Flip Pallot Shares his "Sandbox"

Press Release- February 24th, 2016


Flip Pallot Shares in his new "Sandbox"

"The Sandbox is where I spend a great deal of my time....It's where I get to share creative, humorous, contemplative and entertaining time with folks as they drop in from time-to-time.- Flip"

In the new "Sandbox" area of his website, Pallot will be sharing videos, exciting and unique product updates, his legendary "sign-of-the-week", interesting and informative Blog posts and more.

Check out Flip's Sandbox HERE!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

www.flippallot.com

Fishing Reports- 2/24/16

* 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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

As you can imagine, the Mad is super high and dirty right now. The good news it that it looks like it has crested here this afternoon. The bad news is, there is more rain and then snow in the forecast.

As things stabilize and the river does start to drop, look for some good to excellent streamer fishing. Also have some black stonefly nymphs as the fish are seeing these guys as they crawl out of the water to emerge. We usually don't see the fish eat the adults but might not be a bad idea to have a few with you just in case.

It's also time to start thinking about the coming hatches. Some #14 Pheasant Tails or your favorite Hendrickson nymph should start working well and will continue through the hatch in early April. Also not a bad idea to have some smaller, BWO/Baetis type nymphs along as well. Might not catch the big fish on these but surely will catch some fish.

For those that got out over the beautiful weekend, the fishing reported was good to excellent. Streamers down low, nymphs throughout and we had some folks catching fish on dry midges in the upper river.

Keep your eyes on the gauges and we'll let you know what we hear and see.

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The Clearfork has also come up today with the rains. The upper is blown and they just a bit ago opened up the dam and the lower is unsafe levels as well. May be a day or so depending on how much more precip we get here tonight and tomorrow.

The good news is that the river has been fishing very well. We continue to get good reports from both stretches but especially the upper. As the water comes down may try to get up there with some big streamers and see what happens. Also been some winter black stoneflies hatching along with the typical midge activity for this time of year.

We'll try to let you know as things change but if we don't, feel free to call the shop.

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

The creek is up and raging as you can expect. Hard to say when but we'll keep our eyes on it and let you know. In the meantime, here's a report that Ryan wrote yesterday before the rain started:

The big melt off sent the snow and ice on its way down to Athens.  Friday night into Saturday the creek crested at around 1100cfs!  That was the biggest push of the year and has moved some structure around for the good.  The flows are still a little off colored and at pushing 45 degrees it is streamer fishing the heads and tails of the deeper winter pools.  With the higher flows a light sink tip not out of the question.  

If the run and gun stripping streamer game isn't your thing, then pull out the little black stones.  When the water is off colored as it is in the coming days we focus on a little bigger stones like two Bear's Stones in tandem.  

This rain and snow coming in the next few days is going to mess up the fishing, but everything should clear out by early next week.  Looks like a little cooler weather so it will be back to nymphing.  

These fish aren't big, but the scenery is what sets the Hocking Hills apart!

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Well...turns out that our "Big Time" winter mode from our last report was shorter lived than expected. The good news is that the ice has left the streams and we are looking at getting the season going....again. Bad news today is that with all of this rain and snow melt, the streams are raging. It will be a few days at least before we get back at it but when we do, we expect banner steelhead fishing throughout the region.

Folks that did get out last weekend just as the ice was clearing did report gangbuster fishing. We had killer reports from the Rocky, Chagrin, Ashtabula and Conneaut. All seem to be pretty full of fish and this water here will bring more. The Vermilion has still been a bit murky and even more so now but we are anticipating good to great fishing there as soon as things clear.

We'll try to let you know as things stabilize and we get back out there.

Anybody interested in fishing the Muskegon in a month or so? We have a few spots open on the Muskegon River Lodge Trip, March 27th- 30th. Two days guided float fishing, fantastic lodging and gourmet meals? What could go wrong?

Click Here for the details, dates and pricing on these trips.

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com
www.flippallot.com

614-451-0363

Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Press Release- 2/16/16

Mad River Outfitters Launches the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

After 26 years of teaching fly fishing in the region, Mad River Outfitters of Columbus, Ohio has unveiled their latest venture, the official Midwest Fly Fishing Schools. 

These 1 and 2-day fly fishing schools will be geared towards absolute beginners and will be held at some fabulous locations such as Sunnybrook Trout Club and Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club among others.  They will be scheduled periodically throughout the season with the first schools starting in April of this year. No equipment or experience necessary as everything can be provided. You just show up at the location and they have you covered from there. These schools are centrally located and will draw crowds from throughout the Midwest region.

In addition to the beginner type schools, they will also be offering Intermediate schools, a variety of Classes and Seminars on various topics as well as species specific “On-River Seminars”.

They have amassed a group of veteran instructors such as Brian Flechsig, Graham Stokes, Jeff Liskay, Jerry Darkes, Ryan Ratliff and more. In addition, consultants and future participants in the schools include angling legends such as Flip Pallot. Pallot has helped to put together the casting program for the schools and will also be brought to the Midwest for a “Saltwater Specific” fly fishing school in the near future.

“You simply won’t find a more experienced staff of instructors…..period” said Mad River Outfitters founder Brian Flechsig when interviewed recently about the new launch. “We are thrilled with the staff and the program we have put together here. We will redefine how fly fishing is taught”.

For more information, pricing and dates on schools and classes, check out the new website at www.midwestflyfishingschools.com.

You can also follow along on Facebook Here.

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

www.flippallot.com

Fishing Reports- 2/16/16

* 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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map- seems to be un-available on ODNR at the moment

Pretty much in "Winter Mode" here for a bit with the cold and snow. The river is in good shape and has been fishing decent....problem is that it's just been too damn cold the past week or so to get out there. The snow on the ground is also making it challenging to get around.

It does look like we are going to get a bit of a warm-up later in the week. This will most likely raise the river due to runoff so we could be looking at a good streamer weekend for those looking to get out.

We have had some good reports of the Winter Black Stoneflies out and about. Pretty much right on time. As always, have some #14 Black Stonefly nymphs with you if you get out. 

We'll keep an eye out over the weekend and try to let you know here. Meanwhile, stay tuned and make sure that you are signed-up for our E-News....some big announcements coming!

**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the "Anti-Super Bowl Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Good friend and customer Mike Letizia sent us this photo of a nice brown out of the Upper Clearfork last week before the cold set in.

As you can imagine, things are pretty much in "Winter Mode" up on the Clearfork as well. Although there is some open water, especially on the lower stretch, it's just a challenge getting around both in and out of the water.

Before the cold snap we did have some good to excellent reports as you can see in the picture above. The Upper Clearfork continues to impress and let's hope this continues into the season.

We are expecting a warm-up this weekend and that could change things and get us back out on the water. We'll try to let you know as we do.

**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the "Anti-Super Bowl Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek is pretty well locked-up right now and not much fishing going on. We did get eyes on it yesterday and probably won't think about fishing until we get a warm -up. Hopefully this weekend will change things for the better but we'll surely see the water rise with runoff.

As always, we'll try to let you know as we do.

**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the "Anti-Super Bowl Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

"Big-time" Winter all along Steelhead Alley. Lots of ice and snow are making it pretty much impossible to fish for the time being. They have been getting pounded with snow and frigid temps.

Although there is a bit of open water, not too many reports the past few days. We can tell you that the weekend prior, we did have some EXCELLENT reports and a mess of fish caught all through the system. The fish are there, and more to come, just a bit tough getting to them right now.

Let's hope with the warm-up expected this weekend things open up a bit and we can think about steelhead again early next week. We'll try to let you know as we do.

**Special THANKS to all who joined us for the "Anti-Super Bowl Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. We had a blast and learned a ton!!!

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com

614-451-0363

The show is ON! Kelly Galloup at MRO!

Press Release - February 4th, 2016

Kelly Galloup to present at Mad River Outfitters during the Super Bowl!

After repeated attempts by the NFL to get Mad River Outfitters to reschedule this event, it has been determined that the show will go on! The NFL is apprently worried about viewership being affected by the diversion of attention and are not used to such competition up against the legendary game. 

The staff of Mad River Outfitters was apparently un-aware of who or what the NFL is and had no idea that there was such a thing as the Super Bowl anyways. MRO founder and owner Brian Flechsig stated, "We'd all rather hang out with Kelly, eat some pizza, drink some beer and learn about streamers that watch some silly baseball game anyways. The show will go on." 

Kelly Galloup, one of fly fishing's biggest names, will be at the shop teaching a fly tying course during the day and then giving a presentation in the evening. Beer and pizza will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the presentation should start around 7:00. Our good friends from Mama Mimis pizza will be on hand with a Pizza oven out back of the shop and we're gonna have a good ol' time!!!!

Click Here to learn more and to register for the party. Tickets are $5.00 each.

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

* please note that the above statements are pretty much bullshit...with the exception of the party. It's  on. Can't wait to have Kelly back in the shop on Sunday.

Fishing Reports- 2/4/16

* 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

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

Although the Mad since our last report has been really low and clear, the fishing has continued to impress. With the warmer temps over the weekend and until today there have been a good number of winter anglers out in pursuit. The Uppper part of the river continues to produce good numbers and we do know of some really nice 20+ fish caught in the lower part of the river.

Numbers are coming on nymphs. If you just want to catch fish, stick with smaller stuff like red or brown midge larva, zebra midges and the like. Fish are still focusing on these. Also have some size 14 black stonefly imitations. The Winter Stoneflies have yet to be spotted but rest assured the nymphs are down there doing their thing and making themselves available to the fish. A black Copper John typically does pretty well. 

The good news here is that the water did come up and we are looking at some good streamer water the next few days. The weekend should be killer for those looking to get out. The upper river should be clearing and super fishable by today and the lower will come into good shape later today and tomorrow. Great time to chuck the big stuff.......especially in honor of Kelly's visit to the shop on Sunday!

Which, by the way, if you are not that interested in the Super Bowl....we have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a "Streamer Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we'll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we'll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly's presentations, you really should be here.

Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!!

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The Clearfork has been super low and clear, especially down in the park. We did have anglers on both stretches this week and both reported pretty tough fishing although the upper seemed to be a bit better.

MRO guide and MWFF Instructor Graham Stokes fished the lower and said it was really low and clear and tough. He said he only saw one other angler and he was looking for a Musky. The deeper lies that held fish in December seemed to be void of fish which means that they have maybe taken up a winter mode here and are pretty dormant. He did say that he caught a few smaller fish on small nymphs under an indicator and also by throwing a small white streamer on a long leader. Stealth was the key to saving the day.

The lower stretch did come up a bit with the precip the past few days and it could be a good weekend up there. Well worth checking out and if you do, please let us know.

The upper stretch has been a nymph game but we have heard that streamers continue to produce well. This water has become a pretty good to great piece of river for "jerk stripping" large streamers and the size of fish we have been seeing this Fall and Winter has been impressive. A slight bump in flows should have this stretch fishing well this weekend.

Want to learn more about "Jerk Stripping"?

If you are not that interested in the Super Bowl....we have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a "Streamer Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we'll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we'll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly's presentations, you really should be here.

Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!!

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek did come up the past few days and the ice along the edges and on the slow pools has been pushed out. It is coming down and should be in fishable shape this weekend. Could turn out to be a good streamer weekend down there.

Not much to report as we haven't had any folks on the water due to the "winter mode" but hoping to hear something over the weekend.

If you do get out, nymphs and streamers will most likely be the ticket, although it's a good bet to have some midge dries just in case.

Let us know if you get out on the water. Clear Creek was fishing surprisingly well before it began to ice up so we'd love to hear some good reports here.

In the meantime.....we hope to see you on Sunday....tickets available.....

If you are not that interested in the Super Bowl....we have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a "Streamer Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we'll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we'll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly's presentations, you really should be here.

Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Great news up along the Lake!!! The waters have risen here this week and most of the ice has been pushed out and it looks like it could be a good to great weekend of steelhead fishing.

The Rocky has been the hot ticket since last weekend. It was about the only one with open water and a ton of folks were out fishing. Brian and Josh were up in Cleveland for the show last weekend and heard reports of good to great fishing. A good number of brown trout reported as well as nice sized steelhead.

All of the streams are up and dropping right now and most will come into play for the weekend. The Vermilion should fish Saturday or Sunday although it is just now starting to drop. It is time for the V to start producing big time and we know that our guides cannot wait to get the ball rolling on this important piece of water. The Rocky and Chagrin should fish Saturday and could be good "swinging" conditions. 

The Grand and Conneuat are still a bit big and will probably take a bit longer here. The Grand for sure won't fish until mid next week. The Conneaut maybe late Sunday or into Monday, depending on whether we get more precip. 

Regardless, looks like we are getting a bit of a reprieve from Winter here and a welcome and somewhat unexpected window of opportunity for steelhead anglers in the region. Hard to say what the weather will do but we'll try to stay on top of it and let you know.

With the higher water and somewhat warmer temps here it would surely be worth swinging or stripping some flies and see what happens. If not, hanging nymphs and eggs below an indicator will surely be the way to go. Our old pal Kelly Galloup always says that if the water is cold, which it will be, try a Blue Egg. Not that common a choice but is worth trying and you just might be rewarded.

Not doing anything important Sunday night.....now you can!!!!

We have a great option for you. Sunday at 6:00 we are kicking off a "Streamer Party" with special guest Kelly Galloup. Our good friend Jeff Aufdencamp from Mama Mimis pizza is bringing a new pizza cooker and setting up out back and we'll have the Yeti Tanks full of ice and beer. Kelly will get his program going around 7:00 or so and we'll probably be hanging around till 9 or later. If you have never seen one of Kelly's presentations, you really should be here.

Click Here to pick up a ticket for the party. Just $5.00!!!

Regardless, we'll try to touch base early next week with an update from the weekend. If you get out, we always love reports and pics!!!!

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com

614-451-0363