The Articulate Fly

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for an East Tennessee Fishing Report with Ellis Ward, seasoned guide and custom predator fly tyer, covering prime summer conditions on the Watauga and French Broad Rivers.

Ellis breaks down how recent thunderstorms are creating explosive bite windows for brown trout, with fish hitting streamers aggressively and rising to dry flies during these barometric pressure changes. Learn his proven streamer techniques using Drunks and swim bug patterns fished closer to the surface, plus his go-to yellow bug selections in sizes 16-22 for consistent dry fly action.

Ellis explains his comprehensive bucktail grading system, detailing how he sorts premium deer tail into five distinct grades based on fiber length and density, with Grade 5 tails offering 3.5-inch fibers at competitive prices while rare Grade 1 tails feature exceptional length and fullness.

Discover how muddy plumes from tributaries like the Doe River create ideal streamer conditions for targeting large browns, and why the Upper French Broad's upper-60s morning water temperatures are setting up perfectly for musky fishing.

Whether you're targeting trophy browns with weighted streamers or capitalizing on those explosive surface feeding periods, this report delivers actionable insights for maximizing your summer East Tennessee fishing success.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

Related Content

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

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

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

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Join Marvin Cash on this episode of The Butcher Shop as he explores one of saltwater fly fishing's most revolutionary patterns with Captain Ben Whalley, a Maine striped bass guide and a keeper of Bob Popovics' innovative tying methods.

Captain Ben Whalley brings unparalleled insight into Bob Popovics' techniques, having developed a close mentorship with the legendary fly designer before his passing. As a professional striped bass guide fishing Maine's challenging waters, Whalley has refined these patterns for diverse saltwater conditions.

Discover the fascinating history behind the Beast Fleye's development, from Bob's initial 14-inch prototype that earned its name for being "a beast to cast." Learn essential tying fundamentals including bucktail selection, mono extension techniques and the critical reverse-tying method that creates the fly's distinctive breathing action.

Master the art of sparse tying with matchstick-diameter material proportions, understand how to create proper taper through staged construction and learn tackle setups from floating lines for surface feeds to 400-grain fast-sink heads for deep current fishing.

Get proven presentation strategies including stop-and-go retrieves that trigger strikes, plus tactical advice for fishing rocky ledges versus open water situations.

Ready to elevate your saltwater fly game with this game-changing pattern?

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 91 - Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's Journey

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

S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly

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

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00:00 Introduction

06:11 Meeting Bob Popovics

08:14 The Birth of the Beast Fleye

20:30 Triggers and Techniques

33:30 The Role of Synthetics

40:22 Adapting to Different Fisheries

46:54 Common Mistakes to Avoid

51:09 Final Thoughts and Tips

58:01 Fly Drop Information

In this Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, Marvin Cash connects with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College for essential summer fishing intelligence.

With water levels slightly above seasonal norms and afternoon temperatures pushing into the high 60s, Costa emphasizes the critical importance of temperature monitoring and strategic timing. While the cicada emergence is wrapping up, trout continue attacking cicada patterns as they chase the last available protein, and anglers should expect tricos to begin hatching any day for prime early morning dry fly opportunities. Costa reveals that terrestrial patterns including beetles, ants and green weenies are producing consistent results, while streamer fishing shows promise during low-light periods with the slightly off-color water from recent storms.

The discussion provides actionable guidance for Central Pennsylvania anglers navigating the transition into peak summer conditions, emphasizing early morning and late evening sessions while avoiding the dangerous afternoon temperature spikes that stress trout populations.

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

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

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

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The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast returns with another Chocklett Factory update featuring legendary fly designer Blane Chocklett, creator of the revolutionary Game Changer platform and founder of The Chocklett Factory fly company.

Blane Chocklett brings decades of guiding experience and fly tying expertise to this comprehensive update on his latest innovations. As the mastermind behind Game Changer flies that have transformed cold water, warm water and saltwater fly fishing, Chocklett shares insights from his extensive travel schedule and product development work.

Discover the behind-the-scenes development of multiple new fly patterns hitting the market, including craw changers, hellgrammite changers, leech changers and nymph changers. Learn how Chocklett's new production facility will scale output by 10 times while maintaining his exacting quality standards.

Explore the enhanced swimming action of the new mop tail changer, which combines the Game Changer platform with a mop tail for irresistible movement. Understand how realistic fly movement and triggering qualities drive fish to eat, even in neutral or negative feeding situations.

Get exclusive details on Chocklett's collaboration with TFO on the new Moment saltwater rod series, designed for targeting giant fish with high line speed, tight loops and pinpoint control. Learn about his custom Ahrex hook development project featuring hooks designed specifically for tying Game Changers for optimal fly performance.

Ready to upgrade your fly fishing arsenal with proven patterns from one of the sport's most innovative minds? This episode delivers actionable insights for serious anglers targeting everything from smallmouth to tarpon.

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

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

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

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Join Marvin Cash on this episode of Casting Angles featuring expert guide and instructor Mac Brown as they dive deep into mastering drift presentation techniques for summer trout fishing.

Mac Brown, renowned for his comprehensive fly fishing guide schools and technical expertise, shares game-changing strategies for achieving drag-free drifts when targeting rising fish across varying current speeds.

Learn how to position yourself strategically to avoid perpendicular approaches that create immediate drag, discover the "dancing line mend" technique that keeps your rod tip constantly moving to maintain perfect drifts up to 40 feet long or more and master the art of feeding line while mending to extend productive presentations.

Mac discusses how proper line management and rhythmic mending can transform a 3-foot drift into a 30-foot money drift, significantly increasing your catch rates during challenging summer conditions.

Whether you're targeting a specific riser on the far bank or working long sections of water with dry dropper rigs, these advanced presentation skills will elevate your technical game. Perfect for serious anglers looking to refine their approach during the slower summer months while building skills that will pay huge dividends when October and November bring increased trout activity.

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

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

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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast as Ellis Ward delivers an outstanding East Tennessee Fishing Report from the boat ramp, showcasing why the Watauga River and South Holston River are firing on all cylinders despite recent hot weather.

Ward, an experienced East Tennessee guide, shares exceptional dry fly fishing success stories including multiple browns over 18 inches and consistent action that's been "unusually good" for both seasoned anglers and first-time dry fly fishers.

Learn how recent rainfall and subtle water clarity changes are actually enhancing fish behavior and reducing spookiness, creating prime conditions for afternoon and evening trips.

Ellis reveals his strategic approach to seasonal transitions, explaining why July and August focus on guaranteed water releases six days a week on the Watauga, while September and October shift toward mousing and musky fishing opportunities.

Discover practical insights about reading changing water conditions, capitalizing on limestone-tinted "fishy green" water and timing your East Tennessee fishing adventures for maximum success. Whether you're planning a guided trip or fishing independently, this report provides actionable intelligence for making the most of these exceptional summer conditions.

To learn more about Ellis, check out our interview!

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

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

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

All Things Social Media

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Follow Ellis on YouTube.

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Join Marvin Cash on this tactical episode featuring smallmouth guide Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. With high water keeping anglers off their home waters, Brendan shares his expertise on optimizing Lamson three-pack reel setups for serious smallmouth fishing, breaking down the perfect trio of fly lines for varying conditions. Learn how to match fly lines to your rod's action, discover why intermediate lines require seasonal swapping to avoid sticky summer performance and master the game-changing Titan Sink Tip Type 3 for high water streamer fishing.

Brendan reveals his color selection strategy for smallmouth flies, detailing when to fish black and olive patterns with copper flash in green water versus natural white and ginger combinations for clearer conditions.

Whether you're targeting smallmouth in spring runoff or summer low water, this episode delivers actionable insights on line selection, fly color theory and seasonal adaptation strategies that will immediately improve your smallmouth bass fishing success across varying water clarity and temperature conditions.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

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

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Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College.

George delivers exciting news about the ongoing cicada emergence that's creating once-in-17-years fishing opportunities throughout central Pennsylvania. Despite recent hot weather in the 90s, stream temperatures remain ideal thanks to water levels running 2-3 times above normal seasonal flows, keeping most waters around 63-64 degrees.

The cicada fishing continues to dominate with fish heavily keyed in on cicada patterns, and George expects at least another week of active emergence with cicada patterns remaining effective for weeks afterward as fish stay focused on these massive insects. While other hatches like Cahills, Isos and golden stones are present, virtually every angler is capitalizing on this rare cicada phenomenon.

For fly fishers within driving distance of central Pennsylvania, this represents a fleeting opportunity to experience some of the most exciting topwater fly fishing available.

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S6, Ep30 - Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop

All Things Social Media

Follow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. As Matt embarks on a tarpon fishing adventure, he shares insights on the current fishing conditions back home, highlighting the transition into early summer patterns. With water temperatures on the rise, Matt discusses the smallmouth's shift in diet, focusing on their increased interest in crayfish during this time of year.

Listeners will learn about the effectiveness of topwater presentations, especially when targeting darker fish that are more likely to bite. Matt emphasizes the importance of adapting techniques to the conditions, noting that while he enjoys topwater fishing, going subsurface has been more productive lately. He also touches on the expectations for the baitfish bite as summer progresses and the conditions change.

As the conversation flows, Matt reveals his availability for upcoming trips, including musky dates in the fall and winter. He encourages listeners to reach out for bookings and to stay connected for the latest updates and opportunities.

This episode is a treasure trove of practical fishing advice and engaging discussions that will inspire anglers to make the most of their summer fishing experiences.

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

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

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 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly

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In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by casting expert Mac Brown for another insightful installment of Casting Angles. As the summer heat intensifies, Mac shares his strategies for fishing in low and clear water conditions, emphasizing the importance of adjusting techniques and equipment for success.

Listeners will learn about the benefits of using longer leaders with stiffer butt sections to improve accuracy and precision when casting. Mac discusses the pitfalls of adding too much tippet and provides practical tips for effective nymph fishing without spooking fish. He also highlights the significance of planning presentations to avoid disturbing the water's surface.

The conversation shifts to innovative rigging techniques, including the use of dry flies as indicators and the advantages of using colored markers on leaders for better visibility. Mac even shares a unique method to treat leaders with Sno Seal for enhanced buoyancy, ensuring that anglers can maintain their setups throughout the day.

As the episode wraps up, Marvin and Mac discuss the importance of advocating for public lands and the ongoing legislative efforts that could impact outdoor recreation. They encourage listeners to make their voices heard in support of preserving access to these vital spaces.

This episode is packed with expert advice and actionable insights that will inspire anglers to adapt their approaches and make the most of their summer fishing adventures.

Trout Unlimited's Public Land Take Action

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S6, Ep 141 - Mastering Cold Weather Fly Fishing with Mac Brown

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