Saturday Sessions in January

 Saturday Sessions will be fun and informal fly tying "gatherings" held on select Saturday mornings here at MRO this Winter! 9 a.m. - Noon or so and each will be "topic specific" and taught by our staff of fly tyers here at the shop.

You bring your vise and basic tools, we'll provide the hooks and materials for the class. Oh....and we'll probably have some coffee and donuts as well.

Here's what's on tap for January 2024:

Women's Beginner Class

Saturday, January 13th

Katie Johnstone- Instructor

Register for Katie's Class HERE!

Pike and Musky Flies

Saturday, January 20th

Pat Kelly- Instructor

Register for Pat's Class HERE!

Saturday Sessions will continue as well through February and March- here's a rundown of what's to come:

* Saturday, February 10th- Top Steelhead Flies with Ryan Ratliff

* Saturday, February 17th- New Saltwater Flies with Brian Flechsig

* Saturday, March 9th- Women's Intermediate Class with Katie Johnstone

* Saturday, March 16th- Bass Flies/Streamers with Pat Kelly

* Saturday, March 23rd- Favorite Carp Flies with Brian Flechsig

For more on our complete offering of Fly Fishing Classes and Schools- Click Here!

For a complete Calendar listing of all Events, Classes and Trips- Click Here!

833 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Merry Christmas from MRO!

 

Merry Christmas to you and yours.....from all of us here at MRO!

We hope you all have a wonderful Holiday!

Brian, Andy, Patrick, Linda, Ryan, Dev, Katie, Steve, Paul, Cristina, Sam, Roger, Judy, Josh, Dustin, Rogue and Bella.

OPEN Christmas Eve!

 

Just a friendly reminder that we will be OPEN on Christmas Eve from 10-5!

Rumor has it that there will be some amazing deals going down in the shop! Will be worth stopping by if you are in the area.

Also a reminder:

Mad River Outfitters Gift Cards can be e-mailed to you up to 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve!

You simply print......and present!

Click HERE to purchase an MRO Gift Card!

833 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Friday Flies: The Default #1 by Paul Johnson

The Default #1
Written and tied by Paul Johnson

The Default #1 has become a staple in my Rainbow Trout/Steelhead box. I came up with this pattern because I wanted a fly that would be easy and quick to tie, making it easier to load a lot of patterns into my box. 

This fly showcases a big factor when targeting Rainbows/Steelhead... flash. The vinyl rib adds a bit of texture to the fly. I chose clear so the holographic tinsel shines right through making it an eye catcher for any fish that sees it. Holographic tinsel provide the tyer with a lot of different possible color combinations. This fly can be tied from bright colors to more earth tone colors depending on where you’re fishing. In addition, the TMC 2457 hooks are strong which is why this fly can handle the Steelhead we are targeting in the Great Lakes Region.

So, if you’re looking for a pattern to add into your box make sure this is one of them! 

Step 1: Put the bead onto the hook and secure it in your vise.

Step 2: Put a layer of thread down behind the bead making sure to wrap down to the back end of the barb.

Step 3: Tie in a 3” piece of Vinyl Rib starting from behind the bead making wraps back. Make sure to only go back the same distance with thread wraps as you did in the previous step so everything is even.

Step 4: Tie in a piece of the Holographic Tinsel the same length as the vinyl rib. After tying the tinsel in work your thread wraps up the hook to just behind the bead.

Step 5: Grab the Holographic Tinsel wrapping it up the hook until you get to where your thread is. Make sure your forward wraps are overlapping each other. Lock down the tinsel with two thread wraps. 

Step 6: Repeat step 6 with the Vinyl Rib.

Step 7: Twist the ice dub onto the thread then make wraps until you form a small dubbing ball behind the bead.

Step 8: Pull apart and re-stack a small amount of Laser Dub until you have a sparse piece about an inch wide.

Step 9: Center tie the Laser Dub so that half the material is hanging out in front of the hook and lock in with two thread wraps right behind the bead then pull the front most portion of the laser dub down below the bead while moving your thread in front of it. Lay down two to four strong thread wraps to lock it all in place.

Step 10: Trim the laser dub so there is a small amount past the bend of the book.

Step 11: Whip finish and go fish!

Recipe:
Thread: Veevus 12/0 Fluorescent Orange
Hook: TMC 2457 #14
Cyclops Beads 7/64 White
Ice Dub in Caddis Green
Senyo's Laser Dub in White
Midge Vinyl Rib in Clear
Holographic Tinsel Medium in Fuchsia

Still Plenty of Time for Online!

 

Still Plenty of Time for Online Shopping at Mad River Outfitters!

* 2-4 days shipping to most anywhere in the USA

* We process most orders within 24 hours and some within....hours.

* Order safely up to the 18th or so

* FREE shipping on most orders over $50.00

* Call us with any questions or concerns!

Of course, if you have any doubts, or it's after the 18th.....2-Day Air is always available as a shipping option on our website!

FREE In-Store Pickup for our Local Friends!

* Our entire store inventory is available on our website and it will tell you whether the item is in-stock or out-of stock

* This allows you to safely shop and ensure that you reserve the size/color/shape that you are looking for- and it doesn't sell out by the time you get here

* Choose "In-Store Pick-Up" as your "shipping" method when you check out

* We'll have your package waiting for you within an hour or so!

Mad River Outfitters Gift Cards can be e-mailed to you up to 5:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve!

Simply Print.....and Present!

Click Here to purchase a Gift Card!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Mad River Outfitters and thanks as always for supporting a family owned, small business like ours. We truly appreciate it!

833 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

New from Oros

 

New X-Small Size Strike Indicators!

X-Small Size featured here measures 0.40 inches and recommended for use on line diameter of 0X-7X.....for best grip. These are a bit different as they are not perfectly round but a bit more like the size of a small marshmallow.

Features and details:

* Does not kink the line

* Float as much or more weight than the current leading brand.

* Smooth surface developed to repel water and dirt, and create less drag while casting

* Made with a Biodegradable additive that accelerates biodegradation with prolonged exposure in natural environments, not in normal use

* Strike indicator top and bottom colors can be mixed or matched by anglers for optimal visibility


Oros X-Small Strike Indicators available as a 3-pack or individuals including the new Chartreuse color.

Check out the new X-Small Oros Indicators HERE!

"It ain't no use if it ain't chartrese"- Lefty Kreh

New Chartreuse Color!

Chartreuse available as singles......X-Small, Small, Medium and Large.

Check out the new Chartreuse Oros Indicators HERE!

Watch the video that started it all:

833 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Happy Birthday MRO!

 

It was December 1st of 1994 that Brian and Company (his Mom and Dad) first opened the doors here at Mad River Outfitters. That makes 29 years......and counting.

So many people to THANK that have helped along the way.....employees, industry reps and professionals, friends, family....and mostly, our loyal customers.

Congrats to Brian and the team and here's to many, many more Birthdays!

Can't wait for 30! We have big plans!!!!

Since 1994!

833 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

25 Years at the Andros Island Bonefish Club

 

25 Years at the Andros Island Bonefish Club!

Brian Flechsig and Mad River Outfitters hosted their 1st trip to this legendary Bonefish destination in the Spring of 1999. We have pretty much been hosting two trips per year since!

Brian will be hosting yet again....February 24th- March 2nd, 2024 and has two spots open!

Care to join him for the celebration!

Click Here to for the details and to register and feel free to call Brian at the shop if any questions.

833 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Big News Coming about an Epic Angling Event!

 

Big.....no......HUGE NEWS Coming!

This will be an epic angling event that no angler alive has EVER experienced.

Here are a few hints:

* Involves the bug above- and lots of them!

* Josh Trammell

* Brian Flechsig

* White River in Arkansas
* July
* This hasn't happened since Thomas Jefferson was President

Stay tuned! Should be an announcement in the next few days!

833 Bethel Rd.
Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Black Friday/Cyber Monday at MRO!

 

It's that time of year again and we want to make Black Friday and Cyber Monday easy.

​

Our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deal is site wide and applies to all merchandise purchases online and in-store at or above the following amounts:

• Spend $100.00 or more, get a $20.00 Gift Card

• Spend $250.00 or more, get a $50.00 Gift Card

• Spend $500.00 or more, get a $100.00 Gift Card

• Spend $700.00 or more, get a $150.00 Gift Card

• Spend $1,000.00 or more, get a $200.00 Gift Card

• Spend $2,000.00  or more, get a $400.00 Gift Card

* Spend $5,000.00 or more, get TWO $400.00 Gift Cards

* Promotion applies to merchandise purchases only
* Services- Trips, Classes, Schools, Guide Trips are not eligible for rewards
* Gift Card purchases themselves are not eligible for rewards
* Purchases made WITH a Gift Card as payment, or with a Coupon Code of any sort are also not eligible for rewards
* Gift Card rewards will be issued on a physical Gift Card and either included in the shipment (for online) or received at the time of purchase (in-store).

Please let us know if any questions!

---

Online orders received between 12 a.m. EST, on Black Friday, November 24th, 2023 (Midnight on Thanksgiving) and Midnight Monday, EST, November 27th, 2023. That's 4 full days of Gift Card rewards!

All qualifying purchases during the 4 day period will automatically receive the Gift Card in the order shipment. No coupon or code required!!!!

Gift Cards will be included with the order shipment. Due to the huge volume of orders, we cannot e-mail these as we normally offer on Gift Card purchases. They will be included in the order shipment only. Sorry but no exceptions. 

In-Store purchases during normal store hours on Black Friday, November 24th, 2023 and Small Business Saturday, November 25th, 2023. (Remember that we are CLOSED on Sundays and Mondays). Gift Card will be issued at the point of sale.

Remember that our local friends can still shop online on Sunday or Monday and choose "In-Store Pickup" and stop by Tuesday or after. 

Watch the video on how to easily use MRO Gift Cards on our online store:

---

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

Mad River Outfitters

833 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Winter Semester: Fly Tying Classes

 

Winter Semester: Fly Tying Courses and Classes

Basic Fly Tying- THE course for Beginners! Learn the basic fundamentals of fly tying with a night spent on each, Wet Flies, Nymphs, Streamers and Dry Flies. Geared towards trout flies but the skills and concepts can be used on any types of flies. A 4 week course, 2 hours each class, one night per week for 4 weeks. Course include all hooks and materials and step-by-step patterns sheets and recipes for each fly tied. You need to bring your vise and basic tools.

Group Size: 6 students | Instructor: Ryan Ratliff- January  Pat Kelly- February

Cost: $195.00 | Location: Mad River Outfitters

January Course- starts Wednesday, January 10th- Click Here

February Course- starts Wednesday, February 7th- Click Here

Intermediate Fly Tying- Takes over where the Beginner Class leaves off. More intermediate advanced patterns and concepts will be covered: Material blending, articulation, hollow tying techniques. Understanding silhouettes and shapes. Like like patterns/impressionistic. Match the hatch "Big Bugs. Classes include all hooks and materials, you need to bring your vise and basic tools.

Group Size: 6 students | Instructor: Ryan Ratliff- March
Cost: $195.00 | Location: Mad River Outfitters


March Course- starts Wednesday, March 13th- Click Here

Introducing: Saturday Sessions

Morning Coffee? Donuts? Fly Tying.....count me in!

Saturday Sessions are specialty fly tying classes geared towards intermediate and advanced tyers. These will be held on select Saturday mornings during Winter Semester at the shop from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Participants will need to bring their vise and basic tools and all hooks and materials for the classes will be provided. Class dates and registration for 2024 classes are listed below and on the Calendar Page of our website. 

Topics for 2024 Winter Semester:

Women's Beginner Class- with Katie Johnstone
Pike/Musky Flies- with Pat Kelly
Steelhead Flies- with Ryan Ratliff
Saltwater Flies- with Brian Flechsig
Bass Flies- with Pat Kelly
Carp Flies- with Brian Flechsig
Women's Fly Tying- with Katie Johnstone

Click Here for dates, times and topics!

833 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Fly Fishing for Bluegill with Mad River Outfitters

On a crisp autumn day, Brian from Mad River Outfitters embarked on a fly fishing adventure with Ryan Ratliff from Ohio Fly Fishing Guides at the Briarwood Sporting Club. Known for its abundant giant hybrid bluegill and other panfish, the lake was a perfect spot for Brian, who passionately shared his comprehensive collection of surface and subsurface panfish bugs, including some he tied himself. 

These intricate lures, from rubber spiders to jig-style welding worms, showcased not only his dedication to the craft but also the excitement that comes with every cast and catch.

As the day progressed, the duo noticed that while the smaller fish gravitated towards the surface, the larger ones laid deeper in the water. Adapting to this realization, Brian showcased a micro popper from their shop, ideal for the situation. 

Ryan, on the other hand, shared a versatile rig that combined techniques from both nymphing for trout in lakes and conventional crappie fishing. This rig, paired with specific flies and balanced with the perfect float, proved effective, especially when the fish laid deep.

Interestingly, this unique method isn't just about casting. It's more akin to "bobber fishing," where you lob the setup out and let it drift, waiting for a bite. 

Ryan's technique, clearly derived from both conventional and fly fishing realms, proved especially effective as he consistently reeled in bigger fish from the deeper waters. Brian, staying true to his love for surface fishing, enjoyed his fair share of catches too.

For those eager to dive deeper into these techniques and witness the camaraderie and thrill of the day, we invite you to watch the full video. If you're inspired to experience this firsthand, why not book a session to fly fish with Ryan this fall through our guide services? Dive into the world of fly fishing and equip yourself with some of the best gear and knowledge, all available at Mad River Outfitters. Your adventure awaits!

Watch the full video to experience the magic of fly fishing with Brian and Ryan! Ready to create your own fishing memories? Check out our guide services and book your session to fly fish with Ryan this fall!

The Must-Have: Scientific Anglers Fly Line Dressing and Cleaning Pad

Fly fishing enthusiasts know that taking care of their equipment is essential for the best fishing experience. Enter the Scientific Anglers Fly Line Dressing and Cleaning Pad—a staple in many fishing vests. 

Armed with patented 3M micropolishing technology, this pad effectively removes the unavoidable dirt and line contaminants that accumulate during fishing, restoring the line's original performance. Incredibly, the dressing outlasts and remains on the line longer than other dressings in the market.

Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters emphasizes how crucial it is to clean and lubricate your fly line. Many, he observes, are unaware of this simple maintenance step, yet it can profoundly impact the line's behavior, how it shoots through the guides, its buoyancy, and even its longevity. Using the Scientific Anglers kit is straightforward—clean with the sandpaper-like side to remove dirt and then apply the dressing with the spongy side. 

The result? A line that's "just like butter."

Beyond its cleaning capabilities, the pad is practical. Brian confesses to going through more of these pads than the dressing itself, highlighting its utility. Whether he's guiding, fishing, or teaching, he always has a couple of these pads at the ready in his pocket. 

Cleaning your fly line can extend its life two to three times longer, making this pad not just a tool, but an investment.

So, why not witness this game-changing product in action? Dive into Mad River Outfitters' YouTube video where Brian demonstrates the effectiveness of the Scientific Anglers Fly Line Dressing and Cleaning Pad. And, if you're convinced, pick up one for yourself from Mad River Outfitters. Trust us, it's a game changer!

The Evolution of Fly Lines: RIO's Elite Series

Fly fishing has long been an artform, a dance between the angler, the fly, and the water. But as every seasoned fly fisher knows, the unsung hero of this dance is often the fly line itself. Enter RIO's latest offering: the Elite series of fly lines. 

Expertly crafted and meticulously designed, this series promises to redefine performance, precision, and ease for anglers worldwide. Whether you're wading in tranquil streams or casting in dense jungles, the Elite series ensures that every cast is more than just a throw – it's a statement. Dive in as we unravel the magic behind each version of this revolutionary fly line series.

RIO Elite Indicator Fly Line 

Perfect for wading or fishing from an anchored boat, the RIO Elite Indicator Fly Line is every angler's dream. Engineered to effortlessly turnover a variety of indicators and fly sizes, it ensures extended, accurate casts, and efficient mends for an impeccable dead drift. Its unique design permits anglers, whether wading or in an anchored boat, to cast further upstream and achieve a longer, more natural drift. 

The long head not only facilitates efficient mending at a distance but also enhances stack mending techniques downstream. Advanced features such as the low-stretch ConnectCore Plus and SlickCast technology amplify casting control, performance, and durability. Furthermore, the EasyID on the front taper guarantees quick line recognition. Available in White/Red/Gray, this line promises "Strike, Set, Game On."

RIO Elite Smallmouth Bass Fly Line 

Specifically tailored for the ardent bass angler, the RIO Elite Smallmouth Bass fly line guarantees precision and accuracy when targeting smallmouth bass. Its powerful front taper makes casting typical bass flies effortless, while its extended handling section ensures impeccable control and delivery of the fly from a distance. The line's specially crafted coating maintains its slickness during summer but is easily straightened in the cooler spring and fall temperatures. Combined with the SureFire tricolored measuring system, this Moss/Chartreuse/Beige line is truly the epitome of excellence for bass fishing.

RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line (Sink Tip Version) 

Destined to be a game-changer, the new RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line is the definitive choice for casting large, heavy, and wind-resistant flies, especially in warmwater and jungle scenarios. Whether targeting Largemouth Bass or Peacock Bass in the dense jungle, this line has got you covered. Taking inspiration from their popular Elite Predator line, this version ensures that casting big flies remains a breeze. 

With a floating running line and the (F/S5/S7) density combination, it promises a swift and deep descent. Presented in a striking Black/Yellow/Blue color, it's bound to be a favorite among anglers.

RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line (Intermediate Tip Version) 

Another masterpiece in the Elite series, this RIO Elite Warmwater Predator Fly Line, with its floating/hover/intermediate profile, promises top-notch performance when casting large flies in warm waters. Its short, powerful front taper combined with a floating running line guarantees effortless mending and pick-up. 

This particular line features a (F/H/I) density combination, making it ideal for fishing in the top 2-3 ft of water. With a beautiful Clear/Sand/Yellow/Blue color palette, it not only performs well but looks the part too.

Get Yours Now! Experience the ultimate in fly fishing with RIO's Elite series of fly lines. Head over to Mad River Outfitters now to grab one for yourself and redefine your angling experience. Because with RIO, you're not just fishing, you're making every cast count.