* 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 fishing continues to be good to great. We have had some great guide trips over the past few weeks. We are focusing on the smaller streams in the area though. With the Scioto and Olentangy high the Darbys and others have been a popular choice. many of these smaller waters have heavy canoe, kayak, and tubing activity though. Getting to the water at first light or staying to last light will give you a few good hours to yourself.
The main focus for us guiding has been topwater flies. Boogle bugs in various colors are our top choice with Todd's Wiggle Minnow and either Whit's or Dahlberg diving bugs as close seconds. Streamers are always a good choice if fish are reluctant to coming to the surface. Skiddish Smolt, Mojo Minnow, and Clousers are top choices for deep fast water while Mini Murdich Minnows, Woolhead Sculpins, and EP Minnows are great for skinny water. Dont over look big flies too. For these you will need 7-8wts and the SA Titan Clear Tip line. We like to throw the Modern Deceivers, Little Swimmers, Articulated Fat Heads, Peanuts, Bottoms Up and Big Fish Deceivers. These same flies are a great choice for pond Largemouth Bass also. Add in a few Grim Reapers, J-Pigs, and Superworms to round out your fly box.
Mad River
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.
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Warmwater
Smallmouth fishing continues to be good to great. We have had some great guide trips over the past few weeks. We are focusing on the smaller streams in the area though. With the Scioto and Olentangy high the Darbys and others have been a popular choice. many of these smaller waters have heavy canoe, kayak, and tubing activity though. Getting to the water at first light or staying to last light will give you a few good hours to yourself.
The main focus for us guiding has been topwater flies. Boogle bugs in various colors are our top choice with Todd's Wiggle Minnow and either Whit's or Dahlberg diving bugs as close seconds. Streamers are always a good choice if fish are reluctant to coming to the surface. Skiddish Smolt, Mojo Minnow, and Clousers are top choices for deep fast water while Mini Murdich Minnows, Woolhead Sculpins, and EP Minnows are great for skinny water. Dont over look big flies too. For these you will need 7-8wts and the SA Titan Clear Tip line. We like to throw the Modern Deceivers, Little Swimmers, Articulated Fat Heads, Peanuts, Bottoms Up and Big Fish Deceivers. These same flies are a great choice for pond Largemouth Bass also. Add in a few Grim Reapers, J-Pigs, and Superworms to round out your fly box.
Mad River
The rain from Friday night put the river at an unfishable level for Saturday. Sunday provided clearing water and great streamer opportunities. Some really great fish were caught over the weekend on both streamers and nymphs.
Looking into the rest of the week focus on terrestrials, caddis, and nymphs. Make sure to have plenty of ants especially our favorites Ant Acid, Power Ant, and Fur Ant. Fish these with a Sunken Caddis or Sunken Ant dropper to cover water. There are a few "Summer Olives" about, but the fish are not consistently targeting them. For these have a few #22 BWOs just in case. We haven't seen much evidence of Tricos yet, but now is the time to start dusting them off and keep handy.
With the typical Summer storms in the forecast it is always a good idea to have a few streamers with you. Dirty Hippies, Skiddish Smolts, and Barely Legals round out your typical Wooly buggers. Usually the water is only off color for a few hours and drops quickly. Keep an eye on the gauge or shoot us a call for current conditions.
Clearfork River
Clearfork Map
Both sections of the stream are blown. The upper should clear out in a day or two under normal situations. There are some storms in the forecast though. It is hard to predict what the Army Core will release out of the dam so keep an eye on the gauges. Fish hoppers, poppers, and streamers below the Pleasant Hill Dam for a mixed bag of trout, bass, and panfish. In the upper stream you will be fishing caddis, ants, hoppers, and beetles.
Both sections of the stream are blown. The upper should clear out in a day or two under normal situations. There are some storms in the forecast though. It is hard to predict what the Army Core will release out of the dam so keep an eye on the gauges. Fish hoppers, poppers, and streamers below the Pleasant Hill Dam for a mixed bag of trout, bass, and panfish. In the upper stream you will be fishing caddis, ants, hoppers, and beetles.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek Map
The bottom half of the state did not get as much rain so the creek is currently very low and warm. Focus on the early mornings fishing caddis, midges, and ants. Fish an Elk Hair caddis with either a Sunken Caddis or Ant as the dropper for the most productivity. There is some rain forecasted late into the week so keep an eye on the gauge, but we will keep you posted.
The bottom half of the state did not get as much rain so the creek is currently very low and warm. Focus on the early mornings fishing caddis, midges, and ants. Fish an Elk Hair caddis with either a Sunken Caddis or Ant as the dropper for the most productivity. There is some rain forecasted late into the week so keep an eye on the gauge, but we will keep you posted.
Mad River Outfitters
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
