The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly
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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.

  1. Fishing in Flux: Matt Reilly's Take on Spring Trends and Techniques

    -4 H

    Fishing in Flux: Matt Reilly's Take on Spring Trends and Techniques

    Episode OverviewThe Articulate Fly returns to Southwest Virginia with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for a candid late-spring conditions update covering the 2026 striper run, the smallmouth spawn transition and the tactical realities of fishing during one of the most compressed and drought-affected springs on record. Marvin Cash and Matt dissect a season that accelerated and stalled simultaneously — an extended cold February followed by an abrupt heat spike of 85–95°F days in late March and early April, paired with persistently low water, collapsed the striper run and complicated every major seasonal transition on Southwest Virginia's river systems. The weird weather and flows have made it genuinely difficult to pattern pre- and post-spawn smallmouth — the fish anglers actually want to target — because the usual seasonal cues have been compressed and scrambled. Matt provides a practical framework for identifying spawning males so you can skip them and keep hunting for fish that are actively feeding: the lazy follow, the lip-grab without commitment, the fish that trails your bug 8–10 feet off the bank and turns back are all signs to move on. He also explains why low water in an otherwise frustrating spring carries a meaningful upside for long-term recruitment if dry conditions hold through June. The episode closes with a thoughtful response to a listener question from Myles about breaking into fly fishing guiding professionally, with Matt covering mentorship, income diversification, the ethics of client and fishery stewardship and the financial realities of building a sustainable guide business. Key TakeawaysHow to recognize spawning male smallmouth behavior — lazy follows, lip-grabs and short pursuits that turn back to the bank — so you can move on quickly and keep hunting actively feeding pre- and post-spawn fish.Why low-water drought springs can actually produce strong smallmouth recruitment classes if rain stays away through June.When to move on from a fish that follows your bug or streamer and returns to the bank without committing — and why skipping those fish is both the ethical and tactically correct call.How unusual weather and flows this spring have scrambled the typical pre- and post-spawn patterns, making it a mixed-bag season where reading individual fish behavior matters more than following a seasonal playbook.Why building a guide career requires prioritizing client relationships and fishery health above daily revenue — and how that long-term ethic translates to business sustainability.How diversifying income streams (writing, multi-species guiding, year-round fisheries) protects a guide's livelihood when weather, blowouts or other factors cut into prime booking windows. Techniques & Gear CoveredThe central tactical theme of this episode is finding and targeting actively feeding pre- and post-spawn smallmouth in low, clear water — a harder task than usual given how badly the weird weather and flows this spring have scrambled normal seasonal patterns. Matt covers top water bug presentations and streamer fishing as the primary techniques for this window, but stresses that reading individual fish behavior is the key skill right now. Stomach-pump data — stoneflies, bees, beetles, damselflies and dragonflies — confirms that genuinely feeding fish are keyed on terrestrials and aquatic insects, which gives anglers confidence that top water presentations are well-founded. The critical field skill Matt emphasizes is identifying spawning males quickly so you can move on: a fish that lazily follows a bug or streamer 8–10 feet off the bank and turns back, or that lip-grabs without committing, is a spawner to skip — not a fish to continue to work. The striper run is also discussed briefly in the context of the same low-water and warming conditions. Locations & SpeciesSouthwest Virginia's river systems — the New River drainage and surrounding waters — are the focus of this report, with Matt Reilly fishing and guiding the region year-round. Smallmouth bass are the primary target species for the spring through early fall, with striped bass serving as the transitional species between musky season and pre-spawn smallmouth and the remainder of smallmouth season. The compressed, weather-scrambled spring has made it unusually difficult to pattern pre- and post-spawn smallmouth — the fish Matt and his clients are after — with conditions shifting too quickly for the usual seasonal benchmarks to hold. The season discussed covers late April through early July, with May through late June highlighted as the core window for top water, baitfish and crayfish presentations once the spawn has run its course and actively feeding fish become reliably patternable again. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you identify spawning male smallmouth so you can move on and find actively feeding fish?Matt explains that spawning males reveal themselves through a set of distinctive non-committal behaviors: lazily following a bug or popper without eating, lip-grabbing it without driving it down or trailing a fly 8–10 feet off the bank before turning back to their original position. A genuinely feeding fish commits. Once you recognize those spawner signals, the right move is to keep moving, because leaving them alone is the correct call during the spawn. With this spring's scrambled conditions making pre- and post-spawn fish harder than usual to pattern, being efficient about identifying and skipping spawners is especially important. What does extremely low, warm spring water mean for smallmouth spawn site selection?In low-water years, smallmouth spread their spawning activity across non-traditional structure — small mid-river rocks, exposed tailouts and spots that wouldn't hold nests at normal flows — because classic protected backwaters become stagnant and unsuitable. Understanding where fish are spawning matters less for targeting purposes and more for knowing where not to fish, and for recognizing the behavior cues that signal a spawner so you can move on efficiently. The upside of this low-water spawn, as Matt explains, is the potential for strong recruitment if dry conditions hold through June. What are the best fly fishing techniques for Southwest Virginia smallmouth in late spring and early summer under low, clear conditions?Matt anticipates top water bug presentations — poppers, damselfly and dragonfly imitations, terrestrials — dominating May through early July given the continued low and clear forecast. Streamer presentations remain viable, particularly for baitfish and crayfish patterns as water warms into the late May and June window, but the finesse of dead-drifting surface flies tight to the bank is a standout tactic for reaching post-spawn fish that are genuinely in a feeding mode. The challenge this season is that the scrambled spring has compressed the transition windows, so reading individual fish behavior — rather than relying on calendar-based seasonal cues — is the more reliable approach. What is the most important advice for someone looking to build a career as a fly fishing guide?Matt emphasizes three things above individual tactics: surround yourself with mentors who are better than you and have nothing to prove, be willing to work extremely hard and put in time on the water because print and video resources only go so far, and diversify your income streams across species, seasons and ancillary work like writing. He also stresses that sustainable guide businesses prioritize client experience and fishery health over daily revenue — those values pay off long-term even when they cost you in the short run. Why do low-water drought conditions during the spawn create an opportunity for long-term smallmouth recruitment?If spring stays dry through June, fish can complete the spawn without disruption from flooding or high flows, which can otherwise wash out nests and devastate year-class recruitment. Matt notes that this is a meaningful potential upside to what otherwise feels like a frustrating season — the same drought that hurt the striper run and compressed the musky window may produce a strong class of juvenile smallmouth if it holds. Related ContentS8, Ep 23 – Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts S8, Ep 16 – The Seasonal Shift: Matt Reilly Discusses Spring Fishing Strategies in Southwest Virginia S8, Ep 2 – January Fishing Forecast: Weather Patterns and Musky Tips with Matt Reilly S6, Ep 71 – Adapting to Heat and Low Flows: A Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with Matt Reilly Connect with Our GuestFollow Matt on Instagram. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on...

    19 min
  2. Lessons from the River: Mac Brown's Insights on Adapting to Unusual Conditions

    -1 J

    Lessons from the River: Mac Brown's Insights on Adapting to Unusual Conditions

    Episode OverviewIn this Casting Angles segment of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash and Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown discuss how to adapt when an unusually warm, drought-driven spring upends normal seasonal fishing expectations across the mid-Atlantic and Southern Appalachians. It's a candid, practical conversation for anglers dealing with conditions that have scrambled hatches, compressed water temps and pushed trout into summerlike stress months early. Mac reports water temperatures in the mid-70s in Bryson City during mid-April — historically a July scenario — with corresponding low water on Western North Carolina freestone streams, including the Davidson River near Brevard where water temps were nudging the upper 60s. The practical takeaway from the conversation is concrete: when freestone streams become untenable, seek out tailwater fisheries with reliably cold, dam-regulated flows, and adjust fly selection dramatically — in this case dropping to size 28 Blue Wing Olives in April, a fly more commonly associated with winter midge-style fishing on the South Holston, after typical spring hatches like March Browns and Hendricksons failed to materialize. Mac and Marvin also encourage listeners to make a gear shift altogether when trout conditions are compromised, pivoting to panfish and bass on local ponds and lakes. The philosophical throughline is the classic fishing truism both hosts return to: you can only take what the river is willing to give you. Key TakeawaysHow to identify when warming freestone streams have become too stressful for trout and it's time to shift to tailwaters or alternative species.Why size 28 Blue Wing Olives can be the correct spring fly choice during drought years when conventional late-spring hatches like March Browns and Hendricksons fail to appear on schedule.When traditional spring trout fishing is compromised, how pivoting early to bass and panfish on local ponds offers a productive and accessible alternative.Why monitoring water temperature — not just visual stream conditions — is the most reliable guide to where trout will be feeding during abnormally warm spring weather. Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode's most concrete tactical moment comes from Mac's report of fishing a size 28 Blue Wing Olive during a late-April outing — a winter-style presentation typically reserved for midge-focused tailwater days on rivers like the South Holston — after spotting a pod of actively feeding fish with no significant spring hatches in the air. No March Browns, no Hendricksons: just a tiny blue-winged olive and a size 28 pattern to match it. Beyond that single hatch-matching scenario, the tactical discussion centers on the broader decision-making framework of reading water temperature as a leading indicator, targeting the cold-water refuge of tailwaters when freestone streams become thermal and knowing when conditions call for switching species entirely rather than forcing trout fishing in compromised water. Locations & SpeciesThe conversation covers Western North Carolina freestone streams, including the Davidson River near Brevard and the waters around Bryson City, where mid-April temperatures had reached summerlike levels and flows were running at roughly a third to a half of seasonal norms across much of the mid-Atlantic. Mac points listeners toward tailwaters fed by large impoundments — specifically the fisheries below Fontana Dam, and waters like Cheoah and Calderwood — as cold-water refuges where trout will continue feeding more normally regardless of ambient air temperatures. Marvin references the South Holston and Watauga as additional tailwater options for Tennessee and Western NC anglers, with a caveat about reported turbine maintenance on the South Holston at the time of recording. Brown and rainbow trout are the primary targets throughout, with a passing acknowledgment that the abnormally warm March also disrupted pre-spawn smallmouth bass patterns in Virginia and the Carolinas. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow warm is too warm for spring trout fishing on freestone streams?Mac and Marvin both flag water temperatures in the upper 60s as the threshold where trout fishing on freestone streams becomes unproductive and stressful for fish. The Davidson River near Brevard hit those temperatures in mid-April during this unusual spring — a full two months earlier than the July conditions those readings would normally indicate. What fly should you use when spring hatches don't materialize on schedule?Mac's answer from this episode: revert to winter-game logic. When he found a pod of working fish in late April with no March Browns or Hendricksons in the air, a size 28 Blue Wing Olive — the same pattern he'd fish on a winter day on the South Holston — turned out to be the correct call. Why are tailwaters the best alternative when freestone streams get too warm?Dam-regulated tailwaters draw from cold reservoir depths, maintaining stable water temperatures even when air temperatures are unseasonably high. Mac specifically mentions the fisheries below Fontana Dam — Cheoah and Calderwood — as reliable cold-water options when surrounding freestone streams become too warm to fish effectively. What should trout anglers do when neither the water temperature nor the hatches are cooperating?Both Mac and Marvin recommend the species shift: get out early on the panfish and bass season. Ponds and lakes close to home offer productive topwater and popper fishing for bass and bluegill when trout streams are off the table, and the change of scenery often produces fish when the usual spring program simply isn't available. Related ContentS8, Ep 25 – The Science of Stealth: Mac Brown on Fishing Techniques for Low Flow Scenarios S8, Ep 21 – Casting into Spring: Mac Brown Discusses Wild Trout Fishing and Upcoming Classes S7, Ep 28 – Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown S6, Ep 145 – Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown Connect with Our GuestFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

    7 min
  3. Swine Design Secrets: Eli Berant Discusses the Optimus Swine

    -6 J ·  BONUS

    Swine Design Secrets: Eli Berant Discusses the Optimus Swine

    Episode OverviewThe Butcher Shop goes deep on one of the Great Lakes predator fly world's most distinctive patterns in this conversation with Eli Berant, the Michigan-based fly designer and founder of Great Lakes Fly. Eli is the creator of the Optimus Swine — a reverse foam head-embedded, side-kicking musky streamer that has been turning heads and producing fish since around 2009. In this episode, host Marvin Cash walks Eli through the full arc of the pattern: the lake musky problem it was designed to solve, the unconventional decision to reverse a foam popper head to create a slower fall and a pronounced glide-bait wiggle, the material choices that define the fly's profile and movement and the step-by-step construction logic from spinner bait hook to laser dub head. The conversation covers the full Swine family — the original 8–9 inch version on a 6/0 Mustad, the scaled-down Swine Junior for river smallmouth and stripers, the fettuccine-foam Pot Belly Swine for subsurface river applications, and the articulated Maximus Swine and Maximus Swine Junior, which remain something of a "secret menu" offering. Eli also addresses color selection by region — from olive-and-pink for fired-up Tennessee muskies to the Wisconsin-proven Willen's Villain black-white-yellow combo and his own favorite Mardi Gras pattern — and breaks down his preferred line and leader systems for lake musky versus river smallmouth applications. Throughout, the discussion grounds fly design theory in direct, tactical fishing application. Key TakeawaysHow reversing a foam popper head toward the rear of the hook creates a slower fall rate and induces the Optimus Swine's distinctive side-to-side glide-bait action.Why proportionality in bucktail application — specifically how much material per section and how many sections — is the most common failure point for tiers attempting the Swine for the first time.How to tune the Pot Belly Swine's fettuccine foam piece by removing individual strips to achieve neutral balance and proper swim orientation before fishing.Why a jerk-strip retrieve with a sinking line (350–450 grain tip) is the preferred delivery system for lake musky, allowing the sink tip to hold depth while the fly kicks side to side on each pull.When to dial back retrieve aggression and employ a stutter-strip or extended pause with the Swine Junior, particularly during cold-water conditions when bass are holding and waiting.Why sharing newly discovered synthetic fly tying materials openly — rather than hoarding them — is essential to keeping those materials in production and available to the broader tying community. Techniques & Gear CoveredThe Optimus Swine is designed around a jerk-strip retrieve that drives its foam-induced side-to-side action, and Eli breaks down exactly how to execute it — stripping two feet with the line hand in alternating pulls, roughly like ripping a bag open. For lake musky, he runs a 10-weight with a 350–450 grain sinking tip, paired with a short 3–4 foot leader from loop to fly — a butt section of 40-pound to wire, finished with cross-lock snaps for fast fly changes. River smallmouth and striper applications drop to a 7- or 8-weight with a 200–350 grain tip depending on conditions. Construction-specific details are substantial: Mustad 32608 spinner bait hook (6/0 for the original), Rainy's Mini Me medium foam popper head reversed and goop-set with silicone adhesive, synthetic yak hair blended with flash for the tail, grizzly saddle feathers as flanks, Magnum Flashabou, everyday bucktail applied in top-and-bottom sections, laser dub for the head, and 1/2-inch eyes pressed and held in a two-touch goop cure process. Anadromous Fly Company tungsten carbide scissors get a specific callout as Eli's go-to cutting tool for heavy production tying. Locations & SpeciesThe Optimus Swine was developed specifically for lake musky, with Lake Saint Clair in Michigan serving as the primary proving ground — a relatively snag-free fishery that allows anglers to fish sinking lines freely across the water column. The pattern's documented multi-species versatility extends to Great Lakes migratory species, pike, lake trout, stripers on the East Coast and river smallmouth, including Eli's personal use of the Swine Junior on Lake Saint Clair for targeting large smallmouth by eliminating the smaller fish. Color selection is explicitly regional in the episode: olive-and-pink for fired-up Tennessee fish, pink-and-chartreuse or the Willen's Villain black-white-yellow for Wisconsin tannic water, and Mardi Gras (pink, chartreuse, black head) as a broadly effective pattern. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the reversed foam popper head make the Optimus Swine swim differently than other musky flies?Positioning the foam head toward the rear of the hook — rather than at the front — reduces the fly's sink rate compared to a traditional epoxy-head pattern and shifts the center of buoyancy rearward. This causes the fly to kick side to side with a pronounced glide-bait cadence on a jerk-strip retrieve, rather than simply pushing water or diving. The effect is amplified when fishing a sinking tip, which holds the running line low and forces the rear of the fly to tip upward and roll on each strip. What are the most common mistakes tiers make when tying the Optimus Swine?Eli identifies two primary failure points: applying bucktail in clumps that are too large, which destroys proportionality, and using too much laser dub in the head, which throws the silhouette out of balance. The fix for bucktail is learning to feel the correct bundle size — roughly the width of a toothpick at the pinch, the width of a popsicle stick at the ends — and building five top-and-bottom sections before reaching the laser dub head on the original Swine. Managing the laser dub means stacking it, pulling off loose fibers and removing material rather than adding more. How do you tune the Pot Belly Swine to swim correctly for river applications?Because the Pot Belly Swine uses fettuccine foam strips in place of the reversed popper head, Eli ties in more foam strips than needed — six to eight — and tells buyers they may need to remove one to four strips to get the fly to balance and swim true. The goal is first to eliminate any spin or tilt, then to dial in the side-to-side action. This is the same principle as Barry Reynolds's flash philosophy applied to buoyancy: put in more than you need because you can always remove it, but you can't add it once the fly is finished. What line and leader setup does Eli prefer for lake musky with the Optimus Swine?For open lake musky fishing on snag-light water, Eli runs a 10-weight with a Scientific Anglers sinking tip in the 350–450 grain range, specifically preferring striper-style lines with a long 26–28 foot tip section. Leaders are intentionally short — 3–4 feet total from loop to fly — built with a 2-foot 40-pound butt section going straight to wire, then a cross-lock snap at the fly. The short leader keeps the fly in the sink tip's depth zone and maximizes the kicking action on the jerk-strip retrieve. How should retrieve style change when downsizing to the Swine Junior for smallmouth or stripers?Moving to the smaller patterns calls for a less aggressive retrieve cadence overall, but Eli emphasizes breaking out of monotonous repetition — consciously varying the retrieve is as important as the base technique. Key adjustments include a stutter-strip (half-length pulls done twice in quick succession) and extended pauses, which become particularly effective in cold water when bass are holding and watching the fly. The foam piece in all Swine variants allows the fly to hang suspended during a pause without sinking, which is the primary trigger for following fish. SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership. Related ContentS1, Ep 2: The T-Bone: A Deep Dive with Blane Chocklett - The Butcher Shop BONUS: Shack Nasties and the Drunk & Disorderly: A Winter Chat with Tommy Lynch BONUS: Crafting The Nut Job: A Deep Dive with Brendan Ruch BONUS: A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz S6, Ep 124: Fly Tying with Chase Smith Connect with Our GuestFollow Eli on Instagram. Follow the...

    51 min
  4. The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth

    22 AVR.

    The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth

    Episode OverviewThis fly fishing podcast episode launches the inaugural Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly, featuring host Marvin Cash and Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides. The episode arrives at a pivotal moment in the Pennsylvania smallmouth spawn cycle, with an unseasonably volatile spring — swings from the upper 50s to the 70s in water temperature within days — compressing what is normally a methodical, staggered spawn into a chaotic quest to pattern pre-spawn fish. On the Juniata and Susquehanna, Shumaker reports catching spawned-out females alongside buck males, signaling that the first wave has already completed, while subsequent waves are just arriving. The conversation covers responsible angler strategy during the spawn, where to focus presentations to avoid disturbing bedding fish and how low flows on the tributaries have pushed fishing pressure onto the main river. Shumaker also previews his summer guide calendar, highlighting July through September as prime topwater and streamer season, and teases a planned trip with Bob Clouser to target peacock bass in Florida. Key TakeawaysHow volatile spring water temperatures — from the upper 50s to the low 70s within days — compress the smallmouth spawn and make it more difficult to pattern pre-spawn fish on Pennsylvania riversWhy concentrating presentations on mid-river structure rather than bank edges is the most effective and responsible strategy when spawning activity is underwayHow to identify when you've stumbled into bedding fish — landing several fish in quick succession from the same bank zone is the signal to back offWhen swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs, produce in mixed-bag pre-spawn and spawn-transition conditions on the Susquehanna systemWhy Pennsylvania tributary flows have been too shallow for float trips since mid-April, making main-stem Susquehanna and Juniata fishing the primary option this springWhen to plan a guided Pennsylvania smallmouth trip with Shumaker: July through September for topwater popping bug fishing, with streamer and crayfish options throughout Techniques & Gear CoveredShumaker's current approach to the spawn-transition period centers on streamer-style patterns — swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs — chosen for their ability to produce across a wide range of water temperatures and fish behavior stages. The mixed-bag nature of the conditions (cold-water days followed immediately by warm-water days) makes pattern commitment difficult, and Shumaker acknowledges the fish have been hard to lock into a single presentation. For summer bookings, he highlights popping bugs and topwater flies as the primary draw from July through September, with streamers and crayfish patterns rounding out the arsenal. Locations & SpeciesThe primary fishery covered is the Susquehanna River and Juniata River system in central Pennsylvania, with additional context on the region's smaller tributaries, which have been unfishable by raft since approximately mid-April due to low water. The target species is smallmouth bass, with Shumaker noting a split population dynamic: first-wave fish (spawned-out females and smaller buck males) already post-spawn, and subsequent waves still staging or actively on beds. Water temperatures have swung dramatically this spring — from the upper 50s approaching 60°F to the low 70s within a single week — creating an unusually compressed and difficult-to-pattern spawn window across the Susquehanna drainage. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you tell if you're fishing over spawning smallmouth on beds rather than pre-spawn fish?Shumaker's rule of thumb is location and catch rate: pre-spawn fish are still staging out in the current and mid-river structure, while fish on beds are in the shallower water along the banks and edges. If you're casting toward the bank and catching multiple fish in quick succession from the same area, you're almost certainly into bedding fish — the responsible move is to back off immediately. What fly patterns are working for pre-spawn and spawn-transition smallmouth on the Susquehanna system?Shumaker has been rotating through swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs during the transition period. He notes the fish have been difficult to pattern because water temperatures have swung significantly day to day, so he's fishing a mixed approach rather than committing to a single presentation. Why are Pennsylvania smallmouth tributaries unfishable this spring?Low water has been the dominant story on the tributaries since roughly the second week of April. Despite brief bumps from rain events, levels drop back almost immediately. Shumaker notes that floating his raft requires getting out and dragging the boat 10 to 15 times per trip — making the main-stem Susquehanna and Juniata the practical choice for guided float fishing. When is the best time to book a guided Pennsylvania smallmouth trip with Captain Shumaker?Shumaker has openings in July, August and September, with a few days remaining in October. He identifies July through September as prime time for topwater popping bug fishing — in addition to streamers and crayfish patterns — while October offers cooler conditions for anglers who prefer that style of fishing. How has this spring's weather affected the Pennsylvania smallmouth spawn?An extended stretch of unseasonably warm temperatures — including 90-degree air temps — spiked water temperatures into the 70s accelerating the typical methodical, staged spawn and making consistent patterning of pre-spawn fish very difficult. Related ContentS8, Ep 23 – Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts S7, Ep 33 – Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch S7, Ep 36 – Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop S1, Ep 97 – All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz Connect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

    7 min
  5. Hatches and Happenings: George Costa's Guide to Spring Fishing in Central PA

    17 AVR.

    Hatches and Happenings: George Costa's Guide to Spring Fishing in Central PA

    Episode OverviewThis fly fishing podcast field report features George Costa of TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, delivering the latest Central PA fishing conditions as spring hatches hit full stride. Recorded in mid-to-late April, the report captures a dynamic moment in the season — warm temperatures pushing hatches early, water levels running slightly below seasonal norms and sulphurs poised to come online within a week to ten days. George covers active hatches across Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek, including grannom caddis, Hendricksons, blue quills and olives. Nymphing has been the consistent producer, while afternoon dry fly windows have been excellent when hatches align. Water conditions are described as fishable and near-seasonal, with a weekend cooldown and potential precipitation on the way. George also touches on shop news, including two upcoming summer fishing tournaments — the All Fins In Tournament in June and the Bass Thumb Tournament targeting smallmouth on the Juniata and Susquehanna — along with guide and introductory class availability heading into the peak spring season. Key TakeawaysHow to time your dry fly fishing in Central PA right now — late morning through early afternoon has been the most productive window for dry fly actionWhy grannom caddis remain fishable on Penns Creek and Fishing Creek while beginning to slow on Spring CreekWhen to expect sulphurs — George projects the hatch will begin within the next one to two weeks based on last year's timingHow nymphing continues to be the reliable fallback when hatch activity is uneven or evening dries slow downWhy water levels, while slightly below seasonal norms, remain in fishable shape and could benefit from the weekend precipitation forecast Techniques & Gear CoveredThe report emphasizes two primary approaches: opportunistic dry fly fishing during the afternoon hatch window and nymphing as the consistent baseline producer across all major Central PA limestone streams. George notes that multiple hatches are overlapping — grannom caddis, Hendricksons, blue quills and olives — which rewards anglers who can read the hatch and match accordingly. No specific fly patterns, rigs or gear brands are called out by name in this report, keeping the advice hatch- and timing-focused rather than gear-prescriptive. Locations & SpeciesCentral Pennsylvania's limestone spring creeks are the focus of this report, with Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek named explicitly as primary destinations. The Juniata River and Susquehanna River receive a brief mention in the context of the summer Bass Thumb Tournament, pointing toward smallmouth bass as a warm-weather target species in the region. Wild trout on classic limestone spring creeks are the primary focus for the current spring season, with conditions described as slightly low but fishing well. A projected cooldown and potential precipitation over the upcoming weekend could modestly improve flows and extend the spring hatch window before summer conditions set in. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow are the spring hatches fishing in Central PA right now?Multiple hatches are active and fishing well across the region's major limestone streams. Grannom caddis are still going strong on Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and other waters, while Hendricksons, blue quills and olives are also present. The most productive window has been late morning through early afternoon, with evening dries running slower than peak. When will the sulphur hatch start on Central PA limestone streams?George Costa projects sulphurs will begin within the next week to ten days based on last year's timing, making this a critical transition moment for anglers planning spring trips to Penns Creek and the surrounding fisheries. What is the best technique when hatches aren't fully on?Nymphing has been consistently producing across all major Central PA streams regardless of hatch activity. When the dry fly window is slow — particularly in the evenings — nymphing with standard spring patterns has been the reliable fallback. What are current water conditions like on Central PA streams?Water levels are described as slightly below seasonal norms but still very fishable. A weekend cooldown and possible precipitation may help nudge flows back toward ideal, without posing any significant blowout risk. Related ContentS8, Ep 4: Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa S7, Ep 36: Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop S7, Ep 57: Cicada Mania: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa S6, Ep 48: Rain or Shine: Central PA's Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop S6, Ep 118: Central PA Fall Fishing Report: George Costa's Tips and Tactics Connect with Our GuestFollow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

    5 min
  6. The Science of Stealth: Mac Brown on Fishing Techniques for Low Flow Scenarios

    15 AVR.

    The Science of Stealth: Mac Brown on Fishing Techniques for Low Flow Scenarios

    Episode OverviewIn this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash and Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish tackle the science behind low-water trout presentation — the kind of technical adjustment that separates consistent anglers from frustrated ones. With drought conditions pushing Western North Carolina rivers to July-like flows in early April, Marvin and Mac deliver a timely primer on two interconnected concepts: Snell's window (the physics governing what trout can see through the water's surface) and the Rule of Six (a practical formula for calculating your safe approach distance). The conversation covers how to apply the 2.25x depth multiplier to size a trout's window of vision and then use that measurement to determine the minimum casting distance before the fish has already seen you. Mac also breaks down the grid-the-water approach — systematically working small quadrants across the entire stream rather than repeatedly targeting the most obvious foam line — and explains why the biggest, most visible foam lines are often holding the smallest fish. Marvin adds presentation mechanics to round out the discussion: reach-cast technique to keep fly line out of the target current, dry dropper rigging with terrestrials for flat-water conditions, weighted dropper management and the rationale for casting well upstream of a target fish to give an unweighted nymph time to sink into the zone. Mac closes with an observation on declining spring hatches in the Smokies — midges and micro caddis dominating where March Browns and Hendricksons once defined the season. Key TakeawaysHow to calculate a trout's window of vision using the 2.25x depth multiplier so you can size your approach distance before spooking fish in low, clear water.Why the Rule of Six (your height in the water in feet × 6 = minimum safe casting distance) becomes critical when summer-like flows arrive weeks ahead of schedule.How gridding the water in small quadrants based on fish depth forces you to cover the entire stream rather than over-fishing the obvious foam line.Why the largest foam lines in a run often hold the most small fish, and how to identify the compact, exclusive feeding lanes where big trout hold alone.When to use a reach cast to place your fly line in slower adjacent current, eliminating drag and keeping line off the heads of fish you're targeting.How casting well upstream with an unweighted or lightly weighted dropper gives the fly time to sink into the strike zone without a splash-down that spooks fish in flat, pressured water. Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode centers on low-water presentation fundamentals: precise approach distances derived from Snell's window and the Rule of Six, systematic grid-casting across a run rather than casting to single obvious targets and the reach cast as a drag-reduction tool when fly line and target current are aligned. For rigs, Marvin and Mac discuss the dry dropper setup as the preferred configuration for flat, low-flow water — specifically terrestrials (beetles, ants, crickets, grasshoppers) as the dry fly indicator — paired with unweighted or lightly weighted dropper nymphs. Mac mentions that his guide trips have been running unweighted Pheasant Tails in sizes 16–18 given the near-absence of larger spring hatches, with size 20–32 midges and size 18 micro caddis making up the bulk of what's on the water. The conversation also touches on angler visibility and stealth — muted or camouflage clothing, avoiding bright colors, keeping the casting stroke in the horizontal plane rather than the vertical — as underappreciated factors that compound with technical presentation mechanics in clear, low conditions. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you calculate how close you can approach a trout in low, clear water?Multiply the fish's depth in feet by 2.25 to get the diameter of its surface window, then multiply your own height in the water in feet by six to determine your minimum safe approach distance from the edge of the trout's surface window. In smooth, slow water that figure generally sits between 30–40 feet; anything closer in clear conditions and the fish has likely already spotted you and is preparing to bolt. Why does gridding the water produce more fish than casting to the best-looking foam line?In shallow freestone water where fish are feeding in the kitchen — riffles six inches to a foot deep — the window of vision is tiny, so each quadrant of the run needs tighter two-foot spacing. The big, four-foot foam line usually holds a crowd of smaller fish competing for the same food; larger fish stake out smaller, exclusive feeding lanes where there's enough food for one fish and they can defend it. Systematically working the whole grid with a back-to-front, close-to-far progression exposes those secondary lies that most anglers skip. When should you use a reach cast instead of a direct upstream presentation?Use a reach cast any time your target current and the adjacent current containing your fly line are running at different speeds. Dropping the rod tip to one side after completing the cast positions the fly line in the slower adjacent current, preventing it from dragging the dry fly unnaturally and keeping it out of the surface window of the fish you are trying to catch. How do you manage a weighted dropper nymph to avoid spooking fish in flat water?Cast well upstream of the target fish rather than directly at it, using enough distance that a lightly weighted or unweighted fly has time to sink to the strike zone before it reaches the fish. Reducing weight is Mac's preferred solution on currently low Western NC water, which is why unweighted Pheasant Tails in sizes 16–18 are the primary dropper choice on his guide trips right now. What are the realistic hatch expectations for Western North Carolina this spring?Mac reports that the classic March Brown and Hendrickson hatches that defined Western NC spring fishing for decades are largely absent this year. He notes this decline has been a long-term trend, cautioning anglers against planning trips around guaranteed hatch windows that no longer reliably materialize. Related ContentS8, Ep 21: Casting into Spring: Mac Brown Discusses Wild Trout Fishing and Upcoming Classes S7, Ep 28: Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown S7, Ep 60: Mastering the Drift: Technical Trout Tactics for Summer Success with Mac Brown S8, Ep 18: The Learning Curve: Mac Brown on Effective Teaching Methods How a Trout Sees: The Rule of Six & Proven Tactics for Stalking Trout How Trout See Underwater: Snell's Law & Angler Tips Last Bite at the Apple: Trout Vision and Color Connect with Our GuestFollow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop 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...

    15 min
  7. From Tattoo to Trout: Aaron Chine's Dual Passion for Art and Steelhead Guiding

    10 AVR.

    From Tattoo to Trout: Aaron Chine's Dual Passion for Art and Steelhead Guiding

    Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Aaron Chine, guide at Steelhead Alley Outfitters and accomplished visual artist based in Warren, Ohio, for a wide-ranging conversation about the intersection of fishing, guiding and fine art. Aaron came to fly fishing through Pennsylvania trout streams in his early teens and eventually found his way to Steelhead Alley through a mentorship network that includes Jeff Blood and Nate Miller, two of the fishery's most respected veterans. He joined Steelhead Alley Outfitters when Justin Schachilli and Patrick Robinson took over from Greg Senyo and has been guiding there ever since. The episode covers the full arc of Aaron's guiding career on Steelhead Alley, his philosophy on what makes a great guide and the seasonal rhythm of the Lake Erie tributary steelhead fishery from fall through early spring. On the art side, Aaron discusses his work in oil painting and murals — including a landmark 130-foot mural on the Scientific Anglers building in Midland, Michigan — his tattooing career at The Box Gallery and his perspective on the story and soul that human-made art carries in an age of AI-generated imagery. Upcoming Orvis collaborations round out the conversation. Key TakeawaysWhy finding migratory steelhead requires covering water aggressively rather than returning to yesterday's productive spotsHow the guide season on Steelhead Alley runs from fall through early spring, with November and March as peak periodsWhy showing clients a good time on the water — not just maximizing fish counts — defines long-term success as a guideHow using a grid method at large scale allows muralists to maintain proportion across massive public installationsWhy the story behind human-made art creates value and staying power that AI-generated imagery cannot replicateHow fishing and fine art intersect as sustainable parallel careers when neither alone provides full financial stability Techniques & Gear CoveredThis episode is more biographical than tactical, so the fishing content skews toward guiding philosophy and fishery structure rather than specific techniques or rigs. Aaron explains that steelhead on Steelhead Alley are migratory fish that move constantly, which means guides must put in the legwork to locate fish rather than relying on prior knowledge of productive lies — a discipline he credits largely to early mentors Jeff Blood and Nate Miller. He notes that tougher, more spread-out seasons demand even more aggressive water-covering to stay on fish. On the art side, Aaron discusses his medium in detail: he works primarily in oil on canvas, uses a grid-based scaling method for large murals and approaches large-scale work one block at a time to maintain proportion — the same technique taught in middle school art class, simply executed at 2-foot-by-2-foot scale. Scientific Anglers' signature red paint featured heavily in the SA building mural, which consumed 24 gallons of paint over seven days. Locations & SpeciesSteelhead Alley is the fishery at the center of this episode — specifically the Lake Erie tributaries along the Ohio-Pennsylvania-New York border, including Conneaut Creek and Cattaraugus Creek (the latter referenced in passing as Marvin's own experience fishing it with Jeff Blood). Steelhead are the primary target throughout the fall and spring seasons, with the fishery operating from roughly September or October through freeze-up in winter, and again through mid-April in spring. Aaron notes that conditions this season and last fall have featured more spread-out fish than peak years, reinforcing the fishery's migratory and weather-dependent nature. For summer fun fishing once the guiding season wraps, Aaron looks forward to smallmouth, pike and musky from a raft — a deliberately lower-pressure complement to the intensity of steelhead season. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the guide season on Steelhead Alley typically run?Aaron describes a two-peak season: fall, running from September or October through early December or freeze-up, with November as the prime window; and spring, with March as the busiest month and trips running through mid-April. January and February fishing is weather-dependent — this year, freeze-up shut it down entirely. Guides work essentially every day during peak periods. What's the key to being a successful steelhead guide?Aaron's answer centers on showing clients a good time rather than chasing maximum fish counts. He acknowledges that guides naturally want to put big numbers in the net, but argues that good clients primarily want to experience the fishery, learn to cast and run better drifts and enjoy time on the water — particularly in seasons when fish are spread out and harder to locate. Why does finding steelhead require so much mobile, aggressive water coverage?Because steelhead are migratory fish that move constantly, productive lies from one day can be completely empty the next. Aaron emphasizes putting miles on the boots and staying mobile, especially in lower-fish-density seasons. This is a foundational piece of Steelhead Alley guiding culture, reinforced by mentors like Jeff Blood and Nate Miller. How did Aaron approach painting the massive Scientific Anglers mural in Midland, Michigan?Aaron divided the 130-foot wall into 2-foot-by-2-foot grid squares and treated each block as its own self-contained piece, maintaining proportion across the full installation. He worked from sun-up to sundown for seven straight days to complete it before the 80th anniversary party. The project used 24 gallons of paint, including eight gallons of Scientific Anglers red for the background alone. How does Aaron think about the threat AI poses to visual artists working in the fishing and outdoor space?Aaron acknowledges that AI can produce visually competent imagery quickly and without paying an artist, but argues that it lacks the story and soul behind human-made work. He believes audiences — and fellow artists especially — can spot AI imagery immediately, and that the personal narrative connecting an artist to their work is ultimately what creates lasting value and authentic connection with buyers and fans. Related ContentS7, Ep 18 – License to Fish: The Intersection of Art and Angling with Cody Richardson of Cody's Fish S3, Ep 145 – All Things Steelhead Alley with Jeff Blood (Part I) S3, Ep 153 – All Things Steelhead Alley with Jeff Blood (Part II) S6, Ep 97 – Fly Fishing Wisdom and Industry Pet Peeves with Greg Senyo Connect with Our GuestFollow Aaron on Instagram. Follow The Box Gallery on Instagram. Follow Steelhead Alley Outfitters on Instagram. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop 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,...

    33 min
  8. Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts

    3 AVR.

    Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts

    Episode OverviewIn this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide Matt Reilly for a timely spring conditions update. With pre-spawn smallmouth season winding down under extreme drought pressure — flows running at roughly a fifth to a quarter of seasonal averages — Matt breaks down how he's adapting tactics on the water in real time. Rising water temperatures, driven by a stretch of days pushing into the upper 70s and near 80°F air temps, have forced the bite to shift well ahead of the typical photoperiod-driven spawn timeline. The result is a low, clear-water pattern that demands the kind of finesse approach more commonly associated with late summer than early spring. Matt details his pivot to smaller, slimmer, more natural-colored baitfish imitations — CK Baitfish, his buddy Roger's Rump Shaker and bigger Murdich Minnows — after watching the bite transition linearly away from the large 6–7 inch chartreuse-and-orange profiles that were working earlier. He also walks through his line and leader setup adjustments for clear, pressured conditions: a clear-tip intermediate seven-weight line with a leader running closer to seven feet. With the pre-spawn window for Matt closing around mid-April, this episode is essential listening for anglers planning pre-spawn smallmouth trips or trying to understand how low water conditions affect the spring streamer bite. Key TakeawaysHow to recognize when rising water temperatures are pulling smallmouth bass out of the pre-spawn window prematurely and why adapting quickly matters.Why downsizing to smaller, slimmer, more natural-colored baitfish streamers outperforms big profile flies when Southwest Virginia rivers run low and clear.How a clear-tip intermediate line paired with a longer (approximately seven-foot) leader helps generate strikes from wary pre-spawn smallmouth in bright, low-water conditions.When to prioritize early and late windows during high-sun days on low, clear smallmouth rivers, mirroring the approach used for pressured trout.Why water temperature is the leading indicator for pre-spawn smallmouth behavior, and how flows far below seasonal averages can affect the entire spring bite calendar. Techniques & Gear CoveredMatt Reilly's approach to low, clear pre-spawn conditions centers on intermediate-line streamer fishing with a deliberate reduction in fly size and profile. He described fishing a seven-weight rod with a clear-tip intermediate line paired with a leader he's extended to roughly seven feet to add distance between the line tip and the fly. On the pattern side, Matt has landed on smaller baitfish imitations in the 4-inch range: the CK Baitfish, the Rump Shaker (a slimmer profile pattern from his friend Roger) and bigger Murdich Minnows are his current go-tos. He's deliberately stepped away from the larger 6–7 inch profiles in brighter chartreuse and orange that were effective earlier in the pre-spawn, confirming through daily observation that going bigger at this stage does more harm than good. Color selection has shifted toward more natural, subtle tones, with early-morning and late-evening windows providing the best action on sunny days — a strategy that mirrors pressured trout streamer fishing logic. Locations & SpeciesThis report covers Southwest Virginia's smallmouth rivers during the late pre-spawn period, with Matt fishing these waters daily as a full-time guide. No specific river names are discussed in this episode, but the conditions Matt describes — flows at roughly a fifth to a quarter of seasonal average, water temperatures sliding into the upper 50s and threatening to breach 60°F ahead of the photoperiod-driven spawn — apply broadly across the region's smallmouth fisheries. The target species is pre-spawn smallmouth bass, with Matt noting that the fish are still actively feeding on baitfish imitations despite compressed and technically demanding conditions. The seasonal context is critical: the window is narrowing fast, with Matt expecting the prime pre-spawn bite to close soon, and booking availability for this phase of the year is essentially gone. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you adjust your streamer setup when Southwest Virginia smallmouth rivers run low and clear?Matt drops to a seven-weight rod with a clear-tip intermediate line and extends his leader to approximately seven feet. The clear tip reduces line visibility, and the longer leader creates more separation between fly line and fly, both of which help generate strikes from wary fish in bright, pressured conditions. What fly patterns and sizes work best for pre-spawn smallmouth in low, clear water?Matt has shifted to smaller baitfish imitations in the 4-inch range — the CK Baitfish, the Rump Shaker and bigger Murdich Minnows — in more natural, subtle colors. He's moved away from the larger 6–7 inch chartreuse and orange profiles that worked earlier in the season, noting through daily observation that oversized flies are counterproductive once conditions tighten up. How does water temperature affect pre-spawn smallmouth behavior in Southwest Virginia?Water temperature is the primary driver. When temps push into the upper 50s and approach 60°F well ahead of the photoperiod that normally triggers spawning behavior, it disrupts the typical pre-spawn feeding pattern. A stretch of near-80°F air temps compresses the entire spring calendar, potentially ending the traditional pre-spawn bite earlier than normal. When is the best time to fish for smallmouth in low, clear conditions?Early morning and late evening are the most productive windows on sunny, bright days when rivers are running low and clear. Matt draws a direct parallel to trout streamer fishing, where high-sun midday conditions tend to shut down aggressive behavior on clear water. What does extremely low flow — well below seasonal average — mean for pre-spawn smallmouth strategy?Low flows force fish into tighter, more predictable holding water and demand a more cautious approach overall: smaller flies, more natural colors, quieter presentations and longer casts. Matt notes that fish are still catchable, but the angler has to commit to finesse tactics rather than the aggressive power-fishing approach that works when rivers are full and colored. Related ContentS8, Ep 16 - The Seasonal Shift: Matt Reilly Discusses Spring Fishing Strategies in Southwest Virginia S8, Ep 9 - Ice, Snow and Musky: Navigating Winter Fishing in Southwest Virginia S7, Ep 19 - Weathering the Winds: March Fishing Insights and Pre-Spawn Strategies with Matt Reilly S7, Ep 1 - Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt Reilly S6, Ep 33 - Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with Matt Reilly Connect with Our GuestFollow Matt on Instagram. Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube. Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources. Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.

    9 min
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À propos

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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  • Création
    The Articulate Fly
  • Années d’activité
    2018 - 2026
  • Épisodes
    1,1 k
  • Classification
    Contenu explicite
  • Copyright
    © The Articulate Fly LLC
  • Site web de l’émission
    The Articulate Fly

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