* Please remember to call us for more up-to-date or detailed information! These reports are not meant to be your one and only, daily source of information. They are typically general, even seasonal type reports and we currently don't have a set schedule as to when we update. Please, just because we don't update as often as we like, it doesn't mean that we don't care.
There are many different approaches you should take in order to get a good game plan for a trip or a day of fishing. Also remember that things change and these reports are what we know at the time of posting only. Keep in mind that we do express opinions and personal preferences from time-to-time which may be different from yours or what you may read elsewhere. Thanks for checking and don't forget to call us if you need any further information or a more up-to-date report. 614-451-0363
Mad River
The Mad is a bit low and super clear......we are definitely in "Winter Mode" here for the foreseeable future. Not alot of reports this past week.
A few folks that we know have been out fishing and actually, most have been reporting good to excellent fishing! The Upper River, as well as Mac-O-Chee has been producing some surprising numbers of fish, especially for this time of year. Most reports have had fish taking smaller nymphs. Midge Larva, small Copper Johns and the like have been doing well. No reports of Winter Stoneflies yet but surely time to be fishing the nymphs. Be sure to have some size 14 black nymphs....a Copper John works great for these bugs. Would be a top pick for nymphing, especially in the upper river.
Streamer fishing has been ok although the fish are not as inclined to move too far with the colder water. Small streamers have seemed to be producing a bit better with the clear water. Hopefully we can get some precip here in the next few weeks and change this up a bit.
Many folks have been calling and/or e-mailing about the brook trout in the last post. A few more caught in the past week as well. The answer to the question is No...the state is not stocking these. They are escapees from the Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club located up near the headwaters in Bellefontaine. They are actually quite common in the upper part of the river, as are rainbows. We don't see too many down where Ben caught his but it obviously happens.
Keep your eyes on the forecast and over the next few weeks, if you see a 45+ for the temps and calling for sun, it can be a great time to catch fish on dry midges. Something we always look forward to this time of year.
Clearfork River
The Clearfork is getting some pretty good rim-ice, especially in the upper. Not many reports this week as to be expected.
If you were to go, probably best to think about the lower stretch although it is pretty low and clear. Just be careful getting down into the park as the road can be treacherous if there is any snow or ice. Search out the deeper, greener water and could do ok.
Nymphs will be the hot ticket although still waiting for a monster on a large streamer in the lower. It's going to happen...just a matter of time. Same thing here as well like the Mad....if you see a nice warm, sunny day in the forecast, you could have a banner day with Midge dries. Always a winter highlight!!!
If you get out, send us some pics and reports!
Clear Creek
Clear Creek is pretty well iced-up and looks like it will be for some time. No real reason to head that way unless you are looking for a nice winter hike. Great place for that!
We'll try to let you know as things change.
Erie Steelhead
Not alot going on right now on the steelhead front. With the weather, most streams are pretty well locked-up and looks like they'll be that way here for a bit. Not uncommon for this time of year. There are a few spots open and fishable, but not too many folks getting out as you can understand.
We are busy tying flies and stocking the boxes for when things open up and we get back to fishing. Guides are primed and ready and trips are booking for March and April. Let us know if you want to get in on the action!
In the meantime...
If you happen to be in the Cleveland area this weekend. stop by and say hello! Brian and steelhead guide Josh McQueen will be manning the booth at the Northern Ohio Fly Fishing Expo in Brecksville. Also on-hand will be our good friend and partner Captain Brian Meszaros so a great chance to learn more about what we do with him up on Lake St. Clair.
Click Here to learn more about the show this weekend.
Let's hope the weather works out and we don't get "snowed out" like we did in Louisville last weekend!
Of course, as things change on the Steelhead front, we'll let you know!!!
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
www.madriveroutfitters.com
614-451-0363
