John wrote:

Actually, I think you will find that the 'channelized' section is mainly
around Urbana and down. While that section is not totally devoid of features
and will offer good fishing it is seldom visited by me. Up river, the stream
is much more natural and indeed very pretty all the way up to the feeder
that takes off towards Piatt Castle. That stream itself is not to be ignored
and at one time had a single hook, artificial lure only designation.

Thanks for the info.

To my way off thinking, I much prefer the Mad from Springfield down - as a
smallmouth stream - most excellent fishing, low development and very pretty.
I fish it until it's confluence with the Miami in downtown Dayton. From
downtown (not ignoring the roller dams right in the heart of the city) I
fish the Miami and the Stillwater also, going up the Stillwater to
Greenville Creek and up the Miami to Troy.

The Stillwater River looks like a totaly different river once you get
above Conington, less crowded also, although not as deep but for what
it is worth, prettier. I am more than familiar with the Stillwater
River in Miami county but I have never fished it south of Englewood.
But if you ever need a Miami County river report drop me a line.
Because of my job I see the Stillwater quite a bit. I have only fished
the Great Miami once, however I have done some recon and am planning
to hit it between Troy and Piqua and see if I can scare some Pike with
the fly rod.
Greenville Creek is nice too but at Greenville Falls it is over
fished, but still holds nice Smallmouth. Downstream from the falls
gets less pressure, and there is a nice hole about 1/2 mile upstream
from the falls.

With Indian Summer approaching (cross your fingers) there may be some action
yet to be had for smallmouth but for my money be prepared to fish a weighted
fly or use a sinking tip line as the smallmouth are starting to move and
will be found in the deeper pockets and holes and runs. I am not getting any
activity in the riffles which are my late evening summer time favorites. I
am doing better in the evenings as opposed to the mornings, at the heads of
pools and below roller dams (warmer water temps).

On the Miami, Tipp City and Troy would be some good floating this time of
year, I usually pack a lunch and maybe cook some sausages on an island. I
would look for the Mad to fish rather deep, 5 to 9 feet in the big old holes
(i.e. wooly buggers). I am more familiar with the Stillwater right in Dayton
but used to have some good floats around West Milton and Union.

Now I gotta go drag the canoe to the truck, or at least get my waders
wet. Bit chilly today, just the way I like it.

...always up for a float, especially the middle of the week...

We will have to make sure we run into each other some time.

john

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