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. Snow Melt and Spring Awakening: Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa

    8H AGO

    Snow Melt and Spring Awakening: Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa

    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 late-winter conditions update. George covers current water levels and clarity across several iconic Centre County streams — including the Juniata River, Spring Creek, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek — as heavy snowmelt pushes flows up and drops visibility. Despite the off-color, elevated conditions, George is optimistic: a few Blue-Winged Olives have already been spotted, nymphing has been consistent and a full late-winter/early-spring insect emergence looks imminent in the next two to three weeks. Anglers planning trips to Central PA trout water should temp the streams before wading — air temps in the mid-40s can be deceiving when snowmelt is actively cold-charging the system. The conversation also covers TCO's upcoming presence at the Lancaster Fly Fishing Show, a packed class schedule across all shop locations through early spring and a first look at the new Grundéns Rock Armor wading boots, which TCO is among the first retailers to stock before they're even live on the Grundéns website. Key TakeawaysHow to set expectations for Central PA streams in late winter when heavy snowmelt is elevating flows and dropping clarity across multiple watersheds.Why water temperature can be unusually cold even when air temps feel mild, and why checking water temp before wading is essential during active snowmelt events.When to plan your Central PA dry fly trips: George signals the Blue-Winged Olive hatch is weeks away from breaking wide open.How to use the pre-season window productively by attending TCO's late-winter fly fishing classes across their Pennsylvania shop locations.Why the new Grundéns Rock Armor boots are worth watching, with TCO among the earliest retailers to have them in stock. Techniques & Gear CoveredNymphing is the dominant tactic for Central PA trout during the current late-winter/snowmelt window, with George noting it has been consistent despite not yet reaching its seasonal peak. The conversation anticipates a shift toward dry fly fishing as water temperatures rise and the Blue-Winged Olive hatch accelerates over the next few weeks — a classic late-winter to early-spring transition for Pennsylvania limestone streams. On the gear side, the notable mention is the new Grundéns Rock Armor wading boots, which TCO Fly Shop in State College is stocking ahead of the general retail release; no other specific rod, reel or fly patterns were discussed in this report segment. Locations & SpeciesThis episode focuses entirely on Central Pennsylvania limestone and freestone trout streams in late winter. The primary waters discussed are the Juniata River (elevated and off-color from snowmelt), Spring Creek, Fishing Creek and Penns Creek — all experiencing increased flows and reduced clarity as the snowpack drains into the watershed. Target species are wild brown trout and rainbow trout, consistent with the Central PA catch-and-release freestone and limestone spring creek fisheries. Conditions reflect a classic late-February snowmelt transition: still cold, flows running above seasonal averages, but with early insect activity signaling the imminent arrival of prime spring fishing. FAQ / Key Questions...

    5 min
  2. Winter Warm-Up: Tips and Tricks for Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

    1D AGO

    Winter Warm-Up: Tips and Tricks for Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

    Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly podcast, host Marvin Cash catches up with master casting instructor Mac Brown for another installment of Casting Angles — a recurring segment dedicated to fly casting education and the business of fly fishing instruction. Recorded just after Mac returned from back-to-back appearances at the Denver and Bellevue stops of the Fly Fishing Show, the conversation covers his experience on the road, a spontaneous three-day steelhead spey fishing trip squeezed between shows and what's ahead on the Fly Fishing Show calendar. Mac and Marvin dig into the practical value of two-handed casting techniques on single-handed rods — particularly for tight Appalachian streams and summertime smallmouth fishing on rivers like the Little Tennessee, Pigeon and Tuckaseegee. Mac makes a compelling case that mastering the roll cast and a module of switch/spey casts (snake roll, snap T, snap C, Z cast, A cast) transforms an angler's ability to present flies on any water, not just big steelhead rivers. The episode wraps with late-winter fishing observations, a teaser about the upcoming Lancaster Fly Fishing Show and a reminder that Mac's guide schools, casting schools and specialty classes are bookable on his website. Key TakeawaysHow to expand your presentation options on tight Appalachian streams by adding spey and switch casts to your single-handed rod repertoire.Why the roll cast is the essential foundation of all two-handed casting, and why building it first unlocks the entire spey/switch toolkit.How to use two-handed delivery moves — snake rolls, snap Ts, Z casts and others — for summertime smallmouth fishing.When to capitalize on late-winter warmup windows by monitoring water temperatures, even when air temps feel comfortable for trout fishing.Why fishing from the tail of a long pool with two-handed casting techniques gives you a longer drift, better positioning and keeps big fish unaware of your presence. Techniques & Gear CoveredMac Brown covers the full spectrum of spey and switch casting moves applicable to single-handed rods, including the roll cast, snake roll, snap T, snap C, Z cast and A cast — what he describes as a "module of eight or nine" setup-and-deliver sequences that, once internalized, become intuitive rather than mechanical. A key theme is translating techniques typically practiced on grass into real fishing scenarios: managing 50–60 feet of shooting line in your fingers, reading pool geometry and making decisions about river-left vs. river-right presentations coming out of winter. Mac also references the two-day and three-day specialty casting schools he runs throughout the season — focused formats on wet fly and dry fly specifically — available through his website under specialty classes. No specific fly patterns or rod brands are mentioned in this episode, keeping the focus squarely on casting mechanics and tactical decision-making. Locations & SpeciesThe episode references several western North Carolina rivers as prime proving grounds for switch and spey techniques on single-handed rods,...

    11 min
  3. Ice, Snow and Musky: Navigating Winter Fishing in Southwest Virginia

    FEB 6

    Ice, Snow and Musky: Navigating Winter Fishing in Southwest Virginia

    Episode OverviewIn this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly podcast, guide Matt Reilly discusses late January/early February winter conditions on the New River and tactical considerations for musky anglers navigating frozen water and seasonal transitions. Reilly details how 6 to 9 inches of snowfall combined with sub-freezing temperatures have kept the New River frozen for nearly two weeks, creating challenging access conditions while fish hold in predictable winter lies. The report covers ice safety protocols for anglers working from boats during breakup periods, identifies which river sections will thaw first based on gradient and sun exposure and explains how snowmelt from the western North Carolina headwaters will buffer water temperature rises even as air temperatures climb into the upper 40s and low 50s. Reilly also provides booking updates for the tail end of musky season extending into early March, pre-spawn smallmouth opportunities in March and April, the spring striper run and post-spawn musky fishing, emphasizing that winter downtime offers anglers ideal conditions for planning technical trips targeting these species throughout the New River system. Key TakeawaysHow to navigate ice safety when fishing from a boat during river breakup, including avoiding large ice sheets and maintaining situational awareness for floating ice hazards.Why lower New River sections near Claytor Lake thaw first due to wider channels, direct sun exposure and lower elevation compared to shaded upper watershed areas.When snowmelt from 6 to 9 inches of accumulated snow in the western North Carolina headwaters will create increased flows that buffer water temperature rises during early February warm-ups.How to identify productive open water during marginal freezing conditions by targeting faster gradient sections and areas with warm water influence.Why late winter offers optimal planning windows for booking pre-spawn smallmouth trips in March and April, spring striper runs and extended musky season dates into early March. Techniques & Gear CoveredThis report focuses on tactical decision-making for winter musky fishing and seasonal transitions rather than specific presentation techniques. Reilly discusses how fish remain in predictable winter holding locations during prolonged freezing periods, requiring anglers to understand hydrological patterns and ice coverage to access productive water safely. The conversation emphasizes reading watershed dynamics during thaw periods, identifying which river sections will open first based on gradient, sun exposure and proximity to warm water sources like dam releases. Anglers targeting the late musky season extending into early March will need to adapt to post-freeze conditions where snowmelt increases flows while moderating temperature rises, creating transitional windows that precede pre-spawn smallmouth opportunities in the same system. Locations & SpeciesThe report centers on the New River in Southwest Virginia, particularly sections from the western North Carolina headwaters near Mount Rogers through the lower New River approaching Claytor Lake. Primary target species include musky during the extended late winter season through early March and smallmouth bass during the pre-spawn period beginning in March and continuing through April. Reilly also mentions spring striper runs and post-spawn musky fishing as key seasonal opportunities. The late January/early February conditions feature frozen water throughout most of the

    9 min
  4. Gear Up for Spring: Winter Maintenance Tips with Mac Brown

    FEB 5

    Gear Up for Spring: Winter Maintenance Tips with Mac Brown

    Episode OverviewMac Brown joins host Marvin Cash for this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, a fly fishing podcast focused on practical instruction and technique refinement. With winter weather keeping many anglers off the water across the mid-Atlantic and southern Appalachians, Mac and Marvin discuss how to use this downtime productively by organizing gear and preparing equipment for the upcoming season. The conversation covers essential off-season maintenance tasks including line cleaning, wader re-treating, fly box reorganization and boot cleat maintenance. Mac shares his custom tippet management system that prevents fumbling for tippet in freezing conditions and emphasizes the importance of getting fly weight systems dialed in before prime fishing returns. The discussion also touches on the transition from winter's deep freeze to early spring fishing opportunities, with Quill Gordon hatches beginning as early as mid-February on National Park streams and post-spawn streamer fishing on tailwaters like the South Holston and Watauga. This episode provides a comprehensive checklist for serious anglers to ensure their gear is ready when weather breaks and fishing conditions improve. Key TakeawaysHow to organize fly boxes by weight and technique during the off-season to streamline on-water efficiency when the season begins.Why washing and re-treating waders now prevents cutting into prime fishing time during peak spring hatches.How to create a reliable tippet management system using elastic and clear tubing so you never struggle to find the tippet end in cold conditions.When to expect the earliest hatches in the southern Appalachians, with Quill Gordons appearing in mid-February on National Park streams.Why the first warm day after extended cold spells consistently produces excellent fishing as water temperatures rise from the mid-30s. Techniques & Gear CoveredMac emphasizes moving away from traditional split shot systems because mashing lead onto tippet significantly weakens the tippet when wet, instead favoring organized weight systems built into flies. The discussion covers comprehensive line cleaning protocols for multiple setups, particularly for lake fishing applications where having several lines ready prevents last-minute scrambling. Mac details his custom tippet management method using elastic and clear tubing (similar to New Zealand strike indicator material) that keeps 2 inches of tippet exposed and prevents the frustrating search for the tippet end when fingers are numb. Boot maintenance receives attention with the recommendation to install fresh 5/8-inch sheet metal screws using an eighth-inch driver to maintain traction. The episode also addresses seasonal gear rotation, including moving chemical hand warmers, nitrile gloves and other cold weather gear in and out of fishing kits as conditions change. Locations & SpeciesThe episode references winter conditions across Charlotte, Swain County and western North Carolina, where snow and single-digit temperatures have kept guides off the water for nearly two weeks. Marvin mentions an upcoming post-spawn brown trout streamer trip on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers near Johnson City, taking advantage of warming trends with temperatures reaching 60 degrees. Mac discusses early-season opportunities on National Park streams in the Smokies, where Quill Gordon hatches begin in the second or third week of February—some of the earliest dry fly action in the country. The conversation also touches on Mac's

    12 min
  5. A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz

    JAN 29 · BONUS

    A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike Schultz

    Episode OverviewMike Schultz joins The Butcher Shop to deliver a comprehensive deep dive into the Swingin' D, one of predator fly fishing's most effective swim patterns for targeting smallmouth bass in Michigan rivers. This detailed conversation traces the pattern's evolution from its early 2000s origins through modern 2.0 variations, exploring the critical role of Larry Dahlberg's diver head design in creating the fly's signature side-to-side action. Mike shares the problem he was solving—creating a fly that would hang and move horizontally rather than just vertically like traditional leech and crayfish patterns. He walks through material selection spanning over 15 years of refinement, from the original beads-and-wire construction to today's shank-based articulated designs. The discussion covers tactical presentation details including optimal water temperatures (45-50°F+), rod and intermediate line selection, retrieve cadences and the importance of fishing at proper angles to achieve maximum action. Mike also provides updates on Schultz Outfitters' new e-commerce platform and upcoming events including the fourth annual Bobbin the Hood. Key TakeawaysHow to achieve unpredictable horizontal swim action by properly selecting and seating Rainy's diver heads, which create side-to-side darting movement that mimics wounded baitfish when fished at 45-degree angles on intermediate lines.Why the Swingin' D fills a critical gap in predator fly boxes by suspending in the strike zone and allowing precise depth control through strategic weighting with lead wraps or tungsten scud bodies balanced against the buoyant foam head.When to fish the Swingin' D most effectively—peak performance occurs in 45-50°F+ water during late March through May when smallmouth are aggressive and feeding in shallow 2-4 foot zones.How to construct durable 2.0 versions using The Chocklett Factory shanks, Senyo micro shank connections, Ahrex XO 774 rear hooks and Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hooks up front to prevent hook failures and maximize hookups.Why proper head selection and orientation matters—wider heads with substantial collars produce aggressive side-to-side action for cold water while narrower heads swim tighter for warmer conditions. Techniques & Gear CoveredMike emphasizes the Swingin' D's effectiveness stems from proper presentation on intermediate lines using 7-8 weight rods like the G. Loomis IMX Pro V2 or his signature NRX+ Swim Fly. The fly excels when fished at 45-degree angles from a moving boat, using erratic strip-and-pause retrieves that allow the Dahlberg diver head to create horizontal darting action. Keeling techniques using .020-.030 lead wire or Hareline tungsten scud bodies balance the buoyant foam head to achieve desired depth penetration. Mike details construction using articulated shanks (The Chocklett Factory, Senyo micro shanks), Ahrex XO 774 universal curve rear hooks and Gamakatsu 2/0 worm hooks up front, incorporating materials like Senyo's Predator Wrap, Whiting hen saddles, mallard flank and Blane Chocklett's rattle boxes. Leaders run 4-7 feet terminating in 15-16lb fluorocarbon tied with loop knots to the fly with no swivels. The pattern's versatility allows customization through flash colors, head widths and weight placement to match conditions ranging from high spring flows to lower summer levels. Locations &...

    1h 2m
  6. Casting Foundations and Fishing Frameworks: Insights with Mac Brown

    JAN 21

    Casting Foundations and Fishing Frameworks: Insights with Mac Brown

    Episode OverviewCasting instructor Mac Brown joins host Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another Casting Angles conversation, this time focused on the upcoming Edison Fly Fishing Show and the casting education landscape. This episode offers serious fly anglers essential insights into proper casting fundamentals, debunking common myths about distance casting and the overemphasis on double hauling in favor of loop control and efficiency. Mac and Marvin discuss their collaborative teaching approach at major fly fishing shows including Marlborough and Edison, where Mac teaches alongside legends like Gary Borger and Glenda Powell. The conversation emphasizes foundational casting mechanics that can eliminate 85-90% of common casting problems, the critical importance of systems thinking in fly fishing and the distinction between efficient movement patterns versus exhausting casting movements. Whether you're preparing for saltwater fishing or simply want to cast more efficiently with less effort, this episode provides the framework for building a solid casting foundation that makes learning advanced techniques far easier. Key TakeawaysHow to eliminate up to 90% of your casting problems by mastering foundational mechanics rather than chasing advanced techniques like the double haulWhy loop control and loop efficiency are the true keys to distance casting, with proper technique often outperforming hauling attemptsWhen to prioritize learning line shooting and efficient loop formation over the overrated double haulHow to cast more efficiently by incorporating full arm movement instead of relying on wrist-only casting that leads to fatigue and other issuesWhy having a systematic process framework prevents anglers from collecting unrelated data points from videos and demos that create more problems than solutions Techniques & Gear CoveredThis episode focuses entirely on casting fundamentals and educational methodology rather than specific gear. Mac and Marvin emphasize loop control, loop efficiency and proper line shooting as the foundation of effective casting. They discuss the importance of power, path and pause, full arm incorporation versus wrist casting and the efficiency of movement patterns. The conversation challenges the American obsession with double hauling, noting that proper roll casting technique can achieve greater distance than poor hauling attempts. For saltwater applications where most fish are caught at 55 feet and closer, mastering these fundamentals proves far more valuable than advanced techniques built on a weak foundation. Locations & SpeciesWhile this episode doesn't focus on specific fisheries or waters, Mac references saltwater fishing applications where understanding realistic casting distances matters most. The discussion acknowledges that the majority of saltwater fish are caught at 55 feet and closer, making efficient short to medium-range casting far more practical than extreme distance work. The conversation takes place in the context of major East Coast fly fishing shows (Marlborough, Massachusetts and Edison, New Jersey) where anglers from across the region gather to improve their skills. Mac's upcoming teaching schedule spans coast to coast, including stops at Bellevue and Lancaster, reflecting the national scope of casting education needs. FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat's more important for distance casting than the double...

    11 min
  7. From Fly Tying to Foodie: Tim Flagler's Passion for Culinary Arts

    JAN 20

    From Fly Tying to Foodie: Tim Flagler's Passion for Culinary Arts

    Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Tim Flagler to explore his lesser-known culinary journey and preview his extensive 2026 hosted travel schedule. While most fly fishers recognize Tim from his renowned tying videos and work at Tightline Productions, this conversation reveals his parallel passion for cooking and food that parallels his fly tying expertise. The discussion traces Tim's evolution from childhood family meals at the Jersey Shore through his mother's and grandmother's influence to his current fascination with Asian cooking techniques, particularly Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. Tim shares cooking philosophy centered on sourcing quality ingredients, constant tasting during preparation and proper knife skills while detailing his upcoming 2026 adventures including golden dorado fishing on Argentina's Ibera Marsh, trophy brown trout on the Limay River, northern pike and bull trout in British Columbia's Northern Rockies and steelhead on Lake Erie. The conversation also touches on Tim's ongoing fly tying innovations focused on creating mottled, natural-looking patterns that better imitate the mottled appearance of living aquatic insects. Key TakeawaysHow Tim's family food traditions at the Jersey Shore mirror the collaborative, process-driven approach he brings to fly tying and teachingWhy sourcing the best possible ingredients and tasting constantly throughout preparation are the two most critical elements of successful cookingHow to book Tim's 2026 hosted trips to Argentina for golden dorado and trophy brown trout, British Columbia for northern pike and bull trout or Lake Erie for winter steelheadHow Tim is incorporating mottled, multi-colored patterns in his fly designs to better imitate the natural mottled appearance of living aquatic insects that signals protein to feeding trout Techniques & Gear CoveredTim discusses his ongoing fly tying evolution focused on creating mottled appearances in patterns rather than solid single colors, based on close observation and video documentation of living aquatic macroinvertebrates. He explains how blotches of different colors signal life and protein to feeding fish, making these techniques potentially more effective than traditional solid-colored flies. The conversation touches on trout spey casting as one of Tim's seminar topics at upcoming Fly Fishing Shows. Tim also draws parallels between cooking and fly tying, emphasizing that both crafts require quality materials, proper tools (sharp knives in cooking, quality hackle and partridge in tying) and understanding fundamental techniques before attempting complex work. Locations & SpeciesTim's 2026 hosted travel schedule spans diverse fisheries across multiple continents targeting various species. In Argentina, he hosts trips to the Ibera Marsh for golden dorado, classic Patagonia rivers including the Chimehuin, Collon Cura and Limay for trout, and a six-day camping float on the Limay River targeting trophy brown trout. His North American destinations include Spruce Creek in Pennsylvania, the Kootenai River in northwest Montana for rainbows,...

    48 min
  8. Frosty Mornings and Musky Pursuits: January Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward

    JAN 17

    Frosty Mornings and Musky Pursuits: January Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward

    Episode OverviewEast Tennessee guide Ellis Ward delivers his first fishing report of 2026 on The Articulate Fly podcast, covering winter tactics for both post-spawn trout and low-water musky fishing. Ward breaks down strategic adaptations required for fishing extremely low and clear water conditions that have dominated the region through early January, affecting both tailwater trout fisheries and musky rivers like the French Broad. The episode emphasizes post-spawn trout streamer fishing opportunities in late January and February, when trophy fish are feeding aggressively to recover after the fall spawn. Ward also discusses current musky conditions under challenging low and clear water, requiring downsized presentations and pinpoint casting to specific holding pockets, with the transition to pre-spawn musky anticipated in March. Additionally, Ward covers his intensive bucktail processing operation, having accumulated over a thousand deer tails for custom musky flies following the end of deer season. With water levels dictated by minimal tailwater releases and fish becoming increasingly spooky in gin-clear conditions, Ward explains timing windows for visiting anglers looking to capitalize on prime post-spawn trout streamer fishing and upcoming pre-spawn musky opportunities. Key TakeawaysHow to capitalize on post-spawn brown trout streamer fishing in late January through February when trophy fish are feeding heavily to recover after the fall spawnWhy low and clear water musky fishing requires downsizing presentations and focusing on precision casts to specific structure rather than covering water broadlyWhen to book trips around optimal moon phases and weather windows during the transitional period between post-spawn trout streamer fishing and March pre-spawn musky activityHow to execute sidearm casts to tight cover and confined holding areas when backcast limitations and spooky fish demand tactical adjustments in extreme low water Techniques & Gear CoveredWard emphasizes post-spawn brown trout streamer tactics as prime winter opportunities, with late January and February offering some of the highest ceilings for trophy fish on streamers as they feed aggressively after the fall spawn. For musky fishing under current low and clear conditions, Ward discusses downsized fly presentations that facilitate better casting opportunities to tight cover with limited backcasts. The conversation details targeted approaches to four-by-four pockets, requiring anglers to identify specific holding structure rather than covering expansive zones. Ward discusses his extensive bucktail processing operation, managing approximately a thousand tails stored in two chest freezers and working through the dyeing and preparation process during winter. Equipment discussion includes the practical considerations of fishing in extreme cold with nitrile gloves and hand warmers while maintaining the dexterity needed for presentations in sub-30-degree weather, particularly important for anglers targeting post-spawn trout during early morning sessions. Locations & SpeciesThe French Broad River serves as the primary musky water, with Ward noting how extremely low and clear conditions require tactical adjustments throughout the winter period. East Tennessee's tailwater systems are emphasized for post-spawn brown trout streamer fishing, with Ward specifically noting that late January and February represent prime months when the ceiling is quite high for trophy trout that have completed their fall spawn and are feeding heavily. The interconnected nature of water management affects both

    13 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    The Articulate Fly
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Articulate Fly LLC
  • Show Website
    The Articulate Fly

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