* 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.
* Find us at the "Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show" on Saturday! Brian and Roger will be manning the booth and have a ton of great deals on Rods, Reels and a variety of other gear. If you are at the show, be sure to stop by the booth and shop around!
Click Here for more details on the show!
* Also a reminder that next weekend is the "Columbus Fishing Expo" in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center. MRO will have a HUGE presence this year and will be showcasing Scientific Anglers, Korkers, Smithfly and more. Also on hand in the booth will be local angling celebrities like Jerry Darkes, Jeff Lisky, Donnie Knight, Josh McQueen, Ethan Smith and more.
Of course, don't miss Brian Flechsig's presentations on the "Hawg Trough"-
2:00 p.m. Friday
Noon- Saturday
Noon- Sunday
(Nice to see the Fly Fishing Program get some decent time slots for a change)
Click Here for more details on the Expo!
* For the weekend look for typical winter conditions...below freezing night temps and hovering around freezing for the day time highs. Looking at the flows around the state most streams are clear with a few on the low side. There are been people fishing around and having success. Also there have been a large bump in fly tying materials going out the door. If the cold is not for you then it is a great time to fill your fly boxes or try tying some new patterns.
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.
* Find us at the "Greater Cincinnati Fly Fishing Show" on Saturday! Brian and Roger will be manning the booth and have a ton of great deals on Rods, Reels and a variety of other gear. If you are at the show, be sure to stop by the booth and shop around!
Click Here for more details on the show!
* Also a reminder that next weekend is the "Columbus Fishing Expo" in the Bricker Building at the Ohio Expo Center. MRO will have a HUGE presence this year and will be showcasing Scientific Anglers, Korkers, Smithfly and more. Also on hand in the booth will be local angling celebrities like Jerry Darkes, Jeff Lisky, Donnie Knight, Josh McQueen, Ethan Smith and more.
Of course, don't miss Brian Flechsig's presentations on the "Hawg Trough"-
2:00 p.m. Friday
Noon- Saturday
Noon- Sunday
(Nice to see the Fly Fishing Program get some decent time slots for a change)
Click Here for more details on the Expo!
* For the weekend look for typical winter conditions...below freezing night temps and hovering around freezing for the day time highs. Looking at the flows around the state most streams are clear with a few on the low side. There are been people fishing around and having success. Also there have been a large bump in fly tying materials going out the door. If the cold is not for you then it is a great time to fill your fly boxes or try tying some new patterns.
Mad River
The Mad is currently very clear with stable conditions for the past week. Nymphing has been the ticket as usual this time of the year. The typical nymphs are our go to choices: Guide's Choice Hares Ear, Cranefly Larva, Trophy Nymphs, Copper Johns, Double Stones, Zud Bug, Phlamin Pheasants. Do not overlook some of the non-typcials from your steelhead box also: Formally Known as Prince, Flashabou Caddis, Great Lakes Caddis, Psycho Prince, and Steelhead Candy. These heavier nymphs will help get your rig down and we usually trail an unweighted nymph in a different color. Trailing nymphs that are usually on our guide rigs are non beaded pheasant tails, Hares Ear, San Juan, Prince, Sunk Spinners, and Soft Hackles. Pull out the 10' 3-5wts, Air Lock Indicators, a few shot, tippet rings, Stanleys Ice Off Paste and add your double nymph rig and head out.
No sign of any winter stoneflies yet but surely time to start fishing the nymphs. A #12 or #14 Black Copper John works just fine and is all you need. Also time to start tying some Hendrickson Nymphs as they will begin to get active and be on the menu here starting in March.
There is some rain in the forecast for early next week. This could fire up the Streamer bite. Shoot us a call if you need a mid winter streamer fix and we will keep you updated on conditions.
Our buddy Cody Darling sent this report last week:
"Caught two brown trout while streamer fishing the mad on Saturday, after visiting the shop on Friday and talking to Andy and Ryan they helped me pick out streamers that would catch fish. The water had a slight tint and was perfect for streamer fishing. Thanks for the help!"-
Cody Darling
Thanks Cody! Keep up the good work.
Clearfork River
There have not been too many reports from the Clear Fork way, but the conditions do look promising for the weekend. The Upper Clear Fork is low with fish in typical wintering areas. Nymphs also are the ticket here. The typical nymphs are our go to choices: Guide's Choice Hares Ear, Cranefly Larva, Trophy Nymphs, Copper Johns, Double Stones, Zud Bug, Phlamin Pheasants. Do not overlook some of the non-typcials from your steelhead box also: Formally Known as Prince, Flashabou Caddis, Great Lakes Caddis, Psycho Prince, and Steelhead Candy. These heavier nymphs will help get your rig down and we usually trail an unweighted nymph in a different color. Trailing nymphs that are usually on our guide rigs are non beaded pheasant tails, Hares Ear, San Juan, Prince, Sunk Spinners, and Soft Hackles. Pull out the 10' 3-5wts, Air Lock Indicators, a few shot, tippet rings, Stanleys Ice Off Paste and add your double nymph rig and head out.
The water levels below the dam look good for some streamer fishing over the weekend. Load your box with Kelly Galloup patterns in a good mix of colors and design. You cannot go wrong with Dungeons, Barely Legals, Bottums Up, Cougars, and others. Pull out the 6-8wts, sink tips, and stripping guards for some winter streamer excitement.
A report from last week sent via e-mail:
"Hello MRO. I escaped to the outside for a few hours on the Upper Clearfork yesterday (1/29). I was well rewarded for dealing with cold and icy guides with a good fish, caught swinging a muddy buddy through the deep water."- Sam Hojnacki
Clear Creek
Clear Creek is running very low and clear. Fish can still be taken, but the water may start to slush up in the mornings as the night temps push below freezing.
Mostly like on the Mad nymphing will be the most productive, but do not forget your midge box. With the stable water levels and Sun forecasted this weekend you might get a small window to catch fish on dry midges. Tenkara rods are great anywhere, but shine on Clear Creek and in the winter.
Mostly like on the Mad nymphing will be the most productive, but do not forget your midge box. With the stable water levels and Sun forecasted this weekend you might get a small window to catch fish on dry midges. Tenkara rods are great anywhere, but shine on Clear Creek and in the winter.
Erie Steelhead
The steelhead streams look great at the time of this report! From the Vermilion to the PA boarder there are fish in and well dispersed. The grand is still high so stay away unless you are swinging big flies on heavy tips and know the water very well. Many people have been planning to make it up to the Alley this weekend. Look for typical winter conditions and indicator fishing eggs and nymphs. There is no need to get out at first light with the night time temps being below freezing. The 10am-3pm window is the most productive. There is some rain coming in early next week so check in with us for up to date conditions if we don't post.
We have a couple open spots in the guiding schedule so make sure you jump on those as they are filling fast!
Interested in a guide trip this coming Spring Season?
Our guides can provide most equipment and are available most any time.
Click HERE for information and pricing on an Erie Steelhead Trip.
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
