Join us for a Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Weekend with Legends: Flip Pallot, Brian Flechsig, and Blane Chocklett

Are you a passionate fly angler looking to elevate your skills and immerse yourself in a one-of-a-kind experience? Look no further than the upcoming 'Flip, Brian and Blane's Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Weekend,' taking place from September 29th to October 1st, 2023. Presented by Mad River Outfitters and featuring three fly fishing legends – Flip Pallot, Brian Flechsig, and Blane Chocklett – this event promises a weekend of camaraderie, learning, and unforgettable experiences.

An Unmissable Experience

Set against the scenic backdrop of Mims, Florida and Titusville, Florida, this event combines fly tying, expert insights, and shared narratives for a truly exceptional experience. The event kicks off on Friday evening at Flip's residence in Mims, where participants will settle in and get acquainted around the fire with food and rum. Setting the stage for the weekend, followed by storytelling and camaraderie over Frigate Reserve Rum.

Saturday: A Day of Learning and Tying

The heart of the event unfolds on Saturday at the Renzetti Company Factory in Titusville. Starting at 9:00 AM, the day features a series of seminars and discussions led by Flip, Brian, and Blane. Topics range from designing flies that trigger strikes to tying unique patterns like the Flippin' Bonefish Fly and the Prince of Tides Bendback. The day culminates in fly casting demonstrations and a wealth of knowledge to take your fly tying skills to the next level.

Sunday: Deepening Your Expertise

Sunday's agenda picks up where Saturday left off, with a focus on tying Brian and Flip's favorite bonefish flies, discussions about leaders, and hands-on sessions crafting innovative baitfish patterns. The event wraps up with a Q&A session, stories, and group photos. By 3:30 PM, you'll have soaked up invaluable insights and shared unforgettable moments with fellow enthusiasts.

Come Join us

Don't miss this rare opportunity to learn from legends and enhance your fly tying and fly fishing skills. With limited spots remaining, seize the chance to join Flip Pallot, Brian Flechsig, and Blane Chocklett for an enriching and unforgettable weekend. Visit our website now to learn more about the event, secure your spot, and make lasting memories that will enhance your journey as a dedicated fly angler. Reserve your spot before it's too late – we can't wait to welcome you to this exclusive gathering of fly fishing aficionados!

Join Tightline Production's Tim Flager & Mad River Outfitters for a Night of Fly Tying!

Hey there, fellow fly anglers and tyers! If you're looking for a night of camaraderie, creativity, and gaining some expert insights into the world of fly tying, mark your calendars because we've got an exciting event coming up at Mad River Outfitters that you won't want to miss.

On September 23, 2023, starting at 5:30 PM, our doors will swing open, and the good vibes will flow as we welcome the one and only "Tightlines Tyer" himself, Tim Flagler. You know him, you've seen his Tightline Productions videos, and now, here's your chance to meet him in person and learn from a true modern fly tying legend.

The evening kicks off with fresh pizza and ice-cold beers ready for your enjoyment. At 6:00 PM, Tim takes center stage for a live tying demo that promises to be both educational and entertaining. He'll be walking us through some fantastic patterns, including the October Caddis Soft Hackle, Parachute Isonychia, Bugger variations, and the intriguing Uke's Brown Bug (Perdigon Jig).

But that's just the start at 7:00 PM, get ready to dive deep into the underwater world of trout's favorite delicacies with Tim's video presentation, "What Trout Like to Eat and Flies to Feed Them" We're talking aquatic insects, baitfish, and crustaceans that trout just can't resist. Tim's expert insights will have you nodding along and eagerly absorbing every detail.

After the presentation, around 8:00 PM, the tying demos continue, and you'll have the chance to pick Tim's brain during the Q&A session. It's a laid-back and informal setting, the perfect opportunity to ask those burning questions you've been holding onto or simply soak in the wealth of knowledge Tim has to offer.

The whole team at Mad River Outfitters is beyond thrilled to have Tim Flagler join us for this special evening. With his renowned Tightline Productions, Tim has made a significant mark on the fly fishing world, producing top-notch videos that educate, inspire, and entertain. His passion for the outdoors and fly fishing shines through, making him not only an expert behind the camera but also a genuine lover of the craft.

So, whether you're a seasoned fly tyer or just dipping your toes into this fascinating world, make sure you're part of this incredible event. Come hang out with us, share stories, learn from the best, and leave with a new sense of excitement for your next fly fishing adventure.

Ready to secure your spot for this unforgettable evening? RSVP now and let's make some memories together! Grab your fishing buddies, set your alarms, and we'll see you at Mad River Outfitters on September 23 at 5:30 PM. Great times await!

How to Quickly Change Fly Lines

Today, we're going to address a common question: How do you swap out a fly line quickly?

Whether you're on the water or preparing for a fishing trip, changing fly lines doesn't have to be and shouldn’t be a hassle.

Let’s discuss the benefits of keeping the loop on the back end of your fly line and introduce a handy tool that simplifies line storage and swapping.

You might be wondering why fly lines come with a loop on the back end when we're often advised to cut off loops on the front end. The loop on the back end serves a crucial purpose when it comes to swapping fly lines. 

It allows for easy attachment and detachment, making line changes a breeze. Instead of cutting off this loop, we recommend keeping it intact for added convenience.

To store and organize your fly lines effectively, we recommend using the Omnispool Switch Box. This handy tool comes with a crank and provides a convenient storage solution for your fly lines. 

With this switch box, you can carry multiple fly lines with you on the boat or keep them neatly organized at home. It's a must-have accessory for fly anglers who frequently swap out lines.

Now, let's discuss how to quickly change fly lines using the Bimini Loop connection. This connection is especially useful when dealing with heavier lines or targeting larger fish species. 

By creating a Bimini Loop in the backing, you can easily attach and detach fly lines without the need for complex knot tying. The Bimini Loop provides additional strength and durability, ensuring a reliable connection.

Changing fly lines doesn't have to be a tedious process. By keeping the loop on the back end of your fly line and utilizing the Bimini Loop connection, you can quickly swap out lines without compromising strength or reliability.

If you want to see a visual demonstration of this process and learn more about the Omnispool Switch Box, we highly recommend watching the full video on the Mad River Outfitters YouTube Channel. Don't forget to pick up an Omnispool Switch Box for convenient line storage and easy line changes on your next fishing adventure. Tight lines and happy fishing!

Lefty Kreh's Top 5 Flies

Hey there, friends! We've got some exciting news for you trout anglers out there. The team at Mad River Outfitters has just released a fantastic new product: MRO Lefty's Top 5 Fly Box.

We’re very excited to begin offering simple fly kits so you can save money on flies and get the best selection for specific fish.

We all know the late Lefty Kreh, the legendary angler who left an indelible mark on the world of fly fishing. So, it was only natural for us to develop a fly assortment that represents the top 5 flies Lefty always had in his box. These flies are an absolute must-have for any angler's pack. And the best part? Each assortment comes with a dedicated box to house all of these incredible flies.

Let's take a look at the flies included in this exceptional assortment. First up, we have the timeless Adams fly in size 12, perfect for fooling those finicky trout.

Then, there's the versatile Hare's Ear in size 14, a go-to pattern for imitating various nymphs and emergers.

We've also included the Glo Bug steelhead orange in size 10, designed to entice those big, aggressive fish. Then the San Juan Worm in red, size 12, a deadly pattern that trout just can't resist.

Last but not least, we have the classic Wooly Bugger in olive, size 6, ideal for enticing trout and even bass.

These flies are intended to be casted on 4wt and 5wt rods, making them accessible to anglers of different skill levels.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Lefty's Top 5 Fly Boxes will undoubtedly enhance your fly fishing experience and take the guesswork out of fly selection.

Pick up one of these fantastic fly boxes and add Lefty's top flies to your arsenal while they last.

Don't forget to check out the other fly box assortments we offer, such as the Trout Nymph Assortment or the Bass Assortment Fly Boxes. Good luck on the water, folks!

Don't Tie Dry Fly Leaders

When it comes to fly fishing leaders, anglers often have their preferred methods and materials. Brian from Mad River Outfitters, has an interesting approach to dry fly leaders. Rather than tying his own, he opts for furled leaders, poly leaders, and versileaders. In this blog, we'll delve into why Brian chooses these alternatives and how they have enhanced his dry fly fishing experience.

One common question that we get is about his choice of leaders for dry fly fishing. While we acknowledge the effectiveness of tying your own leaders, we personally opt for furled leaders and poly leaders. 

The primary reason behind this choice is their superior performance compared to self-tied leaders. Not to mention, it saves you tons of time from tying many blood-knots. There is really no need to tie your own dry fly leaders when alternatives like furled leaders and poly leaders exist.

Let’s talk furled leaders. Furled Leaders, which are meticulously crafted braided leaders, are Brian’s go-to choice for dry fly fishing. He highlights that the furled leaders available at Mad River Outfitters are tapered butt sections, essential to understand before using them. Flechsig advises against double leadering, which refers to attaching a nine-foot leader to a poly leader or versileader. 

Instead, he suggests connecting the furled leader to the fly line using a loop-to-loop connection. With a tippet ring at one end and a loop at the other, furled leaders offer ease of use and allow anglers to add two, three, or four feet of tippet as desired.

Poly leaders and versileaders, on the other hand, serve as extensions of your fly line, providing additional casting versatility. Flechsig highlights the benefits of poly leaders from Airflo and versileaders from Rio. These floating leaders have loops at both ends, making it easy to tie a perfection knot for attaching the tippet. 

The length options of five and eight feet allow anglers to customize their leader length by adding four-foot tippets, creating nine or twelve-foot leaders if needed. He also mentions that poly leaders made of mono are stiffer and more suitable for heavier tippets, windier conditions, and larger flies.

Brian's preference for furled leaders, poly leaders, and versileaders for dry fly fishing stems from their exceptional performance and ease of use. These alternatives provide optimal presentation, effortless casting, and the flexibility to customize leader length. 

If you're curious to learn more about Brian’s insights and watch his advice on leaders, make sure to check out the full video on our YouTube channel. Enhance your dry fly fishing experience with these game-changing leaders.

Watch the full video here to gain valuable insights from Brian himself and discover the advantages of furled leaders, poly leaders, and versileaders for dry fly fishing.

How to Decide What Fly To Use

Hey there, friends! Today, let’s talk about how to decide what fly to use when you're out on the water. Today, we’ll dive into some key considerations and general advice to help you crack the code on fly selection. So let's get started!

Presentation Beats Pattern: When it comes to fly fishing, remember that presentation trumps pattern. If the fly looks like food and you make it act like food, chances are the fish will eat it.

While having specific patterns for certain situations is helpful, there's no need to stress over finding the perfect fly. Focus on making your fly act like food using your rod, line, and leader.

Fish the Right Type of Flies: If you’re having a difficult time understanding the diet of the specific fish you’re fishing for, we recommend looking at our fly department categories. We have fly categories for trout, warmwater fish and more. These categories can take the guesswork out of it for you.

Match the Hatch for Selective Feeding: During hatches, when fish are selectively feeding on a particular insect, it's essential to match the hatch.

Use a fly that matches the size, shape, and color of the insects they're targeting. Remember, size is the most critical factor, followed by shape and color. However, keep in mind that selectively feeding fish make up only a small portion of your fishing time.

Learn What the Fish Want to Eat: To improve your fly selection, take the time to learn about the primary food sources in the rivers you fish. Consult with local fly shops, as they have the most accurate information about what the fish are feeding on.

Additionally, reading books and researching entomology can provide valuable insights into the bugs fish eat and the flies needed to imitate them.

Stay Tuned for Entomology 101: At Mad River Outfitters, we are excited to announce that we'll soon be launching our entomology 101 series. We also have Entomology 101 Classes for our local folks. The next one is in September!

This educational resource will guide you in understanding what fly to use, how to make it act like food, and when to use it. Be sure to stay tuned and watch out for the release of this informative series.

Finding the right fly for fly fishing may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Remember, presentation is key, and making the fly act like food is crucial. Check out our fly department for our fly recommendations by fish. When there's a hatch, match the size, shape, and color of the insects. Consult your local fly shop, educate yourself on entomology, and keep an eye out for our upcoming entomology 101 series.

If you want to dive deeper into the topic of fly selection and learn more about the entomology behind it, head over to the Mad River Outfitters YouTube channel and watch our full video on How to Decide What Fly to Use When Fly Fishing.

Meet our Guide, Josh Trammell

We’ve been wanting to share a little more information about our Guide Josh Trammel at Mad River Outfitters and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides. This guy knows his stuff, and we can't wait for you to experience fishing with him firsthand.

Josh has been in the game for quite some time. He recently even took up helping us to instruct our 1-Day and 2-Day Fly Fishing Schools.

With over seven years of local guiding experience and already heading into his seventh season in Alaska, this man has a wealth of knowledge and expertise under his belt. You can trust that you're in capable hands when you're out on the water with Josh.


Josh's passion for fly fishing started at a young age, and he's been hooked ever since. From steelhead to smallmouth bass, he's got you covered. He's been guiding on steelhead rivers since he was 17 or 18, and even ventured into Alaska at the age of 16.

The love for his craft shines through in the glowing reviews from clients who have had the pleasure of fishing with him.

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, Josh's float trips are where it's at. Picture yourself cruising down the river on his fast jet boat, allowing you to cover vast stretches of water and get places you normally couldn’t.



With his expertise and top-notch equipment, you're bound to have a blast and make some incredible memories.

But that's not all! Josh has also mastered the art of smallmouth bass fishing, and let us tell you, it's the real deal. Ohio may be known for its steelhead, but don't sleep on the exceptional smallmouth bass fisheries in the area.



Josh knows the ins-and-outs of Ohio waters and will guide you to some trophy-sized catches. There's just something uniquely American about landing a smallmouth on a fly rod, and Josh knows exactly how to make that experience unforgettable.


Watch the full video to get to know Josh Trammell better and see the amazing fishing opportunities Ohio has to offer. Don't forget to check out Ohio Fly Fishing Guides and book a trip with Josh.

Whether you're craving the thrill of steelhead fishing or itching to tackle some smallmouth bass, Josh is ready to make your fly fishing dreams come true. So grab your gear, hop on a raft, and get ready for an adventure like no other!