Mad River Outfitters

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Fly Tying- The Sandwich Beetle

The Sandwich Beetle

The Sandwich Beetle is a very simple fly that I have been tying for quite some time here and it has served me well. As a guide and instructor, we are always looking for easy and quick flies that produce. This one fits the bill on all three fronts!

As an instructor for the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, Brian and I do alot of teaching at Sunnybrook Trout Club and Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club here in Ohio and this fly works extremely well at both places. In fact, Brian wanted me to run this fly here so that he could learn how to tie it properly and stock his boxes for the coming season. Now I don't have to fill his box each time we are teaching together!

BTW- This fly works as well on Bluegill and Panfish as it does trout!!

Again, pretty simple fly that works! Hope you enjoy.

Jerry Darkes- April 2017

* We have been working with Jerry here at MRO for nearly 25 years now. He has been a rep for multiple companies for years as well as a guide, instructor and trip host here in the shop. He is a accomplished author and lecturer and is very well known in the Midwestern Fly Fishing Circuit.

He is a great friend at the shop and we are honored that he was willing to do a "guest spot" video tutorial for us. You'll be seeing more of him here.

Books by Jerry:

"Fly Fishing the Inland Oceans" - Click Here

"Tying Essential Bass and Panfish Flies" - Click Here

Sandwich Beetle Fly Recipe:

Hook: Daiichi 1310 or equivalent, #14 Click Here

Thread: UTC 70D, black Click Here

Underbody: Natural or synthetic dry fly dubbing, black Click Here

Foam: 1.5mm -2mm foam sheeting, black with a brighter color such as orange or yellow.

Glue together as a single sheet using a spray adhesive. Cut into strips between 1/8”–

¼” (4mm-5mm) wide. Glue- Click Here Foam- Click Here

Legs: Montana Fly Company Speckled Sexi Floss- size fine, in brown, olive, tan. Click Here

1. Secure the hook in the vise.

2. Start the thread and lay base of thread on the hook shank.

3. Take the thread to bend of the hook, then finger dub several inches of the underbody material on to the thread.

4. Wrap the body up close to the hook eye, then wrap back to the middle of the hook shank.

5. Cut a section of the foam strip approximately ½” or 15mm in length.

6. Put a drop or two of Super Glue or ZapAGap on the center of the black side of the foam.

7. Lay the foam on top of the hook so the glue lines up where the thread is hanging down. Keep the foam on top of the hook. Wrap the thread over the foam with enough tension to compress the foam into noticeable segments.

8. Cut a 2” length of the fine Barred Sexi Floss. Double that over and cut into 2- 1” sections. Tie these in one one side of the body.

9. Repeat the procedure for the opposite side of the body, then add a bit more dubbing to the thread.

10. Wrap the dubbing in front of the foam, up to the hook eye.

11. Whip finish or half-hitch the thread, then trim.

12. Cut the legs to length of approximately 3 color sections.

13. Put a bit of glue on each side over the thread where the legs are tied in.

There you have it. The Sandwich Beetle. Play around with the colors of the foam and legs and see what works best for you. Throw this over some trout or panfish this season and have fun!

Watch the Video!

Mad River Outfitters/Midwest Fly Fishing Schools

Fly Shop, Fly Fishing Guides, Hosted Fly Fishing Travel, Schools, Classes and more!

813 Bethel Rd.

Columbus, Ohio 43214

614-451-0363

admin@madriveroutfitters.com

www.madriveroutfitters.com

Friday, April 13, 2018

Getting Started in Fly Fishing

Here at Mad River Outfitters and the Midwest Fly Fishing Schools, education is the cornerstone of our business. Not only do we sell the stuff, we teach you how to use it.

For nearly 25 years now, head instructor and MRO founder Brian Flechsig has been teaching a FREE Beginners Program here in the shop. This is a two hour program that we offer many times a season and it always draws a big crowd. The program is designed to help you take the mystery out of getting started in the sport. We always say that we can take 5 years off of your learning curve in those two hours.

In the program, Brian clears up some of the common mis-conceptions about fly fishing and also then breaks down the 6 basic things that you need to understand.

Those 6 things are:

1. The Fly Rod

2. The Fly Reel

3. The Fly Line System- backing, fly line and leader

4. Flies- the basics

5. Accessories

6. Water (with fish in it)

But.....what if you can't get to Columbus, Ohio to attend the program?

Here you go-

Getting Started in Fly Fishing has now been released on our YouTube Channel!

It is basically the same program, just done up in a series of 13 or 14 episodes.

Episode 1 is up now but look for 2 and 3 to be released in the next few days and the remainder of the episodes in the coming weeks.

Subscribe NOW!

www.youtube.com/madriveroutfitters

Fishing Reports- 4/13/18

* 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

The talk around the shop has been more and more about Smallmouth. Mostly this is because once we start fishing for bass Winter is officially over, but this year it just seems to never end. We get a shot in the arm and then take a look at the forecast and its right back into winter. This time of the year is really tough for a warm water fisherman especially in Ohio. For those that have made it out during prime conditions pre-spawn Smallies and Saugeye have been caught.

Understanding water temps, seasonal migration patterns, and forage are the key to successful fishing any time of the year, but more so in the Spring.

With the very high water and few warm days the river fishing has been tough. The most consistent fishing has been below the local dams or in small ponds. Fishing a 6-8wt with a sinking tip line from AirFlo or Scientific Anglers is our usual rig. Match that outfit with an articulated fly in white or shad colors and you have a great place to start. For fishing the streams once they are at the right levels you will want to select Half and Halfs, Dungeons, Bottoms Up, Modern Deceivers and others. For pond and lake fishing Dirty Hippies, Barely Legals, Bottoms Up, Murdich Minnow, Glass Buggers, and alike are a good start.

Forecast

These past few days have been great, but there is a lot of rain forecasted. Next week looks like we are back on the roller coaster weather pattern also. The streams will not fish until late next week and this will be limited to just a few small creeks. Pond fishing will continue to be the best choice. Search out areas that have shallow bays or flats with dark bottoms. If it is sunny and calm a rocky bank is also a great choice. Get out there when you can and keep the dust off of your casting.

Mad River

USGS Gauge- Urbana

USGS Gauge- St. Paris Pike

Mad River Map

It has been great too see the river higher than usual for a good portion of the year so far. In general, the Mad has been fishing good to excellent and we expect that to only get better as we go here.

Streamer fishing has produced the most buzz around the shop, but nymphing has been the numbers game. For those that put in their time floating the river streamer fishing a good number of upper teens to low twenties fish have came to the boat. Despite the clear water the flows have made the lower river a float only situation while the smaller upper sections have produced well for those wadding. Euro nymphing, Indicator/bobber fishing, and streamers all produce higher in the system as well. Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Hendrickson nymphs, and Prince have been the most productive nymphs. Streamers that have produced are the usual Barely Legal, Dungeon, Big Hole Bug, Pearl Necklace, Zoo Cougar, and Peanut Envy.

Dry fly fishing has been limited. There have been a few Blue Wing Olives and Blue Quills around but the conditions have not provided good fishing. The past few days we have finally seen some Hendricksons, but only sporadically. These hatches usually start in the lower river when conditions are right and progress up river. With the high and colder water things are a little different this year. The past two days the temps have been right for Hendricksons to explode but the wind has kept this from happening. At any moment, all hell is going to break loose and fish are going to be eating Hendricksons until they burst.

We do have guide trips next week with the hopes of dry fly fishing. We'll let you know what we find out.

This guy will be the star of the show here as soon as the hatch gets into full-swing. Should be a few weeks of FANTASTIC dry fly fishing ahead. Be sure to have some nymphs as well for the hours prior to hatching.

Click Here to check out our early season Hatch Matching flies

Forecast
Those wanting to take advantage of the Hendrickson on foot will need to keep an eye on the middle river. The flows right now continue to be higher than usual. Wading at a flow of more than 250cfs at 36 is not suggested. Even at that flow it is challenging and not suggested for anyone new to wading or not familiar with the area. Floating the river at the right times will put you in the needed areas to see the most Hendrickson action. Like stated above the high water and weather have things pushed back. Keep an eye out anywhere though and be ready with a box of Becks Hendrickson, Bears Para Hendrickson, and Hendrickson Sparkle Dun. We have a feeling that since the weather has not been playing by the rules the bugs might follow. We will keep you updated with hatch info as we see everything play out. In the meantime Make sure to be nymphing a Bead Head Hendrickson, Pheasant Tail, or dark Hares Ear in the 12-16 range. Drop off of that nymph a Soft hackle or non bead Pheasant tail and you should be in plenty of fish.

There is some rain in the forecast that will most likely mess things up for the first part of the week. By mid week we should see perfect streamer water and Hendrickson picking back up towards the weekend. Keep an eye on the flow gauges or shoot us a call at the shop and we will help you sort it all out.

Congrats again to Nick Renzetti who landed this Beast of a girl back in March!

Clearfork River

USGS- Upper Clearfork

USGS- Lower/Mohican State Park

Clearfork Map

Not many reports from fishing up there, but the past few days the river has been fishing well.

The upper river has been the only section fishable as they continue to dump water out of the dam in the lower. There has been a few Hendrickson, Blue Quills, and Blue Wing Olives spotted, but with the past rains the conditions have just been good the past few days. Most individuals have been nymphing to produce the best results. There are a few that like to streamer fish this area and continue to be rewarded. The higher water this Spring has provided plenty of great streamer water.

Forecast
Looking ahead there will be a large amount of rain heading into the area. Look for the upper river to start fishing as early as mid week, but most likely your best bet will be later in the week.

At that time we should see a good Hendrickson hatch. Be prepared with a box of Becks Hendrickson, Bears Para Hendrickson, and Hendrickson Sparkle Dun. If you do not see any activity nymph Bead Head Hendrickson, Pheasant Tail, or dark Hares Ear in the 12-16 range. Drop off of that nymph a Soft hackle or non bead Pheasant tail and you should be in plenty of fish. Streamer fishing will continue to be great. Make sure to have a good array of colors and fly designs so you are prepared for anything. The lower river will continue to be very high and not fishable.

Clear Creek

USGS Gauge

Clear Creek Map

There has not been much to report from the creek the past week. Flows continue to be higher that normal. Clarity has just been good the past few days with some stain lingering in the deeper holes. No reports of Hendrickson yet, but the conditions are perfect and we are a day or so away from the best dry fly fishing of the season.

Streamer fishing has been the preferred method with the high flows, but with minimal success. Fish continue to be caught nymphing small caddis and mayfly nymphs also. Fishing overall this Spring has been slow and the crowds have not been helping. Ask anyone local and you will get an ear full as the fish regulations have changed.

Forecast
With the rain forecasted this weekend the creek will not fish till late next week. We will keep you updated if you happen to be down that way next weekend. Dry fly fishing should pickup by next weekend or once Spring decides to stick around. Right now most of the focus is at fishing the hatches on the Mad.

Erie Steelhead

Gauge Links and Maps

Fishing has been fantastic. All of our tributaries are packed with fish in all stages of the run.

This past week we have seen many drop back hens being caught with a few fresh fish in the mix. The suckers have made it into the streams in big numbers also. Most fish are being caught in the deeper water behind these sucker pods. At this stage in the run your most productive technique will be nymphing double egg rigs under a float. There are plenty of fish in the shallow riffles actively spawning. Beginners commonly are distracted by visible fish in these areas. Remember that these fish are spawning and do not readily feed.

Forecast
There is a big rain event heading to the state this weekend. This will mess things up for a few days and continue to keep the Grand high. Focusing on the tributaries of the Grand and the smaller streams by mid week will be your best bet. Pushing ahead to next weekend everything but the Grand should be in great shape. This rain will push out the drop back/ already spawned fish and bring in some fresh fish. Look for fish to be readily taken on various methods. Swinging has been great and the new Pieroway Renegade rods have been a HUGE focus this season. If you need help sorting all of this switch/spey/swinging stuff out let us know. Nymphing double egg, bugger & egg, or egg and nymph rigs under a float has put numbers to hand also.

Our go to rigs are either a 10' 7wt or a 6-8wt switch rod. Match these with the SA Anadro, AirFlo Nymph line, or properly weighted Rio Switch line. Flies to keep stocked up on will be Scrabbled Eggs, Glo Bugs, Otters Eggs, Wiggle Stones, Steelhead Stones, Chicken Little, and various colors of Wooly Buggers. As for swinging flies grab Senyo's A.I. in various colors, Flow Ryders, and Sili-Leg Intruders. Do not over look stripping streamers also. As we get later in the season pulling out your Smallmouth rig and stripping will reward you with a mixed bag. If you are heading up that way, give us a call and we will keep you up to date.

Click Here to see photos from the past few weeks of guide trips!

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

Old friend and long-time customer Sam Hanna was out on a guide trip with Josh on Wednesday and they had continuous action. Steelhead season is full-on right now.

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

Saturday, April 7, 2018

Fly Tying- The Sunken Fox

The Sunken Fox Fly

Steelheading in the Great Lakes, especially "Steelhead Alley" can provide tough conditions at times throughout the season. The past few falls have provided very low and clear water and that seems to be the new "norm". Trying to swing modern flies in low flows is a challenge as they are too big, too flashy, or too heavy. I could see steelhead chasing shiners, but the flies that were in my box did not fit the bill. Later while on a small trout stream swinging soft hackles in low clear water the building blocks for this fly began. I wanted a fly that had a little weight, a touch of flash, was the right size, and just the right amount of movement. Combining the productivity of a soft hackle and materials from a Scandi birthed a small swinging fly that can be fishing on a floating line as well as with a sinking tip.

Although originally designed for Steelhead Alley the Sunken Fox has produced equally well for trout and warm water species. The color design here is Emerald Shiner, but black and blue, red and black, tan and white, or silver and white all are must haves in your fly boxes. Give this fly a shot when you find those low and clear conditions on any water you fish.

Ryan Ratliff- April 2018

Sunken Fox Fly Recipe:

Hook: TMC 7999 #4-8 Click Here

Thread: GSP 100 Click Here

Body: Ultra Wire size Large in contrasting colors Click Here

Thorax: Ice Dub Click Here

Prop: EP Foxy Brush Click Here

Wing 1: Arctic Fox in Dubbing Loop Click Here or Click Here

Wing 2: Coq de Leon Hen Saddle Click Here

Cement: Loon UV Thin Click Here

1. Place your Salmon Iron hook of choice (here TMC 7999) into vise.

2. Using GSP 100 lay down a single layer of thread.

3. Pull off a few inches of Ultra Wire in contrasting colors (here green and silver). Tie in both wires on the top of the hook shank.

4. Wrap both colored wires together side by side progressing up the hook shank.

5. Tie off the wires 3/4 up the shank. Make sure to lightly cover your wire ends with thread carefully. These ends are very sharp thus the reason for the GSP.

6. Dub a large ball of Ice Dub (here Olive Brown) at the end of the wire wraps.

7. Tie in a section of EP Foxy Brush 1.5 (here Olive Brown) and carefully wrap under tight pressure.

8. Continue for three wraps making sure not to trap any material.

9. Tie off the brush and cover the wire core ends with thread.

10. Create a Dubbing Loop right off the end of the Foxy Brush. Place a clump of stacked Arctic Fox in the loop and evenly disperse the fibers.

11. Using a dubbing spinner carefully spin the dubbing loop to make a brush with the fox.

12. Wrap the dubbing loop around the hook shank in the same fashion as the Foxy Brush. Three of so wraps will be good. Tie off the dubbing loop and trim the extra.

13. Select the appropriate sized Coq de Leon Hen Saddle (here in Chartreuse). Holding the feather by the tip and with the concave/underside away from you strip off the left dies of the feather.