The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly podcast delivers essential Southwest Virginia fishing intelligence with guide Matt Reilly, who breaks down the critical decision-making process every angler faces when conditions refuse to cooperate.

Reilly, an expert smallmouth fishing guide with years of regional experience, reveals how flash floods and yo-yo water levels have made this one of the most challenging topwater seasons in recent memory.

Learn his systematic approach to reading stream flow data, water clarity and temperature to make split-second location decisions that save your fishing day.

Discover when to abandon your primary topwater game plan and pivot to productive streamer fishing tactics in dirty water conditions.

Reilly shares specific strategies for choosing water with varied structure when visibility drops, explaining how runs, shoals and ledge systems concentrate fish when flats become unfishable.

Most importantly, master the art of managing client expectations while maintaining fishing success through honest pre-trip communication and flexible tactical approaches.

Whether you're guiding clients or planning your own Southwest Virginia smallmouth adventures, these real-world insights from challenging 2025 conditions will transform your decision-making process.

To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview.

Related Content

S7, Ep 19 - Weathering the Winds: March Fishing Insights and Pre-Spawn Strategies with Matt Reilly

S6, Ep 41 - Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch

S7, Ep 32 - Swim Flies and Trout Tactics: An East Tennessee Fishing Report with Ellis Ward

S7, Ep 1 - Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt Reilly

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Join The Articulate Fly fishing podcast host Marvin Cash for another East Tennessee Fishing Report with guide Ellis Ward, covering current conditions on the Watauga River and South Holston River.

While dry fly action has been unusually slow for August, Ellis reveals why the streamer fishing has been exceptional, with clients regularly landing impressive fish including a 26.5-inch brown trout.

Learn how post-Helene water stain continues to benefit streamer presentations, current generation schedules affecting both tailwater systems and why water levels remain healthier than typical late-summer conditions.

Ellis shares insights on transitioning tactics as daylight shortens, the increasing potential for mousing as evening opportunities expand and early booking recommendations for the approaching musky season.

Discover specific techniques for fishing slack water versus fast water, seasonal insect activity changes and how shorter August days create prime conditions for mousing.

Whether you're planning a tailwater trip or looking to understand current East Tennessee fishing conditions, this report delivers actionable intelligence from one of the region's most experienced guides.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

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Join The Butcher Shop podcast host Marvin Cash for an exclusive deep dive into fly line design and manufacturing with Josh Jenkins, R&D Manager at Scientific Anglers.

Josh Jenkins brings mechanical engineering expertise and years of hands-on experience developing fly lines for America's leading manufacturer. As SA's sole engineer, Jenkins oversees product development, manufacturing optimization and quality control for the company's entire line portfolio.

Discover the complete fly line manufacturing process from core selection through PVC coating application. Learn how Scientific Anglers revolutionized the industry by moving from tapered cores to level cores with tapered plastic coatings. Understand the collaboration process between pro staff anglers and engineers that drives new product development.

Explore specialized line development for musky fishing, including running line diameter optimization for powerful strip sets and color contrast improvements for low-light visibility. Get insights into new sinking line densities and the evolution from basic streamers to modern oversized flies.

Learn production realities including minimum viable quantities (200-300 lines annually), development timelines from concept to retail and the technology evolution from mechanical cam systems to computer-controlled manufacturing that enables rapid prototyping.

Ready to understand what makes premium fly lines perform? This episode delivers insider knowledge every serious angler needs.

Thanks to Schultz Outfitters, TroutRoutes and OnX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

S6, Ep 142: Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward

S7, Ep 14: The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward

S2, Ep 114: All Things Game Changer with Blane Chocklett

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00:00 Introduction

05:19 From Idaho to Scientific Anglers

07:19 Role of R&D Manager at SA

08:57 Insights into Fly Line Manufacturing

14:11 Rise of Specialty Fly Lines

15:31 Collaboration with Pro Staff

19:23 Technology and Innovations in Fly Lines

23:33 Changes in Fly Design and Technique

26:59 Impact of Fly Lines on Rod Design

31:12 Timeline for Bringing New Lines to Market

32:54 Development Process for Musky Gen 2

35:18 Upcoming Products and Innovations

The Articulate Fly fishing podcast brings you essential Central Pennsylvania fishing insights with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College.

As summer fishing conditions settle into their seasonal patterns, Costa reports above-average flows throughout Central PA despite recent dry spells, creating excellent opportunities for technical summer fishing.

Listeners discover prime Trico hatch timing on Spring Creek, along with proven terrestrial fishing strategies using Chubby Chernobyls, hoppers, ants and beetles as the terrestrial season peaks.

Costa shares critical water temperature monitoring advice for midday fishing, particularly on waters like the J and Penns Creek where temps can climb too high.

The report covers current stream conditions across Central Pennsylvania waters, highlighting the transition from early season abundance to more challenging technical summer presentations.

Whether you're targeting morning Trico emergences or working terrestrial patterns through summer heat, this Central Pennsylvania fishing update provides the local knowledge needed to maximize your time on the water as the season progresses toward fall.

Related Content

S6, Ep 93 - Terrestrials, Drift and Teaching the Next Generation with Mac Brown

S6, Ep 129 - TCO Fly Shop's George Costa Discusses Prime Fall Fishing Conditions

S7, Ep 36 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop

S6, Ep 138 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa

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In this compelling episode of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash teams up with renowned guide and instructor Mac Brown for another insightful Casting Angles segment focused on high water fishing strategies in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Mac, who lives on Deep Creek in Bryson City and has been guiding Appalachian waters since the 1980s, reveals why experienced anglers should flip conventional wisdom during big rain events and head to lower elevations rather than seeking high mountain streams.

Learn how massive brown trout emerge from hiding during flash flood conditions, creating feeding frenzies that represent some of the best fishing opportunities in Appalachia.

Mac shares specific streamer fishing techniques including his go-to Black Ghost pattern, the importance of color contrast in turbid water and why upsizing flies becomes critical during high water events.

Discover proven bank fishing tactics using jig hooks for fast-moving water, plus Mac's upcoming fall instructional offerings including his September advanced casting school, October guide school and a special wet fly fishing workshop with legendary angler Davy Wotton on Arkansas' White River - where Mac first learned to fly fish as a child.

Related Content 

S7, Ep 14 - The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward 

S7, Ep 41 - Navigating High Water: Strategies for Success with Mac Brown 

S6, Ep 37 - Streamer Secrets and Dry Fly Dreams with East Tennessee's Ellis Ward 

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

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Join The Articulate Fly fishing podcast host Marvin Cash for an essential East Tennessee Fishing Report with seasoned guide Ellis Ward, who delivers critical summer conditions updates for the Watauga River and the South Holston River.

Ward breaks down how recent afternoon thunderstorms are impacting freestone rivers while highlighting exceptional streamer fishing and mousing opportunities during the current recreation release schedule.

Learn the optimal timing strategies for navigating the Watauga's 1-6pm releases and the South Holston's 11-7 generation patterns, plus discover why low water mousing in clear conditions creates ideal bite windows for trophy trout.

Ellis shares actionable insights on capitalizing on sulphur and PMD hatches that are driving consistent dry fly activity on both rivers, while revealing his strategic approach to managing disjointed water schedules that extend fishing days from 4pm to midnight.

Whether you're targeting summer trout with streamers or preparing for the approaching fall musky season, this East Tennessee Fishing Report delivers the local knowledge and tactical timing advice serious anglers need to maximize their success on these premier tailwater fisheries.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

Related Content

S6, Ep 98 - Navigating Late Summer Waters and Mousing Tactics with Ellis Ward

S6, Ep 139 - Exploring East Tennessee's Changing Waters with Ellis Ward

S7, Ep 14 - The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward

S6, Ep 46 - Ellis Ward's East Tennessee Euphoria: Dry Flies and Midge Magic

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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another essential Ruch Report with smallmouth bass guide Brendan Ruch, fresh from successful trips to Michigan waters with Schultz Outfitters and western Pennsylvania streams.

Despite challenging mid-Atlantic conditions with high, dirty water disrupting traditional topwater fishing, Brendan shares proven strategies for adapting to stained water conditions using copper flash patterns, tan and olive brown crayfish imitations and downsized presentations on slower flats.

Learn critical hook removal techniques for tongue-hooked smallmouth bass, including the proper hemostat method that significantly reduces bleeding and improves fish survival compared to hand removal.

Brendan reveals why copper flash outperforms pearl in stained water, how to adjust your pre-spawn Nut Job patterns for varying flow conditions and tactical approaches for fishing both flats and faster water when visibility is compromised.

This timely summer fishing report provides actionable insights for smallmouth anglers dealing with fluctuating water levels and challenging conditions, plus essential fish care techniques that every responsible angler should master for successful catch and release.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

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S6, Ep 112 - Smallmouth Transitions and Musky Prep: Matt Reilly's Southwest VA Update

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Join this special episode of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast as Henry Cowen and Allen Rupp share intimate stories about their friendships with legendary angler, tier and artist Dave Whitlock and his profound impact on their fly fishing careers.

Henry Cowen, author of "Fly Fishing for Freshwater Striped Bass" and renowned Lake Lanier guide, discusses his deep connection with Dave over their shared passion for freshwater striper fishing. Henry reveals how Dave's insights shaped his understanding of striper behavior and fly design, including their extensive correspondence about tactics and seasonal fishing patterns.

Allen Rupp, Dave's hand-selected legacy tier and founder of the NearNuff fly schools, shares his unique perspective as Dave's protégé. Allen discusses the intensive mentoring he received, learning over 130 of Dave's 400+ fly patterns and the philosophy behind Dave's perfectionist approach to fly tying.

Discover how Dave Whitlock revolutionized fly fishing by making species like bluegill, carp and freshwater stripers "cool" to target decades before today's multi-species movement. Learn about Dave's teaching philosophy that emphasized stopping to fix imperfect flies rather than accepting "good enough," and how this approach elevated both guests' tying skills.

Hear fascinating stories about Dave's handwritten correspondence, including detailed diagrams and multi-page letters that served as personal fly fishing tutorials. Allen shares specific techniques Dave taught him, including proper eye and operculum placement on baitfish patterns and the development of signature flies like the NearNuff crayfish and sculpin.

Learn about Allen's specialized NearNuff schools that teach Dave's techniques and philosophies. Discover how both guests are working to preserve Dave's contributions through the American Museum of Fly Fishing and continued education efforts.

Whether you're a striper enthusiast, serious fly tier or simply appreciate fly fishing history, this heartfelt tribute reveals the man behind the legendary patterns and his lasting impact on generations of anglers.

Thanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.

S2, Ep142 - Stripers with Henry Cowen and Dave Whitlock

S6, Ep41 - Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch

S1, Ep97 - All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz

S6, Ep91 - Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's Journey

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00:00 Introduction

03:47 Meeting Dave Whitlock

14:16 Personal Stories with Dave

18:09 Dave's Handwritten Letters

24:21 The Art of Fly Tying

27:46 Favorite Memories of Dave

37:27 Preserving Dave's Legacy

50:33 Upcoming Events and Shows

55:27 Final Thoughts on Dave

Join The Articulate Fly fishing podcast as host Marvin Cash catches up with Southwest Virginia guide Matt Reilly for essential summer fishing insights when conditions get challenging.

Matt shares his expert strategies for adapting to dirty water and high flow conditions that have disrupted typical topwater opportunities across the region. Learn how to modify your smallmouth bass fishing approach using streamer techniques, including Chuck Kraft's Critter Mite patterns and crayfish imitations that produce results when visibility drops.

Matt reveals his go-to color choices for dirty water fishing—emphasizing contrasty dark patterns like black and blue combinations with copper flash—and explains why bottom contact becomes critical when smallmouth orient deeper during reduced visibility conditions.

Discover how to scale up your streamer sizes from typical 3-inch summer patterns to 4-5 inch offerings when dealing with swift, colored water, and get the inside scoop on seasonal timing as Matt looks ahead to fall musky season bookings.

Whether you're dealing with isolated storm cells affecting your local waters or planning your next Southwest Virginia fishing adventure, this fishing report delivers practical techniques that will keep you catching fish when summer conditions aren't cooperating.

To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview.

Related Content

S6, Ep 83 - Hot Days and Clear Waters: Matt Reilly's Southwest Virginia Fishing Report

S7, Ep 19 - Weathering the Winds: March Fishing Insights and Pre-Spawn Strategies with Matt Reilly

S6, Ep 41 - Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch

S7, Ep 14 - The Streamer Playbook: Tips and Tactics for Targeting Big Trout in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward

All Things Social Media

Follow Matt on Instagram.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, guide and instructor Mac Brown shares game-changing stillwater fishing techniques that will revolutionize your strike detection.

With summer heat making trout fishing challenging, Mac reveals how fishing farm ponds for bluegill and bass becomes the perfect training ground for serious anglers. Learn his proven floating line method using a hand twist retrieve at 50-60 feet, positioning your rod just 1.5-2 feet off the water to master visual strike detection by watching line sag at the rod tip.

Mac explains why traditional wet flies—the backbone of American fishing before conventional tackle dominated—remain incredibly effective for both lake fishing and stream applications.

Discover how eliminating tension from your fly presentation keeps fish holding longer, giving you that crucial visual strike indicator before fish reject the fly.

These tight lining principles and wet fly techniques transfer directly to trout fishing, making this cross-training approach invaluable for developing advanced skills.

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S7, Ep 16 - Simplifying Complexity: Effective Teaching Strategies in Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

S7, Ep 20 - Practice Makes Perfect: Mac Brown on Mastering Casting Techniques

S6, Ep 130 - Casting in Color: Mac Brown's Fall Fly Fishing Strategies

S6, Ep 136 - From Arkansas to Appalachia: Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

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