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  • The Articulate Fly

    S8, Ep 61: Smallmouth Chronicles: Matt Reilly's Secrets to Success in SW Virginia

    21/08/2026 | 10 mins.
    Episode Overview
    What happens to a Southwest Virginia smallmouth fishery when storm after storm rolls through a watershed for weeks on end? On this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide and writer Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for a late-summer update on a region caught in a relentless rain pattern, with flash floods dumping 6 to 7 inches of rain in an hour on parts of the watershed while the New River holds up comparatively well thanks to its lake-fed flows. Reilly breaks down how he reads clarity river by river and tributary by tributary rather than trusting a single gauge, and why the New River's roughly 95 percent lake-water makeup gives him options even when stream flow numbers spike. The conversation moves into an unusual bright spot for the fishery: several years of strong smallmouth recruitment have produced an abundance of 0 to 3 year old fish in the 11 to 12 inch range, but a noticeable gap in the 12 to 15 inch numbers class, meaning bigger streamers and bugs are drawing pecks from undersized fish rather than solid hookups on true numbers fish. Reilly and Cash also look ahead to the seasonal transition bearing down on the region, with smallmouth season winding down over the next month to six weeks, musky bookings already filling for November and December and striper season deposits coming in for the spring run. It is a practical, conditions-first snapshot for anglers planning a Southwest Virginia trip around shifting water and a fishery in transition.
    Key Takeaways
    How to read water clarity on a tributary-by-tributary basis rather than trusting a single regional gauge when a watershed is hit by scattered storms
    Why the New River's largely lake-fed flow gives anglers a clarity advantage over tributary-driven systems even when overall stream flow spikes
    Why an unusually strong multi-year smallmouth spawn has created a numbers gap, with plenty of small fish but fewer 12 to 15 inch bass than normal
    When to expect the seasonal shift from smallmouth to musky in Southwest Virginia
    Why booking musky, striper and smallmouth trips well in advance matters as Reilly's calendar fills a year or more out

    Techniques & Gear Covered
    Reilly's late-summer program currently leans on moving-water tactics suited to diminished clarity and elevated flows, including streamer fishing and aggressive topwater presentations on cloudy, rainy days. He notes that with the current numbers-class gap, fishing bigger streamers and bugs sized for mature smallmouth is producing more short pecks from undersized fish than solid hookups. On the highest-water days, Reilly will fish well past the flow range most anglers consider viable, targeting mid-river slack water and bank structure where fish concentrate once flows push two to three times normal CFS.
    Locations & Species
    The report centers on the New River in Southwest Virginia, where smallmouth bass are the primary late-summer target and the New's largely lake-fed flow gives the system a clarity edge over tributary-driven waters even during heavy rain events. Conditions have been shaped by a stretch of intense, localized storms moving through the Johnson City to Wytheville corridor, producing everything from blown-out tributary water to sections holding good clarity on the same day. Reilly also flags the upcoming seasonal shift, with musky fishing picking up through the New River system from November into winter and a spring striper run drawing early bookings as smallmouth season winds down.
    FAQ / Key Questions Answered
    How do you find fishable water on the New River during a heavy rain pattern?
    Reilly watches radar and tributary-specific conditions rather than treating the watershed as one system, since some tributaries blow out quickly while the main New River can stay comparatively clear. Because roughly 95 percent of the New River's flow originates from lake water upstream, the system tends to hold clarity better than more tributary-fed rivers even when overall stream flow numbers rise sharply.
    Why are anglers getting short strikes on big smallmouth flies right now?
    Several consecutive years of strong spawning success have filled the river with 0 to 3 year old smallmouth in the 11 to 12 inch range, while the 12 to 15 inch numbers class that anglers normally target with bigger flies is thin this year. The result is a lot of pecks and grabs from fish too small to get the hook, since standard bigger-fly tactics are sized for the missing age class rather than the abundant younger fish.
    How high is too high to fish the New River with flies?
    Reilly will fish flows well beyond what most anglers consider viable, including stretches at two to three times the typical CFS range for good fishing, though success rates can drop noticeably at those extremes. At very high flows the fish concentrate into mid-river slack water and bank structure, which can still produce opportunities if anglers focus their presentations there.
    When does Southwest Virginia transition from smallmouth to musky season?
    Reilly expects a fairly abrupt seasonal shift over the next month to six weeks as smallmouth fishing wraps up and musky season ramps into November and December. His musky calendar is already booking well into the winter months, alongside early deposits for the following spring's striper run.
    Related Content
    S8, Ep 54 - Weathering the Storm: Matt Reilly on Adapting to Summer Fishing Conditions
    S8, Ep 46 - Low Water, Big Bugs: Matt Reilly's Southwest Virginia Fishing Update
    S8, Ep 59 - Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report: Captain Brian Shumaker's Late Summer Strategies
    View all Southwest Virginia Fishing Reports with Matt Reilly
    Connect with Our Guest
    Follow Matt on Instagram.
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    Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.
    Support the Show
    Shop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.
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  • The Articulate Fly

    S8, Ep 60: The Bare Necessities: Mac Brown's Guide to Minimalist Fly Fishing Gear

    19/08/2026 | 12 mins.
    Episode Overview
    How much gear does it actually take to fish effectively for trout in the Southern Appalachians? On this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash and Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish make the case for stripping gear down to the essentials rather than chasing every new product on the market. The conversation was sparked by both hosts equipping their youngest sons with fly fishing gear, which got them talking about how little an angler really needs to catch fish consistently in the region's freestone trout streams.
    Mac and Marvin walk through a minimalist lanyard setup built around a single small fly box, forceps, nippers, split shot, floatant and a tippet spool, paired with a short list of proven trout patterns rather than an overstuffed vest. They cover footwear strategy for backcountry approaches into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, weighing lightweight hiking shoes and packable wading shoes against the weight and bulk of traditional wading boots. The pair also break down how to assemble a budget-conscious rod, reel and line setup without sacrificing performance, and make the case for redirecting money saved on gear toward casting or guided instruction instead. Mac closes with a preview of his fall school schedule and the early October start of the Delayed Harvest season around Bryson City, North Carolina.
    Key Takeaways
    How a single lanyard with a small fly box, forceps, nippers, split shot, floatant and a tippet spool covers nearly everything needed for a day on Southern Appalachian trout water.
    Why a short list of proven patterns like elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, greenie weenies, San Juan worms and soft hackle pheasant tails outperforms an overstuffed fly selection.
    When wet wading in lightweight shoes like Keens, Chacos or old sneakers makes more sense than hiking in with traditional wading boots on long backcountry approaches.
    How to build a budget-conscious rod, reel and line setup using workhorse reels and affordable entry-level fly lines without sacrificing performance on the water.
    Why redirecting money saved on gear toward casting or guided instruction accelerates an angler's progress faster than buying more equipment.

    Techniques & Gear Covered
    The core technique here is minimalist trout fishing logistics rather than any single on-water tactic, built around carrying a lanyard with a small fly box, forceps, nippers, split shot, gel and powder floatant and a tippet spool instead of a heavily loaded vest or pack. Fly selection stays deliberately narrow, with elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, greenie weenies, San Juan worms, beetles, ants, hare's ear nymphs and soft hackle pheasant tails covering the bulk of Southern Appalachian trout water. Footwear gets specific attention, with Mac and Marvin comparing lightweight hiking shoes like Hokas paired with packable river shoes against traditional wading boots, plus a budget DIY option from Mac's childhood of gluing felt soles onto old Converse sneakers to build a lightweight homemade wading shoe for backcountry hikes. On the rod, reel and line side, Mac and Marvin point to workhorse reels from manufacturers like Lamson and affordable entry-level fly lines in the $70 range as ways to get a capable trout setup without overspending on premium gear.
    Locations & Species
    The episode centers on wild and stocked trout fishing in western North Carolina, with backcountry streams inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park serving as the primary destination discussed for the minimalist, hike-in approach to gear. Mac and Marvin note that the Park's water calls for small dries, wets and nymphs rather than streamers, with streamer fishing only becoming viable after a thunderstorm pushes water levels up. The conversation also touches on current warm weather wet-wade conditions giving way to fall, with the region's Delayed Harvest season expected to resume the first Saturday in October around Bryson City.
    FAQ / Key Questions Answered
    What gear do I actually need to fish effectively for trout in the Southern Appalachians?
    A single lanyard carrying a small fly box, forceps, nippers, split shot, gel and powder floatant and a tippet spool covers nearly everything needed for a productive day on the water. Pair that with a short list of proven patterns like elk hair caddis, parachute Adams and soft hackle pheasant tails rather than an overloaded fly selection.
    How should I choose footwear for hiking into backcountry trout streams?
    Lightweight hiking shoes like Hokas paired with packable river shoes that fold up small are a lighter alternative to traditional wading boots, which take up significant pack space and add several pounds of weight. Budget wet-wade options like Keens, Chacos or even old sneakers also work well.
    What's a budget-friendly way to build a trout rod, reel and line setup?
    Most major rod manufacturers make a solid, entry level four- or five-weight rod, and companies like Lamson produce affordable, workhorse reels that hold up for years of trout fishing. Entry-level fly lines from brands like Scientific Anglers run around $70 and are a reasonable way to get out the door without overspending on premium gear.
    Why should anglers prioritize instruction over buying more gear?
    Gear alone is unlikely to be the deciding factor in becoming a better angler, while casting or guided instruction directly improves the skills that produce more fish on the water. Redirecting money that would otherwise go toward another piece of gear into a lesson or class tends to pay off faster than expanding an already adequate kit.
    Related Content
    S8, Ep 57 - The Power of Habit: Mac Brown's Strategies for Fishing Success
    S8, Ep 21 - Casting into Spring: Mac Brown Discusses Wild Trout Fishing and Upcoming Classes
    S8, Ep 49 - Mastering the Cast: Mac Brown's Insights on Shooting Line
    View All Casting Angles Episodes with Mac Brown
    Connect with Our Guest
    Follow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
    Follow the Show
    Follow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.
    Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.
    Support the Show
    Shop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.
    Join our Patreon community to support the show.
    If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options.
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  • The Articulate Fly

    BONUS: The Science of Streamers (Pt II): Kirk Klingensmith on Swim Flies

    15/08/2026 | 29 mins.
    Episode Overview
    On this episode of The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash welcomes back Kirk Klingensmith for Part Two of their Science of Streamers conversation, this time digging into the physics behind swim flies and the Game Changer platform. Klingensmith brings an engineer's eye to the vise, breaking down why doubling a fly's length doesn't mean doubling its diameter and why that distinction matters more than most tiers realize.
    The conversation opens with the geometry of drag: length scales linearly, but diameter drives drag by the square, so a modest increase in diameter has an outsized effect on a fly's action. From there, Klingensmith and Cash trace how turbulence created at the front of a swim fly, whether from a deer hair lip, a cupped popper head or simply a bulky front-loaded profile, sets up the unstable eddy currents that make the rear of the fly undulate on the retrieve. They cover material choices (marabou, rabbit, craft fur, Flashabou) that add movement, the role of shank engineering and segmentation in producing a serpentine swim, and how stinger hook placement and connection material (wire, gel-spun, mono) change both the fly's action and its hookup rate on short-striking fish. A highlight of the episode is Klingensmith's breakdown of Brian Shumaker's Shimmering Minnow and the "hover and twitch" presentation he uses on pressured smallmouth bass in warm summer water.
    Key Takeaways
    How to scale a streamer's diameter separately from its length, since drag increases geometrically with diameter while length scales in linear proportion
    Why turbulence-inducing elements like a deer hair lip, a cupped popper head or an oversized front profile make a swim fly kick and undulate on the retrieve instead of just sinking straight
    When to fish a swim fly on a dead-stop hover rather than a fast retrieve, particularly for pressured smallmouth bass in warm summer water
    How to use material mass and segment placement to dial in a tighter or more gradual S-curve swimming action on an articulated fly
    Why adding a stinger hook can improve hookups on short-striking predatory fish while also changing how much mass and crash the tail of the fly carries
    How fly designers use a "chassis" mindset, treating patterns like the Clouser Minnow or Game Changer as adaptable platforms rather than fixed recipes

    Techniques & Gear Covered
    Klingensmith explains swim fly action as a function of engineered turbulence: a drag-inducing front end (a lip, a cupped head or simply a bulky profile) creates unstable eddy currents that the rear of the fly follows, producing the swimming motion, while a laminar (streamlined) front would produce no swim at all. He details how progressively smaller shanks toward the tail increase segmentation and produce a more serpentine undulation, and how adding mass to those rear segments dampens the action into a slower, more gradual S-curve. On stinger hook rigging, he walks through connection options (wire, gel-spun, mono) and how hook placement and gauge affect both the fly's swim and its hook-up percentage on fish that nip at the tail rather than eating the head. Named patterns discussed include the Game Changer platform and two of its variants, the Jerk Changer and the Feather Changer, along with the Drunk & Disorderly, Brian Shumaker's Shimmering Minnow, the Clouser Minnow, Bob Popovics' Beast Fleye and Chris Walker's Kreelex-variant, a stinger-hook trout streamer designed for brown trout that key on the tail.
    FAQ / Key Questions Answered
    Why don't fly proportions scale linearly when you size up a streamer pattern?
    Because drag from a cylindrical or spherical shape increases geometrically with diameter while length only scales linearly. Klingensmith explains that it's reasonable to scale a fly's length proportionally when going from, say, four inches to six inches, but the diameter should only be increased modestly, not scaled by the same ratio, or the fly's action and drag profile will be thrown off.
    What makes a swim fly like the Game Changer move with a swimming action instead of just sinking?
    The action comes from turbulence engineered into the front of the fly. A lip, a cupped popper head or simply a bulky, non-streamlined front end creates a drag source that generates unstable eddy currents, and the rest of the fly follows those currents on the retrieve. A streamlined, laminar-flow front would not produce this swimming motion.
    How does adding a stinger hook affect a swim fly's action and hookup rate?
    It depends heavily on how the shank-to-stinger connection is built, whether with wire, gel-spun line or mono, and whether the hook is left free or incorporated into the tail material. Stinger hooks are especially effective on predatory fish that nip at a fly's tail rather than striking the head, and shorter-shank designs like octopus hooks tend to hold hooked fish more securely than long-shank hooks.
    What is the "hover and twitch" technique Kirk Klingensmith uses for pressured smallmouth?
    Rather than burning the fly back with a fast retrieve, Klingensmith lays the Shimmering Minnow within six inches of structure and lets it twitch and suspend with almost no forward motion, letting subtle microcurrent movement do the work. He believes this near-motionless presentation gives pressured smallmouth, especially in warm water, something they haven't already learned to refuse.
    How can fly tiers control the tightness of a swim fly's S-curve swimming action?
    By adjusting material mass in the segments behind the head. Lighter segments produce a tighter, more pronounced undulation, while adding more mass and gradually stepping it down through the rear segments dampens the action into a slower, more gradual S-curve.
    Sponsors
    Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.
    Related Content
    Listen to The Science of Streamers (Pt I)
    BONUS: The Science of Streamers (Pt I): Kirk Klingensmith on Jigging and Wrecking Flies
    BONUS: Castability Unleashed: Mark Sedotti's Journey with the Sedotti Slammer
    BONUS: Swine Design Secrets: Eli Berant Discusses the Optimus Swine
    S6, Ep 144: The Chocklett Factory: Conservation, New Products and a Legacy Remembered
    Connect with Our Guest
    Follow Kirk on Facebook and Instagram.
    Follow the Show
    Follow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.
    Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.
    Support the Show
    Shop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.
    Join our Patreon community to support the show.
    If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options.
    Subscribe & Advertise
    Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.
    Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
    Helpful Episode Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    02:51 Scaling Fly Geometry
    05:35 How Swim Flies Swim
    11:28 Paused Retrieves Matter Most
    16:26 Stinger Hooks and Fly...
  • The Articulate Fly

    S8, Ep 59: Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report: Captain Brian Shumaker's Late Summer Strategies

    12/08/2026 | 7 mins.
    Episode Overview
    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 mid-August conditions update on the Susquehanna River system in Central Pennsylvania. After a heavy rain event pushed the river up, Shumaker reports flows are now falling and clarity is returning, with roughly two feet of visibility on the edges and more color still out in the main current. That in-between water dictates a two-tier approach: anglers can still pound the banks with poppers where visibility holds, but need to switch to bigger, darker streamers with more flash as they move off the bank into stained water. Shumaker breaks down how he is fishing Half and Half and Clouser Minnow patterns in size two and one, in chartreuse-yellow with gold flash, black-and-olive and olive-and-orange combinations, all still fished on an intermediate line. He also covers how the return of some color has let him tighten up casting distances compared to the ultra-clear, low-water conditions from before the rain, when 40-foot+ casts were often required to avoid spooking fish. Looking ahead, Shumaker outlines open guide dates in late September and October before he heads to Texas for redfish in November.
    Key Takeaways
    How falling, stained water after heavy rain changes streamer color and profile choices for Susquehanna smallmouth
    Why topwater poppers still produce along the bank edges even when the main current carries reduced visibility
    When to size up to bigger, darker streamers with added flash as anglers move off the bank into off-color water
    How stained, elevated water allows for shorter, more comfortable casts compared to low, clear pre-rain conditions
    When to book a fall smallmouth trip with Susquehanna River Guides as the guide calendar opens up in September and October

    Techniques & Gear Covered
    Shumaker splits his approach along a visibility gradient: poppers worked tight to the bank where a foot and a half or so of clarity remains, and streamers as anglers move out into the murkier main current. His streamer program centers on Half and Half and Clouser Minnow patterns in size two and one, favoring darker, flashier color combinations in stained water, including chartreuse-yellow with gold flash, black-and-olive and olive-and-orange. All of these are fished on an intermediate line rather than a heavier sinking option, even as fly size and color shift with conditions. On the presentation side, he notes that reduced water clarity has shortened the casting distance needed to reach productive water, a contrast to the 40-foot+ casts required during the low, gin-clear conditions before the rain.
    Locations & Species
    This report covers the Susquehanna River system in Central Pennsylvania, where Captain Brian Shumaker guides for smallmouth bass out of Susquehanna River Guides. Conditions are transitional: the river is dropping and clearing after a heavy rain event, moving from a bony, low-water late-summer pattern toward a fresh bump with a couple of feet of edge visibility.
    FAQ / Key Questions Answered
    How does falling, stained water after heavy rain change smallmouth fly selection on the Susquehanna?
    Brian Shumaker sizes up to bigger, darker streamers with more flash as visibility drops moving off the bank, favoring Half and Half and Clouser Minnow patterns in size two and one. Color choices lean toward chartreuse and chartreuse-yellow with gold flash, or black-and-olive and olive-and-orange combinations that show up well in off-color water.
    When should anglers fish topwater poppers versus switch to streamers in low-visibility conditions?
    Poppers still work tight along the bank, where roughly a foot and a half of visibility typically remains even in stained water. As anglers move out five feet or more from the bank and lose that visibility, Shumaker shifts to streamers, then moves back to a full topwater program once the river fully clears.
    How does water clarity affect casting distance for Susquehanna smallmouth?
    During the low, gin-clear conditions before the recent rain, Shumaker often needed anglers to make consistent 40-foot+ casts to reach fish without spooking them. With some color back in the water, he can now position anglers closer to productive water, making the cast easier without sacrificing effectiveness.
    What fly line does Brian Shumaker use for streamer fishing in these conditions?
    Shumaker fishes his streamer program on an intermediate line rather than a more aggressive sinking option, keeping the same line even as he adjusts fly size and color for changing water clarity.
    When is Brian Shumaker's guide calendar open for fall smallmouth trips?
    Shumaker has open dates in late September and more availability through October before heading to Texas in November to chase redfish. Anglers can reach him by phone or text or through the Susquehanna River Guides website to book a fall trip.
    Allen Rupp's East Tennessee Tying Classes
    On August 21st and 22nd, Allen is teaching three schools at Tailwaters Fly Company in Bluff City, Tennessee.
    Friday, August 21, 5:30-7:30 PM: Dave's NearNuff Sculpin School
    Saturday, August 22, 9:00-11:00 AM: Dave's NearNuff Crayfish School
    Saturday, August 22, 3:00-5:00 PM: Whitlock's Bass Bug School
    Don't forget to use ARTICULATEFLY at check out!
    Related Content
    S8, Ep 56 - Topwater Tactics: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report
    S8, Ep 52 - Hot Days and Night Bites: Brian Shumaker's Guide to Pennsylvania Smallmouth Fishing
    S8, Ep 44 - The Legacy of Classic Flies: Allen Rupp's Insights on Timeless Patterns
    S8, Ep 43 - Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Report
    Connect with Our Guest
    Follow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.
    Follow the Show
    Follow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.
    Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.
    Support the Show
    Shop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.
    Join our Patreon community to support the show.
    If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options.
    Subscribe & Advertise
    Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.
    Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
  • The Articulate Fly

    S8, Ep 58: Central PA Fishing Report: George Costa's Summer Strategies for Success

    07/08/2026 | 4 mins.
    Episode Overview
    George Costa of TCO Fly Shop returns to The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast for another Central PA Fishing Report with host Marvin Cash, checking in on mid-summer conditions across the region's limestone streams. It's a mixed picture: recent weekend rain has pushed the Little Juniata River high and essentially unfishable for the next few days, while Spring Creek, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek remain in solid seasonal shape with manageable flows.
    Costa reports classic mid-summer fishing, with mornings through late-morning and evenings producing the most consistent action. Tricos are showing sporadically, especially on Spring Creek, alongside a scattering of blue-winged olives and small quills. The terrestrial bite is picking up, with ants and beetles drawing steady interest from trout. Costa's go-to approach right now is a dry-dropper rig: a size 12 or 14 Chubby Chernobyl or beetle pattern up top with a small ant or Greenie Weenie dropped underneath, a setup that pulls fish on both the dry and the nymph.
    Beyond the stream report, Costa previews TCO's free Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival this weekend at the Boiling Springs shop on Children's Lake, plus ongoing summer sale pricing as the shop transitions its inventory toward fall. He also flags a strong smallmouth bass bite on Pennsylvania's bigger rivers, including good topwater action despite elevated flows on the West Branch and the Juniata.
    Key Takeaways
    How to fish Central PA limestone streams during mid-summer high-water conditions by targeting Spring Creek, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek while avoiding a blown-out Little Juniata
    When to be on the water for the best mid-summer dry fly action, focusing on first light through 10 or 11 a.m. and again in the evening
    Why a dry-dropper rig combining a size 12 or 14 Chubby Chernobyl or beetle with a small ant or Greenie Weenie dropper is an effective search strategy right now
    How to identify a viable mid-summer smallmouth bass alternative on Pennsylvania's larger rivers when trout water runs high
    When to expect terrestrial patterns like ants and beetles to outperform sparse trico and olive hatches on Central PA streams

    Techniques & Gear Covered
    Costa's core mid-summer strategy centers on a dry-dropper rig built around a size 12 or 14 Chubby Chernobyl or large beetle pattern as the top fly, with a small ant or Greenie Weenie dropped off the back to cover both surface and subsurface feeders. He notes that most of the action is currently coming on the dropper rather than the top fly, though occasional risers will still take the dry. On the hatch front, sporadic tricos, a handful of blue-winged olives and small quills round out the surface options, while the terrestrial bite on ants and beetles continues to build as summer progresses. For the smallmouth side of the report, Costa points anglers toward topwater presentations on Pennsylvania's bigger rivers as an alternative when trout streams are running high.
    Locations & Species
    This report centers on Central Pennsylvania's limestone spring creeks, with Spring Creek, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek all holding good seasonal flows and cool enough temperatures to fish through the heart of summer, while the Little Juniata River is running high and unfishable following recent weekend rain. Wild trout are the primary target across these limestone waters, with dry-dropper presentations and terrestrial patterns proving most effective during the current mid-summer conditions. Costa also highlights a secondary smallmouth bass opportunity on Pennsylvania's larger river systems, including the West Branch and the Juniata, where elevated flows haven't stopped a strong topwater bite from producing quality fish.
    FAQ / Key Questions Answered
    What is the best time of day to fish Central PA limestone streams in mid-summer?
    Costa recommends targeting first light through roughly 10 or 11 a.m., along with the evening hours, as these windows have consistently produced the best action during the current mid-summer stretch. Midday fishing tends to slow considerably once temperatures peak.
    Why is the Little Juniata River currently unfishable?
    Recent weekend rain blew out the Little Juniata and pushed flows high enough that Costa considers it essentially unfishable for at least the next couple of days, especially if additional rain arrives. Spring Creek, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek were not affected to the same degree and remain fishable.
    What rig works best for Central PA trout right now?
    Costa's go-to setup is a dry-dropper rig: a size 12 or 14 Chubby Chernobyl or large beetle pattern on top, with a small ant or Greenie Weenie dropped off the back. Most fish are currently coming on the dropper, though occasional risers will still eat the dry fly.
    Is smallmouth bass fishing a good option when trout streams are high?
    Yes. Costa reports that despite elevated flows on the West Branch and the Juniata, the smallmouth bite has been great, with a particularly strong topwater bite producing quality fish on Pennsylvania's larger rivers.
    What is happening at TCO Fly Shop this week?
    TCO is hosting its free Fly Fishing and Outdoor Festival this weekend at the Boiling Springs shop on Children's Lake, open to the public with no admission charge. The shop is also running summer sale pricing as it clears out inventory ahead of fall, with winter class schedules to be posted on the TCO website in the coming weeks.
    Related Content
    S8, Ep 55 - Summer Secrets: George Costa's Central PA Fishing Report
    S8, Ep 56 - Topwater Tactics: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report
    S8, Ep 51 - Summer Stream Insights: George Costa on Conditions, Patterns and Upcoming Events
    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
    View all Central Pennsylvania Fishing Reports with George Costa
    Connect with Our Guest
    Follow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
    Follow the Show
    Follow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.
    Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.
    Support the Show
    Shop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.
    Join our Patreon community to support the show.
    If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options.
    Subscribe & Advertise
    Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.
    Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
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About The Articulate Fly
The Articulate Fly Fly Fishing Podcast regularly releases interviews with national and regional personalities covering fly fishing, fly tying and fly fishing travel. We also regularly release fishing reports for the novice and experienced fly angler. Whether you just loved a River Runs Through It or you are a streamer junkie, a dry fly addict, a swinger or a nymph head, we have you covered! To learn more, visit www.thearticulatefly.com.
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