* 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.
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.
Fly Fishing Film Tour
Thanks again to all who attended the annual visit of the Fly Fishing Film Tour to Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, March 8th. A good time was had by all and some great raffle prizes went out the door that night. The fly fishing community came together to support the Children's Hunger Alliance and we really knocked it out of the park.
We should be presenting the donation check to the folks at CHA this coming week so stay tuned on Social Media and our YouTube Channel. We'll be broadcasting when we present. They are gonna be thrilled!
In the meantime, here's a few photos from the night:
The Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour- Columbus, Ohio at the Gateway Film Center- brought to you by Mad River Outfitters
Proceeds from the event go to the Children's Hunger Alliance of Ohio- check will be presented this week and will be broadcasted on Social Media Channels
Over $5,000 in Raffle Prizes! Thanks to those who donated and helped us out. A list of donors is here on our last Blog Post as well as on our website.
Adrienne Galloway from the Children's Hunger Alliance was on hand and did a great job of promoting the charity to the crowd!
A sell out crowd as always! 262 tickets sold! Thanks again for your support of this great event!
Warmwater
Despite the early warming trend the current conditions are still feeling more like winter...well truth is......it is winter here for a few more days. Those that have access to shallow ponds with dark bottom have been catching a few small panfish and bass. The window to fish these locations have been very small. Finding a day that has a good amount of sun and little wind gives you a good chance to catch fish in the late afternoon. Most of these fish have been caught on small nymphs under floats or small streamers fished very slowly. Saugeye have also been consistent for those who keep an eye on the water levels below the local dams. There have not been many reports of productive lake fishing as of yet, but this has probably been due to the high water.
Forecast:
Looking into the weekend and next week there will be limited windows, but still worth hitting the local ponds for a quick trip. Plan ahead to be out for the peak high temps of the day targeting those shallow protected bays. The predicted weather looks like things are heading the right direction, but it is still March.
Forecast:
Looking into the weekend and next week there will be limited windows, but still worth hitting the local ponds for a quick trip. Plan ahead to be out for the peak high temps of the day targeting those shallow protected bays. The predicted weather looks like things are heading the right direction, but it is still March.
With this cold front setting in this weekend, nymphing continues to be the most productive choice. There are plenty of maturing mayfly nymphs around so make sure your boxes are prepared with Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, and Hares Ear. There have also been a few spotty mayfly hatches, but these are the usual BWO and a few early Blue Quills. As for the Little Black stones they are pretty much done, but fish are still being caught on small black Double Stones and Black Copper Johns #12-14. Look for this bite to slow and the previously mentioned nymphs to dominate.
Forecast:
Once we see some stable weather, well as stable as an Ohio Spring will give us, look for more Blue Quills to show up. Now is the time to stock up your dry fly box with Blue Quills, Bear's Para Hendrickson, Sparkle Dun, Red Quill, Becks Hendrickson, Borchers, BWOs, and Adams. You do not want to be out on the river anytime in the next couple months without a diverse dry fly box. Until you see hatching bugs focus on nymphing typical mayfly patterns like the Trophy, Guides Choice, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Copper John, Hendrickson, and Hares Ear. Also swinging a B.H. Soft hackle, Swing Nymph, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail or Holographic Wet can help you productively cover plenty of water. Fishing small streamers can still produce as long as you fish them very close to the bottom tight to cover. There is not much precipitation in the forecast so expect clear falling water into next week.
Forecast:
Once we see some stable weather, well as stable as an Ohio Spring will give us, look for more Blue Quills to show up. Now is the time to stock up your dry fly box with Blue Quills, Bear's Para Hendrickson, Sparkle Dun, Red Quill, Becks Hendrickson, Borchers, BWOs, and Adams. You do not want to be out on the river anytime in the next couple months without a diverse dry fly box. Until you see hatching bugs focus on nymphing typical mayfly patterns like the Trophy, Guides Choice, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Copper John, Hendrickson, and Hares Ear. Also swinging a B.H. Soft hackle, Swing Nymph, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail or Holographic Wet can help you productively cover plenty of water. Fishing small streamers can still produce as long as you fish them very close to the bottom tight to cover. There is not much precipitation in the forecast so expect clear falling water into next week.
Another week or so, coupled with some warming temps.....and "Hendrickson Watch" will be on!!!! Always an exciting time of year and if you see some bugs hatching, please let us know and we'll do the same.
Seasonal Tactics:
Nymphing is the key this time of the year.....although we are starting to think about dry fly season for sure. For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies. The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs and enhance the dead-drift presentation. Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and 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 Ultragreen, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart. Don't forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.
Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.....as usual. This window is very small, but well worth the wait. 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.
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line. Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs. Galloup's Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated 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 season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.
Gearing up for dry fly season means adding some proper leaders and flies to your arsenal. Rio Suppleflex are of course our favorite dry fly leaders along with the MRO Brand Furled Leaders. These will enhance your dead drift presentation which is so critical on the Mad. Have a look at our website for our "Hatches" offerings when it comes to the right flies for the job. You will need some Blue Winged Olives (16-18) which will work for the Blue Quills as well and then some #14 Hendricksons. Be sure to check out the new line of Dry Fly Floatants from our friends at High-N-Dry as well. These are truly superior products that will keep your flies floating higher and longer.
Nymphing is the key this time of the year.....although we are starting to think about dry fly season for sure. For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies. The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs and enhance the dead-drift presentation. Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and 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 Ultragreen, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart. Don't forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.
Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.....as usual. This window is very small, but well worth the wait. 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.
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line. Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs. Galloup's Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated 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 season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.
Gearing up for dry fly season means adding some proper leaders and flies to your arsenal. Rio Suppleflex are of course our favorite dry fly leaders along with the MRO Brand Furled Leaders. These will enhance your dead drift presentation which is so critical on the Mad. Have a look at our website for our "Hatches" offerings when it comes to the right flies for the job. You will need some Blue Winged Olives (16-18) which will work for the Blue Quills as well and then some #14 Hendricksons. Be sure to check out the new line of Dry Fly Floatants from our friends at High-N-Dry as well. These are truly superior products that will keep your flies floating higher and longer.
Our good friend Mike Canter sent us this photo and quick report the other day:
"About a dozen small ones. Some decent ones also. Small mayfly hatch around 2pm"- Mike Canter
This photo just came via e-mail moments ago from our friend Jacob Arima- no details but from today
Clearfork River
Clearfork Map
Despite the clear falling flows there has not been much to report. Most of the fish have been of the fall stocked size. Nymphing continues to produce with Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, and Hares Ear being the top producers. There has not been any reports from the lower river mostly being that the flows have just now dropped to safe levels. Gear guys have caught Saugeye and a few Trout right below the dam when conditions allowed.
Forecast:
The water is in great shape with only a little snow melt causing slight issues. Nymph typical mayfly patterns like the Trophy, Guides Choice, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Copper John, Hendrickson, and Hares Ear. Keep your dry fly box handy as you never know when you might find a few Blue Quills sneaking out early. With the forecasted up and down temps nymphing and swinging B.H. Soft hackle, Swing Nymph, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail or Holographic Wet should be your focus though.
Despite the clear falling flows there has not been much to report. Most of the fish have been of the fall stocked size. Nymphing continues to produce with Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, and Hares Ear being the top producers. There has not been any reports from the lower river mostly being that the flows have just now dropped to safe levels. Gear guys have caught Saugeye and a few Trout right below the dam when conditions allowed.
Forecast:
The water is in great shape with only a little snow melt causing slight issues. Nymph typical mayfly patterns like the Trophy, Guides Choice, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Copper John, Hendrickson, and Hares Ear. Keep your dry fly box handy as you never know when you might find a few Blue Quills sneaking out early. With the forecasted up and down temps nymphing and swinging B.H. Soft hackle, Swing Nymph, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail or Holographic Wet should be your focus though.
Seasonal Tactics:
Like on the Mad, nymphing is the key this time of the year......although we are starting to think about dry fly season for sure. For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies. The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs and enhance the dead-drift presentation. Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and 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 Ultragreen, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart. Don't forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.
Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.....as usual. This window is very small, but well worth the wait. 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.
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line. Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs. Galloup's Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated 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 season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.
Gearing up for dry fly season means adding some proper leaders and flies to your arsenal. Rio Suppleflex are of course our favorite dry fly leaders along with the MRO Brand Furled Leaders. These will enhance your dead drift presentation which is so critical on the Mad. Have a look at our website for our "Hatches" offerings when it comes to the right flies for the job. You will need some Blue Winged Olives (16-18) which will work for the Blue Quills as well and then some #14 Hendricksons. Be sure to check out the new line of Dry Fly Floatants from our friends at High-N-Dry as well. These are truly superior products that will keep your flies floating higher and longer.
Like on the Mad, nymphing is the key this time of the year......although we are starting to think about dry fly season for sure. For this we like to fish long rods, indicators, and two flies. The Rio Indicator leaders really help you cast these rigs and enhance the dead-drift presentation. Tight line, High Stick, or Euro style tactics are also very productive. Grab a Euro Nymph and 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 Ultragreen, Rio Two Tone Indicator tippet and a pack of tippet rings to your cart. Don't forget the Fluorocarbon tippet also.
Streamer fishing into the Spring will consist of timing flows that are on the fall.....as usual. This window is very small, but well worth the wait. 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.
Rigs for streamer fishing consist of 6-8wts and a sink tip line. Fill your fly boxes with a vast array of fly colors and designs. Galloup's Dungeons, Bottoms Up, and Articulated 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 season and typically produce some of our biggest fish of the year.
Gearing up for dry fly season means adding some proper leaders and flies to your arsenal. Rio Suppleflex are of course our favorite dry fly leaders along with the MRO Brand Furled Leaders. These will enhance your dead drift presentation which is so critical on the Mad. Have a look at our website for our "Hatches" offerings when it comes to the right flies for the job. You will need some Blue Winged Olives (16-18) which will work for the Blue Quills as well and then some #14 Hendricksons. Be sure to check out the new line of Dry Fly Floatants from our friends at High-N-Dry as well. These are truly superior products that will keep your flies floating higher and longer.
Clear Creek
Clear Creek Map
Water levels and temps have been favorable the past few weeks and fishing has been good to great. We've been getting some really excellent and almost surprising reports from "down South".
Most fish have been caught nymphing close to the bottom with mayfly and caddis patterns. Keep the typical Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, Hares Ear, Psycho Prince, Holy Grail, Flashabou Caddis, and soft hackles at hand for the most success.
Small streamers have also produced a few fish. There have not been much insect activity, but it is very early for this creek.
As with our other trout streams, we will be watching for dry fly activity to pick up here over the next few weeks. BWOs and Hendricksons will be on the menu soon.
Forecast:
If you find yourself down in the Hocking Hills this weekend you should take advantage for the warmer weather and spend a couple hours on the creek. Next week looks unstable, but would probably still produce a few fish. Rain is predicted Tuesday so keep an eye or call the shop if you have plans for mid-week down there.
Most fish have been caught nymphing close to the bottom with mayfly and caddis patterns. Keep the typical Trophy Nymphs, Hendrickson Nymphs, Pheasant tails, Hares Ear, Psycho Prince, Holy Grail, Flashabou Caddis, and soft hackles at hand for the most success.
Small streamers have also produced a few fish. There have not been much insect activity, but it is very early for this creek.
As with our other trout streams, we will be watching for dry fly activity to pick up here over the next few weeks. BWOs and Hendricksons will be on the menu soon.
Forecast:
If you find yourself down in the Hocking Hills this weekend you should take advantage for the warmer weather and spend a couple hours on the creek. Next week looks unstable, but would probably still produce a few fish. Rain is predicted Tuesday so keep an eye or call the shop if you have plans for mid-week down there.
Erie Steelhead
Gauge Links and Maps
What a crazy week this has been. High water falling and clearing mixed with heavy Lake-Effect snow and fresh fish. For those that have been able to make it out there have been plenty of opportunities to catch fish. The Grand is still high as usual, but most of the other streams are heading to the low side. Lets hope for enough snow melt to stabilize flows into the weekend.
Expect heavy crowds this weekend and into next week. There are plenty of fish in the systems so now is the time to plan those days off. Make sure to call the shop with your dates as our calendar is filling fast.
Water temps are still in the 30's with fish, although willing to bite, currently in winter mode. Focus on the deeper runs making sure your flies are very close to the bottom is key. Wooly Buggers and a Glo Bug or double eggs have been the most productive. A few fish have been taken on the swing, but with the cold water and low visibility the swing game has been hard play.
"Stepped into the shop for a quick chat with you guys yesterday and ended up getting to catch up with Ryan. Ryan gave me some useful tips and tricks for targeting late winter steelhead. I was able to apply those tips on my trip to the Chagrin this morning and was rewarded with a 31 inch tank! Thanks a lot, and here’s the pic I promised y’all!
I fished in the slowest deepest pools I could find. Pink egg patterns were the ticket. I used enough split shot to barely bounce along the bottom. A lot of fish were being caught today, and many of the other anglers were throwing pink and red egg patterns/spawn sacks. "- Murphy Coan
What a crazy week this has been. High water falling and clearing mixed with heavy Lake-Effect snow and fresh fish. For those that have been able to make it out there have been plenty of opportunities to catch fish. The Grand is still high as usual, but most of the other streams are heading to the low side. Lets hope for enough snow melt to stabilize flows into the weekend.
Expect heavy crowds this weekend and into next week. There are plenty of fish in the systems so now is the time to plan those days off. Make sure to call the shop with your dates as our calendar is filling fast.
Seasonal Tactics:
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. Do not overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s especially for those low clear flows. 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 also give us a call for advice! For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a Rio or SA 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. The most versatile lines for this are the Rio Switch and SA Anadro lines. 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:
It is still officially winter and it does not take long to be reminded. Last week water temps were in the low 30's and looking ahead things will not change very quickly here. Although by the end of next week things look better that is a long way out as those things can change. As long as we continue to have a little snow melt and added snow levels will be low, but okay. Make sure to have plenty of the smaller Glo Bugs in various colors along with some Wiggle Stones, Psycho Prince, Chicken Little, Steelhead Stone, and Steelhead Candy. We still have plenty of fishing ahead of us so make sure to plan your days off.
We are continuing to book guide trips daily so make sure to contact us with a couple of your date options! We have a few tricks up our sleeve and are still getting folks into fish despite the tough conditions.
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. Do not overlook having a box of Trout Beads and Daiichi X510s or Tiemco 105s especially for those low clear flows. 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 also give us a call for advice! For swinging either a Skagit or Scandi line with a Rio or SA 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. The most versatile lines for this are the Rio Switch and SA Anadro lines. 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:
It is still officially winter and it does not take long to be reminded. Last week water temps were in the low 30's and looking ahead things will not change very quickly here. Although by the end of next week things look better that is a long way out as those things can change. As long as we continue to have a little snow melt and added snow levels will be low, but okay. Make sure to have plenty of the smaller Glo Bugs in various colors along with some Wiggle Stones, Psycho Prince, Chicken Little, Steelhead Stone, and Steelhead Candy. We still have plenty of fishing ahead of us so make sure to plan your days off.
We are continuing to book guide trips daily so make sure to contact us with a couple of your date options! We have a few tricks up our sleeve and are still getting folks into fish despite the tough conditions.
Click Here to check out the details and pricing on our Steelhead Alley Guide Service
Star student Brennon Shanks was out with guide Josh McQueen on 3/3/18 and did extremely well. Steelhead season is ON!!!!
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
