Saturday, October 15, 2011

New Luxury Accomodations in Chile

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



Thursday, September 29, 2011

Mad River Outfitters- Trips Trips and Trips



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.






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





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.






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





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


Monday, July 25, 2011

The ONE is coming!

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














Saturday, July 23, 2011

Alaska! Naknek River Camp

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




Saturday, June 4, 2011

"No Fly Zone" and other Bug Stuff

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




Saturday, May 21, 2011

Simms Footwear in stock!

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








Tuesday, May 3, 2011

May Orvis Rod Promotion




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

Friday, April 15, 2011

New- Umpqua U-Series Hooks!

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