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The Articulate Fly: Daily Summaries Delivered
by 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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- Today10 min
S8, Ep 56: Topwater Tactics: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report
Episode OverviewOn 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 peak-summer conditions update on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania. Flows are running skinny with a stretch of cool mornings and low humidity, with rain in the forecast to bump levels back up. Shumaker breaks down a topwater program built around a heavy blue damsel bite, the arrival of the white fly hatch on both rivers and cicadas working the banks, along with the disciplined casting angles and dead-drift-then-pop presentation that turn a good popper bite into a great one. He also covers how he adjusts on cooler mornings when bug activity is slow, switching clients to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns fished on floating lines and long leaders to stay in the smallmouth's strike zone without hanging up. Shumaker explains why he skips the obvious white fly dry fly in favor of a small floating minnow or white popper during the dusk-into-dark spinner fall and why a proper strip set, not a trout set, is the difference between a hookup and a miss. The conversation closes with a seasonal look ahead: bookings running into early October before the bite transitions from topwater to streamers as water temperatures cool through the fall.Key TakeawaysHow to position the boat and cast at a consistent 45-degree angle downstream so both anglers maintain a natural drift without creating drag or crossing linesWhy the pause after a popper's initial splat, not the retrieve, is what triggers a smallmouth strikeWhen to switch from topwater to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns on cooler, low-activity topwater morningsWhy floating lines and 9-foot leaders outperform intermediate lines for working skinny summer flows without hanging bottomHow to fish the Susquehanna's white fly hatch with a small floating minnow or white popper instead of a matching dry flyWhy a strip set rather than a trout set is essential for solid hookups on topwater and streamer eatsTechniques & Gear CoveredShumaker's summer program centers on blue and black poppers fished with a deliberate splat-pause-pop-pause retrieve, paired with disciplined 45-degree downstream casting angles from both the bow and stern to keep flies drifting at boat speed and avoid drag. For lower-activity topwater mornings, he switches clients to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows tied with small dumbbell or bead chain eyes and crayfish patterns worked with short strips and a pause, fished on floating lines with 9-foot leaders rather than intermediate lines. During the Susquehanna and Juniata white fly hatch, he intentionally avoids a matching dry fly in favor of a small floating minnow or small white popper, reasoning that a fly which stands out from thousands of naturals draws a more confident eat. Across every presentation he emphasizes a strip set over a trout set to avoid pulling the fly away from a committed fish.Locations & SpeciesThe report centers on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania, where smallmouth bass are the primary target during the height of topwater season. Conditions are running low and clear after several days of cooler, low-humidity weather, with rain needed to bump flows back to normal summer levels. The Susquehanna's white fly hatch is in full swing alongside blue damsels and resident cicadas, a combination that defines the region's peak summer surface bite from late morning through the dusk-into-dark spinner fall.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy does the pause matter more than the retrieve when fishing poppers for smallmouth bass?Shumaker explains that whether an angler is fishing a popper, streamer, crayfish pattern or hellgrammite imitation, smallmouth bass eat during the pause far more often than during active movement. The retrieve gets the fly in front of the fish, but the pause is what triggers the strike.How should anglers position themselves in a drift boat when casting poppers for smallmouth?Both the bow and stern anglers should cast at a consistent 45-degree angle downstream rather than straight out or straight downstream. This keeps each fly drifting at the same speed as the boat, prevents drag and avoids the two anglers crossing or tangling lines, with the oar marking the boundary between each angler's casting lane.What should anglers throw when cooler mornings slow the topwater bite?On cooler, low-activity mornings, Shumaker switches clients to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows and cray
- 4 days ago3 min
S8, Ep 55: Summer Secrets: George Costa's Central PA Fishing Report
Episode OverviewIn 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 an end-of-July conditions update. Costa reports Central Pennsylvania's trout streams running a touch above seasonal averages after a recent shot of rain, with solid dry fly and terrestrial action across the region.Water levels are in good shape for late summer, and while overnight temps have cooled into the 50s, Costa reminds anglers to keep checking midday stream temperatures on the region's bigger waters, where readings can still creep into the high 60s. On the bug front, Tricos are producing strong morning dry fly action on Spring Creek, with the prime window running roughly 8 a.m. to noon. Terrestrials are working well everywhere, with beetles and ants producing across the board and the season's first hoppers now showing up in the more meadowy stream stretches. Fish are readily eating Chubbies and small hoppers, and dry-dropper rigs — a Chubby up top with a nymph dropper underneath — are working well. For anglers looking to move bigger fish, Costa points to streamer fishing in low light, early and late, as water temperatures cool.Beyond the stream report, Costa previews TCO's Outdoor Fly Fishing Festival at the shop's Boiling Springs location on Children's Lake, coming up August 8th and 9th, and recaps a strong showing at the shop's recent Bass Thumb smallmouth tournament, which saw high, dirty water but plenty of big fish caught.Key TakeawaysHow to time the Trico hatch on Spring Creek for peak morning dry fly action, roughly 8 a.m. to noon.Why terrestrial patterns like beetles and ants are producing well everywhere right now, with the season's first hoppers now showing up in meadowy stream stretches.When to switch to streamer fishing for a better shot at moving bigger fish, ideally during low light in the early morning or evening.Why checking midday water temperatures still matters on bigger Central PA streams even when overall levels and clarity are favorable.When to plan a visit to TCO's Outdoor Fly Fishing Festival in Boiling Springs, running August 8th and 9th at Children's Lake.Techniques & Gear CoveredCosta's report centers on a classic late-July technique mix for Central Pennsylvania's trout streams: morning Trico dry fly fishing, terrestrial presentations through the day and streamer fishing during low light. Beetles and ants are producing well across the board, while the season's first hoppers are emerging specifically in meadowy stream stretches. Dry-dropper rigs — running a Chubby as the top fly with a nymph dropper underneath — are producing consistent results. For low-light streamer fishing, Costa notes that slightly cooler water temperatures in the early morning and evening make fish more willing to chase.Locations & SpeciesThis report covers Central Pennsylvania's trout streams generally, with Spring Creek specifically called out as producing strong morning Trico activity. Wild and stocked trout are the primary target throughout the region. Seasonally, this is a slightly atypical late-July window: stream levels running a little above seasonal averages and on the clear side following recent rain, overnight temperatures in the 50s, and daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s making midday water temperatures a point of attention on the region's bigger streams.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat are current stream conditions in Central PA in late July?Costa reports levels running a little above seasonal averages and on the clear side following a recent rain event. Overnight temperatures have been in the 50s with daytime highs in the mid-70s to low 80s, keeping overall stream temperatures favorable, though bigger streams can still creep into the high 60s by midday.When is the best time to fish Tricos on Spring Creek?Costa identifies roughly 8 a.m. to noon as the prime window for Trico dry fly action on Spring Creek, when hatch activity is strongest.What terrestrial patterns are working best right now in Central PA?Beetles and ants are producing well everywhere, and the season's first hoppers are starting to show up specifically in meadowy stream stretches. Costa notes fish are readily eating Chubbies and small hoppers, and dry-dropper rigs — a Chubby up top with a nymph dropper underneath — are working well.When should anglers switch to streamer fishing during summer tro
- 5 days ago11 min
S8, Ep 54: Weathering the Storm: Matt Reilly on Adapting to Summer Fishing Conditions
Episode OverviewWhat happens to smallmouth bass fishing in Southwest Virginia when a big summer rain event hits after weeks of low, clear water? 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 real-time look at a region caught mid-storm, with rain hammering areas south of Radford and across northeast Tennessee while the New River itself stays comparatively unaffected. Matt breaks down why the coming days of rising, cooling, discolored water will actually put feeding smallmouth on more aggressive behavior than the low, clear conditions anglers had been dealing with, and why a passive, finesse-driven bug approach that worked so well in low water gives way to power fishing with bigger, darker profiles once the water comes up. He walks through the underlying logic: cooler water lowers a smallmouth's metabolic cost of chasing prey, rising flows create a predatory veil that lets fish hunt more boldly, and the same early-morning-versus-midday light and temperature gradient that governs a single summer day also governs the multi-day arc after a storm. Matt also answers a listener question about what conditions put smallmouth in a genuine feeding mood during the dog days of summer. The conversation closes with a look ahead to the fall calendar, as Matt discusses booking musky trips for the final weeks of the season and striped bass dates for next year, and points listeners to his monthly newsletter as the fastest way to hear about last-minute cancellations and openings.Key TakeawaysHow to read a rising, cooling and discoloring river as an opportunity rather than a setback for smallmouth fishing.Why finesse bug presentations dominate in low, clear, hot water while power fishing with streamers takes over once flows rise and temperatures drop.When to target slack water, eddies and bank cover with large, dark profiles during high, dirty water conditions.Why the same light-and-temperature gradient that drives fish activity within a single summer day also plays out across the days following a storm.How to stay ahead of last-minute musky and striper trip openings by subscribing directly to a guide's newsletter.Techniques & Gear CoveredMatt contrasts two core approaches for Southwest Virginia smallmouth: a passive, finesse-oriented topwater bug presentation suited to low, clear, high-pressure summer conditions, and a power-fishing approach built around larger profiles, darker colors, and faster retrieves once rain raises water levels and drops temperatures. He emphasizes targeting protected water, including slack water holes, eddies, and bank cover, when rivers run high and stained, since these areas concentrate fish that are less willing to fight heavy current. The conversation also touches on the same early-morning topwater and baitfish-imitating streamer window that opens before direct sun and rising temperatures push fish back into a more conservative feeding pattern later in the day.Locations & SpeciesThis report centers on the rivers of Southwest Virginia, including the New River and the broader drainages around Radford, Narrows and Pearisburg, with Matt tracking an active storm system moving through the region alongside spillover effects from flooding further north in West Virginia. Smallmouth bass are the primary target discussed, with the conversation focused on how a shift from low, clear, hot conditions to high, cool, discolored flows changes both fish behavior and angler strategy heading into the heart of summer. Matt also flags the approaching transition into fall, when Southwest Virginia's musky season picks up, along with striped bass dates he's already booking for the following year.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy does rising, cooler, dirtier water often improve smallmouth fishing instead of hurting it?Cooler water lowers the energy cost of chasing prey, so smallmouth can afford to move around and feed more aggressively than they do in low, clear, hot conditions. Rising, stained water also gives fish a kind of predatory veil that lets them hunt more boldly instead of feeding cautiously to avoid predators themselves.How should anglers adjust their approach right after a big rain event hits a smallmouth river?Matt's first move is to get below the freshest, most turbid water or find a stretch of river the storm has not fully reached yet. In the days that follow, the priority shifts to identifying the most promising combination of temperature, clarity and flow, since conditions can vary drastically from one st
- 1 weeks ago6 min
S8, Ep 53: Cool Waters and Hot Days: Mac Brown’s Guide to Summer Fishing
Episode OverviewWith freestone trout streams across the Southeast pushing into the upper 60s and low 70s by mid-morning, serious anglers need a plan for beating the summer heat. On this Casting Angles installment of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash and Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish and Fly Fishing Guide School in Bryson City, North Carolina, break down how to keep catching trout — or productively wait it out — when peak summer temperatures push freestone fishing to its limits.Mac and Marvin agree that the dog days of summer call for a shift in strategy rather than a day off the water. The conversation centers on East Tennessee's Watauga and South Holston tailwaters along with Western North Carolina's Nantahala, all three of which hold cold water for much of the day, plus the Clinch River below Norris Dam and the deep, cold Fontana Dam tailwater. By contrast, the Tuckasegee ("the Tuck") is a tailwater that doesn't run nearly as cold as the others, since its dam doesn't create enough head to keep the release chilled. The pair walk through the early-morning window — roughly daylight to 9:30 or 10 a.m. — as the best bet for active trout before heat shuts things down, and they recommend checking USGS gauges and the TroutRoutes app to confirm flows and water temperatures before heading out. When conditions simply aren't fishable, Mac and Marvin suggest reinvesting that time in casting practice or fly tying rather than forcing a trip. The episode closes with a teaser for Mac's upcoming fall casting schools, with full details and dates available at macbrownflyfish.com.Key TakeawaysHow to identify which regional tailwaters — the Watauga, South Holston, Clinch and Fontana releases — hold consistently cold, fishable water when freestone streams push past 69–70°F by mid-morning.Why fish in bigger bodies of water retreat to deeper, cooler holds as afternoon temperatures climb, making them much harder to reach with a fly.When to fish the early-morning window, roughly daylight to 9:30 or 10 a.m., for the best shot at active trout before the summer heat shuts down the bite.How to use USGS gauges and the TroutRoutes app to check release schedules and water temperatures before committing to a trip.Why elevation alone doesn't guarantee cold water, since even streams near 6,700–6,800 feet can push toward 70°F by mid-morning in peak summer heat.When to redirect fishing time toward casting practice or fly tying rather than forcing a trip into conditions that are too warm to fish well.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe core strategy discussed is prioritizing tailwaters over freestones during peak summer heat, since dam-regulated flows on rivers like the Watauga and South Holston hold consistently cold water while freestone streams climb toward 70°F by mid-morning regardless of elevation. Mac and Marvin recommend checking USGS stream gauges alongside the TroutRoutes app, a podcast sponsor (Use ARTFLY20 for 20% off), to review flow schedules and available water-temperature data before planning a trip. They also frame the early-morning window, from daylight until roughly 9:30 or 10 a.m., as the most productive stretch before warming water pushes safe fishing out of range. For anglers boxed in by travel or work schedules that don't line up with cooler weather, the hosts suggest using the downtime productively — working on casting fundamentals on a soccer field or similar open space, or tying flies indoors until conditions improve.Locations & SpeciesThe conversation centers on East Tennessee's two primary trout tailwaters, the Watauga and South Holston, along with the Nantahala in Western North Carolina — all three of which stay cold thanks to dam releases even as regional air temperatures spike. Mac also points to the Clinch River below Norris Dam in Tennessee — including a weir section that was fishing well as of a recent report — and to Fontana Dam's tailwater, where depth of nearly 470 feet keeps discharge in the low 50s even at the height of summer. By contrast, the Tuckasegee ("the Tuck") is a tailwater in Mac's home area that doesn't run nearly as cold, since its dam doesn't create enough head to chill the release the way the others do. Across all of these waters the target species is trout, with the guidance sh
- 1 weeks ago1h 17m
BONUS: Castability Unleashed: Mark Sedotti's Journey with the Sedotti Slammer
Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with Mark Sedotti, inventor of the Sedotti Slammer and one of the pioneers of weight-balanced streamer design, to trace nearly 35 years of big-fly development for striped bass and bluefish. Sedotti explains why a lead keel and the right amount of absorbed water can make an oversized streamer cast further and more accurately than a small one, overturning decades of conventional wisdom that heavy flies are harder to throw.Working from western Long Island Sound, where he first tied the Slammer to imitate adult menhaden up to 15 inches long, Sedotti walks through the evolution of his high-and-low bucktail tying method, the construction of a rectangular lead keel to stop wide-profile flies from rolling, and the concept of weight balancing that ties it all together. He also details how the Slammer found its way to Michigan's Manistee River in the early 1990s, where guide Russ Maddin nicknamed it the Screaming Jesus and helped ignite the modern big-streamer trout movement.The conversation covers rod and line selection for casting giant flies, including Sedotti's signature Sayonara sling casting technique, along with retrieve mechanics, leader setups, and where to source materials and commercially tied Slammers. Anglers chasing striped bass, bluefish or trophy trout with oversized streamers will come away with a working framework for why some big flies cast beautifully and others simply won't turn over.Key TakeawaysHow to weight balance a streamer so it casts smoothly regardless of its size, rather than dragging through the airWhy adding water-absorbing materials like bucktail can improve a big fly's castability instead of hurting itHow to build a rectangular lead keel from lead wire to stop a wide-profile fly from rolling in the waterWhen to size a streamer to match adult versus immature baitfish, since selective stripers and bluefish may refuse flies shorter than the natural forageHow the Sayonara sling casting technique adds effective rod length and line speed for longer distance with a single-handed rodWhy a long leader of eight to nine feet improves fly action and strike rates when streamer fishing for troutTechniques & Gear CoveredSedotti's core concept is weight balancing: adding just enough weight to a streamer to counteract wind resistance and drag during the cast, which he discovered by building a rectangular lead keel out of 0.030-0.035 lead wire to prevent wide-profile flies from rolling. His high-and-low bucktail tying method, refined with input from Bob Popovics on achieving a three-dimensional bunker profile, remains consistent across pattern sizes from three and a half to over 20 inches, with synthetic yak hair, bucktail and feather substitutes used as natural saddle hackle and schlappen became harder to source. For casting, he favors a fast-action 11-weight rod paired with either integrated sinking lines, shooting heads or a floating line for shallow presentations, and retrieves with long, fast strips followed by a pause where most strikes occur.Locations & SpeciesSedotti developed the Slammer in western Long Island Sound around Greenwich, Port Chester, and Rye, New York, targeting striped bass and bluefish keyed in on schools of menhaden, or bunker, ranging from three and a half to over 15 inches depending on the season. He later carried medium-sized versions of the fly to Michigan's Manistee River, where it proved effective on trout and helped spark the region's big-streamer trout culture, as well as to Montana's Beaverhead River for trout. Today, he fishes deep structure at Montauk and Southwest Ledge on Block Island for large striped bass, working the fly 35 to 45 feet down on sinking lines.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is weight balancing in streamer fly design, and why does it matter for castability?Weight balancing means adding enough weight to a fly to counteract the wind resistance created by its materials as it moves through the air during a cast. Mark Sedotti found that a properly weight-balanced fly, regardless of size, will false cast smoothly with a normal loop, while an unbalanced fly either drags or develops an uncontrollable loop.How do you build a keel to stop a wide-profile streamer from rolling?Sedotti wraps half-inch strips of lead wire in layers of five, stacking three levels to form a rectangular, raft-like keel along the underside of the hook shank. The exact method matters less than achieving the correct total weight for that specific fly to keep it weight balanced.Why can waterlogged flies actually cast better than dry ones?A dry fly with the same amount of bulky material
- 2 weeks ago8 min
S8, Ep 52: Hot Days and Night Bites: Brian Shumaker’s Guide to Pennsylvania Smallmouth Fishing
Episode OverviewIn this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a midsummer conditions update on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania. Recorded following a stretch of triple-digit heat punctuated by heavy rain, the report finds Shumaker firmly in prime topwater season, with blue damselflies coming off heavy from late morning into the evenings and the white fly hatch on deck for the end of July into early August.Shumaker walks through his day-to-day approach on the water: starting clients with a popping bug and a streamer or crayfish pattern first thing in the morning, then committing fully to topwater by mid-morning. On color selection, he leans on Carolina blue Boogle Bugs and smaller blockhead poppers, with yellow still producing thanks to lingering sulphurs, and blue, white, yellow and green all working depending on the day. For the white fly window, he skips realistic dries in favor of a Clouser's Floating Minnow or a small white popper twitched across the surface after dark.The conversation also covers river conditions following recent heavy rain — both the Susquehanna and Juniata are dropping from a solid slug of water but haven't bottomed out, with more rain possibly on the way. Shumaker shares his theory on why big smallmouth become nocturnal feeders once water temperatures push into the high 80s, and closes with fall booking availability for late September into early October.Key TakeawaysHow to structure a summer smallmouth day on the Susquehanna and Juniata by starting with a popper-and-streamer combo and shifting fully to topwater by mid-morning.Why blue, white, yellow and green popper colors are all producing right now, tied to peak blue damselfly activity and the tail end of the sulphur hatch.When to expect the white fly hatch to begin on the Susquehanna system, and how to switch presentations from realistic dries to a Clouser's Floating Minnow or a small twitched popper after dark.Why big smallmouth bass shift to nocturnal feeding once water temperatures climb into the high 80s, and how that changes where and when to target trophy fish.How to read post-rain conditions on the Susquehanna and Juniata, since both rivers were dropping from a recent high-water event without bottoming out.Techniques & Gear CoveredShumaker's summer topwater program centers on popping bug fishing, with a Carolina blue Boogle Bug and smaller blockhead poppers as the go-to producers, plus a yellow Boogle Bug that still draws strikes off the lingering sulphur hatch. Early in the day he'll pair a popper with a streamer or crayfish pattern on a second rod to gauge activity before committing to topwater for the rest of the day. For the incoming white fly hatch, he moves away from imitative dry patterns like a size 12 white Wulff in favor of a Clouser's Floating Minnow tied with a white head and white bucktail, or a smaller white popper twitched across the surface after dark. He also discusses fishing after dark generally as a heat-avoidance and big-fish strategy once water temperatures push into the high 80s and large smallmouth shift to feeding on baitfish and small critters swimming across the river after sunset.Locations & SpeciesThe report covers the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania, both of which received a significant rain event that pushed flows up before beginning to recede; the Juniata remains somewhat stained while the Susquehanna is dropping into more fishable shape, with additional rain possible by the weekend. Smallmouth bass are the primary target, with the fishery currently in full topwater mode driven by heavy blue damselfly activity and the approach of the white fly hatch. Shumaker also notes water temperatures reaching the high 80s, which pushes larger, trophy-class smallmouth into nocturnal feeding patterns on baitfish and small terrestrial prey.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the best popper color for summer smallmouth on the Susquehanna and Juniata?Blue is the top producer right now, particularly a Carolina blue Boogle Bug or smaller blockhead poppers, matching the heavy blue damselfly activity. Yellow poppers are also working off the tail end of the sulphur hatch, and white and green will draw strikes as well.When does the white fly hatch start on the Susquehanna river system?Shumaker expects the white fly hatch to begin rolling in at the end of July into the beginning of August. It comes off heavy and after dark, which changes both fly selection and the t
- 2 weeks ago5 min
S8, Ep 51: Summer Stream Insights: George Costa on Conditions, Patterns and Upcoming Events
Episode OverviewIn 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 TakeawaysHow 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 CoveredCosta'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 & SpeciesThis 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 AnsweredWhen 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 strea
- 2 weeks ago15 min
S8, Ep 50: Navigating Summer Waters: Ellis Ward on Trout, Musky and the Art of the Evening Bite
Episode OverviewHow 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 TakeawaysHow 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 CoveredEllis 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 & SpeciesThis 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 tro
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The MeatEater Podcast
Explores hunting, fishing, conservation, and wild foods with experts and humor through in-depth outdoor conversations.
MeatEater Conservation
A podcast about outdoor news and conservation issues, featuring interviews with experts and hunters.
The American Birding Podcast
Discusses birds, birding, conservation, and birding-related travel with experts and enthusiasts across North America and beyond.
Pilot Briefing - Aviation Podcast
Weekly aviation news updates for pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Ante Up Poker Magazine
A weekly poker podcast blending humor, strategy, and listener interaction for casual players.
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Swimming tips and training strategies for triathletes, from beginner to elite, with insights from coaches and pros.
Life List: A Birding Podcast
Conversations about birding, conservation, and birding culture with expert hosts.
The Hunting Collective
Explores the ethics, conservation, and cultural values of modern hunting through conversations with prominent voices in the field.
Fish On First: A Miami Marlins podcast
Miami Marlins baseball analysis and news through multiple weekly shows.
Spittin Chiclets
Former NHL players and writers deliver candid, irreverent takes on hockey, pop culture, and life.
AI: Appalachian Intelligence
Explores paranormal phenomena, cryptids, conspiracies, and alternative history with a focus on Appalachian folklore and mysteries.
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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Articulate Fly daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Articulate Fly as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
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When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
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How often does The Articulate Fly release new episodes?
The Articulate Fly publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Articulate Fly cover?
The Articulate Fly covers topics including Leisure, Education, Sports, How To, Hobbies, Wilderness. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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