* 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 pics and 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 pics and reports to admin@madriveroutfitters and we'll do our best to get them up.
Big Night Coming Up!
Join Clothing and Gift Manager Linda Farner on Tuesday night!
Click Here for the details!
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The boys...and girls....have been hard at work the past month or so filming a new season of YouTube videos and we will begin posting them to the channel this week.
We will be posting some Product Reviews, Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Tutorials as well as some full Fly Tying Videos of some of our favorite patterns.
Have an idea for a tutorial or a topic that you'd like to see us do or cover? Have a question on something that we could film the answer for?
Feel free to give us an idea and we'll see if we can't get your question/topic answered via video!
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2018 1-Day and 2-Day Fly Fishing Schools Announced!
Click Here to check out the "School Schedule" for 2018
Anybody up for some Bonefishing?
Join MRO host Pat Kelly at the Andros Island Bonefish Club in the Bahamas
February 17th- 24th, 2018
You get to the island and we'll do the rest!!!
Click Here for the details and pricing
Everything local has remained high but dropping all week. These streams are currently slightly stained or clear depending on which water way you are fishing. Saugeye fishing continues to be the main species. 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 that will help you extend your local winter fishing options here locally. With the water temps in the low 40's 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 opportunities but the forecast will put a damper on things. 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.
Forecast: Early week will be your best bet as there is a severe cold front heading our way. There will be some rain followed by near freezing high temps. This will probably "close the door" for a few day if not totally for fly gear. If you have some time off stop by the shop and pick up some Loon's Stanley Ice Off Paste and we will talk about options.
Fishing continues to be good. As usual water conditions have been very clear. 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, Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing. If you want to build your own leaders 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. As we move into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formerly Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.
Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows 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 bit longer to clear out, but that just means a few more hours for us streamer junkies. When the conditions hover around freezing ice in the guides is just something that we deal with. Stanley's Ice off Paste helps along with tapping the grip of the rod to shake off the excess water.
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. Galloup's Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Atriculated Fatheads flies are a good start. 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. We run these all winter and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.
Adding some spey casts to your arsenal can help keep the ice in the guides to a minimum. This is specifically helpful when nymphing. Also bring along your tenkara rods as this is a great option for the winter.
Forecast: The rain might mess things up for a few hours, but will open the door for some great streamer water midweek. After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics. There is a BIG cold front heading in and it will start to look like winter. Grad some Ice off Paste and your Tenkara Rod to keep the ice under control.
Good friend and great customer Bob Wing with a fish taken on a Galloup's Mini-Dungeon last Sunday on a float trip with MRO Guide Josh McQueen. We turned him onto that fly last week and then he sent us these pics and note from yesterday:
"That fly is KILLER.Thanks for turning me onto it"- Bob Wing
Galloup's Mini-Dungeon- our #1 selling fly- available in 5 colors- Click Here
Clearfork River
Clearfork Map
Like on the Mad, fishing has been 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, Euro Nymph line for that style or the Trout/Steelhead line for indicator/bobber fishing. If you want to build your own leaders 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. As we move into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formally Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.
Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows 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 once the upper settles 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 bit longer to clear out. 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 like Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads. 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 midweek. After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics. There is a BIG cold front heading in and it will start to look like winter. Grad some Ice off Paste and your Tenkara Rod to keep the ice under control.
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. As we move into winter conditions have some Phlamin Pheasants, Steelhead Candy, Formally Known as Prince, Shop Dips, and Chicken Hawks to name a few.
Streamer fishing into the winter will consist of timing flows 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 once the upper settles 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 bit longer to clear out. 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 like Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated Fatheads. 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 midweek. After that look for the flows to drop down and we will return to nymphing tactics. There is a BIG cold front heading in and it will start to look like winter. Grad some Ice off Paste and your Tenkara Rod to keep the ice under control.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek Map
Fishing has continued to be great this past week. Most of the stocked fish are now well dispersed and starting to act a little 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. Also 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, Amago 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.
Forecast: Early this week will be tough because of the rain. There is a BIG cold front that will bring in winter conditions. Once the conditions stable nymphing will be your best bet, but swinging a small streamer can produce a few fish.
Erie Steelhead
Gauge Links and Maps
Midwest Fly Fishing School Alumn Roberto Noden and his father were out with Josh on Saturday. You can also find a short video of Roberto with Josh on Facebook and Instagram from Saturday.
Conditions have been very tough this past week. Little to no rain has caused the tribs to be low and clear. 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 and swinging at the right times 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-3x 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."
As conditions hover around or below the freezing point learning some spey casts with mid to long belly lines keep the ice in the guides to a minimum. These casts can be done with any fishing tactic not just swinging. Keep in mind that swinging flies can be done at any flow or condition, but a couple grabs will be a great day this time of the year.
Forecast: The rain early in the week will be a welcomed sight. As usual this time of the year rain brings a cold front though. Look for temps at or below freezing for the next couple weeks. Without ice on Lake Erie also look for pop up snow showers. Mid to late week should produce good fishing conditions as long as you are prepared for the cold. No rush to get out at first light though. Keep an eye on your water temps knowing that a change of 2-3 degrees can turn on the fish. Stanley's Ice Off Paste, Rio's Switch or Trout Steelhead line, SA's Anadro will be your go to choices.
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
