Mad River Outfitters

I just finished the four week introductory fly tying class with Ryan. It was a lot of fun learning different flys. Ryan is a great teacher and helps every step along the way. It’s the perfect class to get yourself started. It’s also very helpful that they keep the shop open for you so you can buy things at the peak of your inspiration after class. I would highly recommend.

Mad river for me is the premier fly shop in Ohio. I live in Medina County and am willing to drive to Columbus a couple times a year to visit and buy my tying materials. The online store is fantastic as well. Subscribe to the YouTube channel and be up on all the new products and helpful videos for your fly fishing tutorials and reviews.

I can’t begin to describe how great the customer service is. Didn’t catch the Ladys name that called but she updated me very quickly on my order after it was placed and even let me change my order after making a mistake. She was awesome. Great company and I will use them for as long as my fly fishing journey lasts.

Never been to the shop in person, but my online orders have been magnificent every time. They are very willing to answer whatever questions I have via email, and the quality of product I receive from them when I order is top notch. If you don't have a fly shop in your area, I highly recommend supporting these guys.

Brian and his team are world class. From in store inventory, online sales, and guide trips & travel, it’s all here. Even more amazing, with all their success, it’s still keeps the “fly shop” feel of being able to swing in, grab a handful of flies, and talk about local waters. Wether your an Ohioan, or buying from another state online, your supporting a trustworthy group following their passions.

The folks at MRO are incredibly helpful and responsive. Prices are good and shipping is quick. I happened to send a technical request addressed to Brian (owner) and he personally responded while Bonefishing in the Bahamas. Great organization.

Called and spoke with Paul on a Tuesday afternoon about needing some flies before Friday. I live a couple hours away. He assured me if I ordered he would get them out that evening shipped UPS and that they would more than likely make it to me in time. He got the flies out and they’re set to be here on Thursday. Awesome customer service!

Josh Trammel was able to get newbie like me hooked up with pike on the fly. Tough weather conditions but still came through. Thx!

What an incredible experience!!!! I highly recommend attending one of the upcoming schools!!! As Flip would say “ you only regret the things you don’t do “

Went with Ben to the Vermillion for steelhead, did not disappoint! He was patient with my early attempts at mastering the roll cast, quick to jump in and help with the net, tying on new gear, untangling the line and getting the snags off. He knows the area and knows where the fish are. Extremely pleasant guy and you can tell he is passionate about his profession and truly cares about nature. (I'm just showing off the fish with the pics, but Ben put me right on them!) Oh, and he's a fan of Conway Twitty, but don't hold that against him.

Online store experience has been great. In store experience has been very helpful. Check out the YouTube channel and take some classes if you want to learn. The learning to fly fish series is the best one available on YouTube. Between the videos and in person classes I feel like I have shaved a hundred hours off the learning curve.

MRO Team,

Thank you so very much for the purchase and the experience.
I am floored.

Thank you for the gift card - UNBELIEVABLE.

In todays world of online merchandising its rare to get help, support, and service on an initial order. Let alone a credit and re-purchase without hassle. Getting calls on how I wanted the order to go and the customer centric feeling was awesome.

You have made me a true customer and advocate.

Many thanks - Merry Christmas,

Steve

While MRO is in central Ohio, they have a great network throughout the state, and I had a great steelhead experience on the Erie tribs thanks to them. I received a gift certificate for guide services through MRO almost a year ago and I finally saw a window in February of '24 and booked. MRO hooked me up for a morning with Josh Trammell for a run at some chrome. As you might gather from the length of time it took me to book the trip, I was quite rusty with my fly rod. Josh was a great guide and coach who was able to adapt to my skill level and drive clear takeaways for how to be more consistent fishing Erie tribs, both in terms of technical fly fishing nuts and bolts and more general fish finding and river reading. I had no expectations of landing fish given how early we are into the spring run, but after a trying a couple of spots closer to the lake Josh moved us to a stretch of river well over a dozen miles (!!) from the mouth. (I again remind you, it's February--the fish are supposed to be up north.) Found 'em and caught several in less than an hour including a 28" Fish Ohio--seemed like we were hooked up every third drift. Josh packed a ton of learning and fishing into a half day, and it was a great bonus to get to catch and release multiple nice fish. MRO knows their stuff and Josh is a great reflection on their business as a knowledgeable and accommodating guide and coach. Strongly recommended.

Long time online shopper which was always a great experience. Finally found myself in the area to stop at the shop and let me tell you what it is worth a stop. Probably top 5 fly shops in the country that I've been to. The selection was vast and overwhelming in the best way. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Got to meet Brian Flechsig in the flesh which was also a pleasant time. Will be back again!

I'm out of state so I called them up to help me pick out some new flies. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Quick turnaround, too. They also run a really great YouTube channel for all experience levels.

Best online fly shop, dare I say best fly shop ever. It's been about a month since I ordered an outfit and some fly tying materials from MRO. The order was being processed and shipped out the next day. The shop was even kind enough to follow a request to add a large loop to the end of my backing. The process couldn't have been easier.

Thanks for all the instructions and content you guys put out. You have taught me how to fish!

I’ve ordered a Nautilus reel and Simms G3 jacket from MRO and have been very pleased with their customer service and attention to detail. The shop responded to my inquiries in a very timely manner. The items shipped seemed to be packaged with care, receipts were included, and the box was taped up and looked like it would survive a hurricane. If I can’t source what I need locally I will definitely feel confident in ordering through MRO. Thanks MRO-Greg.

I live in NJ but credit MRO for my new found addiction of fly fishing! I’ve watched all of Brian’s online tutorial series videos multiple times and while I’m far from an expert (yet) I know my obsession with the YouTube channel will get me there eventually. I’ve learned so much already. I’m going to be in Columbus in early January and hoping to carve out time to visit the store in person and load up on some accessories :). Thank you MRO!

Mad River Outfitters is a premier fly fishing shop! Wonderful staff, great products, tons of inventory, and a plethora of knowledge between the staff! Paul was fantastic and very helpful as he set me up with my first fly rod outfit.

I drove two hours from Cincinnati to visit this place, and I will be returning!

Ben was a great guide. This was my first time holding a fly rod and I had never caught a trout before. Ben had us on the fish in no time. It was a great day fishing a new spot in Ohio none of us had ever been.