* 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.
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.
** E-News went out today with some cool stuff in it. Read it HERE!
** Warmwater fishing has really been picking up around the state. We are a report or so away from keeping tabs on things a little more and updating. Anybody doing well out there....let us know. Send reports and pics to admin@madriveroutfitters.com.
The local ponds have been warming up and the fish are starting to get active. With the high water in the streams many of us have been taking advantage of the bass and panfish. If you are looking to catch some warm water fish focus on the shallow bays with dark bottoms. These areas are full of small minnows and the smaller bass are right there hunting. Most of the Bluegills are being caught in the middle of these coves and bays or on the drop offs right at the mouth. Fishing small streamers slowly will allow you to cover water and also have a mixed bag of bass, bluegills and crappies. There has been many people asking about poppers, but we are still a month or two out from consistent topwater fishing.
** Our good friend and great customer Don Gregroy was just down in New Zealand and sent this pic and report:
"Thanks for getting me properly geared up for the 15 foot leader game in gin clear New Zealand waters. Humbling experience as the 10 pounders toasted me. The last good one ran UP a waterfall to break off." - Don
** We SHATTERED the donation record for the Film Tour this month. Congrats to all F3t participants. We raised alot of money for Jess Westbrook and The Mayfly Project. Brian and the gang are going to do a Facebook LIVE when they call him to "present" the total monies raised. As soon as we get the time and date we'll let you know on Social Media etc. Stay tuned.
*** PIG STICKERS are HERE!!! Thanks Nate Karnes!!!
Click Here to check out the selection of "pig fish" available. We'll be adding more cool stickers as we go also.
* Spring Creek/Selectivity Weekend with special guest: Matt Supinski- May 5th, 6th and 7th. Click Here to check out the schedule of events and programs.
There has been lots of people stopping by and calling asking about how the Mad is fishing.
The big news.....we HAVE SEEN BUGS.
Although hatches are a little sporadic due to weather changes there have been a few Blue Quills and Hendricksons....starting as early as Monday or Tuesday of last week. That being said, right now the most productive technique will still be nymphing, but make sure to either have your dry fly rod or at least your dry fly box handy. It does appear that the temps are going to stabilize only helping the dry fly season to get a good start. We do expect the next few weeks should see the Hendricksons come on strong. Be ready.
If you are looking to get some fish on dries then you will want to be on the river between 10am-4pm. This gives you the best chance to find fish looking up. As for flies you will want to have a good mix of style of dry flies like Parachutes, Catskills, and Comparaduns. Specific patterns would be Adams, Parachute Adams, Henny Sparkle Dun, Bears Para Henny, Becks Henny, Mr Rapidan (for HiVis), Irresistible all in size 14-16.
If you want to get out early and nymph first. The main nymph is going to be the Bead Head Hendrickson. For your second fly keep the classics well stocked: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and Soft Hackles.
Streamer fishing has been rather limited. These past rains have raised the river, but only for a few hours. Those that have made it out during the right conditions have had some success. Most fish have been taken on Galloups Stacked Blonde, Bottoms Up, Dungeons, and Peanuts. We have a big shipment of new streamers here in the shop. We are working to get them online, but stop by and take a look.
Let us know what you are seeing out there!!
"Hey guys, got out to the Mad today for a bit. Parked at 36 and fished both directions. The day started cloudy and I picked up a fish on a streamer and moved a few others without hook ups. The sun replaced the clouds and I switched up to nymphs. Managed a half dozen fish and a few missed hook sets but all in all a great day. Flows were around 300cfs and water was very clear. Saw some bug activity as the temperature rose. As always, thanks for all the tips and tricks. Tight lines.- Tim Greiner"
Good work as always Tim and Thanks for the report!
"The Mad is full of baby nasties... made it out yesterday and had a bunch of meat eating browns take my twisted woolly. Also noticed some bugs coming off the water (BWO's?). Anyhow, great to get out and enjoy the nice-rainy weather.
Yours truly ~ Clay Sommerfelt"
Clearfork River
The Clear Fork is high currently and with the rain will probably be that way for a couple days.
There have been a few reports of people catching fish nymphing both above and below the dam. Most fish have been caught on Trophy Nymphs and Peasant tails. Just like on the Mad River report keep your dry fly gear handy as Dry Fly season is going to start to heat up. As for flies to keep stocked in your box would be Adams, Parachute Adams, Henny Sparkle Dun, Bears Para Henny, Becks Henny, Mr Rapidan (for HiVis), Irresistible all in size 14-16. As for nymphs Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and Soft Hackles will keep you in the game, but don't over look streamers.
With the water being up make sure to take advantage of the streamer bite. Big articulated flies with sink tips and heavy tippet will be the key. The typical will be Dungeons, Barely Legals, Peanuts and other Modern Streamers. We have a big shipment of new streamers here in the shop. We are working to get them online, but stop by and take a look.
Clear Creek
The past few weeks have been fairly good fishing. This Spring has really changed and moved around some timber and holes. Make sure to wade carefully as there has been some reports soft mud and sand. Small streamers and nymphing rigs have been the ticket. Dry fly fishing will be a couple weeks out because of the current rain and what is being forecasted. Wooly Buggers, Clousers, Black Nose Dace, Matuka, Zonkers, Trick-or-Treats, Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymph, Copper Johns, Trophy Nymphs and Soft Hacklesare always productive.
With this rain look for the stream to not be fishing till late into the week if we do not get too much more rain.
With this rain look for the stream to not be fishing till late into the week if we do not get too much more rain.
Erie Steelhead
This season has been going down as one of the best for fish size, numbers, and temps. The past few rain events have continued to bring in pushes of fish. All of the tribs have good numbers of fish well distributed throughout. Our guides have been putting people on lots of large fish this season and it is only getting better by the day. The guide calendar is filling up very quickly so make sure to give the shop a call and get your days before they are booked.
The next few weeks should bring some of the BEST steelhead fishing of the season. Still plenty of time!!!!
Eggs under an Indicator are always the most productive this time of the year. We really like to fish a bugger or weighted streamer with an egg trailing behind. Crystal buggers, Clousers, Zonkers, Egg Sucking Leaches then trail an Otters Egg single or cluster, Glo bug, Scrambled Egg, Crystal Meth, or Cyclops Egg. Colors for eggs are Chartreuse, Steelhead Orange, Salmon Pink, and Kiwi.
****Guide Trip Special****
Anybody want to fish on Tuesday? April 4th?
We had a cancellation on Tuesday and desperately need to fill the day. We've got mouths to feed.
The trips are normally $375.00 for up to two anglers and we could get you fishing for $300.00
Call the shop if interested!
Stephen Was out with Josh on this past Monday. His 3rd year in a row and he says: "It just keeps getting better. Can't say enough about Josh as a guide and a person".
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
