly line. I recovered six feet of line, my leader and fly when a piranha cuts me off while I’m hung up on a snag. I lose another piece and the fly when the toothy fish cut off a hooked peacock. The lagoon we are fishing will always be Piranha Lagoon in my memory. My 24 foot long, 300 grain T-300 line is now a 14’ long lighter line and I move it to an 8wt for back-up. It seemed like a good time to stop for lunch and regroup. I rig a fresh line on my 9wt Orvis Helios, fill up on egg sandwiches and some cookies, down some water and am set to go! Refreshed, I cast vigorously to every likely spot. Gladamer looks for the best water and we keep picking up smallish fish. It is still lots of fun, but I have a need for another big fish. I’m getting greedy. It isn’t about the numbers, but I use my personal targets as motivation to keep my retrieves aggressive. When I slow down, so does the action. Finally around 4:00 I hook and land a nice 15# paca that is shockingly savage on the strike. I’m tired and happy. I’ll sleep well tonight, but we have a bit more time before we need to make the run to camp. I retie my fly and wearily take the bow of the boat. Four casts later I am tight to another big fish. Unlike the paca, who wanted to get to structure, this fish gets into the main channel and heads straight downstream! The drag screams, but the reel does its job and soon I can see the assu peacock at the end of my line. In the open water, the strong final surges only delay the landing. Alright! Two 15 pound peacock bass in four casts. Now I am ready for camp. In addition to 26 Peacock Bass including the 2 at 15 pounds I landed a beautiful Jacunda.

January 27, 2010 – Wednesday
Even though I caught more peacock bass today than any other, I view it as the day that might have been. I had worked the water persistently for much of the morning with frequent takes and lots of fish landed. My routine was rudely interrupted by a jolting take not far from a large submerged tree. Knowing I had a big fish, Glad pivoted the boat to improve my fighting options. I was working to reel in line, steer the fish keep my balance. As the fish ripped line through my hand and approached the downed tree, I heard Gladamer call “hold line”! I didn’t want to lose this fish in the tree, so I tightened my hold and worked to angle the head away from the branches. In an instant, the fish shook its head and popped my 40# test maxima leader. I cried out in frustration and saw, for the first time ever, Glad looking unhappy. He looked at me and said “GO LINE”!! When I heard hold line, he was encouraging me to give the fish line and get him on the reel. Having seen River Plate guides dive into the water to free lines from a logjam, I shouldn’t have been so worried, but in the heat of the moment things don’t always seem so clear. When I explained what I had heard, we both laughed, but Gladamer’s final comment was a quiet “Big Fish”. That was the only shot at a trophy for the day, but landing 61 Peacocks helped ease the pain. (Except in my hand – oh yeah and on my belly where I brace the fighting but while setting the hook. I’ve got a bruise there as well, but it just reminds me how much fun I’m having) My exploits today made for another humbling story over appetizers at camp. Several other fellows had landed good fish that day including a 20.5# monster caught by Roy on a casting rod. His fish smashed a wood chopper lure on the surface and put on quite a show. Roy was a benevolent king with the new big fish in camp. He poured drinks all ‘round and basked in the glory.

January 28, 2010 - Thursday

Today shaped up to be much like yesterday. I was catching lots of small borboleta (Butterfly) peacocks, but nothing of size. Then, late in the morning, I had a hit. There is always a jolt whether you get a hit or a snag while stripping a fly at maximum speed. I typically let the guide know right away if it was fish or stick. This time as I set the hook hard, I said “fish”. As I then lifted my rod it seemed more like a snag. The line cut the water and pointed to a stationary spot on the bottom of the river. Just as I uttered “no… stick”, the stick began to move. Glad and I cried out at the same time. Me: FISH, Glad: Big Fish. The delay gave me time to get the fish on the reel as it slowly accelerated up the river. Although there was no dangerous structure in sight, I was still nervous after breaking off the fish yesterday. The time the fish stayed deep and started to circle the boat. Then he got angry. It might have taken him a while to realize he was not in complete control, but when he reacted it was wild. He began by cutting under the boat, requiring me to swing a nearly submerged rod around the bow. As I cleared the opposite side of the skiff, the big fish headed for the surface. I worked to maintain tension as he jumped clear of the water. Now that I had seen the fish I was more excited than ever. He looked as big as any peacock bass that I had personally laid eyes on. Although the jumps subsided, he fought hard to avoid the boat. Finally, I slid him toward the net and Gladamer hoisted him aboard. This time when he said big fish, he was smiling. The tale of the scale put this assu at 21 pounds. After some quick pictures, Glad eased the fish back into the Cuini and offered me a water to celebrate. We had planned another shore lunch and I don’t think fresh fish had ever tasted so good to me. The afternoon produced more shots at some good fish, with a follow but not takes. The piranha again cut two of my lines. The T-300 was now trash and the replacement was shortened by 4 feet or so. I managed 36 peacock bass today, but will always remember the 21 pound big fish that did not get away!

January 29, 2010 – Friday
The week either seems almost too long as you work the fishery for all you‘re worth, wearing yourself out; or all too short when you are headed out for your last day of fishing. As we climbed onto the boats this morning, it seemed too short. On the water, today was Preston’s day for the big fish. He landed a colorful 18 pound peacock bass. I didn’t catch any notable fish on my last day, but I did take some time to look around and enjoy the exotic local. All week, I had enjoyed the dramatic stands of palm trees, but today I noticed the way the waterfront species seemed to grow in a colony with an interconnected mat of roots. That would stabilize the river channel during the repeated flood cycles. Something also is living in burrows under the buttressed lower trunks of these same trees. I should find out what. I wondered which species of Toucan had been making all the racket around the piranha lagoon earlier in the week. I know I saw three distinct Kingfishers at various times, but I don’t know which three. I need a better Amazon guide book…and another chance to spend some time in this magical jungle. Next year I’ll bring that guide book and a spare T-300 fly line. Oh yeah, I landed 32 beautiful butterfly peacock bass on this last day of fishing. When we returned to camp I enjoyed one more relaxing swim before dinner. The caipirinhas were particularly tasty and the conversation even more cheerful than usual. In the end the trip was just long enough. I was tired, sore and full to the brim with memories of my week in the Amazon Rainforest.

January 30, 2010 - Saturday

This morning we ate a leisurely breakfast before loading the boats with our gear. Everyone laughed recounting their personal highlights from the time spent fishing the Amazon basin As we boarded the Cessna to leave, eight fresh anglers climbed onto our boats to head to the camp. Soon they would meet the guides, have a quick lunch and begin searching for their own adventure on the Cuini. As the camp faded into the distance and we headed for Barcelos, I smiled thinking back on the week I had in the jungle.

For more on Mad River Outfitters trips for Peacock Bass- see our "Trips" page

See the full Photo Page- click the link on the bottom right bar

Old Time River Man

2010-02-23T08:45:00.003-05:00

As many of you all know, the fly fishing world lost a great one back in December.

Our friend Tom Jaissle put this tribute together and posted it on YouTube.

Long time AuSable guide Charlie Weaver sings "Old Time Riverman" by John Hartford. How appropriate! With our own Brian Flechsig backing him on guitar and mandolin.

Just like John Hartford, Rusty's legacy will be stronger now...... and only grow.

Thanks Rusty, you will be missed around here!

Watch the Video!

2010-02-08T22:25:00.003-05:00

We are excited about 2010!

You will see many changes around MRO....not just the new puppy. Our "web folks" have been revamping virtually everthing online. Hundreds of new products. Major upgrades and addtions to the Calendar and Classes. New partnerships. Heck...even a new staff as you read in the previous post.

Our "Fishing Reports" page is about the last system to be overhauled here at the shop. It has been some time since we have reported and we apologize. Our local fisheries are our foundation and we have not abandoned them. We will make it up to you......or should we say "Lou will make it up to you".

We understand how important these reports are to our loyal friends.....so much so, that we now have a "Fishing Reports Manager".

Lou Uecker comes to us from Cincincinnati. He has been studying Fisheries Management and Aquaculture down at Hocking College and just recently spent a year in Residency out in Northern California. He is one fishy dude and doesn't mind talking about it!!!! We are thrilled that Lou has decided to join us in Columbus and the new "Fishing Reports Manager" position suits him well.

Lou will be making some very positive changes to the Fishing Reports page. We should be up and running within the next few days.

Read more about Lou and other new staff members on the "About MRO" page. Click on "Our Staff".

2010-02-03T21:02:00.020-05:00

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing you to some new faces around Mad River Outfitters. Andy will be running the show as well as continuing his career as a starving carp guide. Ben will be doing flies, Facebook and teacing some classes. Lou will be doing Fishing Reports, spey/switch stuff and more. Great guys....but we are sure that this 1st new employee will be the most popular.

For nearly 14 years, we had a very special chocolate lab on our staff. Bear was his name. Many would tell you that he was a famous dog.....for a variety of reasons. He passed away on February 2nd, 2008 and has been sorely missed.

This past holiday season, we still had people asking, "Where is Bear?". Pretty amazing. They didn't remember us at all....just the dog.

So.........we figured it was time!

We'd like to introduce you to Sam. Sammy if he's good, Samuel if he's bad. He was born on October 30th, 2009 and started working in the shop on December 22nd. We'll try to keep you updated here and on the website on his progress.

Be sure to check out our updated "Our Staff" for a sneak peek at the "other" new guys around MRO! You can find it on the "About MRO" page.

More to come....stay tuned!

Mike Schmidt to Teach Fly Tying

2010-01-27T15:22:00.006-05:00

We'll.....it's official.

Mike Schmidt of Anglers Choice flies will now be working with Mad River Outfitters. Mike will be serving as a Fly Tying consultant and will be teaching some Intermediate and Advanced fly tying classes. He will be doing some custom fly tying for us as well as for our friends over at Steelhead Alley Outfitters.

We will get things started with an Intermediate/Advanced Fly Tying Course that starts on Wednesday, February 24th. This class will run 4 consecutive Wednesdays and the cost is $85.00 for the session. He has put together a great class and we are really excited about it.

Mike will also be teaching some specialty classes as well. Keep your eyes on the Calendar.

We are thrilled to have Mike join our team.

For more information on these and other classes- Click Here

Check out Mike's website at http://www.anglerschoiceflies.com/

Our New Blog!

2010-01-20T21:40:00.006-05:00

Welcome Friends!

Yep...I was the one that said Mad River Outfitters would never have a website. I was the one that said we would never be on Facebook. And yes...I was the one that said we would never have a "Blog". I'm still not sure what a "Blog" is, but I'm pretty excited about it.

Just wanted to extend a huge welcome to all of our friends and customers! Thanks for taking the time to read this. We think it will be worth your time to hang out here often!

We have a ton to talk about and this will serve as a great tool to relay the latest news, pictures and videos.

Here are a few "Blog" topics to come in the next few weeks:

* New shop mascot- "Sam" at 11 weeks he's already following in the footsteps of his Uncle Bear- pictures up on Facebook and soon to come here

* Bill is on his way to Brazil for Peacock Bass and will have a full report upon his return- complete with pics and video (we bought a cool cam)

* New shop employees- Lou Uecker and Ben Miller - we'll introduce you to these youngsters who are mostly responsible for this "new fangled" stuff you'll be seeing

* Upgraded and Updated Ohio Fishing Reports are on the way

* Steelhead Alley Outfitters- spring steelhead trips booking now! Call or e-mail!
Special Guests Greg Senyo and Patrick Robinson- March 12th and 13th

And that's just the beginning!

We have so much in store that I just can't wait to get at it. New trips, new classes, new employees, new products.

Thanks for reading and thanks for your support of MRO! We are coming off of our best year ever in 2009......and 2010 is already off to the races.

Check back soon and also be sure to look us up on Facebook as well!

Brian Flechsig
Mad River Outfitters