The Articulate Fly

Episode Overview
In this Central PA Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, for a real-time midsummer conditions update. A cooler, wetter stretch of weather has replaced the previous week's heat, giving Central Pennsylvania's limestone streams a welcome break heading into the weekend.
Costa reports that Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek are all running a little above average and slightly off-color after a soaking rain earlier in the week, while the Little Juniata took on considerably more water and needs roughly another day to clear and become fully fishable again. Water temperatures have benefited from the cooler nights and days, though Costa flags the need to keep an eye on afternoon readings as they push toward the high 60s later in the season. On the bug front, Tricos are just getting started on Spring Creek and nearby waters, with the best window running from 8 to 11 in the morning, alongside lingering Cahills and golden stones on the dry fly side and Cahills and caddis in the evenings. Terrestrials, however, are the clear standout right now: ants, greenie weenies, beetles and crickets are producing well as summer patterns take over. Nymphing remains steady, and Costa notes a handful of anglers found success swinging streamers in the higher, off-color water this week. Costa also previews TCO's remaining summer calendar, including the Bass Thumb smallmouth tournament on the Susquehanna and Juniata Rivers and the outdoor fly fishing festival coming up in early August at Boiling Springs.
Key Takeaways
How to identify prime Trico water on Spring Creek and time the hatch for the 8 to 11 a.m. window when action is strongest.
Why terrestrial patterns like ants, greenie weenies, beetles and crickets are outproducing traditional hatch-matching flies in Central PA right now.
When to switch to streamers on Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek during periods of higher, off-color water.
Why monitoring afternoon water temperatures matters as summer conditions push streams toward the high 60s.
When to expect thunderstorm-driven flow spikes to subside on Central PA freestone and limestone water this time of year.

Techniques & Gear Covered
Costa's report centers on a classic midsummer technique mix for Central Pennsylvania's limestone streams: morning Trico dry fly fishing on Spring Creek, terrestrial presentations (ants, greenie weenies, beetles and crickets) through the heart of the day and evening dry fly work with Cahills and caddis patterns. He also flags golden stones as a still-active dry fly option and notes that nymphing continues to produce consistent results across the region's waters. For anglers facing higher, off-color flows following rain events, Costa recommends switching to streamer presentations, which produced well for several anglers this week on water that had come up and lost clarity.
Locations & Species
This report covers Central Pennsylvania's core limestone and freestone trout fisheries: Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek, all running a little above average and slightly off-color following recent rain, plus the Little Juniata, which took on significantly more water and remains blown out but should clear within about a day. Wild and stocked trout are the primary target throughout. Seasonally, this is a midsummer transition window, with cooler-than-average temperatures providing a temporary reprieve from the prior week's heat, morning Trico hatches just getting underway and terrestrial season firmly established as the dominant daytime feeding driver.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
When is the best time to fish Tricos on Spring Creek in Central PA?
Costa reports Tricos are just getting underway on Spring Creek and other area streams, with the best window running between 8 and 11 in the morning. He notes this timing typically holds through the rest of the summer as the hatch builds.
Why should anglers pay attention to afternoon water temperatures in Central PA during summer?
As the season progresses, afternoon water temperatures on some Central PA streams will start pushing into the high 60s, which can stress trout. Costa advises anglers to check afternoon temps as the season progresses.
What terrestrial patterns are working best right now in Central PA?
Costa identifies ants, greenie weenies, beetles and crickets as the key terrestrial patterns producing results this time of year. He recommends these as the go-to searching patterns during the midsummer terrestrial window.
Should anglers fish streamers when Central PA streams are up and off-color?
Yes. Costa notes that a couple of anglers did well on streamers this week specifically because the water was up and running off-color, reinforcing that elevated, discolored flows are a good trigger to switch from dries or nymphs to streamer presentations.
What TCO Fly Shop events are coming up this summer?
The Bass Thumb tournament, a smallmouth bass event on the West Branch of the Susquehanna and the Juniata River, was running the weekend of this recording. TCO's outdoor fly fishing festival at Boiling Springs follows in the first week of August at Children's Lake Park.
Related Content
S8, Ep 17 - Spring Awakening: George Costa on Central PA Fishing and Upcoming Hatches
S7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George Costa
S8, Ep 47 - Central PA Fishing Forecast: George Costa's Summer Stream Insights
S8, Ep 42 - Exploring Terrestrials and Summer Patterns: George Costa's Fishing Forecast
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Episode Overview
How do East Tennessee anglers keep varied, high-quality fishing going through the peak of summer heat? On this East Tennessee Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide Ellis Ward for a summer conditions update covering tailwater trout, musky and an evening-into-night program that few outfitters offer. The answer, as Ellis explains, comes down to water: East Tennessee's cold tailwater releases stay productive for trout even on the hottest days, while nearby musky water holds in the low 70s, giving anglers a rare menu of species and techniques regardless of the forecast.
The conversation moves through an unusually strong summer streamer bite for brown trout in the 14- to 25-inch range, with Ellis explaining why section-to-section variability and angler expectations matter more than any single pattern or retrieve. He describes his preference for targeting fewer, bigger fish rather than fishing indicators for numbers days, and details the close-to-the-surface, low-light strikes that produce the most violent, committed eats of the season, comparing that aggression to how post-spawn fish feed. He also breaks down how tributary runoff and turbidity from high water can create inconsistent windows for sulphur hatch dry fly activity, with fish keying on bug availability tied to clarity and light rather than air temperature alone. A significant portion of the episode focuses on Ellis' evening-into-night program, in which he chases the hatch transition into mousing for trophy browns, offering a different rhythm than the typical 8-to-4 lodge schedule. He closes with a candid discussion of the physical toll that late-night guiding takes and why July and August are the prime window for anglers wanting to experience the full range of the summer program in a single trip.
Key Takeaways
How East Tennessee tailwaters stay cold enough to keep trout fishing productive through the hottest days of summer while nearby musky water holds steady in the low 70s, opening up options other regions lose to summer heat.
Why summer streamer success depends more on managing expectations and reading section-to-section conditions than on any single fly pattern or retrieve.
When cloudier, lower-light conditions and fishing a streamer closer to the surface tend to produce the highest-commitment, violent strikes from large brown trout, a pattern Ellis compares to the aggressive feeding behavior of post-spawn fish.
Why targeting fewer, bigger fish with streamers can outperform indicator-based numbers days once summer bite windows narrow.
Why tributary runoff and increased turbidity can shut down sulphur hatch dry fly activity even when conditions otherwise look promising.
How targeting the evening hatch transition into night mousing opens up trophy brown trout opportunities that most lodge-based trip schedules miss entirely.
When to plan a summer trip to experience streamers, dry flies, mousing and musky fishing all within the same visit.

Techniques & Gear Covered
Ellis walks through his summer streamer approach, targeting fewer and bigger fish rather than running indicators for numbers days, with an emphasis on two-handed retrieves using Game Changer-style patterns, Clousers and Kreelex Minnows depending on light and water clarity. The season's standout strikes come close to the surface in lower light and stained water, producing the kind of committed, violent takes he compares to post-spawn feeding behavior. On the dry fly side, sulphur hatch activity is the primary summer draw, though Ellis stresses that bug emergence tracks closely with turbidity and cloud cover rather than simply air temperature. For the evening program, he transitions from dry fly presentations on 4- and 5-weight rods into mousing after dark, a tactic that demands patience and a mental approach he compares to musky fishing. Gear spans a wide range, from 4-weight dry fly rods up through 8-weight streamer setups, along with baitcasting gear for musky depending on what the day calls for.
Locations & Species
This report covers East Tennessee tailwater fisheries, where cold water released from upstream reservoirs keeps trout fishing productive even during the region's hottest summer stretches, when many other regions see fishing quality decline. Target species include brown trout in the 14- to 25-inch range, with fish on the higher end of that range producing the season's most memorable streamer eats, along with musky and striper as secondary targets depending on conditions and angler interest. Seasonal context centers on summer heat management: tailwater releases keep trout water cold while separate musky water stays in the low 70s, and periodic tributary runoff introduces turbidity that shapes both streamer and dry fly windows day to day. Ellis notes that the July-to-August window offers the widest range of options, with the program shifting away from streamers, dry flies and mousing once fall arrives.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
Why does East Tennessee offer such varied summer fishing options compared to other regions?
Tailwater releases keep trout water cold and productive even on the hottest days of the year, while nearby musky water holds in the low 70s during the same stretch, an unusual combination most regions don't have. That range lets anglers choose between trout, musky or even striper depending on conditions and preference, without summer heat shutting down the fishing.
How does summer streamer fishing vary throughout the day and across a river?
Ellis emphasizes that the same stretch of river can look completely different four hours apart, so consistency in technique matters more than chasing a single hot bite window. He also cautions that angler expectations often outpace reality, since most fish will not slam a streamer the way anglers picture, and staying mentally locked in over a full day continues to pay off even during slower stretches. He also contrasts his approach of targeting fewer, bigger fish with the higher-volume numbers days some anglers chase using strike indicators.
Why does dry fly activity slow down even when sulphur hatches are strong?
Tributary runoff following recent flooding pushes turbidity into tailwater sections, and bugs are less likely to emerge in off-color water regardless of temperature or time of year. Fish and insects both respond to clarity and light, so a little color in the water often produces better dry fly activity than gin-clear conditions, particularly under overcast skies.
Why does Ellis Ward run an evening-into-night fishing program instead of a standard daytime schedule?
Chasing the evening hatch transition into mousing lets anglers catch the window when big fish become most active and least pressured, since most lodge-based trips are off the water by late afternoon. Ellis acknowledges the tradeoff is real: trips can run past midnight, and sustaining that schedule night after night is physically demanding, even though he considers it worth it for the fish it produces.
When is the best time to book an East Tennessee trip for the full summer program?
Ellis recommends the July-to-August window for anglers who want to experience streamers, dry flies, mousing and musky fishing in a single visit, since that stretch offers the widest range of conditions and techniques. He notes this program runs for roughly three to four months before shifting focus by fall.
Related Content
S7, Ep 45 - Navigating the Waters: Streamers and Strategies in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward
S8, Ep 12 - Flows and Focus: Navigating Spring Fishing in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward
S6, Ep 98 - Navigating Late Summer Waters and Mousing Tactics with Ellis Ward
S6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward
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Follow Ellis and Flyzotics on Instagram.
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Episode Overview
How do skilled fly casters actually maximize distance by shooting line, and why do most anglers overestimate how well they have mastered it? On this Casting Angles segment of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish in Bryson City, North Carolina, for a deep dive into the mechanics of shooting line.
Drawing on college-level research using high-speed cameras and strobe lights, Mac explains why the vast majority of anglers who claim they shoot line well are really only releasing a foot or two rather than developing true mastery of the skill. The conversation covers how to slip line out efficiently before a cast even begins, using a roll-cast pickup to shoot line on both the pickup and the back cast so a caster can go from a modest working distance to 90 feet or more in a single sequence. Mac also unpacks why an elliptical stroke, such as a Belgian or constant-tension cast, is far more efficient for shooting line on the back cast than the vertical stroke used for accuracy casting, since the rod can point directly at the unrolling line.
A key technical thread running through the episode is the importance of holding the running line in an "okay" symbol grip between the thumb and index finger, which reduces line oscillation through the stripping guide from several feet down to just a few inches and produces significantly more shooting distance. Marvin and Mac close by discussing a simple self-assessment drill anglers can use to honestly measure their own progress, along with details on Mac's fall casting school offerings.
Key Takeaways
How to shoot more line on both the pickup and the back cast by using a roll-cast pickup so a single forward delivery can reach up to 90 feet.
Why holding the running line in an "okay" symbol grip between the thumb and index finger reduces line oscillation through the stripping guide and produces significantly greater shooting distance.
How to slip line out efficiently on an up-and-across drift by feeding line back out rather than retrieving all the way in before recasting.
Why an elliptical stroke, such as a Belgian or constant-tension cast, shoots line more efficiently on the back cast than the vertical stroke used for accuracy casting.
How to honestly assess mastery of shooting line by measuring the single-cast distance gain from a fixed starting length rather than trusting subjective confidence.
When to isolate shooting line on the forward cast alone as a practice drill before combining it with the back cast.

Techniques & Gear Covered
The episode centers on the mechanics of shooting line, including the difference between shooting on the forward cast and the back cast and how stroke shape changes the amount of line a caster can release. Mac details the "okay" symbol grip for controlling running line, the roll-cast pickup as a method for shooting line before the delivery stroke even begins, and the pause-power-path framework (the "three P's") that underlies casting mechanics generally. He also references the Belgian cast and constant-tension cast as elliptical-stroke techniques suited to shooting large amounts of line on the back cast, a style more commonly associated with saltwater casting.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
What does it mean to "shoot line" in fly casting?
Shooting line means releasing slack line from the non-casting hand during the forward or back cast so the line travels farther. Mac Brown explains that nearly every angler believes they already shoot line effectively, but letting a foot or two slip out is very different from developing the mechanics needed to shoot 30 feet or more with a single stroke.
How can I get more line out before I even start my delivery cast?
Rather than retrieving line all the way back in on an upstream drift and then trying to recast the full distance, feed line back out as the fly drifts toward and past you so you maintain most of your working distance. Using a roll-cast pickup also lets you shoot additional line right on the pickup itself, then shoot again on the back cast, setting up a much bigger forward delivery.
Why should I hold my running line in an "okay" symbol grip instead of just letting it go?
Holding the line between the thumb and index finger reduces the oscillation of the line as it travels through the small stripping guide, from roughly 3 to 5 feet of movement down to just 3 to 5 inches. Mac's college-level research with high-speed cameras showed this controlled release produces significantly more shooting distance than simply releasing the line freely.
How do I know if I have actually mastered shooting line?
Start at a fixed distance, such as 30 feet, and measure how far a single back cast and forward cast can carry the line. If the total only increases to 35 or 40 feet, Mac says that indicates the caster has not developed real mastery, since anglers with genuine skill can add significantly more distance in that single sequence.
Why is an elliptical stroke better than a vertical stroke for shooting line on the back cast?
An elliptical stroke, such as a Belgian cast or constant-tension cast, keeps the rod pointed at the unrolling line throughout the stroke, which is far more efficient for shooting line. A vertical stroke used for accuracy casting bends the line's path over more of an angle, which limits how much line can be released on the back cast.
Related Content
S7, Ep 16 - Simplifying Complexity: Effective Teaching Strategies in Fly Fishing with Mac Brown
S8, Ep 45 - Casting Fundamentals: Mac Brown on the Art of the Reach Mend
S7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting Techniques
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Episode Overview
A scorching Fourth of July heat wave is bearing down on Central Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers are about to test every smallmouth angler's heat tolerance. On this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a candid, safety-first conversation about fishing smallmouth bass through triple-digit conditions.
With water temperatures pushing into the 90s and a 101-degree forecast on the horizon, Brian breaks down how heat affects both the bite and angler safety on his home waters. The Juniata offers some bankside shade thanks to its narrower channel, while the three-quarter-mile-wide Susquehanna leaves anglers largely exposed. Brian and Marvin trade practical advice on hydration, sun protection and timing strategy, then dig into the tactical adjustments that keep smallmouth on the line when conditions turn brutal. That includes a hard pivot to tropical fly lines once standard fly lines start going soupy in the heat, plus a shade-line and riffle-focused approach using poppers, crayfish patterns and baitfish imitations like the Murdich Minnow. The two also debate the merits of an early-morning session versus a late-afternoon-into-dark float, with Brian making a clear case for the latter. It is a short, practical episode built around one core message: protect yourself first, then adapt your tactics to the heat.
Key Takeaways
How to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related risks while fishing smallmouth in 100-plus-degree conditions
Why tropical fly lines outperform standard fly lines once summer heat sets in
When to fish for the best results during a heat wave: a late-afternoon-into-dark session over an early-morning start
How to use shade lines and oxygenated riffles to locate active smallmouth during the hottest part of the day
Which fly patterns to throw when water temperatures push into the 90s, including poppers, crayfish patterns and baitfish imitations like the Murdich Minnow
Why caffeine and alcohol should be avoided in favor of water and sports drinks on extreme-heat fishing days

Techniques & Gear Covered
Brian outlines a shade-line and riffle-focused approach for fishing smallmouth through extreme summer heat, working topwater poppers along shaded banks and rolling crayfish patterns through riffles where oxygen levels run higher. For subsurface presentations, he reaches for baitfish imitations including the Murdich Minnow and Shimmering Minnow patterns. The single biggest gear adjustment for this stretch of summer is the fly line itself: Brian made the switch to tropical lines years ago, since standard fly lines turn soft and sticky once water and air temperatures climb to summer levels. On the sun-protection side, the conversation covers sun hoodies with built-in buff gaiters, quick-dry SPF nylon pants and wide-brim hats as practical defenses against extended midday exposure on open water like the Susquehanna.
Locations & Species
This report centers on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania, Brian's primary guide waters out of Susquehanna River Guides. Smallmouth bass are the target species throughout. The conversation is framed around peak summer heat conditions heading into the Fourth of July, with water temperatures pushing into the 90s and air temperatures forecast to hit 101 degrees. The Juniata's narrower channel and tree-lined banks provide more shade options than the much wider Susquehanna, where shade is largely limited to the banks themselves, making shade-line and riffle strategy especially important on the bigger river during this stretch.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
Why do tropical fly lines work better than standard fly lines for summer smallmouth fishing?
Standard fly lines turn soft and sticky as water and air temperatures climb to summer levels, making them difficult to cast and fish effectively. Tropical lines are built to hold their stiffness and performance in high heat, which is why Brian made the permanent switch starting around July and continuing through early September.
How can anglers stay safe while fly fishing in extreme heat?
Brian and Marvin recommend drinking water at least every 30 to 45 minutes throughout the day, and avoiding both alcohol and caffeine since both contribute to dehydration. Full sun coverage matters too, including 50 SPF sunscreen, sun hoodies with built-in gaiters, quick-dry SPF clothing and a wide-brim hat, even when fishing in or near shade.
What time of day is best for fishing smallmouth bass during a heat wave?
Brian prefers getting on the water around 5 p.m. and fishing until dark, rather than starting at first light. A late-afternoon start avoids the pre-dawn shuttle logistics of an early session while still delivering enough usable light to fish productively until around 9 or 9:15 p.m.
What fly patterns work best for smallmouth bass when water temperatures push into the 90s?
Topwater poppers worked along shade lines remain effective, and crayfish patterns produce well when fished through oxygenated riffles. For baitfish presentations, Brian reaches for the Murdich Minnow and Shimmering Minnow patterns.
How can anglers find productive water on a wide river like the Susquehanna during peak summer heat?
Since the three-quarter-mile-wide Susquehanna offers little overhead shade beyond its banks, Brian focuses on fishing the available shade lines along the banks combined with oxygenated riffle sections, rather than expecting shade relief across the open channel the way a narrower river like the Juniata provides.
Related Content
S8, Ep 43: Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Report
S8, Ep 39: High Water Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth Insights
S8, Ep 34: Frog Patterns and Fishing Strategies: Brian Shumaker's Late Spring Smallmouth Report
S8, Ep 31: Chasing Smallmouth: Brian Shumaker's Adaptations for Unpredictable Spring Weather
S8, Ep 46: Low Water, Big Bugs: Matt Reilly's Southwest Virginia Fishing Update
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Episode Overview
George Costa, manager at TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, joins host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast for the latest Central PA Fishing Report as early summer conditions take hold across the region's limestone streams. Recorded in late June with the calendar almost at July, this report catches Central PA at an important seasonal juncture: stream temperatures have been favorable in the low 60s following a recent shot of rain, but a warming trend is on the horizon that will require anglers to exercise real discipline about when — and whether — to fish.
Costa reports stream temps around 61°F and highlights the key 68°F threshold: when water temperatures climb above that mark, catch and release fishing becomes inadvisable because trout cannot be safely released. He encourages anglers to shift their day structure around this reality, targeting early mornings and late evenings while avoiding midday sessions as temperatures creep upward next week.
On the insect front, Cahills and Isonychia (Isos) are active, and terrestrials are working well — Greenie Weenies, ants and Chubby Chernobyls are getting fish to look up. Dry fly action is most consistent in the evenings, with early morning fishing also productive. Trico hatches are still two to three weeks out, expected to arrive in mid-July. Costa also previews upcoming TCO Fly Shop events, including a summer fly fishing festival in August at the Boiling Springs location and a topwater smallmouth bass class with local guide Caleb available this weekend in State College.
Key Takeaways
How to use the 68°F stream temperature threshold to protect fish during early summer heat and plan your fishing day accordingly.
Why early morning and late evening are the most productive windows for Central PA trout fishing as summer temperatures build.
When to expect trico hatches on Central PA waters — mid-July is typical.
How terrestrial patterns like Greenie Weenies, ants and Chubby Chernobyls can keep fish looking up when midday hatch activity slows.
Why recent rain is good news for Central PA anglers and how to think about conditions in the days following precipitation.

Techniques & Gear Covered
The episode focuses on early summer dry fly and terrestrial fishing strategies for Central PA limestone streams. Costa discusses the concurrent Cahill and Iso hatches driving evening dry fly action, alongside the broadening terrestrial game that is now well underway — Greenie Weenies, ant patterns and Chubby Chernobyls are all drawing fish to the surface throughout the day. Timing discipline is the defining early summer tactic: fishing early and late while avoiding midday sessions as air and water temperatures climb. Stream temperature monitoring functions as the underlying framework for all of this, with Costa referencing the 68°F threshold as the practical guideline that should govern whether catch and release fishing is appropriate on a given afternoon. Looking ahead, trico hatches on Central PA waters typically arrive in mid-July, bringing a different presentation challenge that favors fine tippets and small dries in the morning hours.
Locations & Species
The episode covers Central Pennsylvania's limestone stream network centered around State College and the surrounding Centre County watershed. Wild trout are the primary target species throughout, with the Cahill, Iso and terrestrial hatch discussions pointing squarely to the regulated limestone streams the region is known for. Costa also references TCO's Boiling Springs location as the site of the upcoming summer festival, touching on the Yellow Breeches corridor in Cumberland County. Smallmouth bass get a secondary mention in the context of a topwater class happening this weekend, reflecting the early summer period when bass become a compelling alternative as trout fishing demands closer attention to water temperatures.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
How do rising stream temperatures affect catch and release fishing in Central PA during summer?
When stream temperatures exceed 68°F, Costa advises anglers to stop practicing catch and release fishing because trout cannot be safely released at that temperature. The physiological stress of a fight in warm water can be fatal even when fish appear to swim off, so monitoring stream temperature with a thermometer and avoiding midday sessions is the most responsible approach as summer heat builds.
What hatches are active on Central PA limestone streams in late June?
Cahills and Isonychia (Isos) are both active on Central PA streams in late June, with evening sessions producing the most consistent dry fly action. Terrestrials — including Greenie Weenies, ants and Chubby Chernobyls — are also working well and getting fish to look up throughout the day. Trico hatches are still about two to three weeks away, with mid-July being the typical window for them to pop.
When is the best time of day to fly fish Central PA trout streams in early summer?
Early morning and late evening are the most productive windows during the early summer period in Central PA. Midday fishing has been slow, with hatch activity and fish receptiveness to dry flies concentrated in the cooler parts of the day. This shift in daily timing becomes increasingly important as summer temperatures climb toward the 68°F temperature cut-off.
Why are terrestrial patterns effective on Central PA streams in late June?
By late June, streamside vegetation is fully established and insects like ants and beetles are regularly falling into the water. Costa specifically calls out Greenie Weenies, ant patterns and Chubby Chernobyls as current producers — foam and terrestrial imitations that draw opportunistic rises from fish that are actively looking toward the surface during the early summer terrestrial season.
When should Central PA anglers expect the trico hatch to begin?
Based on Costa's experience and current conditions, trico hatches on Central PA waters typically start in mid-July, roughly two to three weeks from the time of this report. He had not yet heard of any trico activity at the time of recording and expects it will be at least a few more weeks before the hatch appears in appreciable numbers.
Related Content
S8, Ep 42 - Exploring Terrestrials and Summer Patterns: George Costa's Fishing Forecast
S8, Ep 35 - From Sulphurs to Drakes: George Costa's Essential Fishing Report for Central PA
S7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George Costa
S7, Ep 57 - Cicada Mania: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa
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Follow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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