* 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 continued to be great going into the past weekend. Currently the local streams are high and muddy. Looking at the rest of the week's forecast the streams will continue to drop back into fishable levels for this weekend if not sooner. This rain was a much needed event to flush out some thick vegetation and leaves that have been backing up in the low water. Once levels stabilize and water clears then we will find some very nice Smallmouth and Hybrid fishing. If you do want to get out this week keep an eye on the gauges and focus on the smaller rivers in the area. Shoot us a call and we will help you sort all this out.
Going into the fall the main rig we call use will be a fast action 7wt (6-8wt will get the job done) Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip, short leader in the 12-20lb tippet range and a large streamer. Take a look at the Modern Streamers in the Flies section of the website. Here you will find all of the patterns that fill our Bass boxes.
Lake fishing has also started to fire back up. Again once the water conditions settle in the local lakes the bass will continue to focus on schools of baitfish. The water temps are still pretty high, but are falling. As the fish get conditioned to the lower temps they will start to feed heavily in prep for the winter. This is a great time to be fishing the lakes and ponds around the state. With the stream conditions not favorable then we are taking advantage of the numerous opportunities for Largemouth Bass and Panfish.
If you are new to Bass fishing make sure to take advantage of one of our guides. Things usually start to slow down at the end of this month so give us a call before our schedules are booked up. Speaking of guide trips the Pike fishing continues to be amazing! Josh and Pat have been steadily putting clients on fish. Take a look at our guide trip page to see the quality of these fish...and in OHIO!
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.
We LOVE Happy Customers!
Jackson Ballinger with his 1st fish on a fly rod!
MRO Friends,
Attached is the picture of our grandson Jackson Ballinger age 9 with his first fly rod that I purchased for him from your store. Less than 24 hours later he got his first fish.
Thanks for your help.
Roy Whited
Caleb Blair and his 1st Pike on gear purchased on www.madriveroutfitters.com
Hello,
A little over 2 years ago I contacted you guys looking for a musky rig. I don't remember who I spoke to. I was easily convinced to chose a 10 wt TFO over an Orvis. The whole purchasing experience was based on trust as I live in North West New Mexico and was not able to be in your store to handle the rod in person. I've used this rod perhaps a dozen times and my efforts so far have been fruitless in my pursuit to catch a pike or muskie on a fly rod, until today. Even though this pike is a small one I wanted to share it with you and thank you for recommending the rod and reel. Both the TFO and the Ross are definitely my finest fishing products.
Sincerely,
Caleb Blair
Top student who has now graduated to a guide client.....Brennon Shanks
My dad and I went out smallmouth fishing with Pat Kelly of Mad River Outfitters. I found the experience to be beyond expectations, as I learned so much about fly casting, presentation, and fish behavior. Pat did an excellent job of answering any questions we had and was always helpful and enjoyable to fish with. I really enjoyed his enthusiasm and excitement for fly fishing as well, it made the trip so much more fun because one of the best parts of fishing is sharing your passion with others. I sincerely thank you guys for all the help developing my fly fishing and always being encouraging and fun to be around. All the best!
Brennon Shanks
Kathy Schultz at the 1-Day Fly Fishing School in September
We inherited some fly fishing gear from my father, and we spoke with Brian about what to do with it in Ohio. We attended the 2 hour free class, which was excellent, and it inspired us to take the one day class on the river in Zanesfield. Brian was very patient, working with a group who had a wide range of experience and knowledge. Brian covered a lot of information and made a very confusing topic understandable. Brian debunked a lot of the ritual associated with the sport. We couldn't stump him on any questions related to fishing - he has a wealth of experience about current topics as well as fly fishing history. We all enjoyed the day, and we now have confidence in going alone. The best part of learning how to fly fish was the next day! We had an amazing feeling of tranquility and zen! Thank you Brian for getting us involved with fly fishing!
Art and Kathy Schultz
Bill Previty was on our "Naktoberfest" Alaska Trip in September with host Jeff Liskay
MRO,
This year's trip to Alaska with Jeff Liskay was one of my best fishing trips ever. Jeff did a superb job as coordinator, coach, and cheerleader. The fishing was spectacular, the new lodge a treat, good food, and great guides headed up by James who is managing the lodge. We had a good cross section of participants who enjoyed each other's company and spiced up the entire week with good humor. I am sure Jeff will provide you a dropbox with a good array of photos. We did have a little competition on the river from a brown fisherman.
Thanks again for allowing me to swap to this year's trip after some medical issues last year. I can say at the end of the week of six straight days spey casting that my arms and shoulders were a bit tired. Comes with age. I'll be in Columbus late next week and will drop by the shop. I certainly would be interested in another late September trip next year.
Warm regards,
Bill Previty- Boise, Idaho
Thanks for all the great feedback and reviews friends! We love to hear it so.....keep it coming.
Warmwater
Smallmouth fishing continued to be great going into the past weekend. Currently the local streams are high and muddy. Looking at the rest of the week's forecast the streams will continue to drop back into fishable levels for this weekend if not sooner. This rain was a much needed event to flush out some thick vegetation and leaves that have been backing up in the low water. Once levels stabilize and water clears then we will find some very nice Smallmouth and Hybrid fishing. If you do want to get out this week keep an eye on the gauges and focus on the smaller rivers in the area. Shoot us a call and we will help you sort all this out.
Going into the fall the main rig we call use will be a fast action 7wt (6-8wt will get the job done) Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip, short leader in the 12-20lb tippet range and a large streamer. Take a look at the Modern Streamers in the Flies section of the website. Here you will find all of the patterns that fill our Bass boxes.
Lake fishing has also started to fire back up. Again once the water conditions settle in the local lakes the bass will continue to focus on schools of baitfish. The water temps are still pretty high, but are falling. As the fish get conditioned to the lower temps they will start to feed heavily in prep for the winter. This is a great time to be fishing the lakes and ponds around the state. With the stream conditions not favorable then we are taking advantage of the numerous opportunities for Largemouth Bass and Panfish.
If you are new to Bass fishing make sure to take advantage of one of our guides. Things usually start to slow down at the end of this month so give us a call before our schedules are booked up. Speaking of guide trips the Pike fishing continues to be amazing! Josh and Pat have been steadily putting clients on fish. Take a look at our guide trip page to see the quality of these fish...and in OHIO!
Dr. Neil Murphy on an MRO Pike Guide Trip this past Susnday!
As usual the Mad did not significantly change despite the inch of rain over the past few days. Conditions continue to be low and clear.
The fish are cooperating though as long as you plan out your approach. Utilize extreme stealth (as usual for this Spring Creek) making sure you have your casting well tuned. Just like for the past few months you will want to use all of the stealth tactics in your tool box. Always the case with this river but things are extremely exaggerated right now.
Tactics for the rest of the week and into the weekend will focus on nymphing. Here we like long rods in the 9-11' range with the longer rods focused on the Euro techniques. With the low conditions a very small indicator is must for either traditional nymphing or the Euro/tight line tactics. Here one of the Wool New Zealand indicators are the most versatile. Flies will consist of small Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and caddis like the Flashabou or Nitro. Trail these with a slightly smaller unweighted fly and you will be set. If you need some split shot make sure to have the micro sizes as you do not want to use shot as big or bigger than your fly.
In the evenings there have been some good caddis activity. We usually fish a dry like the Elk Hair Caddis or October Caddis with a small lightly or unweighted dropper like the Galloup's Diving Caddis or small Guides Choice.
Clearfork River
Clearfork Map
The rain did help the flows earlier, but they have dropped back down. Focus on the upper river until they settle the flows back down below the dam. Focus on nymphing the upper river with caddis and small mayfly nymphs. Flies will consist of small Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and caddis like the Flashabou or Nitro. Trail these with a slightly smaller unweighted fly and you will be set. Like on the Mad in the evenings there have been some good caddis activity. We usually fish a dry like the Elk Hair Caddis or October Caddis with a small lightly or unweighted dropper like the Sunken Caddis or small Guides Choice.
If you just want to fish the lower then you will need to be stripping streamers with a sink tip line. The Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip or Rio Streamer Tip, short leader in the 12-20lb tippet range and a large streamer will get the job done. Take a look at the Modern Streamers in the Flies section of the website. You will be rewarded with a good mixed bag of fish down there below the dam.
If you just want to fish the lower then you will need to be stripping streamers with a sink tip line. The Scientific Anglers Titan Clear Tip or Rio Streamer Tip, short leader in the 12-20lb tippet range and a large streamer will get the job done. Take a look at the Modern Streamers in the Flies section of the website. You will be rewarded with a good mixed bag of fish down there below the dam.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek Map
The creek is currently "high" and off color, but clearing and falling fast. Conditions should be good later in the week and into the weekend. Nymphing will present the most productivity. Like in the other reports your rig will be small Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and caddis like the Flashabou or Nitro. Trail these with a slightly smaller unweighted fly and you will be set.
Small streamers can be a good choice also. Wooly Buggers, Glass Buggers, Mojo Minnows, Skiddish Smolts, and the new Mini Dungeons are great choices. Here you will want fast 5wts and 6wts. As long as you are fishing a weighted streamer a sink tip is not ususally needed on this small creek. Also keep a few caddis dries hand once everything clears. Here typically small Elk Hair Caddis and Goddard Caddis are the key, but do not overlook those bigger October caddis if you do not see any fish rising.
Erie Steelhead
RAIN!!! We have finally gotten a decent push of water up to the lake. Everything as expected is dropping fast though. There is some scattered rain in the forecast which will be needed to keep the conditions perfect into the weekend. Just because the SOME fish are moving into the Tributaries does not mean that you need to drop everything and call off work...this is just the very beginning of the run. There are many factors that we need to keep in mind when heading that way. Keep an eye on the water temps. Looking at the forecast the air temps will be pushing 80. If the streams get low there might be a water temp issue. Just something to keep in mind. This week focus on the lower rivers and harbors. Stripping streamers, swinging flies and indicator/bobber fishing buggers, eggs, and nymphs will cover all your tactics needed. If you are new to this game stop by or give us a call and we will help you get set up. If swinging and Spey casting is your game we have the Scientific Anglers Spey Lite lines, Sonar Leaders and the best Skagit tips on the market the TC Textured dual density tips.
If you need help lining a rod contact us and we will take the confusion out of the game.
Interested in a guide trip this coming Fall 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/Mad River Travel/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools
Fly Shop, Guides, Trips, Classes, Schools and more!
813 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214
614-451-0363
