"Cyber Monday" at Mad River Outfitters

Starts at Midnight Sunday and runs through Midnight Monday! EST

It's Easy! Any Online Order gets 20% CASH Back! Place your order, and we'll include a Mad River Outfitters Gift Card worth 20% of the purchase total with your shipment.

Mad River Outfitters Gift Cards can be used for any purchase online or in the shop!

***Please note that NO COUPON code nor anything special needs to be done. We will simply include your Gift Card in your order with instructions on how to use. If you prefer, we can also e-mail you the Gift Card as well for INSTANT use on the website. Just let us know via "Order Notes" on the 1st page of the shopping cart. If we don't hear otherwise we will include the physical card in the shipment of your order.


Other Specials Running Through Cyber Monday

* 20% OFF Smith Optics Sunglasses
* Huge Savings on Tenkara USA Select models of rods and outfits
* 40% OFF Vedavoo 2017 line
* Huge Savings on ALL ORVIS brand fly rods
* Simms Home Waters for the Holidays SALE
* Sunday Special on Howler Brothers EXTENDED through Monday

www.madriveroutfitters.com

* always FREE shipping on orders over $25.00
* same day or next day processing and shipping of all orders
* 1-4 days delivery to anywhere in the U.S.
* every item in our shop is on our website and inventory is "real-time"
* exceptional online customer service- we aim to EXCEED your expectations

Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Fly Shop, Tackle, Flies, Apparel, Schools, Classes,
Travel, Guides and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

"Sunday Special" for 11/26/17

"Sunday Special" for 11/26/17

Save an automatic 20% on ANY Howler Brothers purchase!

No coupon code needed- simply put into your cart and the discount will be applied.

Online or in the shop today from Noon- 5:00 p.m.

Click Here to view our Fall 2017 Line of Howler Brothers

Heed the Call!!!

As always, we'll be OPEN Sundays- Thanksgiving to Christmas

Noon- 5:00 p.m. and will be running "Sunday Specials" for each

Mad River Outfitters and the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Fly Shop- Tackle, Flies, Apparel, Trips, Schools, Classes, Guides and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Simms Home Waters for The Holidays Sweepstakes- Week #1

--INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY-- 

HOW IT WORKS: Week One: Entries taken Sat. Nov 25 – Mon. Nov 27. Winner announced Wed. Nov 29th.

•Win: Simms Fall Run Jacket (M/W) OR Simms Challenger Windbloc Jacket (M/W)

1) Take a photo of yourself shopping inside your favorite Simms specialty retailer  

2) Post it on Instagram between Saturday, Nov 25 and Monday Nov 27  

3) Tag @ your favorite Simms retailer (@madriveroutfitters)

4) Tag #homewatersfortheholidays and #smallbusinesssaturday

Simms will be doing this Sweepstakes each weekend during the holiday season and the grand prize is a $700.00 shopping spree at Mad River Outfitters.

Go Team MRO! Let's get some entries and WIN THIS THING!!!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Black Friday at MRO!

 Black Friday begins at 8:00 a.m.

We have alot in store for our friends and valued customers this Holiday season and it kicks off Friday at 8:00 a.m. Most everything detailed here but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at the shop.

* 8:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.- Early Bird Savings-  Most everything in the shop will be at 25% OFF- shop early and save!     *some vendor exceptions will apply- see below

* 10:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.- Black Friday Special-  10% OFF your purchase OR 20% "Cash Back" on an MRO Gift Card that you can use later yourself or include as a Gift.

* Please note that the Black Friday discounts will apply to in-store or phone purchases only. We will although be featuring a special "Cash Back" offer for our online customers on Cyber Monday- Click Here for specials on internet orders from Midnight Sunday through Midnight Monday. Please call if any questions.

Other Specials Running Through Cyber Monday

* 20% OFF Smith Optics Sunglasses

* Huge Savings on Tenkara USA Select models of rods

* 40% OFF Vedavoo 2017 line

* Huge Savings on ALL ORVIS brand fly rods

* Simms Home Waters for the Holidays SALE

* some brands such as TFO, Sage, Redington, Rio and a few others cannot be advertised at discounted prices and may not apply to the Sale event. Please call if any questions.

Please remember that if you DO find a better deal out there for Black Friday/Cyber Monday etc.- we will most likely MEET or BEAT the price. Makes it virtually impossible to get a better deal than at Mad River Outfitters.  

* some restrictions of course apply- but we will always do our best to be fair, as long as you do- please see our website for full details

Also remember that we always accept "Coupons" from any of our competitors. We especially LOVE the Orvis offers! Bring them, send them.....we'll take them!!!! 

Other Holiday Events

* Small Business Saturday- Support small, local businesses this Holiday Season!- Earn 2X points on your American Express Card by shopping with us....and feel good about "Shopping Local".

* OPEN Sundays- Noon-5:00 p.m.- through Christmas- rumor has it will be running "Sunday Specials" throughout the season!

* Cyber Monday- our biggest online shopping day of the year! FREE Shipping on orders over $25.00, same day or next day shipping, 2-4 days delivery to either coast.

* Tuesday, December 5th is "Ladies Night"- Join softgoods manager Linda Farner for fun, refresments and savings- details coming next week

Thank you for supporting a small, locally owned family business this Holiday Season!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Simms "Home Waters for the Holidays" SALE

Black Friday Comes Early!

25 % OFF Selected Simms Items plus up to 50 % OFF Clearance Items

Click Here to check out the Simms Home Waters for the Holidays SALE Stuff!

Mad River Outfitters

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fishing Reports- 11/18/17

* 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.

Big Holiday Week Coming Up!

We are of course looking forward to Thursday and having a day off...and spending some time with friends and family.....but....

Early Friday our lives change for a month!!! We'll be in touch next week with some details on the "Goings-On" but here's some highlights. Stay tuned....it's going to be a busy season.

* Black Friday- OPEN at 8:00 a.m. and some CRAZY specials going on until 10:00 a.m. and great deals to be had all day. Again, stay tuned for some details (although we can't publish what's going to happen between 8 and 10 a.m.).

* OPEN Sundays from Thanksgiving to Christmas- Noon- 5:00 p.m.- look for Sunday Specials throughout the season.

* "Cyber Monday"- online specials galore.

* Tuesday, December 5th is "Ladies Night". Join MRO Softgoods Manager Linda Farner for wine, cheese, snacks, fun and savings!!! Great night for the gals to shop. Details to come.

We hope that you will help support an independent, small pro-shop like ourselves this Holiday Season! We appreciate your business.

Warmwater

Everything local has remained high all week.  The rain is only going to continue to mess up the streams.  Fishing local during those small windows the conditions have been right mostly consists of targeting Saugeye.  This fish is a cross between a Sauger and a Walleye.  The ODNR stocks them in great numbers in reservoirs throughout the state.  These fish also find home in many of the local streams.  Sink tips fly lines with shad patterns is the usual routine, but most of your Smallmouth flies will do the trick.  The main objective here is to focus on patterns that give off plenty of vibration and have a lazy jigging motion.  Focus on hard bottom flats close to deep water during low light periods. This goes for both lakes and streams.  6-8wts with a sinking line like the Scientific Anglers Sonar series or Rio Streamer tip are your rigs of choice.  Flies will include Clousers, Mojo Minnows, Half and Halfs, Barely Legals, Mini and regular Dungeons, Meat Whistles, Whitlock's Deep Shad, Articulated Fat Head Minnow, Zoo Cougar, and other similar flies that push later and give off vibration.  If you tie your own flies make sure to add rattles, rubber legs, and Bucktail to your own versions of above.  

Here are a few pointers from the last report that will also help you extend your fishing season here locally.  With the water temps in the 40's though your best bet will be to target Crappies and Panfish.  This time of the year we like to borrow some tactics from the conventional fishing side the "Float n Fly Rig."  Fishing a float/bobber/indicator (whatever you want to call it) with a heavy minnow pattern like a Clouser and trail it with a smaller lightly weighted fly like a Crappie Special, Little Devil, or Wooly Worm is a great setup.  Target structure on drop offs either from shore or by boat.  

Although Pike get a slight backseat during Steelhead season there will continue to be great fishing as long as the weather does not get too crazy.  Also Pat has been kicking off his Musky season with some great success.  If you are interested in booking any of these trips make sure to call the shop with a few dates as there are a few dates still available this year.  

Tom Blackerby on a guide trip earlier this week with MRO's Josh McQueen

Forecast: The rain this weekend will put a damper on things into next week.  This time of the year the weather patterns are very unstable and thing change almost hourly.  If thing continue as planned look for the local streams to shape up mid to late week.  

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

Fishing continues to be great this week.  The fish are finishing up their spawn and starting to put the feed on.  With the few days of overcast the streamer fishing has been better than normal.  The flows are still slightly higher than normal, but with usual clear conditions.  Although the streamer fishing has been good most have been focusing on nymphing tactics.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9'6" 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Rio Euro Nymph or Indicator leader and line for the most productive rig for this type of fishing.  If you want to build your own then add some Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don't forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.  

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  During the "leaf hatch" we typically like to focus on bright, attractor style nymphs as well.

Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing conditions that are on the fall.  This window is very small, but well worth the wait.  These big pushes of water help clear out the remaining leaves and flush out the dying off vegetation.  Without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a slight bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and Rio Streamer tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup's book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  

Forecast:  The rain might mess things up for a few hours, but will open the door for some great streamer water Sunday and maybe into Monday.  After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics.  

***Public Service Announcement***

Right now the trout are finishing up their spawn.  Obviously these fish need to be left alone as they typically do not feed.  This time of the year though is a great time to observe and get to see some nice quality fish.  Also refraining from wading in areas that are "fanned out" for spawning Redds is advised.  Natural reproduction is limited in Ohio streams because of our high clay and other sediment levels when the water does come up, but doing everything we can not to add to those problems is highly advised. 

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Like on the Mad, fishing has been very good the past week.  Most people have been nymphing and having good success.   For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs.  The main go to nymphing sticks are the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, TFO BVK and the new Pieroway Renegade 9'6" 5wt to name a few.  Grab a Rio Euro Nymph or Indicator leader and line for the most productive rig for this type of fishing.  If you want to build your own then add some  Amnesia, Maxima Chameleon, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart.  Don't forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.  

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  This time of the year do not overlook adding a Conehead Muddler, Autumn Splinder, or Clouser as a heavy "nymph" also.  During the tail end of the "leaf hatch" we typically like to focus on bright, attractor style nymphs as well.

Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing conditions that are on the fall.  The Clear Fork offers some unique opportunities with the more Spring Creek feel above the dam and a Tailwater below.  This provides us with extended streamer water as the lower river usually continues to be high as they stabilize the lake levels.   Also without the crops in the fields look for the water to take a slight bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies.  Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and Rio Streamer tip line.  Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs.  Also take a look at Kelly Galloup's book Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout to help you sort things out.  As always shoot us a call if you want a guided streamer trip.  

Forecast: The rain will most likely continue to bring the flows up into early next week.  Streamer fishing will be good once things start to fall especially in the upper river.  The lower river below Pleasant Hill Dam will likely take into next week before conditions are safe to wade, but we will keep you posted.

***Public Service Announcement***
Right now the trout are finishing up their spawn.  Obviously these fish need to be left alone as they typically do not feed.  This time of the year though is a great time to observe and get to see some nice quality fish.  Also refraining from wading in areas that are "fanned out" for spawning Redds is advised.  Natural reproduction is limited in Ohio streams because of our high clay and other sediment levels when the water does come up, but doing everything we can not to add to those problems is highly advised. 

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Flows are at a great level currently providing higher than normal, but clear flows.  Keep in mind that leaves are still a slight issue in this part of the state.  Fishing has continued to be great this past week.  Most of the stocked fish are now well dispersed and starting to act more like wild trout.  Like the other trout streams nymphing will be the key for numbers.  If you prefer the streamer game then Clear Creek offers great small streamer fishing throughout the winter.  Do not overlook your Tenkara Rods as either a backup or main tactic.  

Rigs for nymphing will consist of 3-5wt 9-10' + rods.  These rods provide great control, feel, and reach.  Although this creek is not very big a long rod allows for the best presentation and longer drifts.  Use a Rio Indicator Leader when float/bobber/indicator fishing or a  Rio Euro Nymph leader when using Tightline tactics.  Streamer rods for this situation will be fast 4wts or 5-6wts.  An aggressive Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand a 9' leader and a weighted streamer will set you on the right path.  As for Tenkara we really like the TFO Cutthroat, Tenkara USA Rhodo or Iwana for this creek.  Match those rods with either the Level Line 3.5/2.5 or the Tapered Nylon leader by Tenkara USA and you are ready to go.  

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  Streamer fishing will require Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendor, Clousers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossoms, Cougars, Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Wooly, and Near Nuff Sculpin to name a few. 

"I'm working in Circleville from out of town. Have fish the Mad before but Clear Creek is extremely close so I went out there Sunday and Tuesday. I used a wooly bugger and all sorts of colors dropped off that an egg or guides Choice hare's ear or Prince Nymph. I fish those under an indicator and let swing at the end of my drift. I caught fish using both techniques and on all the aforementioned flies. I caught fish in a lot of different sections including some you have to walk a pretty good ways to get there. It seems like the freshly stocked trout have spread out. All I got were fresh stockers no holdovers to be seen. Just thought I'd let you guys know have a good day" - Kenny Babbitt , Battle creek, MI

Forecast:  Look for the rain to flush the creek out for the next few days.  The middle of next week will most likely be your best bet.  Streamer water might be good as early as Tues, but shoot us a call and we will let you know. 

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Our old friend Vinnie Krzyewski stopped in the shop last week on his way to the tribs. He knew it would be tough but did manage to wrestle this beauty.

Conditions have been very tough this past week.  The higher flows of last week brought the fish in, but those flows dropped very quick making the fish unhappy.  With the high angling pressure and low water successful fisherman were forced to cover lots of water.  There have been fish being caught for those putting in the time.  Indicator fishing has produced the most success, but those that have been stripping streamers were not left out.  

You will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  These lines offer you the best line control and short roll casting ease.  

Our go to rods are 10' single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range.  On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-2x fluorocarbon.  

The typical rig for swinging flies will consist of a switch rod in the 10'6"-11'9" 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not have the proper guidance so make sure to give us a call!  For swinging flies either a Skagit or Scandi line with a sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will be ready to find those "grabby" fish fresh out of the "Big Lake."  

Forecast:  This rain will be a much needed shot in the arm going into Thanksgiving week. Conditions should set up for great fishing by early to mid week.  Look for crowded rivers from Wednesday to Sunday though.   

We are continuing to book guide trips daily so make sure to contact us with a couple of your date options!

Click Here to check out the details and pricing on our Steelhead Alley Guide Service

Mad River Outfitters/Mad River Travel/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

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- 11/10/17

* 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.

Early Holiday News hit inboxes last night. Didn't get it? Click Here to read.

Cool Kid Alert!

Young Roberto Noden and his father booked a 1-Day Private School through the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools back in June. Brian was their instructor and they had a blast!!! He's been applying his skills on Ohio Trout ever since. We couldn't be more proud. 

Now, he and his father are booked to go steelheading on December 2nd and also to do a float on the Mad on December 16th. Surely you'll be seeing more of this kid....he's a fishing machine!

Roberto Noden and friend with a nice Rainbow on Apple Creek near Wooster.

Roberto holding a nice little Upper Clearfork Brown

We love to get feedback from MWFFS alumni.....especially the youngsters. We love working with kids and are delighted when they get hooked on the sport like Roberto has!

Warmwater

The local streams are currently pretty high and in general the Bass fishing is about done.  Not that it can't be done, but there will be very limited fishing opportunities from here on out.  

Fishing the very small window of the warmest day time temps and targeting winter holding area will produce for those who know their local river well.  This time of the year is not a numbers game, but that one or two fish you do come in contact with will be very nice.  Also do not be surprised by a by catch of Saugeye and Hybrid Stipers.  With the water temps in the 40's though your best bet will be to target Crappies and Panfish.  This time of the year we like to borrow some tactics from the conventional fishing side the "Float n Fly Rig."  Fishing a float/bobber/indicator (whatever you want to call it) with a heavy minnow pattern like a Clouser and trail it with a smaller lightly weighted fly like a Crappie Special, Little Devil, or Wooly Worm is a great setup.  Target structure on drop offs either from shore or by boat.  

Pike fishing continues to be great for our clients and once the leaves flush out the fishing will get even better.  Depending on the weather Pike fishing can be great all winter as long as you are prepared to switch tactics.  Good thing we know all the details and have the rigs to guide you in the right direction.  Musky trips have also been picking up being that we have the right water flows and the leaves are starting to push out.  Make sure to give us a call as our schedules are booking up fast!

Our good friend and GREAT customer Scott Smallwood was out with Josh the other day. Pike fishing continues to be good and Josh will be splitting his time between the boat for pike and waders for steelhead for the next month or so.

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

The rain has been very helpful flushing out the leaves and lingering vegetation buildup.  The river is currently slightly higher than normal for this year which is a welcome sight after the past few months of extremely low conditions.  Also a bump in flows help to disperse the stocked trout (or feeding of the resident trout as we like to call it).  

Streamer fishing has been great with this high water, but as usual these levels do not last more than a day or so.  The next week or so is going to be tough though with the leaves dropping.

Currently nymphing is your go to tactic.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  We have multiple options for great nymphing sticks.  Take a look at the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, and the new Peiroway Renegade 9'6" 5wt to name a few.  Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are very productive and now is a great time to do some reading up and give it a try.  Take a look at the book "Dynamic Nymphing" by George Daniels and other topic related books on our site. http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/c-172-trout-steelhead-and-general-fly-fishing-technique.aspx   

The forecast looks good for a few chances of rain.  If we do actually get more rain this will help keep the levels slightly elevated compared to normal.  Once the leaves come down, we anticipate good to excellent trout fishing on the Mad.

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.  During the "leaf hatch" we typically like to focus on bright, attractor style nymphs as well as opposed to the more natural colors. 

***Public Service Announcement***

Right now the trout are staging or are currently in spawn mode.  Obviously these fish need to be left alone as they typically do not feed.  This time of the year though is a great time to observe and get to see some nice quality fish.  Also refraining from wading in areas that are "fanned out" for spawning Redds is advised.  Natural reproduction is limited in Ohio streams because of our high clay and other sediment levels when the water does come up, but doing everything we can not to add to those problems is highly advised. 

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Like on the Mad the rain has been very helpful flushing out the leaves and lingering vegetation buildup.  The river is currently slightly higher than normal for this year which is a welcome sight after the past few months of extremely low conditions.  Also a bump in flows help to disperse the stocked trout (or feeding of the resident trout as we like to call it).  Streamer fishing has been great with this high water, but as usual these levels do not last more than a few days.  Either above Pleasant Hill or below nymphing is your go to tactic for most conditions here on out.  For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies.  We have multiple options for great nymphing sticks.  Take a look at the Sage ESN, Redington Hydrogen, and the new Peiroway Renegade 9'6" 5wt to name a few.  Tightly line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are very productive and now is a great time to do some reading up and give it a try.  Take a look at the book "Dynamic Nymphing" by George Daniels and other topic related books on our site.   

The forecast looks good for a few chances of rain.  If we do actually get more rain this will help keep the levels slightly elevated compared to normal.  


Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear. Once the leaves clear out, and assuming we get some more rain, the streamer fishing should really pick-up as well.

***Public Service Announcement***
Right now the trout are staging or are currently in spawn mode.  Obviously these fish need to be left alone as they do not feed.  This time of the year though is a great time to observe and get to see some nice quality fish.  Also refraining from wading in areas that are "fanned out" for spawing Redds is advised.  Natural reproduction is limited in Ohio streams because of our high clay and other sediment levels when the water does come up, but doing everything we can not to add to those problems is highly advised.  

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

Like most every stream in the state the past rain event brought the creek up and flushed out the thick leaves.  Flows are at a great level currently providing higher than normal flows.  Despite the higher flows conditions are great and look good into this coming week.  Like the other trout streams in the state nymphing will be the key for numbers.  If you prefer the streamer game then Clear Creek offers great small streamer fishing throughout the winter.  Rigs for nymphing will include long rods, indicators, and two flies.  

  

The forecast looks good for a few chances of rain.  If we do actually get more rain this will continue to help keep the levels slightly elevated and should help flush the leaves.

Flies to have going into late fall will be nymphs like Double Stones, Cranefly Larva, Guides Choice Hares Ear, Trophy Nymphs, Psycho Prince and your typical trout nymphs like the Prince, Copper John, and Hares Ear.

Streamer fishing will require a different rig.  Most of the time we will pull out or 5-6wt rods and short streamer tip line or use our aggressive tapers and weighted streamers.  With a sinking line a short leader is all that is needed.  If you do not like to build your own then take a look at the Rio Big Nasty Leaders and cut the butt section back 2 feet.  A floating line will require a 7 1/2' to 9' leader.  Streamers to stock up on are Mini Dungeons, Barely Legals, Wooly Buggers, Autumn Splendor, Clousers, Trick or Treats, Orange Blossoms, Cougars, Wooly Sculpins, Cactus Wooly, and Near Nuff Sculpin to name a few. 

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

"Steelhead Alley Double" for Don Belock and Joe Anclien yesterday. They were out with MRO Guide Josh McQueen and had an excellent day of Ohio Steelheading!

We have finally gotten the BIG push of water we have needed to continue the flushing out process of the leaves.  With this rain we have also continued to have a great number of fish flood the Lake Erie Tributaries.  Looking into the weekend we expect to have great fishing despite the cold temperatures.  The end of the weekend and into next week will warm back up and provide great opportunities to catch your first steelie of the season.  There is a slight chance of rain in the forecast so lets hope that every few days we a little water to keep the stream levels right.  

Indicator/bobber fishing and swinging have been the most productive the past week.  You will want to be prepared for just about any situation this time of the year as the weather can change very quickly.  Ideal conditions for us are flows with stain that keeps the fish comfortably on the feed and move.  The typical Indicator rig for us is either an Air Lock or Thingamabobber float on a custom build leader tied to our 7-8wt Scientific Anglers Anadro or Rio Trout Steelhead line.  

Our go to rods are 10' single handers or a switch rod in the 6-8wt range.  On this rig we will usually fish tandem fly rigs of two eggs, an egg and a nymph or a Wooly Bugger and an egg. Actual patterns for this type of fishing will include various colors of Wooly Buggers, Glo Bugs, Crystal Meth and Scrambled Egg also in various colors, Bloody Mary nymphs, Steelhead Candy, Chicken Littles, Steelhead and Wiggle Stones.  Tippet sizes will range from 0x-2x fluorocarbon.  

The typical rig for swinging flies will consist of a switch rod in the 10'6"-11'9" 6-8wt range.  The new Jerry French Pieroway Renegade rods are the big talk in the shop as they are effortless to cast and light weight making them a dream to fish all day.  We have a great assortment of rods in the shop to meet your specific needs so make sure to stop by or shoot us a call.  Matching your switch rod with the right line can be intimidating if you do not have the proper guidance so make sure to give us a call!  For swinging flies either a Skagit or Scandi line with a sink tip that meets your needs will get the job done.  Add a short piece of 12-20lb tippet and a Flow Ryder, A.I Intruder or others and you will be ready to find those "grabby" fish fresh out of the "Big Lake."  

We are continuing to book guide trips daily so make sure to contact us with a couple of your date options!

Click Here to check out the details and pricing on our Steelhead Alley Guide Service

Mad River Outfitters/Mad River Travel/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

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

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

www.madriveroutfitters.com
www.midwestflyfishingschools.com

614-451-0363