* 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
Looking good for the weekend friends! Although still a bit chilly, and some precip in the forecast for tomorrow, still should make for a good to great weekend of trout fishing.
The Upper River is in good shape and nice and clear. The lower river is in great shape as well and still has enough water flushing that the streamer bit should be good.
Doubtful for tomorrow but some sunshine Sunday/Monday/Tuesday combined with the increasing temps may bring some dry fly fishing? Especially in the upper river. For sure have some BWO types and some dry midges along just in case. Otherwise, your standard, table fare nymphs will be the way to go. Black stones #12-14 have still been producing as well as #14-18 nymphs that imitate the upcoming mayfly hatches.
In the lower river sling some meat and see what happens. Could be another big fish weekend? May also try some Cranefly larva fished deep and slow through the greener holes. It's time again for them to start producing fish here. Attractor nymphs like Big Nasties and Bitch Creeks could also be a good idea.
Please note that the river has been pretty crowded on the weekends. Also remember that the Mad River is....and is surrounded by private property. We have heard some horror stories of folks walking through farmers fields (stay in the river corridor at all times) and also a few bad apples being pretty disrespectful in other ways to anglers out looking to enjoy themselves. Respect is always the best avenue....it's only fishing.
If you get out let us know how you do and we'll try to do the same early next week.
Clearfork River
Both stretches of the Clearfork looking good for the weekend. The lower is right about as high as we might deem safe so that makes for some good streamer water. It's about time somebody reports a hog from the lower river. Throw some big streamers through those deep holes below the covered bridge and see what happens?
Otherwise, probably going to be a nymphing game this weekend. Black Stones, Pheasant Tails, Green Caddis larva and the like should all produce fish. As the temperature warms and the water drops a bit more you might also keep your eyes out for surface activity. Most likely it will be on midges and you don't want to head that direction without them.
Had a few reports the past couple of days of folks doing very well on San Juan Worms in particular. Although they always work, thought we'd mention it in case they were onto something which they claim they were.
If you get out, let us know how you do!
Clear Creek
Clear Creek has come into good shape and looking good for the weekend. Should be decent fishing. Mostly a nymphing game but just like our other two trout streams, be on the lookout for any dry fly activity. It could happen especially if we get the temps predicted for early next week. Probably still midge activity but you might be lucky and see a few early BWO's.
Did have reports from a few folks that the streamer fishing down there has been good to excellent the past few days. That may taper off a bit as the water drops and clears but surely be prepared. If the big stuff doesn't work try some smaller flies like Wooly Buggers or Muddler Minnows. Be sure to let them swing in the current at the end of your retrieve also!
We have really been impressed with the reports from Clear Creek this Fall and Winter. Looking for a good to excellent season on this wonderful creek.
If you get out, try to let us know how you do! It always helps!
Did have reports from a few folks that the streamer fishing down there has been good to excellent the past few days. That may taper off a bit as the water drops and clears but surely be prepared. If the big stuff doesn't work try some smaller flies like Wooly Buggers or Muddler Minnows. Be sure to let them swing in the current at the end of your retrieve also!
We have really been impressed with the reports from Clear Creek this Fall and Winter. Looking for a good to excellent season on this wonderful creek.
If you get out, try to let us know how you do! It always helps!
Erie Steelhead
Wow....thanks for the calls and the visits! We have been absolutely swamped the past two days with eager steelhead anglers. If we didn't get to your phone call......keep trying.....we'll get to it eventually. E-orders too...thanks! You can tell that steelhead are on the move, we're gonna have to stay late on Friday night to fill fly orders!
All reports have most of the creeks pretty full of bright and fiesty steelhead. It should be a great weekend for those of you that can get out...and we hope that you can. We do have guides heading out so we should have some photo evidence for you next week. Feel free to send us photos! We love to see that the equipment and flies you are ordering are working!
The Vermilion has dropped to just perfect levels. Problem is that is is still pretty dirty and may not be great yet for a few days. If you are willing to experiment, it could be a good to great idea to swing some big bright stuff and see what you come up with. If not, you might want to wait until Monday or Tuesday and see how she looks.
The Rocky and Chagrin are both coming into shape as we speak and should be good to excellent the next few days. May try swinging or stripping some flies tomorrow as they may still have some color but otherwise, the traditional eggs and nymphs will be the ticket.
The Grand is still a few days at least from fishable. If things go our way though, we might get some lines wet mid to late next week. We are hoping to with as well as it fished in the Fall.
Ashtabula and Conneaut have both been fishing the past few days and the reports we are hearing is that fishing has been excellent. Fish are on the move so fish all of the likely holding areas. Egg patterns have been the weapon of choice but always have some nymphs with you as well. Brer Possums, Black Stones, Bloody Marys, Chicken Littles etc. They'll all catch fish! Drop a nymph below and egg, crimp on some shot, lash an indicator to that leader and go fish!!!!!
Exciting times to be a fly fisher in Ohio! We love this time of year.
Keep us informed and we'll try to do the same. With the weather and temps predicted early next week it's truly "game-on".
All reports have most of the creeks pretty full of bright and fiesty steelhead. It should be a great weekend for those of you that can get out...and we hope that you can. We do have guides heading out so we should have some photo evidence for you next week. Feel free to send us photos! We love to see that the equipment and flies you are ordering are working!
The Vermilion has dropped to just perfect levels. Problem is that is is still pretty dirty and may not be great yet for a few days. If you are willing to experiment, it could be a good to great idea to swing some big bright stuff and see what you come up with. If not, you might want to wait until Monday or Tuesday and see how she looks.
The Rocky and Chagrin are both coming into shape as we speak and should be good to excellent the next few days. May try swinging or stripping some flies tomorrow as they may still have some color but otherwise, the traditional eggs and nymphs will be the ticket.
The Grand is still a few days at least from fishable. If things go our way though, we might get some lines wet mid to late next week. We are hoping to with as well as it fished in the Fall.
Ashtabula and Conneaut have both been fishing the past few days and the reports we are hearing is that fishing has been excellent. Fish are on the move so fish all of the likely holding areas. Egg patterns have been the weapon of choice but always have some nymphs with you as well. Brer Possums, Black Stones, Bloody Marys, Chicken Littles etc. They'll all catch fish! Drop a nymph below and egg, crimp on some shot, lash an indicator to that leader and go fish!!!!!
Exciting times to be a fly fisher in Ohio! We love this time of year.
Keep us informed and we'll try to do the same. With the weather and temps predicted early next week it's truly "game-on".
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
