Episode Overview

The 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 Takeaways

• How 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 Covered

The 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 & Species

The 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.

Sponsors

Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

Related Content

S1, 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

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Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:53 The Design Journey Begins

08:09 Influences and Inspirations

12:44 Material Choices and Techniques

18:24 Adjustments and Improvements

21:21 Scaling Down for Other Species

25:04 Common Mistakes in Tying

30:50 The Evolution of the Swine

33:18 Color Variations and Popularity

37:40 Fishing Techniques for Lake Musky

42:28 Transitioning to Smaller Species

44:02 New Materials and Tools

Episode Overview

This 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 Takeaways

• How 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 rivers
• Why concentrating presentations on mid-river structure rather than bank edges is the most effective and responsible strategy when spawning activity is underway
• How 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 off
• When swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs, produce in mixed-bag pre-spawn and spawn-transition conditions on the Susquehanna system
• Why Pennsylvania tributary flows have been too shallow for float trips since mid-April, making main-stem Susquehanna and Juniata fishing the primary option this spring
• When 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 Covered

Shumaker'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 & Species

The 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 Content

S8, 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

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Episode Overview

This 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 Takeaways

• How 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 action
• Why grannom caddis remain fishable on Penns Creek and Fishing Creek while beginning to slow on Spring Creek
• When to expect sulphurs — George projects the hatch will begin within the next one to two weeks based on last year's timing
• How nymphing continues to be the reliable fallback when hatch activity is uneven or evening dries slow down
• Why water levels, while slightly below seasonal norms, remain in fishable shape and could benefit from the weekend precipitation forecast

Techniques & Gear Covered

The 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 & Species

Central 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 Content

S8, 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

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Follow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Episode Overview

In 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 Takeaways

• How 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 Covered

The 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 Content

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

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 Guest

Follow Mac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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Episode Overview

In 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 Takeaways

• Why finding migratory steelhead requires covering water aggressively rather than returning to yesterday's productive spots
• How the guide season on Steelhead Alley runs from fall through early spring, with November and March as peak periods
• Why showing clients a good time on the water — not just maximizing fish counts — defines long-term success as a guide
• How using a grid method at large scale allows muralists to maintain proportion across massive public installations
• Why the story behind human-made art creates value and staying power that AI-generated imagery cannot replicate
• How fishing and fine art intersect as sustainable parallel careers when neither alone provides full financial stability

Techniques & Gear Covered

This 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 & Species

Steelhead 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 Content

S7, 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 Guest

Follow Aaron on Instagram.

Follow The Box Gallery on Instagram.

Follow Steelhead Alley Outfitters on Instagram.

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Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:36 Becoming a Guide

06:28 Mentorship in Guiding

11:34 Artistic Journey Begins

14:51 Mediums and Techniques

20:05 Art and Fishing Intersection

24:18 The Box Gallery Vibe

26:45 Mural Experience

29:47 Upcoming Art Projects

Episode Overview

In 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 Takeaways

• How 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 Covered

Matt 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 & Species

This 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 Content

S8, 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

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Blane Chocklett — tier, guide and founder of The Chocklett Factory — for a wide-ranging conversation covering conservation, product launches and what's ahead for one of fly fishing's most recognized innovators. Blane offers a firsthand recap of Tie Fest, the ASGA-backed conservation fundraiser held at Carter Andrews' property, where proceeds are funding a five-year jack crevalle acoustic tagging research program. He reflects on the community of guides, brands and fly fishing legends who showed up in honor of figures like Lefty Kreh, Bob Popovics and Flip Pallot, and confirms the event will return in 2027.

The conversation then pivots to one of the most eagerly anticipated product releases from The Chocklett Factory: the commercially tied Feather Changer. Blane walks through the design history of this Game Changer platform variant — including the pivotal conversation with Bob Popovics that sparked the fly's development — and explains why natural feathers give the Feather Changer a swimming action and water column behavior that synthetic materials can't replicate. He also previews cicada patterns timed to summer emergences, along with new shrimp patterns rounding out the 2026 lineup. Blane closes with a look at his upcoming travel calendar, including a smallmouth bass filming project for Fly Fisherman magazine in Pennsylvania, a conservation visit with On the Fly Outfitters in Brunswick, Georgia and planned trips to Baja and northern Saskatchewan for northern pike.

Key Takeaways

• Why the Feather Changer occupies a unique position in the Game Changer platform by blending natural and synthetic materials to achieve a swimming action and water column depth that neither approach achieves on its own
• How a bathtub test and a conversation with Bob Popovics directly led to the development of the Feather Changer as a solution to buoyancy problems with deer body hair Game Changers
• Why the Feather Changer's profile versatility — mullet, sculpin, dace and beyond — makes it one of the most species-adaptable flies in the Game Changer lineup
• How The Chocklett Factory's 2026 product rollout (Feather Changers, cicadas, shrimp patterns) is timed around spring and summer fishing and cicada emergences across the country
• Why smallmouth bass deserve their place as a premier fly rod species and how decades of guiding them directly shaped many of the flies now central to the Game Changer platform
• Why ASGA's jack crevalle acoustic tagging research program represents the kind of targeted, funded conservation work the fly fishing community is uniquely positioned to support

Techniques & Gear Covered

The episode is primarily a product and conservation update rather than a technique-focused installment, but Blane provides substantive insight into the design logic behind the Feather Changer. He explains how natural feathers interact with laminar flow differently than synthetic materials — diverting water in a way that creates exceptional movement without bulk and allows the fly to settle into the water column at depths that buoyant materials like deer body hair cannot reach. The Feather Changer is discussed in the context of pre-spawn smallmouth bass fishing in Pennsylvania rivers, where its realistic swimming profile and soft landing characteristics are particularly relevant. Blane also previews cicada patterns designed for surface fishing during both annual and periodic hatches, and shrimp patterns aimed at the saltwater and flats side of his expanding lineup. Brand mentions include Yeti, Patagonia, Costa, Scientific Anglers, TFO and Nautilus in the conservation context, and Schultz Outfitters is cited as an example of a shop that has built extensively on the Feather Changer platform for Midwest smallmouth.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat makes the Feather Changer different from other Game Changer platform flies?

The Feather Changer uses natural feathers instead of synthetics to exploit laminar flow around the fly's body, producing an exceptional swimming action that includes movement without movement. Unlike more buoyant Game Changers, feathers allow the fly to settle deeper in the water column without added weight, solving the buoyancy problem that came with earlier deer body hair variants. The result is a fly that holds a realistic silhouette, lands softly and triggers strikes across a wide range of species.

How did the Feather Changer come to exist?

Blane traced the fly's origin to a conversation with Bob Popovics after a trip to Arkansas where deer body hair Game Changers were proving too buoyant. Popovics suggested natural feathers as a solution — mentioning the Semper Fli — and Blane tied the fly immediately, tested it in a bathtub, filmed the result and sent the video back to Popovics. From that exchange, the Feather Changer was born, blending the tradition of natural feather flies with the modern articulated Game Changer platform.

What new Chocklett Factory products are coming in 2026?

The headline release is the commercially tied Feather Changer, now available through The Chocklett Factory's online shop and dealer network after sourcing and quality challenges were resolved. Cicada patterns timed to summer annual and periodic emergences are also in the pipeline, alongside shrimp patterns for saltwater applications. Blane describes 2026 as a major year for the brand across all product categories.

What is Tie Fest and what conservation cause does it support?

Tie Fest is an annual saltwater fly fishing and conservation fundraiser organized through ASGA (American Saltwater Guides Association) and hosted at Carter Andrews' property. The event gathers guides, brands, tiers and industry figures to raise money for targeted research initiatives — in this cycle, a five-year jack crevalle acoustic tagging program in which individual tags cost $500 each. The event honors the legacies of Lefty Kreh, Bob Popovics, Flip Pallot and others, and is supported by brands including Yeti, Patagonia, Costa, Scientific Anglers, TFO and Nautilus.

Why does Blane consider smallmouth bass one of the most important species in fly fishing?

Blane argues that smallmouth bass were formative for many of fly fishing's greatest innovators — Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock, Bob Clouser — and that more than 30 years of guiding them on mid-Atlantic rivers directly produced many of the Game Changer platform's foundational designs, including the Craw, the Feather Changer and the Jerk Changer. He sees the upcoming Fly Fisherman magazine film project as an overdue recognition of smallmouth's place as one of the premier fly rod species, particularly for anglers throughout the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Midwest.

Related Content

S7, Ep 73 - The Chocklett Factory: Sneak Peek at New Products

S7, Ep 61 - The Chocklett Factory Unleashed: New Flies and Other Goodies with Blane Chocklett

S6, Ep 144 - The Chocklett Factory: Conservation, New Products and a Legacy Remembered

S6, Ep 101 - The Chocklett Factory: Fly Fishing Travels, Conservation and New Ventures

S7, Ep 42 - Celebrating Legacy and Conservation with The Chocklett Factory

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Episode Overview

In this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash and Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish cover the spring fishing picture in western North Carolina just ahead of the Easter and spring break rush. The conversation is a candid, practical guide for anglers planning a trip to the region — with an honest assessment of current stocking conditions on delayed harvest water and a strong case for pursuing wild trout in the backcountry instead.

Mac and Marvin address a notable stocking reduction on western North Carolina's delayed harvest (DH) water, with Mac reporting no stocking through March and a planned 60% reduction going forward — a ground-level reality check against the rosier picture often circulating on social media. The Nantahala River, which holds a large year-round fish population and most of the state's trout records, is identified as a productive alternative once hatchery-supported waters open in early April. For anglers willing to go further afield, the wild streams of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are described as fishing in peak spring form, with little black caddis hatches actively occurring, Quill Gordons already coming off, and Hendricksons and March Browns on the near horizon. Mac and Marvin both advocate for dry-dropper rigs — specifically an elk hair caddis or Stimulator as the dry with a soft hackle pheasant tail as the dropper — as the most effective and versatile approach for this time of year, targeting fish feeding actively in the surface film and mid-column rather than on the bottom.

Mac also updates listeners on his guide school schedule, including an Advanced Line Control casting school on April 11–12.

Key Takeaways

• Why wild trout streams in western North Carolina and Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer better spring fishing than stocked delayed harvest water during the spring break period
• How a dry-dropper rig — elk hair caddis or Stimulator over a soft hackle pheasant tail — covers both the surface film and mid-column where spring trout are actively feeding
• Why fishing the "tabletop" (surface) rather than dredging the bottom is the more productive approach on western NC wild streams this time of year
• When to expect the spring hatch progression in western North Carolina: little black caddis now, followed by Hendricksons and March Browns, with terrestrials taking over by early summer
• How to interpret hatchery-supported water signage and adjust fly selection — toward attractor and "junk food" patterns — when fishing freshly stocked Nantahala water after it opens in early April

Techniques & Gear Covered

The primary technique emphasis is dry-dropper fishing for wild trout on freestone mountain streams, with both Mac and Marvin endorsing it as the most versatile approach for early spring in western North Carolina. Mac frames the key tactical principle as targeting the "tabletop" — the surface film — rather than bottom-dredging, which he identifies as a common mistake that costs anglers hours of productive fishing. Specific patterns discussed include the elk hair caddis and Stimulator as the dry fly component, and a soft hackle pheasant tail as the dropper, with Marvin noting he particularly enjoys fishing soft hackles in the mid-column on the swing or drift. For hatchery-supported water on the Nantahala after it opens, both hosts note that recently stocked fish respond best to attractor and "junk food" patterns — worms, eggs and high-visibility flies — consistent with the behavior of fish transitioning out of a hatchery environment.

Locations & Species

The episode focuses on the western North Carolina trout fishing corridor centered on Bryson City and the surrounding national park backcountry, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park wild trout streams serving as the primary destination recommendation for visiting anglers. The Nantahala River is highlighted as the region's premier hatchery-supported fishery — holding fish year-round and producing most of the state's trout records — with its hatchery-supported sections opening in early April after the March closure period. Wild trout in GSMNP backcountry streams are the target species throughout, with fish actively looking up and responding to dry flies under spring conditions.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy should I fish wild trout streams instead of delayed harvest water during spring break in western North Carolina?

Mac Brown reports that DH water on the delayed harvest sections received no stocking through March and faces a 60% reduction in planned stocking going forward — meaning heavily fished DH beats likely hold only fish stocked the previous October. Wild trout streams in the Park, by contrast, are in excellent spring condition with active hatches and fish looking up, making them a far more productive and rewarding destination for the spring break window.

How should I fish the Nantahala hatchery-supported water when it opens in early April?

The Nantahala hatchery-supported sections open in early April after a March closure period. Freshly stocked fish behave like aquarium fish — unselective and responsive to attractor patterns, worms, eggs and high-visibility "junk food" flies rather than technical presentations. Marvin compares it directly to fishing freshly stocked delayed harvest water, so adjust expectations and fly selection accordingly.

What dry-dropper setup works best for spring wild trout fishing in western North Carolina?

Both Mac and Marvin recommend an elk hair caddis or Stimulator as the dry with a soft hackle pheasant tail as the dropper — a versatile rig that covers surface and mid-column feeding simultaneously. Marvin notes the soft hackle pheasant tail is particularly effective fished in the mid-column, where it can swing or drift naturally on the dropper.

What hatches should I expect on western North Carolina trout streams in early spring?

Little black caddis are hatching heavily right now and should continue for several more weeks. Quill Gordons have already been observed, with Hendricksons and March Browns coming next. The hatch season progresses quickly — by early summer, terrestrials largely replace mayfly and caddis hatches as the primary dry fly opportunity.

When is the best time of day and under what conditions should I focus on dry fly fishing this time of year?

Mac reports that overcast conditions are ideal for dry fly fishing on GSMNP wild trout streams in early spring, with fish actively looking up throughout the day under cloud cover. He notes that during a recent pre-school scouting session in the backcountry, dry flies alone were sufficient — fish showed no need for sub-surface presentation.

Related Content

S7, Ep 28 – Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 36 – Mac Brown's Spring Hatch Hacks and Windy Day Tactics

S6, Ep 39 – Mac Brown's High Country Hideaways and Warm Water Wisdom

S7, Ep 85 – Navigating Delayed Harvest: Mac Brown's Insights on Fall Fishing Tactics

S8, Ep 18 – The Learning Curve: Mac Brown on Effective Teaching Methods

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Mark Melnyk, producer and owner of The New Fly Fisher, one of North America's most recognized fly fishing television series. If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to build and sustain a fly fishing media brand over 25 years — through network layoffs, a global pandemic and a rapidly shifting media landscape — this conversation delivers rare, unfiltered access to the people and decisions that shape the content anglers watch and learn from. Mark traces his serendipitous path from sports broadcasting at TSN and Animal Planet to hosting and eventually owning The New Fly Fisher, sharing the pivot moments, mentors and near-misses that defined his career. The conversation covers the show's core philosophy of education and conservation, the lean two-person production model that drives 26 episodes per year, and Mark's vision for expanding The New Fly Fisher into new international destinations — from the Dolomites of Northern Italy to the jungles of Colombia. He also offers an honest look at how the show has evolved its business model away from endemic fly fishing sponsorship, and what that shift has meant for the authenticity and reach of the content.

Key Takeaways

• How a willingness to fish with anglers better than yourself — and to embrace the learning curve publicly — accelerates fly fishing skill development in ways no single mentor can replicate.
• Why The New Fly Fisher has remained rooted in education and conservation for 25 years, and how that consistency has become its most durable competitive advantage.
• How a lean two-person field crew — one host and one camera operator — allows The New Fly Fisher to deliver both high production value and the authentic, unscripted storytelling that viewers trust and respond to.
• Why dropping endemic fly fishing sponsorship in favor of gentle product placement opened doors that traditional sponsorship models had closed, while actually strengthening the show's credibility with viewers.
• How the post-pandemic surge in fly fishing interest has accelerated international distribution growth for fly fishing media, creating new revenue pathways that didn't exist before.
• When authenticity matters more than production perfection — and why the moments that go wrong on camera are often the most valuable teaching content in any episode.

Techniques & Gear Covered

This episode is a fly fishing industry and media interview rather than a technique-focused fishing episode, so the coverage centers on production methodology, storytelling craft and content strategy rather than specific fishing tactics or equipment. Mark discusses the full arc of The New Fly Fisher's production workflow — from pre-season travel scheduling through field logging, paper editing, voiceover, long-form cut, broadcast cut, audio post-production and network delivery — detailing how a 26-episode annual slate is managed across a team of editors, hosts, camera operators and post-production staff. He touches on the evolution of production technology, from $350,000 shoulder-mounted ENG cameras to GoPros and DJI OSMO rigs, and the democratizing effect drones have had on aerial cinematography for fishing content. Gear mentioned in the context of The New Fly Fisher's partnership with Orvis includes rods ranging from the Helios to the entry-level Clearwater, cited as examples of the show's non-prescriptive, multi-product approach to product placement. Tom Rosenbauer's involvement in producing Orvis Tips content in conjunction with The New Fly Fisher team is also discussed.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow did Mark Melnyk come to own The New Fly Fisher?

Mark was brought on as a guest host by show founder Colin McKeown after a period of unemployment in traditional broadcasting. Over time he became a 50/50 partner, with full 100% ownership transferring in June 2024 — a process extended from two years to seven partly due to the COVID pandemic. McKeown passed away from terminal cancer approximately two months after the deal closed.

What makes The New Fly Fisher different from other fly fishing television shows?

The show has maintained an unwavering commitment to education and conservation since its inception, and refuses to treat any technique, fly or piece of gear as a proprietary secret. Mark emphasizes an open-book policy where real fishing days — including tangles, lost fish and equipment failures — are shown as they happen, creating content that viewers trust precisely because it reflects the reality of a day on the water.

How does The New Fly Fisher approach sponsorship and monetization differently than most fishing shows?

Rather than pursuing endemic fly fishing sponsorships that require product exclusivity, the show shifted to a gentle product placement model where gear appears naturally on screen without traditional paid endorsement deals. This approach, developed in conversation with Tom Rosenbauer and Simon Gawesworth, has expanded the show's appeal to a wider range of brands while eliminating the perception of bias that traditional fishing show sponsorships often create.

What does the production process look like for a single episode of The New Fly Fisher?

Each episode involves one day of travel, four to five days on the water and another travel day, followed by weeks of footage logging, paper editing, voiceover, editing, color correction, audio post-production and network delivery. Long-form YouTube versions are cut first, then trimmed to 23-minute broadcast versions. The full 26-episode season requires a tightly managed rolling production schedule with hard network delivery deadlines.

What destinations and species is The New Fly Fisher targeting in upcoming seasons?

This season's content includes episodes from Chilean Patagonia (brown and rainbow trout), Manitoba (northern pike), Saskatchewan (grayling, lake trout, arctic char), Newfoundland and Labrador (brook trout, Atlantic salmon) and the American West. Mark is also developing new content in Colombia targeting peacock bass, payara, arowana and saltwater pelagics, with future aspirations for Ireland, Scotland and the Dolomites of Northern Italy.

Sponsors

Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

Related Content

S8, Ep 6 – From Fly Tying to Foodie: Tim Flagler's Passion for Culinary Arts

S6, Ep 132 – Fly Tying and Destination Travel with Tim Flagler

S6, Ep 97 – Fly Fishing Wisdom and Industry Pet Peeves with Greg Senyo

S6, Ep 147 – Tailwaters Fly Company: A New Haven for Fly Fishers in East Tennessee

Connect with Our Guest

Follow Mark on Instagram.

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Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

06:58 Broadcasting Background

10:41 Transition to The New Fly Fisher

16:28 The Host's Evolution

23:17 Storytelling and Authenticity

33:12 Production Process Unveiled

44:35 Vision for the Future

46:33 Navigating Industry Changes

58:52 Family Support and Gratitude

Episode Overview

This fly fishing podcast episode delivers a timely early spring conditions update from Central Pennsylvania, featuring George Costa, Shop Manager at TCO Fly Shop in State College. George reports on improving but variable conditions across the region's premier trout waters — Spring Creek, Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and the Juniata — as the season teeters between winter's last grip and the first genuine hatch activity of the year. Water levels are running near average for the time of year, on the higher side as systems flush through, with clarity improving after recent runoff. Nymphing has remained consistent throughout the transition, while streamer fishing has been productive in the elevated flows. Most notably, George flags the imminent arrival of grannom caddis — expected within five to seven days at the time of recording — following scattered early caddis reports and strong blue-winged olive activity during the preceding warm spells. With temperatures forecast to climb back into the 60s and 70s, George anticipates a meaningful uptick in dry fly opportunity and encourages anglers to get their dries ready. The episode also touches on late-season steelhead fishing as an alternative option, and briefly recaps a hosted shop trip to South Andros Lodge in the Bahamas. George rounds out the report with updates on remaining spring classes and upcoming sales at TCO Fly Shop.

Key Takeaways

1. Why high, off-color water in early spring shifts the most productive technique toward streamers rather than dries or nymphs.
2. When to expect the grannom caddis hatch on Central PA freestone and spring creek systems and how warming temperatures accelerate its arrival.
3. How to read the transition from consistent nymphing conditions to the first genuine dry fly opportunities of the spring season.
4. Why late-winter and early-spring steelhead remain a viable alternative when Central PA trout streams are running high and off-color.
5. When to take advantage of end-of-season sales at fly shops to stock up on last year's gear at reduced prices before spring inventory fully arrives.

Techniques & Gear Covered

George Costa covers the three primary presentations that define early spring Central PA fishing: nymphing with standard subsurface patterns (described as "all the usual suspects"), streamer fishing in elevated and off-color water, and dry fly fishing as conditions warm and early hatches emerge. No specific fly patterns are named beyond the bug categories discussed — grannoms and other early caddis, blue-winged olives and general nymph imitations — reflecting the broad-strokes, conditions-focused nature of the fishing report format. The gear discussion is brief, with George directing anglers to TCO Fly Shop's spring inventory rollout and noting that winter merchandise will be moving to sale pricing soon. The overarching tactical theme is reading the water conditions and having the flexibility to shift between techniques as flows drop, color clears and insect activity builds.

Locations & Species

The report centers on Central Pennsylvania's most productive trout waters: Spring Creek, Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and the Juniata River, all running near seasonal averages with slightly elevated, clearing flows at the time of recording. The primary target species throughout is wild trout — the conversation is framed around the approaching dry fly season that defines Central PA fishing in late March and April. George also briefly references Erie-region steelhead as a concurrent late-winter option, with shop staff actively fishing them. A hosted trip to South Andros Lodge in the Bahamas is mentioned in passing, with bonefish and barracuda as primary species, though the Bahamas content is contextual rather than instructional.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat are current stream conditions on Central PA trout waters in early spring?

At the time of recording, Spring Creek, Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and the Juniata were running on the higher side of average following a series of weather systems, with flows dropping and clarity improving. George Costa describes conditions as "okay-ish," noting that both the Penns and Juniata systems got very high before beginning to drop and clear up — typical behavior for Central PA freestones in late March.

When can Central PA anglers expect the grannom caddis hatch to begin?

George forecasts grannom activity within five to seven days of the recording, citing scattered early caddis reports and strong BWO hatches during the preceding warm spells as leading indicators. He emphasizes that a forecasted return to 60–70°F temperatures over the upcoming weekend should trigger meaningful hatch activity across the region's spring creeks and freestones.

How should fly anglers approach Central PA streams when flows are elevated and off-color?

Costa notes that fish are actively moving in the high water and several anglers have already had strong streamer days in the elevated flows. He recommends leaning on streamers when water is up and colored, while nymphing with reliable subsurface patterns remains consistent regardless of conditions — and advises anglers to have dry fly rigs ready for when flows drop and the first consistent hatch windows open.

Is steelhead fishing worth pursuing as a late-winter option in the region?

George confirms that late-winter and early-spring Erie steelhead remain a viable option, noting that water levels looked favorable at the time of recording and that TCO staff members were actively fishing them. He characterizes it as a solid alternative for anglers who want active fishing while waiting for Central PA trout conditions to fully develop.

Related Content

S8, Ep 11 – Snow Melt and Spring Awakening: Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa

S8, 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

S6, Ep 30 – Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop

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