* 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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
614-451-0363
