Ohio
Mad River near Urbana
Location Snapshot
Mad River near Urbana is a spring-influenced coldwater stream in west-central Ohio, unusual in a state dominated by warmer river fisheries. Brown trout define the fishing opportunity, with clear runs, gravel habitat, and cool groundwater influence giving the river a distinctly trout-focused character.
Current River Rating
Fair · 59
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Estimated Conditions
Estimated from available current readings, weather, seasonal patterns, destination characteristics, and historical conditions. Some important on-water measurements may be unavailable.
Should I Go?
Consider
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Recent observed weather suggests favorable river thermal context. This is inferred, not a measured water temperature.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 218 CFS
- Gage Height
- 6.29 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 10:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 03267900 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
38°F
Feels like
32°F
Wind
4 mph N
Wind gust
8 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:45 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 8 AM
Clear
Temp 37°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 12 PM
Clear
Temp 62°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 69°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 4 AM
Clear
Temp 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Clear
High 69°F / Low 37°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 69°F / Low 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 69°F / Low 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 7 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 67°F / Low 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Brown trout are stocked in the Mad River near Urbana.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Mad River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Fall
- Winter
Common techniques
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
Stocking information
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Ohio
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
Management Category
Inland brown trout stream
Regulation Scope
Mad River inland brown trout reach near Urbana.
Regulation Summary
ODNR inland trout rules apply on the Mad River Urbana corridor. This is not a Lake Erie steelhead stream. Confirm current official seasons, length limits, and methods.
Target Species
Brown Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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