2-Day Intermediate Fly Fishing School

2-Day Intermediate Fly Fishing School

October 14th and 15th, 2018

Held at Sunnybrook Trout Club with instructors Brian Flechsig and Jerry Darkes

These schools take over where our intro classes leave off. Take your skills to the next level! These 2-day intermediate fly fishing schools will be held at Sunnybrook Trout Club near Sandusky, Ohio. Centrally located for students from Detroit, Indianapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton and Cincinnati! 

Day 1

* Intermediate Fly Fishing

* Gear for Specific Techniques

* Fly Casting Part I, II, III- Fly Cast Review

* Lunch (included)

* Knots and Leaders II

* Fly Casting Part IV- Advanced Casting Techniques and Video

* Fishing!!

Day 2

* Understanding Fish

* Advanced Entomology and Fly Selection

* Video Casting Review

* Lunch (included)

* Fly Casting Part V- More Advanced Casting Techniques

* Fly Fishing the Midest and Beyond

* Fishing!

Included: All equipment necessary, class information packet, lunch on both days, professional instruction, fishing

Not included: morning and evening meals, lodging if needed

Cost: $475.00 per student. Includes instruction, gear, info packet and outline, lunch & fishing.

Upon completetion of the course students will also receive a coupon packet good for significant discounts and special offers at Mad River Outfitters and/or www.madriveroutfitters.com should you decide to purchase some gear.

Pre-Requisites: Some experience and a basic understanding of the topics covered in our 1-Day and/or 2-Day Schools. This class is designed to take anglers from the beginner stage and introduce intermediate and advanced concepts and techniques.

Recomended Gear: None. We have you covered although at this stage you probably have some gear and you are welcome to bring it along.

* Fantastic fishing, lodging and dining available on these 2-day excursions. Lodging booked separately through Sunnybrook Trout Club. For more information please see www.sunnybrooktroutclub.com. A detailed information packet will be provided upon sign-up that should answer most questions on these arrangements.

These two have guaranteed that they will take your casting and angling to new levels!

Click Here to register!

Changing the way fly fishing is taught!

www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

Fishing Reports- 7/29/17

* 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.

The Alaska Group is headed home today and the Montana trip leaves tomorrow. An exciting time of year around here!

The July 2017 Alaska Group with hosts Jerry Darkes and Josh McQueen- hop on over to Facebook...we've started an album there and will be adding pics as they come in!

Warmwater

Well the weather continues to be the main topic and issue.  We have had one of the wettest July's that we can remember.  The forecasts seem to be changing by the hour...the good news is that it has changed for the good finally.  The rain predicted for the past few days did not amount to much so the streams are dropping fast!  Look at the Olentangy to fish, but will still have some stain.  They could decide to open the dam at any time, but it does not appear that it is needed.  The Scioto is actually coming down also and should fish well by mid week.  Now is the time to be fishing poppers like Boogle Bugs, Bass Poppers, Pencils, and other Bass Hair Bugs.  If you do not find any fish looking up cover some water with streamers and the SA Titan Clear Tip (our favorite smallmouth line by FAR).  Streamers to carry are Bottoms Up, Peanuts, Modern Deceivers, and other patterns by Kelly Galloup.  

Pond and lake fishing has continued to be great, but look for the Largemouth Bass to be found deep close to vegetation or other structure.  Fishing a floating/diving fly like a Swimmy Jimmy or Todd's Wiggle Minnow consistently get the job done when fished with a long sink tip or full sinking line like the Orvis Depth Charge, SA Sink 30 Warm or the Rio InTouch Deep 7.  

With the rivers shaping up look for our guiding schedule to fill up fast.  Make sure to contact the shop and put in for those sick/vacation days at work.  Pat, Josh and Ryan are always ready to get you on a boat and out there fishing Ohio!!!

MRO Fly Tying Manager and Guide Ryan Ratliff was supposed to teach the On-River Seminar: Smallmouth Bass last weekend but wound up having to postpone due to the high muddy water. Here is what he did instead:

"These shots are from last Sunday where the only thing that wasnt muddy was some ponds. Tony Makris and I hiked back deep into Ohio Power/AEP lands to a pond I haven't fished in 15 years.  The Bass where deep from the Thunderstorms, but the BIG panfish were looking up eating bugs getting knocked off the trees by the rain.  Boogle bugs and Double Barrel Poppers were the ticket all day.  I had to introduce a few fish to Tenkara also!"- Ryan

No better combination- Bluegill and Tenkara!

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The Mad has continued to produce very well with the higher than usual water levels.  Remember in most situations the river will be fishing within 24 hours after a rain event and even sooner if you are looking to throw streamers.  

This time of the year streamer fishing is not the usual talk so many people have taken advantage of the levels and found aggressive fish eating most of the day.  Looking ahead at the forecast and we will be back into typical summer tactics.  

For the up coming days focus on Tricos in the morning along with Midges and Caddis.  During the middle of the day swinging Soft Hackles or nymphing is a good place to start.  Into the afternoon it will be a Beetle, Ant, and Cricket game.  Fish are very cooperative right now so fish your favorite stretch covering water.  

The forecast is for bright days so the best times are going to be early and late in the day.  If you need help figuring out the Mad shoot us a call and we will get you on the calendar for a guide trip.  

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The water temps have been much better than usual.  The higher flows have also been keeping the trout happy.  Like on the Mad early and late have been the key. 

 Look for Tricos early at first light and then pull out the caddis and midges.  Ants and beetles have been the ticket in the evenings along with some hoppers along grassy banks.  

The upper has been the key for trout, but the lower when conditions are favorable have been better for smallies and rock bass.  For the warmwater fish poppers and big hoppers around overhanging brush is the key.  Also streamers and covering water has produced good numbers.  

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

There has been a little more rain down south than in the city so the creek is currently high.  Look for it to fish by early to mid week.  

The water temps have been great for this time of the year also.  Look for early morning Tricos then switch over to tiny caddis and midges.  The evenings will produce some great Ant and Beetle fishing as well.  

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

New Yeti Panga Submersible Duffels

The Airtight, Submersible, Gear Fortress that you can Haul Anywhere!

Available in three sizes: 50, 75 and 100

The Panga Submersible Duffel is Yeti's first non-insulated piece of gear that lives up to the standard of being built for the wild. This is the dufflel bag designed for extended backcountry stays, fly fishing that takes you to the most remote rivers, and hunts that seem almost too wild to believe. The airtight closure makes the bag absolutely waterproof and keeps moisture (and whatever else you may come across) out.The exterior fabric is tough-as-nails. The straps and accompanying lash points make it easy to haul. The hardware laughs in the face of hard knocks. So you have permission to drag it on the dock, haul it on the boat or throw it overboard. Yeti did....and the Panga lived to tell the tale!

1. Hydrolock Zipper- Makes sure water stays out so your gear stays bone-dry, no matter how torrential it gets

2. U-Dock- The terminal end of your Hydrolock Zipper that ensures a completely airtight seal.

3. Thickskin Shell- Made of high-density nylon and TPU lamination to be puncture and abrasion resistant.

4. DryHaul Straps- In the hands or on the back, they're as durable as they are comfortable.

5. Mettalock Hardware- This hardware can take on smacks and whacks without breaking.

6. Quickgrab Lash Points- Designed for when you need to get up and go at a moment's notice.

7. Stowaway Mesh Pockets- Easy-to-access mesh pockets keep your valuables safely tucked away

Panga Submersible 50- 23 1/2" X 14" X 10"- 50 liters- 3050 cubic inches- Click Here

Panga Submersible 75- 28" X 15 1/2" X 11"- 75 liters- 4600 cubic inches- Click Here

Panga Submersible 100- 32 1/2" X 17" X 12"- 100 liters- 6100 cubic inches- Click Here

There's no limit to where adventure can take you! Just pack accordingly!

Mad River Outfitters

Ohio's 1st Yeti Dealer.....many years ago now!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reports- 7/21/17

* 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

There was a small window this past week where the streams settled down and the Smallmouth bass cooperated.  The popper bite has continued to be the ticket once the water starts to clear.  Streamer fishing also is never a bad idea.  The Scioto and Olentangy are still not in ideal levels.  Watching the flow charts and storms have been a daily process.  Some of the larger rivers are still high from our big rains and with the forecast they do not look to be settling down any time soon.  Check with us here at the shop for day to day conditions, but the extended forecast looks dry so far.  If you do find some good water tie on a Boogle Bug popper or a Peanut streamer and start covering water.  

Pond Largemouth Bass and Panfishing has continued to be great and with the high water and rain most people are hitting the ponds.  Early morning poppers have been the ticket with sinking lines and J-Pigs, Super Worms, and Fathead Minnows get the job done during the day.  Panfish consistently have been taken on a small Boogle bug popper with a Crappie Special or other small streamer dropper.  

Pike and Smallmouth guided trips continue to be awesome when the water levels allow so make sure to get some time set aside and book a trip.  

Russ Kessler on a guide trip with Pat Kelly. His personal best Ohio Pike on the fly!

Our good friend and great customer John Raisbeck from Dayton, Ohio sent us this pic and note this week:

"Here's one, among many, for Strawberry Blonde. Gave one to three guests at Zanesfield today and all caught at least one trophy fish. This fly's on a run! Thanks."- John Raisbeck

Not familiar with the Strawberry Blonde? It's one of our best selling streamers of all-time. Killer!!!

Click Here to check it out

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The lower river had a slight stain this week making for the early morning streamer bite to be fantastic.  Stripping small weighted streamers is the best numbers game while throwing meat over 4" with move those 20"+ fish.  

The upper river is a Terrestrial game as usual with the Fur Ant, Splitsville, and Ant Acid the most productive.  With the hot humid nights the Tricos should be out very soon, but we just haven't had the chance to give it a look before work.  Should start seeing them here in good numbers, especially in the upper river.

Remember that the Trico game is a morning thing. Need to be on the water as the sun is coming up in order to catch the hatch. The hatch will go for a bit and then shortly after the duns are finished, the spinner fall starts. Be sure to have some 7X Tippet!!!

There is rain forecasted for this weekend which will mean that early Saturday and maybe late Sunday will be the best bets, but next week looks great.  

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The upper River is currently low, but again with the forecast things look like they are going to change Saturday. Early Saturday will be the ticket as will Mid next week.  Terrestrials like Daves Hoppers, Morish Hoppers, and Fur Ants are the go to flies.  Caddis dries like the Elk Hare Caddis, Goddard Caddis and Sunken Caddis need to be in your boxes.  

They have just over the past couple days started to drop the flows on the lower river, but with the rain it will be hard to say what the rest of the weekend will look like.  Mostly Smallmouth Bass and Panfish have been the ticket, but there are a few trout being caught on buggers and small dries.  

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

After the heavy rains and levels over 10' things have shifted a little making some new cover and pushing out some of the summer vegetation.  The flows and temps are looking great for this time of the year.  Look for early morning Trico fishing and Caddis throughout the rest of the day.  Stock up on #22 Pearl Butt Trico and Sunken Caddis and you will be good for the day. 

There is some rain in the forecast that will mess things up for the weekend, but you might be able to get in a little fishing early morning and switch over to streamers as the rain starts.    

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- 7/15/17

* 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.

Upcoming Classes:

Wednesday, July 19th- Knots and Leaders Class- Click Here

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

Monday, July 24th- Basic Knots and Rigging Class- Click Here

Wednesday, July 26th- Basic Fly Casting Clinic- Click Here

Upcoming Trips:

"Alaska Sampler" Trip at the Naknek River Camp with hosts Jerry Darkes and Josh McQueen- July 22nd- 29th

Montana Trip to the Slide Inn with hosts Brian Flechsig and Kelly Galloup- July 30th- August 6th

Stay tuned as we should be posting reports and updates from both of these trips as they go!

Warmwater

As you can expect, most of the streams in the region are pretty well blown out here for a bit.

We'll be checking things out here the next couple of days and should get a more detailed report up on Monday with the prognosis.

In the meantime, local lakes and ponds have been where folks are concentrating their efforts. Been hearing that the topwater bite has been good to excellent.

Check back early next week for more.

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The Mad was actually in decent shape until the last round of storms on Thursday. It shot way up...but is coming down quickly.

The upper section should be pretty well fishable tomorrow and the lower will probably be good streamer water. By Monday things should be pretty well back to normal.

Reports from last weekend and earlier in the week were shockingly good Many fish caught on nymphs and a handful on terrestrials.

Caddis larva and pupa will be the focus for under the surface. A good ol' Green Caddis Larva #14-16 trailed by a Soft Hackle, Nitro Pupa or Swink's Core will do the trick. Green Copper John's have also been producing as well.

For the surface, Caddis and Terrestrials are the way to to. Ants and especially beetles have been producing some nice fish!!! Elk Hairs, Butch Caddis and Goober Caddis have been doing well on the caddis front, especially early or late in the day. No solid reports of Tricos yet but they should start showing up....and remember to be on the water when the sun comes up for these.

We have some guide trips out next week so should have more to report. If you get out, let us know how you do!!!

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

The Upper Clearfork is coming into shape and should be fishable tomorrow. Might be a little stained and good streamer water! Otherwise, pretty much the same as the Mad. Caddis and terrestrials.

Still a few lingering Light Cahills around in the evenings but most surface activity has been on ants and beetles during the day and caddis in the evening. Some tiny little mayflies around in the evenings as well but not much feeding activity on them.

The Lower stretch in the park is way out right now and will probably be a few days before fishable.

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Clear Creek is currently high and muddy due to the rains this week and will be a few days before it fishes. We'll let you know!

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

Scott Re-Invents the G Series Fly Rods

Iconic and revoutionary, Scott G rods were first introduced in 1976. And with G, they truly changed fly fishing- by designing the first 9' 4-weight rod (seriously, the very first 9' 4 weight). And if that wasn't big enough, they also pioneered the graphite hollow internal ferrule- the most sophisticated and seamless way to connect multi-piece fly rods smoothly. Those innovations are a couple of serious 'firsts' in the fly fishing world, and are a big part of why Scott G Series fly rods are among the most beloved medium action, smooth-flexing fly rods.

But it didn't stop there.....Scott was born with the determination to progress, and by building on the legacy of the original G, they launched the G2 in 2006, and modernized medium-action fly rods by making them lighter and more responsive.

Now, with that same conviction, they introduce the next evolution in the G Heritage, the all new G Series. They have elevated medium-action fly rods to new heights by creating rods that load deeply into their lower sections yet recover quickly and are directionally stable in all casting planes.

They solved this design conundrum, in part, with two innovations. First, they reinvented the hollow internal ferrule to make it more flexible, stronger, and more than 20% lighter. And second, they engineered the most dynamic multi-modulus lay-ups they have ever created using their advanced resin and fiber composites. The results are rods that have great stability and tracking, and generate faster line speeds. This improves accuracy and turnover even in windy conditions. And even with those big performance improvements, G Series rods retain that smooth, full-flexing action.

Scott fit G Series rods with the most innovative and functional components like titanium stripping guides, Universal snake guides, and new micarta reel seat spacers. Along with that leading edge technology, they celebrate some of the classic visual cues from their heritage in features like the thread wraps and epoxy finished cork at the top of the grips.

Like every Scott rod, G Series are handcrafted one at a time, in their shop by anglers who take pride in each and every rod they build. With over 40 years experience designing and crafting high performance medium-action fly rods,  they have set yet another standard- the first rods to deliver full flex and flat loops.

The all new G Series fly rods from Scott are like no other, and it's better than ever!

* ReAct- technology cominbes their X-Core design with a new complex material and taper system to create a breakthrough in rod design. Distance, control and accuracy are compromised by waves that vibrate in the rod, even after the cast has been made. Simply making the rod stiffer to stop these vibrations kills feel. ReAct counteracts energy sapping vibrations by speeding the recovery of the blank without the need to stiffen the rod with more material.
* Multi-Modulus- Scott pioneered multi-modulus lay-ups in blank design. They are able to precisely control stiffness along the length of the rod to build rods that load and unload more smoothly.
* Natural Finish- Creating a natural finish blank requires exacting tolerances, more care, and shows off the beauty of graphite. The Scott natural finish is all about making your rod lighter, more durable and better performing.
* ARC- Advanced Reinforced Carbon for reducing torque and increasing strength. Scott is the leader in carbon blank reinforcements. Their latest ARC technology adds hoop strength to their blanks without adding weight, and counteracts torque that can reduce casting accuracy and line control. ARC helps them create low-mass thin-walled blank designs by providing the most advance reinforcement.
* X-Core- delivers blanks that transmit feel and maintain stability better than any other design approach. They use fast taper mandrels with low-mass thin-walled blanks to create rods what have feel, stability and sensitivity.
* Made in the USA- Every single Scott rod has been handcrafted in the USA......beginning to end. That's very important to all of us. They like to get their hands dirty, and they can control exactly how your rod is built and who builds it. That commitment continues today in the heart of Trout Country, Colorado by anglers who understand fly rods. 
* These rods are all 4 pieces, come with a rod sack and a rod tube and of course feature Scott's Unconditional Lifetime Warranty

Scott Fly Rods are only available through specialty, independent dealers who know their business. They are NOT available in the Big Box stores like many of their competitors. That wouldn't make them special now would it?

Grip A featured in picture 1 (cork) and Grip b featured in picture 2 (wood).

All models of Scott G Series Fly Rods featured on our website:
GS 772/4 2wt 7'7" grip a
GS 773/4 3wt 7'7" grip a
GS 843/4 3wt 8'4" grip b
GS 883/4 3wt 8'8" grip b
GS 844/4 4wt 8'4" grip b
GS 884/4 4wt 8'8" grip b
GS 904/4 4wt 9'     grip b
GS 775/4 5wt 7'7" grip b
GS 885/4 5wt 8'8" grip b
GS 905/4 5wt 9'     grip b
GS 886/4 6wt 8'8" grip b
GS 906/4 6wt 9'     grip b

Click Here to view the new Scott G Series Fly Rods on our website. 

* Please remember, if you decide to "Make this an Outfit".....simply purchase a reel and a line and tell us which hand you retrieve the reel with. We'll load up the reel properly and the backing will be on us! Click the "Outfit" tab on our website for more details.

Mad River Outfitters

Full Line Dealer for Scott Fly Rods

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

www.madriveroutfitters.com