The first day of fall and the rainy mist and cooler weather arrived finally today. Watching the local news the other day, the meteorologist noted how much rain we received over the past month. Great for not having to water the expensive flowers, but the rivers are like tides coming in and out. Heavy rains affect the downtown stretches of the Great Miami, Stillwater, and Mad Rivers quickly due to urban runoff. Headwaters above Urbana (Mad River) or Covington (Stillwater) drop and clear much faster if you are planning your upcoming weekend.

September Mad River Trout Fishing Report 

I am excited for the fall season on the Mad River. The water levels throughout summer were cooler and deeper than the past recents summers making the trout season extend a little longer. There have been a couple nights in the past weeks when I have targeted the later evening on a caddis hatch and was stupendous. As October approaches, dropping water temperatures will trigger pre-spawn brown trout behavior and encourage aggressive feeding. Plus, upcoming ODNR fall trout stockings will add fresh activity to key runs. Currently I have a handful of clients ready for the action and still have many available days for the tail end of Sept, Oct, and Nov. Email or call me to book your next day on the water. 

Tactics & Rigging:

  • Dry/Nymph Rig: Run a beetle or terrestrial hopper pattern as your indicator, trailing a small Baetis nymph in the water column. Light tungsten-head nymphs fished beneath an indicator work best through deeper runs and tailouts during morning and mid-day hours.

  • Evening Emergence: Look for black ants, caddis, and small midges on the surface toward dusk. A double-dry setup (or a high-visibility dry paired with an emerger/parachute pattern) is highly effective.

  • Streamer/Swing Backup: If fish aren’t rising, swing a soft-hackle fly or small streamer through seam lines to cover water efficiently.

Recommended Fly Patterns:

  • Terrestrials & Dries: Size 16 Foam Beetle, Size 12 Dave’s Hopper, Size 14–16 Cinnamon or Black Ant, Size 16–18 Elk Hair Caddis.

  • Nymphs: Size 18–20 Tungsten Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, and Zebra Midges.

September Smallmouth Fishing Report

Smallmouth fishing across the Stillwater and Mad River has been solid between water spikes. I’ve been dialing in productive stretches using both spin and fly tackle. Recently, I picked up some custom-tied fly-rod Ned Rigs from a tyer in Pennsylvania, and they have been an absolute game-changer for deep pockets. A couple recent clients wanted to spin and fly in the same day.

The bite is actually good all day. Certainly the smallies will find shade in the hot sun shining on the water, but the canopy in some areas is thick especially on the Stillwater and Mad River. Late September and October will be the hot popper fishing weather. Once the water cools and there is less light per day, the bass will start to eat to pack on the pounds. This time of year is also when I start fishing flies like the swinging D, clousers, Shenks minnow, or any other white or white/chartreuse fly that rides mid column with good action and flare.

Let’s Get on the Water

It’s been great connecting with new clients and returning friends throughout the late summer season. I love showing anglers everything the Dayton region’s fisheries have to offer. If you are interested, please reach out. Have a great start of the fall and enjoy the many other events locally that are a joy to attend.

— Parker