Seasons are a marvel to the eyes, mind, and soul. There is nothing quite like transitioning from a sweltering, pool-side summer day to a crisp autumn morning infused with vibrant, earthy colors—and that internal reminder that time on the water is limited. Millions of people will never experience a true change of seasons in their lifetimes. As Ohioans, we cherish these shifts, embracing whatever the weather throws at us next.

Our fishing transitions right along with the weather across southwestern Ohio’s waterways, offering diverse opportunities for the dedicated angler. A good friend of mine, Newport, has been absolutely slaying the smallmouth on the Great Miami. I recently got a text from him showing a 20-inch bass caught right downtown, followed over the next five minutes by a flood of additional smallmouth photos from that same day. Meanwhile, area lakes—including Caesar Creek—are heating up with the potential for muskies pushing into the shallows to chase baitfish into whatever warm water is left.

Finally, my personal favorite part of fall: the Mad River receives a fresh ODNR stocking of browns, and the holdovers are aggressively eating everything in sight before winter takes hold. Our waterways are in prime shape for the remainder of the season.

November Mad River Trout Fishing Report 

Weather patterns are shifting from stable to active, bringing increased rain showers, wind, and cooler temperatures. Right now, the Mad River’s flow rate is steady and the water clarity is crystal clear.

Windy days can be a disadvantage, blowing leaves into the current and creating a “leafy soup” in the water column that makes drift-fishing nearly impossible. However, on calmer days, the autumn trout fishing is heating up, with smaller hatches of Tricos and Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) showing up in the morning and early afternoon.

Tactics & Rigging:

  • Dry/Nymph Rig: Hopper and beetle droppers, skating caddis, smaller soft hackle swing, and tight lining nymphs in pools and runs are highly productive if you are find a small hatch on the surface. A trout splashing the water is your sign.

  • Evening Emergence: There still may be a  caddis hatch is a early to mid afternoon hatch all the way to dark. This will depend on temperatures. Currently it is looking slightly cooler for the next week.

  • Streamer/Swing Backup: This is hands-down your best tactic when leaves are clogging up the water column. Forget the nymphs—tie on an olive, black, or white streamer and swing it through familiar pockets. This time of year, the browns are aggressive in the morning and evening and will hammer a streamer worked with a fast strip-and-pause retrieve.

Recommended Fly Patterns:

  • Dries and Terrestrial Indicators: For Tricos, run a #22–26 (black body, white wing), #20–22 Adams, or #20–22 Comparadun emerger. For BWOs, smaller emergers are best; CDC or Sparkle Duns work great when you size down. If you’re using dry flies as nymphing indicators, reach for Dave’s Hoppers (#16–18), Black Beetles (#14–16), or an Elk Hair Caddis (#18–20).

  • Nymphs: Size 20–24 Hare’s Ears, Size 18–20 Tungsten Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, and Zebra Midges. Pro tip: Add a hotspot of orange, yellow, or pink to your nymphs to help them stand out to fish on leaf-heavy days.

November Smallmouth Fishing Report

As my buddy’s text thread proved, the local smallmouth are active and feeding heavily to pack on weight for winter. Personally, I’ve been spin fishing and targeting deeper slots around structure—think riprap, submerged logs, bridge pilings, and other man-made cover. On sunny afternoons, look for bass sliding into shallower, slightly warmer water where baitfish are seeking refuge.

Let’s Get on the Water

November is already halfway gone, and while I’m excited for the upcoming holiday gatherings, I’m not ready to hang up the rods just yet.

I am still actively booking guide trips until the winter freeze sets in. My calendar has openings, and as long as daytime temps stay above 35 degrees, the Mad River will continue to offer phenomenal opportunities to catch browns. Whether you want to hone your tight-line nymphing, hunt aggressive browns on streamers, or learn the subtle nuances of reading low, clear water, I’d love to get you out on the river before winter locks us out.

Reach out to claim a date on the calendar—tight lines, and enjoy what’s left of the fall season!

— Parker