Saturday, December 31, 2016

Hatch Outdoors at MRO


Mad River Outfitters now a full-line dealer for Hatch Outdoors fly reels and accessories!

It's a little like a disease or addiction. Your every thought is consumed by an insatiable need to chase fish on the fly. It's a state of mind that transcends the boundaries of normalcy and into the realm of abnormality. It's obvious you're sick- but who the hell wants to be cured of this affliction?

You're a Finatic!


By now...you've heard of or seen the Finatic Series of Fly Reels- 


* Machined Reel Seat- The Original. A sold is always stronger than two pieces attached together. Also, by eliminating the screws you've eliminated the corrosion points.

* Dimension in the Frame- Hatch machined dimension in the frame to increase rigidity, strength and reduce lateral flex. With the reel and spool together you get virtually no lateral flex when you push/pull the two. This means the reel tracks truer and it eliminates the spool wobbling in high-speed runs.

* Frame/Spool Connection- Making a positive frame-to-spool connection is essential. On Hatch reels, they call it the "power flower". This unique design feature locks both together creating a bomb-proof fit.

* Cranks and Counterbalance- Unlike many manufacturers whose counterbalance is merely cosmetic, Hatch has made the two pieces the same weight to achieve true balance in the spool.

* Drag- They wanted it sealed- hence the drag cassette. They've employed a multi-disc stack in all models that is comprised of Rulon and precision stamped stainless steel discs. With multi-disc drag, you are applying braking pressure and heat dispersion over several surfaces rather than one-to-one surface braking on most drag systems today. This system virtually eliminates start up inertia and stick slip problems.

* Hook Guard- Keep those hooks tucked into the arbor of the reel and out of the way of your hands.

* Machined Finish- At Hatch, they don't polish their reels. Everyone else does, but they like the machined look. You can see the witness marks and high quality machining. No buff outs or cover-ups. It just didn't make sense to cover up what others can't match. It's more difficult, takes more time, but it's worth it.

* Spool Tension Nut- Designed to be easily taken on and off, with our without full gloves. The nut is press fit into the spool so it won't fall out into the water or your gear bag.

* Made in the USA- say no more! Simple.


Hatch Finatic Fly reels are all available in Black, Clear/Black, Clear/Red, Clear/Blue and Clear/Green. If you don't see exactly what you are looking for on our website or in the shop....just let us know. We can EASILY get anything...any color....any combo that you want.


Want line on that? Buy a reel, buy a line....and then tell us which hand you retrieve with. You can put this in the "Order Notes" (1st page of the shopping cart). We'll load the fly line on with the PROPER amount of backing and tie you up some good knots. NO NEED to BUY backing!!! We'll throw it in for FREE with the rigging as well.

Buy a reel, buy a line and tell us which hand you retrieve with. We'll do the rest!!!





Ok...so you know about the reels. But did you know.......


* The Hatch Nomad Pliers- simply the best that money can buy!!!

The I-Beam arms are crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum and protected with Type II andodizing. The cutters are made from Tungsten Carbide for abrasion resistance and reliable cuts through all fishing line material. The jaws are machined from 17-4 stainless steel made for ultimate corrosion resistance. Nomad pliers come with a custom Hatch bungee lanyard and black leather sheath. Come in Red, Blue or Clear colors. Made in the USA!!!

* And so are the Nippers! Hands-down the "Best in Class"

The Hatch Nipper is hands-down the best in the business! Winner of the 2015 IFTD Best of Show Accessory Award. 

The Hatch Nipper is crafted from 6061-T6 aluminum and protected with Type II Anodize. The replaceable cutters are made from tungsten carbide for abrasion resistance and reliable cuts through mono and fluorocarbon materials (not to mention the only one that cuts braid with ease).

Comes with a sweet lanyard that is made from over 6 feet of 550 paracord and has a split ring for attaching the nippers and a "breakaway" release buckle at the neck. Black, Clear, Red and Blue are the colors available.

Made in the USA- both nippers and lanyard!!







Serving anglers the finest products and service that the industry can offer since 1994! Our goal is to exceed your expectations at every level.

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




Fishing Reports- 12/31/16


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

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

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

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


From all of us at Mad River Outfitters!

We'd like to wish you and your's a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Thanks again for all that you do for us. We wouldn't be here without YOU!

Be safe and we'll look forward to seeing you all in 2017. Gonna be a GREAT year!

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


News

* Tons of stuff to be reported after the 1st of the year. Be sure that you are signed-up for E-News to stay informed. You can find a link to regsiter along the right of the top bar on our website.

* Gearing up for Spring trip season: 

Things get started in two weeks with Pat Kelly heading up the annual trip to the Amazon for Peacock Bass. He has a group of 11 anglers along with him and will have full pics and hopefully some good video upon return. Stay tuned and check out the details on the trip HERE. 2018 dates should be announced shortly.

Then, in February, Brian will be headed to Andros Island for bonefish. This will be our 19th year at the Andros Island Bonefish Club and as usual, we can't wait to get there. A great escape from the Winter in the North and not to mention some of the best Bonefishing on the Planet! Some spots still open if interested...check it out HERE.

Already time to start thinking about Spring Steelhead as well! In addition to guide trips locally, we will be running our bi-annual trip to the Muskegon River Lodge in Michigan. Luxury accomodations and gourmet food right on the banks of the "Mighty Mo". You'll walk right out the front door and onto the jet sleds of the guides. This trip is limited to only 4 anglers so don't delay! Check out the details HERE.

Find all of our Great Fly Fishing Trips on our Mad River Travel Page.

* New to the Shop! Hatch Outdoors- you know the reels but have you seen the Nippers and Pliers? Holy Crap! Check out Hatch products HERE.

* Winter/Spring Classes and Events are up on the Calendar page.

* The Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Columbus! The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 9th and full details and tickets should be available on the website by mid January.

* Proud to announce new sponsorships for the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools. Full details will be announced after the 1st of the year as well as dates of all schools for 2016. In the meantime, we'd like to thank Scientific Anglers, Scott Fly Rods, TFO and Patagonia for their support. It's an honor to have companies like these believing in what you do and willing to lend their blessings.

* Be sure to mark your calendars for the Columbus Fishing Expo coming up on February 10-12th, 2017. Mad River Outfitters has tripled the booth size and will be a "Fly Fishing Feature" to the show this year. Brian will be doing daily seminars on the "Hawg Trough" and Jerry Darkes, Jeff Liskay and Donnie Knight will also be doing seminars as well. We will be joined in the booth by Scientific Anglers, Korkers Footwear, Smithfly, Patagonia and more. Check out the details on the show HERE.



Mad River

There have been many people in the shop heading to and from the Mad this week.  The bump in water was a welcome sight, but as usual it did not last long.  There were a few people who did find some success fishing streamers, but it really only lasted a few days.  We are still hoping for a good streamer push but not looking good at this point.

With the stream back down and clear the usual winter nymphing has and will be the key into the weekend.  Most people have been focusing on the lower river.  Do not over look the upper and tributaries when the water does come up again.  

Right now your winter trout fishing is pretty consistent across the state.  Indicator/bobber, a shot or two, big nymph, and then a smaller soft-hackle or lighter weighted nymph.  Flies of choice: Guides Choice Hare's Ear, Cranefly Larva, Jimmy Legs, Copper John, Psycho Prince, Flashabou Caddis, and Soft-Hackles in various colors.  

Streamers with the low clear water is usually not very productive, but never hurts to give it a try if clouds move in or with the rain on Monday and Tuesday.  

If things change during the week we'll try to update as best we can. Thanks a ton for reading this year and also for your contributions and pics. We are very proud of the community of anglers that have joined together to help us with this Blog. Keep up the good work!!!!


Clearfork River



We havent heard much from reports this past week, but the few people who have checked-in have been doing well.  Down in the park they have just slowed letting water out from below Pleasant Hill Lake so the streamer fishing should still hang on through the weekend.  The upper river is clearing and should fish well with nymphs, but is on the low side.  

If you are wanting to fish streamers take a look at our Modern Streamer page and pull out the Rio Streamer Tip fly line.  Make sure you have a few different colored streamers in your box to switch around.  Nymphing below the dam is also very effective.  Right now your winter trout fishing is pretty consistent across the state.  Indicator/bobber, a shot or two, big nymph, and then a smaller soft-hackle or lighter weighted nymph.  Flies of choice: Guides Choice Hare's Ear, Cranefly Larva, Jimmy Legs, Copper John, Psycho Prince, Flashabou Caddis, and Soft-Hackles in various colors.  As for streamers Dungeons, Peanuts, Barely Legals, Clousers, Silk Kittys, Boogieman, Zoo Cougar...man they are all good!  Just have a good selection.

Thanks again for reading this year and for your generous contributions and photos. We really appreciate all that you do to help us with this Blog!!!! Keep up the good work!!!!



Clear Creek


The rain did the stream well.  There was a lot of water push through the creek the past couple of weeks.  The small amount of rain last Friday and Saturday did color up the stream, but it has finally cleared out.  Conditions are perfect going into the weekend with streamers and nymphs doing the trick.  

Focus on the slower water close to faster runs.  Right now your winter trout fishing is pretty consistent across the state.  Indicator/bobber, a shot or two, big nymph, and then a smaller soft-hackle or lighter weighted nymph.  Flies of choice: Guides Choice Hare's Ear, Cranefly Larva, Jimmy Legs, Copper John, Psycho Prince, Flashabou Caddis, and Soft-Hackles in various colors.  Streamers consists of your traditional trout stuff like Black Nose Dace, Muddler Minows, buggers, Clousers, Zoo Cougers, Cactus Wooly, Butt Monkeys, Barely Legals and on and on!  

Cover some water and enjoy the scenery!  

Thanks again for all the contributions and photo submissions this year. We really appreciate when folks help us out with this Blog. We hope that you all have a great New Years and look forward to hearing about your Ohio fishing adventures in 2017!!



Erie Steelhead

The melt and rain over the last week was much needed.  Although the Western streams are on the low side they are not clear.  The Vermilion is still pretty cloudy and will not be fishing for a bit here altough it would probably be a good idea to swing a few flies down low. It's time for this stream to come on strong...we just haven't heard much as of yet.

The Connie and Ash are on the low side, but fishing well.  The Grand will also be a long time out as it is still high and off color.  The Rocky and Chagrin should also fish well this weekend. Folks that have been out have been doing pretty well and we typically see a nice push of fresh fish right about this time of year.

This is your weekend to get out and do some Winter Steelheading.  With the day temps above freezing and not much snow predicted everything looks to be lining up right to start out the new year with some Steel.  

There is some rain in the forecast for Monday and Tuesday this will most likely bump the streams and color things up.  If you like to swing flies for Steelhead then that small window should treat you well.  Sink tips and big contrasting colored streamers can do the trick on your single hand rod.  Make sure you are fishing close to the bottom and swinging steady and slow.  This is a great time to pull out the Skagit head and either MOW or straight "T" material and your switch rod also.  It is a small window, but is a great opportunity give your Indicator rod a break.  

As for flies the usual winter setup will put numbers in the net.  Indicator/bobber, shot, bugger or zonker in white, olive, or black then followed by an Glo-bug, Trout Bead, or Sucker Spawn.  If you do happen to find some clear water then you might swap out the bugger for a heavy nymph like a Steelhead Candy, Great Lakes Caddis, Jimmy Legs, or Guides Choice.  If you want to swing then the A.I., Flow Rider, Hare Leech, or Dolly Llama is a good choice.  Don't over look some of your large trout streamers also.  If you are hitting the vice before you head out tie up lots of buggers, eggs, and give some swinging flies a try especially patters that are sparse, but large using Finn Raccoon, Arctic Fox, and Bucktail.  

If you are planning on heading make sure to check out our Steelhead Central page for maps, tips, and gear.  


Congrats to Jacob Jesionek who got his 1st ever this week on an MRO Guide trip with Josh McQueen


Same for his buddy Brendan Nenni. 1st ever! Thanks guys for the booking and glad we could help!!


Thanks again to all of our friends who contribute reports and pics to this Blog. We truly appreciate your willingness to help with these reports. We couldn't do it without YOU!!!

Happy New Year again to all and here's to a FANTASTIC 2017! We can't wait!!!!!!



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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Merry Christmas!


Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukka

from all of us at Mad River Outfitters!



We truly appreciate your friendship and support!

Thanks for shopping small and supporting a family owned business like ours.

We wish you the best this Holiday Season and look forward to fishing with you in 2017!


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



813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-3063



Back to normal business hours starting 10 a.m. December 26th

M-W-F = 10-6:30
T-Th = 10-8:00
Sat = 10-5:00
Closed on Sundays

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

MRO Gift Cards can be E-Mailed


Plenty of Time for a Mad River Outfitters Gift Card- we'll e-mail it to you!!!

* simply write in the "Order Notes" where you would like it e-mailed

* tell us to whom and from whom as well if you like

* can be used online or in the shop

* order safely up to 4:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve! We'll get it to you!


To use online....simply write the # of the card and the amount in the "Order Notes" section when you check out and we'll apply the certificate towards your purchase. Please note that the shopping cart won't recognize or apply the amount....but WE WILL. (You WILL still have to enter a credit card #....but we will only use it if you spend more than your certificate!!!!!)

If you spend less, we will apply the balance to your account here at the store for future purchases and NOT charge your card. Couldn't be easier!!! Great place to send friends and relatives for a last minute"Gift Idea". 




Any questions don't hesitate to give us a call!

614-451-0363


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

FREE 2-Day Shipping and In-Store Pickup

For our friends around the country- 


Any Order over $250.00 will be shipped via 2-Day UPS at our expense.

The package will arrive on Thusday or Friday guaranteed!

No need for a coupon or code- just spend $250.00 or more and you won't be charged for the expedited shipping!!!

This offer runs until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21st




For our local friends- 



Our ENTIRE store inventory is listed on our website and it is REAL-TIME. If available to purchase on the website, we have it!!!

Shop away and simpy choose "In-Store Pickup" as your shipping option.

Your package will be waiting for you when you arrive. We can even gift wrap if you like.

Shop Local

Wednesday, December 21st- 10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 22nd- 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Friday, December 23rd- 10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 24th- 10 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.







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




Fishing Reports- 12/20/16


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

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

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

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




Mad River

Fishing on the Mad has been fairly good despite the cold conditions and low clear water. Definitely winter fishing mode for the past week but that seems to be changing a bit here the past few days.  Indicators and nymphs have been the numbers game.  Looking for the slower deeper water has been key.  Once you find these locations thoroughly covering every inch with good long drifts is the key.  The stockers from earlier this fall have spread out a little and are starting to mix in with the older resident fish.  Most fish have been giving looks to the usual Cranefly Larva, Trophy Nymphs, and Guide's Choice Hare's Ear.  Behind these flies we like to fish a Soft Hackle, unweighted Pheasant Tail, or Caddis.
  
With the bump in water from the rain and melt the streamer fishing has been good.  This was the biggest push of water we have had in a long time!  Finally the leaves have pushed out. These flows did not stick around for long as the river has fallen just about as fast as it came up. We need the ground to thaw out and decent rain everyother day or so to get things back to normal and fire up the streamer bite again. We are already back into nymphing mode.
  
Looking into the weekend...Back to the typical nymphing game.  With the daily highs at just about or over freezing watch for ice in the guides.  The key this time of year is to limit the amount of stripping in of the fly line and keeping your guides coated with Loon's Stanley's Ice Off Paste.  A couple techniques we like to use are long nymphing rods and either water loading or single-hand spey casts.  The long rods keep as much line off the water as possible and allow for longer drifts and line control.  The spey-type casts minimize line stripping and easily cast the indicators, meat and lead.  Also do not overlook the use of Tenkara in the cold weather.  There are no guides, reel, or thick fly line to ice up.  Some lines are better than others, but a light coating of Ice Off on any line will make things work best for you.  

A few reports from the past few weeks:


"Hi all!- I thought I would share my experience yesterday (12/5) fishing off of the Route 36 bridge between 12 and 4pm. Water, as you well know, is very low and clear. I started off fishing up river with olive and natural colored rattlesnake streamers. No luck with those, so I moved to an olive Galloup's Boogieman. Picked up my first fish off the front side of a log jam. Later in the day, just before the rain hit, I picked up my second fish in the middle of a large pool. Technique used was a jerk-strip retrieve.

Overall I was pleased with two fish considering how the conditions have been. Like you, I am still hoping for a "fall" streamer season. Pics are attached. On a side note, the Hydros SL reel I bought from you on Black Friday worked great. Thanks again!"- Chuck Ewing

This next report from over month ago and we neglected to get it up. We owe Matthew a hat! It's on it's way man!!! We'll also send one along for your gal!!!


"Fished the Mad for the first time ever on November 5th. Nymphing was very productive, caught several trout and was very impressed with the area. All the fish we caught were the newly stocked ones, but did have a holdover on that got the best of me and got off. My fiancé caught her first trout on a fly, needless to say she is hooked. Can't wait to get back out there."- Matthew Thomas


Clearfork River



Not many reports as of late from up that way with the low, clear and cold temps, but we have heard word of fish being caught.  They are letting water out as we type so the streamer game below the dam is the key right now.  We usually start with shad colored flies and the typical streamer setup, then move to Yellow and on and on through our Galloup streamer box.  If the upper is your game focus on the typical winter water tails and bellies of pools or deep runs close to pools are key.  The same rigs as for the Mad- Indicators, Guide's Choice Hare's Ear, double stones, and alike will get the job done.  

From the other reports...Here is the key to winter fishing: 
Looking into the weekend...Back to the typical nymphing game.  With the daily highs at just about or over freezing watch for ice in the guides.  The key this time of year is to limit the amount of stripping in of the fly line and keeping your guides coated with Loon's Stanley's Ice Off Paste.  A couple techniques we like to use are long nymphing rods and either water loading or single-hand spey casts.  The long rods keep as much line off the water as possible and allow for longer drifts and line control.  The spey-type casts minimize line stripping and easily cast the indicators, meat and lead.  Also do not overlook the use of Tenkara in the cold weather.  There are no guides, reel, or thick fly line to ice up.  Some lines are better than others, but a light coating of Ice Off on any line will make things work best for you.  



Clear Creek


About the same issues as the past few weeks...or months.  Low and clear before this past rain and melt event.  Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tails and Soft Hackles are the flies to tie on first.  The streamer fishing is good as long as the temps down in the valley stay above freezing.  Look at Zonkers, buggers, and such on the small size for the most numbers.  

This rain and melt really shot the stream up.  Cresting over 1700cfs and raising over 4' is a big deal for this little stream.  It needed a good flush!  Look at the water color to start clearing as we get later into the week, but it will fish with streamers now.  

As stated in the Mad River writeup...this will be the key for the rest of the winter:
Looking into the weekend...Back to the typical nymphing game.  With the daily highs at just about or over freezing watch for ice in the guides.  The key this time of year is to limit the amount of stripping in of the fly line and keeping your guides coated with Loon's Stanley's Ice Off Paste.  A couple techniques we like to use are long nymphing rods and either water loading or single-hand spey casts.  The long rods keep as much line off the water as possible and allow for longer drifts and line control.  The spey-type casts minimize line stripping and easily cast the indicators, meat and lead.  Also do not overlook the use of Tenkara in the cold weather.  There are no guides, reel, or thick fly line to ice up.  Some lines are better than others, but a light coating of Ice Off on any line will make things work best for you.  




Erie Steelhead

12/21/16 Emergency Update- Seems that we were a bit too optimistic and the temps fell a bit more than expected last night. Most streams are iced up pretty good today or slush at best. The Chagrin is in the best shape but we don't think the slush will come off at all today. Maybe later this afternoon but if you are driving any distance at all, probably not worth it. We've got scouts out today and should get a better report up later today. 

12/20/16- Lots of slush and Ice recently but fishing really heating up here the past few days...  This rain gave some much needed flush of the ice, but with the cold night temps flows will start to lock up in the slower water but the main flows should be fishable for the foreseeable future.  The weather looks good for the next week or so...minus enough rain.  The highs should keep things good in the middle of the day so there is really no need to get out at first light...unless you are trying to get the prime water through the weekend.  

The Chagrin and Rocky are fishing good with some color to the water, but that should settle out as we get later into the week.  The Grand is a week out or so while the Ash and Connie will be fishing well by Thurday or Friday.  Fish are all in winter mode.  Look for the tails of pools, deep runs, and holding water.  Eggs are the flies right now with a Bugger or Zonker to help get everything down.  This time of the year a 10' rod or switch is really helpful to keep everything drifting nicely and ice free.  These rods keep as much line off the water as possible and also provide more line control and reach.  Stanley's Ice Off Paste, gloves, layers, and spey casting or water loading are the keys to success all winter long.  Try to keep from getting your reels wet and stripping too much line through the guides as this will ice them up quickly. Also remember that felt and snow or ice don't mix well so make sure to install those spikes in your felt and rubber soles.  

There is some good looking weather in the forecast and plenty of fish around. Should be a decent week and weekend of steelhead fishing here in Ohio. We do have guides out this week and will keep you updated as to river conditions if things change. 

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

Here's a few shots from the past few weeks:


John Updyke was out with our good friend Bob Wing and got this Ohio Beauty!


Ray and crew came out on their yearly Guided Trip- this year with guides Ryan and Patrick. This day will always be remembered by the clients and guides as the "Snow Bowl"


MRO Guide and Fly Tying Manager Ryan Ratliff claims this is the only "selfie" he has ever taken but he couldn't resist. Pretty much sums up the "Steelhead Snow Bowl" on December 9th


Lunch!


Pretty much sums up the past few weeks but luckily things are opening up here! (Nothing can stop an MRO guide though from "scouting conditions")


Proof that if you are persistent enough, even ice doesn't stop the fishing! 




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

813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363