Fishing Reports- 6/23/17

* 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.

Warmwater

Rain Rain Rain!!!  Things do not look really good going into the weekend and probably into mid week.  Focus your attention to the area ponds and lakes.  Especially focus on the waters that do not have large streams feeding the lake.  There is a cold front moving in that will put the bass off for a day or two.  Panfish usually do not get put off too much by a cold front.  Focus on the lake side of coves and back bays that are not muddy.

As for gear you will want 3-5wts for panfish and 6-8wts for bass.  Fishing an intermediate sinking line like a Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip is a great choice for both bass and panfish.  Small streamers, poppers, and nymphs are our go to's for the Bluegills and Crappies.  Don't over look the popper dropper rig on a 2x leader.  For bass you will want flies that have lots of movement and sink slowly.  This coming cold front will put off the bass popper bite, but fishing a J-Pig, Reaper, or SuperWorm off weed edges and drop off will produce the big fish.  For those who usually are trout bound take you rclousers, buggers, and other streamers to your local lake and pond and have fun.  

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The river is currently on the raise, but it will drop fast.  Look for there to be some streamer fishing on Saturday and Sunday with everything starting to clear out sometime Sunday.  Into next week small streamers is a good choice early and late if you need to fill your trout streamer cravings.  For those looking to dry fly fish focus on midges and caddis early and throughout the day then switch to terrestrials in the afternoon and evening.  Your boxes should consist of Fur Ants, Ant Acids, Power Ants, and Splitsvilles for ants patterns.  Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard, Henryville Specials, Soft Hackles,Swing Nymphs, Flashabou Caddis, and Downed Caddis will keep you stocked for the caddis game.  Do not overlook fishing Dave's Crickets, Fat Alberts, and Inch Worm patterns.  

This weekend if the water levels are ok to wade then pull out your 6-8wts, Rio Streamer Tips, and the biggest flies you can throw.  Make sure to have a wading staff with you if you are not familiar with the flows.  Call the shop if you are not sure of safe wadding levels.  

Into next week the Terrestrial game will require a 4-6wt 2-4x tippet, floatant and Loon Easy Dry.  Midges and other little dries will require 4-6x specialty dry fly leaders like Rio Suppleflex and 3-4wts.  You will need to have your technical Reach Casts, Arial Mends, and accuracy game well tuned.  If you need help with these cast make sure to get a private casting class or book your guide trip with that focus.  

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The upper river is blown.  We will let you know when things start to shape up.  The lower will likely start to raise as the Army Core starts to see the lake levels raise. 

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

The creek is blown and will not likely fish till next week.  We will keep you posted as things change.  

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 6/17/17

* 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.


Warmwater

Smallmouth Bass has continued to be the main talk in the shop.  Just before the rain this week the Scioto was just starting to fish great.  We will see how long it takes to come back down to safe levels.  If you fish gear and like to float the river then that will be the best option into early next week.  

The Olentangy was also starting to fish very well.  We personally have not been able to catch fish on poppers, but streamers have been the main ticket.  The river is currently muddy, but should fish by Sunday or Monday as they have just stopped releasing water at Delaware Dam.  

Matt Darrah was out with MRO guide Josh McQueen earlier this week and broke his personal best.....twice!!

If you are looking to fish close to the city this weekend then you will want to focus on Alum Creek, Little Darby, Big Walnut and other small creeks in the area.  There are many parks scattered throughout the area to access these small waters.  Find your local park and explore the water.  You might find some great fishing right in your "backyard."  The water temps are up making wet wading a good choice for those who look forward to this time every year.  There also have been many people out taking advantage of the warm water floating, swimming, and tubing so keep an eye out when casting.  

As for rod size we like to throw our 6-8wts with aggressive floaters or sink-tips.  There are some great rods in the shop for all budgets so make sure to give us a call or stop in and we will help you get the best rod for your situation.  Top picks for lines would be the Rio Big Nasty and Smallmouth or the Scientific Anglers Titan Taper and Clear Tip.  If you are not building your own leaders than either sign up for the Knots and Leader class or pick up some Rio Bass or Scientific Anglers Hard Mono Leaders.  Flies would be any of the Modern Streamers especially the Bottoms-Up in all colors, Boogieman, Clousers in all colors, Peanut, and Sump.

Above: "Conner's Uncle gave him the ultimate Christmas & Birthday present of a Private Warm Water School.  Conner and his Dad spent the morning learning about everything Smallmouth.  After a little knots and rigging we headed to their home water to apply what they learned.  We worked on casting, how to fish poppers and streamers, and how to unsnag a fly.  The water was still a little off color, but Chris did manage to catch a few small fish.  It is always great to educate a father and son together so they can make memories of their own!" - Guide and Instructor Ryan Ratliff

Education is the Cornerstone of our business. In all aspects....it's what we do!!

Above: Lindsey Kittle and her brother Lee were out with Andy aboard the Fly-N-Carp last weekend. Fishing was exceptional.

Carp fishing is of course in full bloom....as are the local mulberries. Great time to get out and chase carp on the fly in the local streams or lakes. They are starting to eat just about anything so mulberries, crayfish and nymphs should be in your box.

Click Here to see our line-up of Carp Flies

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

We need some water.  For the most part the major mayfly hatches are finished and we have moved into the typical summer pattern.  It's time to start thinking Caddis and Terrestrials.

You may still see some Sulphers, a stray Slate Drake or Brown Drake but probably limited to the upper river at this point. You may also see some tiny little mayflies but they usually don't amount to much as far as the fish are concerned.

Combine lower water and high heat with heavy canoe and kayak traffic makes for a tough day on the water. If you are going to fish during the day, which is not adviseable, plan on tons of canoes getting in your way.

There is midge and Caddis activity as typical. Fishing a Griffiths Gnat or other midge dry can be a great choice when the fish are keying in on the little stuff.  As for the Caddis a variety of sized Elk Hair Caddis are a staple, but make sure to have a good variety of colors and sizes. Galloup's new Goober Caddis has also become a shop favorite.  

As for the terrestrials we always carry Galloup's Ant acid in both colors.  Others to have also are the Fur Ant, Sinking Ant, and HiVis Para-Ant.  When the fish are picky a Splitsville Flying Ant is hard to beat.  Don't forget about the Japanese Beetles and Dave's Cricket also.  Drop a Soft hackle or Drowned Caddis behind these and you are ready for anything.

Che Brindle on a float this past Tuesday with MRO guide Josh McQueen on the Mad. Although the fishing has slowed a bit, you can certainly still catch fish if you are patient and toss the right flies. Fish early and fish late....avoid mid-day.

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The upper Clear Fork is a great choice, but as with the Mad the mayfly hatches are pretty much over.  We have still been seeing some Light Cahills in the late evenings but the past few days this has slowed up and not enough to really get the fish going.

We would suggest fishing Midges and Caddis, but keep an eye out for fish raising to terrestrials.  Fishing a Cricket or Beetle with a Swing Nymph behind and cover water is a great option.  

The lower river is a great place to fish a bigger terrestrial like a Fat Albert with a caddis pupa like a Soft Hackle or Nitro Caddis behind.  There is a mix bag down there and just about anything will eat a big Terrestrial on top or settle for the nymph.  Focusing on Smallies with poppers and small streamers is also a great option also.   

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

The creek is super low right now.  Focus on small Caddis dries and Soft hackles.  With the higher water temps make sure to focus on the early mornings and land fish quickly.  

Fishing terrestrials also is a great option.  Flies are the same as for the Mad: carry Galloup's Ant acid in both colors.  Others to have also are the Fur Ant, Sinking Ant, and HiVis Para-Ant. 

When the fish are picky a Splitsville Flying Ant is hard to beat.  Don't forget about the Japanese Beetles and Dave's Cricket also.  Drop a Soft hackle or Drowned Caddis behind these and your ready for anything.

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Upcoming Schools and Classes

JUNE

Monday, June 12th- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- 6-8 p.m.-  Click Here

Saturday, June 17th- Entomology 101 Class- 9-11 a.m.- Click Here

Wednesday, June 21st- Knots and Leaders Class- 7-9 p.m.- Click Here

Sunday, June 25th- 1-Day Fly Fishing School- Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club- Click Here

JULY

Sunday, July 2nd- Carp School- Muzzy Lakes Club with guide Andy Jensen- Click Here

Saturday and Sunday, July 8th and 9th- 2-Day Fly Fishing School- Sunnybrook Trout Club- Click Here

Sunday, July 23rd- On-River Seminar- Smallmouth Bass with Ryan Ratliff- Click Here

Education is the cornerstone of our business!

Mad River Outfitters

Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

www.madriveroutfitters.com

www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363

Fishing Reports- 6/10/17

* 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.


Warmwater

Fishing in the city is still limited to the smaller streams as the Scioto and Olentangy are still off.  The fish are eating if you are familiar with the rivers and take along a wading staff.  The conventional gear guys are fishing and doing well.  The smaller streams have been producing though and the fish are taking flies well.  Most of us have been fishing streamers, but make sure to bring your poppers as they have also been producing.  With all of the warm weather we have had this spring we are all glad to finally be fishing poppers.  Boogle bugs are our go to for poppers so make sure to have plenty as they are going fast!  

Other flies to be well stocked with are the Murdich Minnows, Skiddish Smolt, Clousers, Nancy P, Bottoms Up, Dungeons, Peanut Envys, and Tequeely.  These streamers will require a 6-8wt pared up with the SA Titan Clear tip and 12-16lb Rio Bass tippet.  Stop in the shop or shoot us a call if you want some more information about Smallmouth bass fishing.  We have been busy guiding for Smallies so make sure to get your trips planned now.  Smallmouth fishing will continue to be great as we get into summer.  

"Few good pics from guide trip with Alex. Smallmouth fishing has been excellent! Popper bite was great all day."- MRO Guide Pat Kelly

Pond fishing also has been fantastic.  Largemouth Bass are out of their post-spawn funk and are looking up for a popper or diving fly.  The panfish are finishing up with their spawn and will continue to readily take poppers and dry flies.  Largemouth Bass flies are much like Smallmouth flies, but we like to fish flies with more marabou in the still waters.  A sink-tip line and  flies like a Swimmy Jimmy, Articulated Fathead Minnow, Dirty Hippie, Ted Brook Trout, and the Peanut are the go-to's.  Boogle Bug poppers are always a good choice also. 

The BIG news is.......it's Carp season! Carp fishing has been picking up as they are off the spawn and on the feed. Great time to get out and chase these magnificent gamefish all-over Ohio. Andy has been guiding out of the Fly-n-Carp for a few weeks now and doing well. Reports are starting to pour in from locals doing well. Carp fishing will remain strong throughout the summer but don't miss the incredible Mulberry action. The "hatch" should be good through the 1st week or so of July. 

"In between the low temps, clouds, threatening rain and wind still had a great day on the water a few nice  carp where caught "I believe one was Tom's personal best and Johnny is very new to carpin on the fly".- MRO Guide Andy Jensen

Sunday, July 2nd at the Muzzy Lakes Club with guide Andy Jensen

9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m.

Register Online HERE

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The Epic Brown Drake fishing has slowed way down and with the high temps in the coming days what bugs that are left will be well into the night.  There are still some small Sulfurs and Light Cahills around in the evenings. The best dry fly fishing on bugs right now will be in the upper river, well above Urbana. Should still see decent numbers of Sulphers and Cahills but the Drakes will be sporadic at best and if they happen at all, it will be well after dark.

 If you are looking to get out in the next few days make sure to have a very diverse dry fly box.  Terrestrials are the next category to either dust off or add to the box.  Earlier in the day most fish will be keying in on midges and caddis and will transition to the beetles, crickets, and ants into the afternoons.  

Flies to have will be Griffiths Gnats, Goddard Caddis, Elk Hair, Henryville Special, Ant Acid, Fur Ant, Splitsville Flying Ant, and Dave's Cricket.  We like to drop a small unweighted nymph behind these dries and skate them on the end of the drift.  Other than Matt Supinski's Statute of Liberty technique, Tenkara is the best way to mimic a Caddis on the surface.  

Streamer fishing takes a back seat for the summer, but if you just need a fix and the Smallmouth waters are not cooperating then focus on the first and last light times with smaller natural streamers.  Also skating a mouse at night can be a lot of fun.  

"Fished the middle river on Tuesday hoping to take advantage of sulphur, caddis activity and had decent success with nymphs and soft hackles in riffle areas. In the late afternoon I decided try something different and switched to a Grizzly  wooly bugger and hit the banks in medium current areas. I was a bit surprised that the trout had larger items on the menu along with the size 16 insects. I landed  two 12-13”  Browns and this 20” beauty."- Bill Rice

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The upper river is currently low and clear.  There have been some great reports of hatches and fish. Truth is, the Upper Clearfork has probably been the best trout fishing in the state the past week or so. Dry fly fishing in the evenings especially has been fantastic.....Brown Drakes, Light Cahills and Caddis have been the fare.  

As the water temps climb though here the Oxygen levels start to fall due to many issues.  We try to focus on fishing early mornings or at night in the summer.  The hatches have continued to be good with Sulfurs and Light Cahills being the main evening and caddis the morning and mid-day.  There also was some great Brown Drake hatches, but they have seemed to slow way down.  

The lower river flows are good and the mixed bag of fish has been great.  If you are down there camping make sure to bring the poppers, beetles, ants, and small streamers.  

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

The creek is VERY low currently.  The temps are OK, but with the 90's forecasted look for the water temps to climb quickly.  Thick morning midge hatches and then small caddis into the afternoon.  Sulfurs, Cahills, and a few Brown Drakes have been hatching, but the fish are keyed in on Midges and Caddis as usual.  Dead drifting and swinging a Drowned Caddis, Core Caddis, Sunken Spinners, and Swing Nymphs will produce.  Make sure to have a thermometer with you to make sure your not fishing water in the 70 degree range.  These warm temps have low Oxygen levels and the fish have a hard time recovering.  Keep them in the water and fight them quickly. 

Mad River Outfitters

Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363