The Articulate Fly

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Articulate Fly's Casting Angles series, host Marvin Cash and Mac Brown — owner of Mac Brown Fly Fish and Fly Fishing Guide School in western North Carolina — deliver a timely early summer conditions update for the Tuckaseegee and Nantahala drainages. With the 2026 season running approximately 60 days ahead of schedule, Mac and Marvin unpack what that means for trout anglers trying to calibrate their approach as delayed harvest season closes and technical summer fishing begins.

Mac reports that terrestrial activity — inchworms, beetles and ants — is already in full force weeks ahead of its typical July–August window, a direct result of an unseasonable hatch progression that accelerated through spring. The duo walk through the mechanics behind this shift: as aquatic insect biomass declines after the spring hatch season, fish increasingly depend on land-based food sources. Mac's practical adjustment is to fish as though you're two months further into the year than the calendar says, a principle Marvin distills to "add 60 days to whatever date you get on the water."

Observation emerges as a unifying theme, with Mac sharing a long-held pre-fishing ritual of reading spider webs and noting dace and creek chub activity as real-time indicators of what's in the system. Their earlier-than-normal presence in early June signals an accelerated biomass cycle and points anglers toward the low-food-chain mindset typical of later in the season.

Key Takeaways

• How to recognize when the terrestrial game has turned on using field indicators like inchworm drops, beetles, ants and spider web checks before rigging up.
• Why applying a "60-days-ahead" mental calendar helps you select flies and tactics that match actual on-the-water conditions rather than the date.
• How dace and creek chub activity in western NC streams functions as a real-time biomass indicator, signaling the shift toward terrestrial and baitfish tactics.
• Why reduced aquatic insect biomass in summer demands the same patient, deliberate approach used in fall and winter when the drift is sparse.
• When to transition from hatch-matching to pure terrestrial presentation after the spring hatch cycle runs its course on freestone streams.

Techniques & Gear Covered

The core tactic is terrestrial fishing with patterns that match what's currently in the streamside canopy and terrestrial zone — inchworms, beetles and ants presented as dry fly or near-surface offerings. Mac and Marvin frame this as a biomass-aware strategy: when aquatic food sources thin out after the spring hatch cycle, fish shift to land-based prey, and tactical fly selection should follow. The episode also references the low-biomass presentation philosophy drawn from fall and winter nymphing — slow-water, deliberate drifts that work when food density is low. Underpinning all of it is Mac's emphasis on observation as a systematic pre-fishing discipline: reading spider webs near the water to identify trapped insects, and tracking baitfish species composition (dace, creek chub) as a proxy for how far the biomass clock has advanced. The approach Mac describes is less about pattern-matching a specific hatch and more about reading the full ecosystem before you ever make a cast.

Locations & Species

The episode is anchored in the freestone trout streams of western North Carolina, with specific reference to the Tuckaseegee River drainage and the Nantahala River — two of the region's primary trout fisheries. Mac also references the Great Smoky Mountains Park watershed and the Wesser Creek and Silver Mine Creek confluence on the Nantahala, where his early observation habits were formed during years at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. The primary target species is trout, but the conversation gives notable attention to dace and creek chub as ecological indicators — their appearance in fishable numbers during early June 2026 confirms a biomass cycle running roughly 60 days ahead of a normal season. Seasonal context is central: delayed harvest on the Nantahala and Tuckaseegee has just closed, and the transition to technical dry fly and terrestrial fishing is being compressed by an anomalous spring across the Eastern Seaboard.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do I know which terrestrial flies to use when traditional hatch charts don't apply?

Mac advises going directly to streamside observation before rigging up. Look for inchworms dropping on silk threads from overhanging trees, beetles and ants in spider webs near the water, and match what you actually see rather than what the calendar says should be active. In 2026, that means fishing inchworm patterns and terrestrial beetles as early as June — flies that in a normal year wouldn't become primary until mid-July through September.

Why does summer trout fishing require thinking about fall and winter tactics?

As the spring hatch progression winds down, total aquatic insect biomass in the river drops sharply. Mac and Marvin explain that this low-biomass condition parallels what anglers encounter in fall and winter — fish aren't keying on active hatches so much as opportunistically taking what's available. Anglers who bring the patient, deliberate presentations of fall nymphing into their summer terrestrial game tend to see more consistent results than those who keep chasing hatch windows that have already passed.

What does it mean that the 2026 season is running 60 days early, and how should anglers adjust?

Mac and Marvin observe that hatches, terrestrial activity and baitfish biomass signals are appearing roughly two calendar months ahead of normal schedule. The practical advice: mentally add 60 days to whatever date you're fishing when selecting flies and tactics. If it's early June, fish as if it were early August — heavy terrestrial focus, lower-profile presentations and an expectation that dace and creek chub are already mixing into the catch alongside trout.

How do dace and creek chub help you read western NC stream conditions?

Mac explains that the presence of dace and creek chub in significant numbers is a reliable indicator of where the baitfish biomass cycle stands. In a normal year, you don't see these species actively competing in the catch until mid-July; their appearance in early June 2026 confirms the accelerated season. When they're catching alongside your trout in numbers, the system's food chain has progressed to a summer biomass profile — time to shift strategy accordingly.

Related Content

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

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

S6, Ep 145 - Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown

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

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash sits down with Josh Trammell, Head Guide at Mad River Outfitters in Columbus, Ohio, for a candid look at what it takes to build and sustain a full-time, four-season guide career. Josh covers the Ohio multi-species fishing calendar — smallmouth bass, northern pike, steelhead and carp — along with seasonal guiding in Alaska and destination schools targeting musky and trophy trout.

Josh traces his path from catching his first steelhead at age 11 on Elk Creek with Tim Hess — a swung fly — through early years shadowing the Steelhead Alley Outfitters crew of Greg Senyo, Nate Miller and Patrick Robinson, to becoming Head Guide at Mad River Outfitters and a seasonal guide at Naknek River Camp near King Salmon, Alaska. His guide year spans Ohio smallmouth through multiple simultaneous seasonal windows on Lake Erie tributaries and inland rivers, northern pike during their late-winter pre-spawn, steelhead from November through freeze-up and summer Pacific salmon guiding in Alaska. Josh also discusses the January musky school he co-runs with Blane Chocklett and Virginia Trophy Guides in Roanoke, Virginia, spring trout trips to the White River in Arkansas and his growing enthusiasm for carp on the fly. Throughout, he shares practical, unvarnished advice for aspiring full-time guides on the financial realities, logistics and genuine passion required to make it work year-round.

Key Takeaways

• How a young angler can break into guide work at reduced financial risk by starting early, staying local and leveraging mentor relationships before major life expenses accumulate.
• Why the four-season model — cycling through Ohio smallmouth, pike, steelhead, Alaska salmon and destination schools — insulates full-time guides from unpredictable weather far better than single-species operations.
• When Ohio smallmouth become the most technically versatile species to guide, spanning crayfish dead-drifts, big early-season streamers, scaled-down baitfish imitations and topwater presentations across multiple seasonal phases.
• Why calibrating each guide day to the individual client's skill level and genuine expectations — rather than chasing personal hero shots — is the real key to repeat business and a sustainable career.
• How carp on the fly delivers a saltwater-style sight-fishing experience on Ohio freshwater, with few presentations per day and a high premium on reading fish behavior before ever picking up the rod.
• Why partnering with a full-service fly shop like Mad River Outfitters gives clients a reliable gear and knowledge resource and meaningfully reduces administrative pressure on the guide.

Techniques & Gear Covered

Josh guides across a wide technique spectrum that shifts with species and season. Ohio smallmouth receive dead-drifted crayfish patterns in low, clear conditions; big early-season streamers in high or stained water; scaled-down slim-profile baitfish imitations as flows drop through summer; and topwater presentations during the warmest stretches of the year. Steelhead on Steelhead Alley are targeted on both swung flies and indicator rigs, while northern pike receive focused attention during their January and February pre-spawn window — when Ohio weather cooperates. Carp fishing is an increasingly important part of Josh's warm-weather program, using a methodical visual approach borrowed directly from saltwater fly fishing: reading feeding behavior, waiting for clean shot opportunities and presenting deliberately to individual fish, often making no more than 10 to 15 casts in a full day. The annual musky school he leads with Blane Chocklett in Roanoke, Virginia, pairs a one-day tactical masterclass in predator fly techniques with four days of fishing on the water through Virginia Trophy Guides.

Locations & Species

Josh's Ohio guiding program covers Lake Erie tributaries and inland rivers in northeastern Ohio, targeting steelhead through the November to freeze-up window and northern pike during the late-winter pre-spawn period. Ohio's multi-phase smallmouth calendar — with pre-spawn, spawning and post-spawn fish available simultaneously across different tributaries in mid-spring — gives Josh an unusually diverse season that stretches from spring through early fall. Carp are pursued on Ohio's clearer flatwater fisheries using visual sight-fishing methods, providing a reliable warm-weather alternative when smallmouth and pike waters run high and off-color. For destination work, Josh guides Pacific salmon at Naknek River Camp on the drainage near King Salmon, Alaska through summer; pursues musky with Virginia Trophy Guides on rivers outside Roanoke each January; and leads spring trout trips targeting caddis and sulphur hatches on the White River near Flippin and Cotter, Arkansas.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you break into a full-time fly fishing guide career?

Josh emphasizes starting young when bills and financial obligations are minimal — shadowing established guides on both working trips and fun-fishing days, learning how programs are structured and how to rig for different conditions. Building genuine relationships within a regional guide community, as Josh did with the Steelhead Alley Outfitters crew, opens the doors to early opportunities. He cautions that anyone entering the guide game with significant financial obligations should plan carefully around Mother Nature's ability to cancel trips and budget realistically for the shoulder seasons.

What does a full four-season guide year look like in Ohio?

Starting in mid-spring, Josh runs Ohio smallmouth across multiple simultaneous seasonal windows on Lake Erie tributaries and inland rivers, alongside pike fishing that extends through warm weather. He transitions to Alaska for Pacific salmon guiding through early October, returns for a brief Ohio window before steelhead season opens in November and then runs Steelhead Alley through December freeze-up. Winter brings the annual musky school in Roanoke, Virginia with Blane Chocklett; spring opens destination trout trips on the White River in Arkansas; and carp provide a flexible alternative when other fisheries are unfishable.

Why are Ohio smallmouth such a compelling guide species?

Unlike steelhead, which Josh describes as largely limited to swung or indicator-presented flies, Ohio smallmouth accommodate a wide range of techniques across multiple seasonal phases — from large early-season streamers in blown-out water to crayfish patterns in low, clear conditions to topwater presentations on summer flows. That tactical variety keeps guides and clients engaged across a far longer window than most single-species programs allow. The overlapping seasonal stages across different river systems also mean a thoughtful guide can almost always find smallmouth in a fishable phase somewhere in the region.

What is the key to being a successful fishing guide?

Josh argues that the most important skill is calibrating each day to the individual client's actual skill level and genuine expectations — not the guide's own benchmark for a good outing. A beginner who lands several smallmouth while mastering a 30- to 40-foot cast has had an excellent day by their measure, which may look very different from a guide's definition of success. Open communication between guide and client about what they actually want from the day smooths out the experience and builds the kind of relationship that generates return bookings.

How does carp fishing on the fly compare to other species in Josh's program?

Josh describes carp as the closest freshwater equivalent to saltwater sight fishing available in Ohio — standing, hunting, watching and waiting before making deliberate presentations to individual fish rather than covering water. On a productive day with 10 shots at fish, he may cast only 10 to 15 times total, making each presentation count. High-water years that push smallmouth and pike fisheries off-color or out of shape have accelerated his carp development, and he now relies on it as a consistent warm-weather alternative when other species aren't cooperating.

Sponsors

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

Related Content

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

S7, Ep 40: Exploring the Carp Game: Techniques and Tales with Corey Haselhuhn of Schultz Outfitters

S8, Ep 22: From The Chocklett Factory: Blane Chocklett on Community, Conservation and New Fly Releases

S8, Ep 24: From Tattoo to Trout: Aaron Chine's Dual Passion for Art and Steelhead Guiding

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Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:26 Mentors and Early Guides

05:04 Breaking Into Guiding

09:51 A Season in Motion

14:21 Alaska Versus Home Waters

21:13 The Secret to Good Guiding

24:50 Advice for New Guides

Episode Overview

In this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for an early-June conditions check on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania. Recent heavy rainfall pushed both systems well above normal — the Susquehanna approaching 12 feet, the Juniata topping 10 — and Brian breaks down how he's fishing the receding flows and what anglers can expect as the post-spawn transition plays out through summer.

Brian walks through his high-water strategy in practical terms: pounding banks where rising water has pushed smallmouth tight to structure, reading fish mood through fly rotation, and knowing when to abandon streamers in favor of crayfish patterns on the bottom when visibility collapses. He explains his color logic for stained water — bigger profiles, darker tones when the water is heavily colored, lighter options as clarity returns — and how he uses river gauge readings in feet rather than CFS to make positioning decisions on the water. The conversation also looks ahead to the summer outlook, contrasting the good-conditions scenario if periodic rains continue with the low, clear, finesse-game reality that sets in by mid-July in a dry year, and confirms that Fourth of July remains the reliable benchmark for prime topwater smallmouth fishing with poppers on the Susquehanna system.

Key Takeaways

• How to keep smallmouth in play during high flows by targeting bank structure where rising water has concentrated fish.
• Why fly color selection should track water clarity — blacks and purples in heavy stain, transitioning to olives and lighter colors as visibility improves.
• When to commit fully to bottom-fished crayfish patterns rather than continuing to work streamers in severely off-color conditions.
• How Brian Shumaker uses river gauge height in feet — not CFS — as his primary decision tool for positioning anglers relative to bank structure and grass beds.
• Why rotating through as many as a dozen and a half fly patterns in a single session is sometimes necessary to crack the post-spawn "June funk."
• When to expect prime topwater action on the Susquehanna system, and how a dry summer shifts the game to long casts, stealth and finesse presentations by mid-July.

Techniques & Gear Covered

Brian Shumaker's approach to high, dirty water on the Susquehanna and Juniata centers on two core tactics: larger-profile streamers fished tight to bank structure and mid-river features, and crayfish patterns worked on the bottom when visibility drops low enough to make streamer fishing inefficient. Fly color selection is deliberately calibrated to water clarity — blacks and purples in the dirtiest conditions, with oranges, olives and lighter tones becoming viable as the water clears. Brian notes he doesn't rely heavily on rattles despite the conditions, keeping his confidence in profile and color adjustments instead. On the topwater front, he and Marvin discuss poppers, Murdich Minnows and Shimmering Minnows as the primary summer surface and near-surface options once fish fully exit the post-spawn doldrums. Across the board, Brian emphasizes a high-volume fly rotation — sometimes six flies on a good day, sometimes eighteen — as the diagnostic tool for reading fish mood under the unpredictable early-summer conditions.

Locations & Species

This report centers on two of Central Pennsylvania's premier smallmouth systems: the Susquehanna River and the Juniata River. Recent rainfall events pushed the Susquehanna to nearly 12 feet and the Juniata past 10 feet; at recording time the Susquehanna had receded into fishable shape with good water from the west bank to mid-river, while the east side remained off-color and the Juniata was still heavily stained but dropping. The target species throughout is smallmouth bass, with fish spread across a spectrum of post-spawn recovery stages in early June — some already fully recovered, others still normalizing. Brian's outlook for late July and early August hinges on whether the eastern seaboard's dry pattern reasserts itself: adequate rainfall means prime conditions, while a dry stretch could produce bony, clear, low-water rivers by mid-July that demand a completely different approach.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you approach streamer fishing when the Susquehanna or Juniata is running high and dirty?

Brian Shumaker focuses on a bigger fly profile and adjusts color based on how much stain is in the water. In the heaviest color, blacks and purples are his go-to; as visibility improves, he moves toward olives and lighter tones. He targets banks where rising water has pushed fish tight to structure, while also covering mid-river features when conditions allow.

When is it time to abandon streamers and go to crayfish on the bottom?

When water is severely off-color and visibility is minimal, Brian moves straight to crayfish patterns fished on the bottom. In those conditions, the streamer game becomes inefficient, and a bottom presentation where fish are holding near structure is the more reliable path to bites.

How does Brian use river gauge readings to make fishing decisions?

Brian tracks both rivers by height in feet — old school, as he puts it, rather than CFS — which tells him where the water sits relative to bank structure. That reading determines whether he needs to fish hard against the bank or can pull off slightly, and on the Susquehanna it factors in whether emerging grass beds are worth targeting as conditions clear.

What should anglers expect from the post-spawn "June funk" on Pennsylvania smallmouth rivers?

The June post-spawn period produces inconsistent fish behavior as smallmouth recover and begin feeding more actively. Brian describes it as a rotation game — he may cycle through six flies on a cooperative day and eighteen on a tough one, simply working through options until something triggers a response. Patience and a deep fly selection are the keys.

When does reliable topwater smallmouth fishing begin on the Susquehanna, and what changes that timeline?

Brian pegs the Fourth of July as the traditional start of prime topwater action with poppers and surface patterns. That holds if periodic rainfall keeps flows reasonable through summer. A dry stretch that leaves the river bony, skinny and clear by mid-July shifts the game entirely — long casts, stealth and finesse presentations replace the aggressive topwater bite.

Related Content

S8, Ep 31 – Chasing Smallmouth: Brian Shumaker's Adaptations for Unpredictable Spring Weather

S8, Ep 27 – The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth

S8, Ep 29 – Fishing in Flux: Matt Reilly's Take on Spring Trends and Techniques

S7, Ep 52 – The Summer Shift: Adapting Your Fly Game with Brendan Ruch

S1, Ep 97 – All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz

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Episode Overview

In this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for a candid late-spring conditions update covering the post-spawn transition, dirty water tactics and the seasonal arc ahead. Recorded amid rising, stained flows on the New River and surrounding drainages — following months of below-average flows — the episode captures a moment when Southwest Virginia smallmouth fishing is firmly in between patterns, and angler adaptability is the only reliable edge. Reilly addresses the dual pressure facing anglers right now: a post-spawn funk settling over fish on some waters while others remain slightly earlier in that arc, and high, off-color water shrinking reactive distances and pushing fish to the bottom. He details how an early crayfish molt — triggered by unusually warm water temps in the low-to-mid 70s weeks ahead of schedule — has shifted his focus away from streamer presentations and toward bottom-contact crayfish patterns on fish that are otherwise visible but unmovable on top. Reilly also previews the seasonal calendar ahead, sketching the transition through a late-May/June baitfish bite, crayfish activity and eventually the cleaner, lower-water conditions that make topwater the dominant game — typically not until around the Fourth of July. Guide availability closes the episode, with Reilly noting his summer calendar is fully booked and early October representing the next realistic opportunity for prospective clients.

Key Takeaways

• How to identify the post-spawn funk by its signature symptom: cycling rapidly through multiple fly types with sporadic, pattern-less catches.
• Why bottom-contact crayfish patterns outperform streamers and topwater when smallmouth are locked down during an early crayfish molt.
• How to approach high, stained water when flows are elevated but not extreme — targeting the bottom rather than automatically moving to the banks, because fish can spread across mid-river structure when current isn't pushing them to the edges.
• Why an early summer crayfish molt can pull even cruising, visible fish away from topwater presentations and onto gravel-bar bottom feeding.
• When to expect the seasonal transition to more consistent patterns: a late-May/June baitfish bite followed by bug-fishing conditions that typically don't fully materialize until around the Fourth of July.

Techniques & Gear Covered

Reilly runs multiple rods in the boat simultaneously — a floating line with a topwater bug, an intermediate-tip with a streamer and a floater rigged with a crayfish — to rotate through presentations efficiently when no single pattern dominates. In dirty, elevated water he emphasizes making bottom contact as the primary directive, noting that smallmouth research documents a behavioral shift toward bottom-oriented hunting when turbidity increases. Crayfish patterns are the anchor of his current program given the early molt activity, with darker, high-contrast and flashier fly choices appropriate for off-color conditions. Streamer fishing remains part of the rotation but Reilly is candid that listening to what the fish show you — even when it conflicts with your instinct — is the overriding tactical discipline during transitional windows.

Locations & Species

The episode centers on Southwest Virginia's river systems, with the New River specifically mentioned as the water Reilly was guiding on the day of recording. The New is described as deteriorating during the conversation — elevated and stained from recent rainfall — but holding up better than surrounding rivers that Reilly characterizes as borderline blown out. Smallmouth bass are the sole target species discussed. Conditions at time of recording include water temperatures already touching the mid-70s — well ahead of the typical early June arrival of such temps — and flow levels running significantly below seasonal averages for the year before recent rains, creating a compressed, accelerated seasonal arc that has pushed crayfish molt timing and post-spawn transitions out of seasonal norms.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you know when you're in the post-spawn funk and what do you do about it?

Reilly identifies the funk by a tell-tale pattern: you start with one fly, catch one fish, slow down, switch flies, catch another, slow down again, and end the day with six wet flies of five different types drying on the boat bag. When that's happening, he leans on instinct — reading the water type in front of him and putting his best guess forward — while staying honest about whether a presentation isn't working or just needs more time. He acknowledges it's sometimes simply tough and you have to grind through it.

Why would you target the bottom in high, stained water rather than moving to the banks?

When water is elevated but not high enough to concentrate fish in bank-side slack water, smallmouth can spread broadly across mid-river structure — and increased turbidity shrinks reactive distances significantly. Reilly points to behavioral research showing smallmouth shift to bottom-oriented hunting in dirty water. Getting a fly to the bottom gives fish a plane they can reliably relate to even when visibility is poor, and on the day of recording it was the only approach consistently producing.

What triggers a crayfish molt and why does it pull fish off topwater?

Early warm water — Reilly observed low-to-mid-70s temperatures weeks ahead of the typical mid- to late-June timing — accelerates crayfish shedding their shells, making them soft and highly vulnerable. Even smallmouth that would otherwise be ideal topwater candidates were cruising shallow gravel bars but locked to the bottom, unwilling to come up. Once you see that behavior, Reilly says you have to accept it and feed them crayfish regardless of how tempting topwater looks.

When does consistent topwater fishing typically kick in for Southwest Virginia smallmouth?

Reilly frames late May through mid-June as a transitional window featuring a baitfish bite (non-game fish like darters and chubs spawning, creating forage) interspersed with molting crayfish activity. Reliable topwater conditions — when it becomes the path-of-least-resistance strategy rather than just a fun option — typically don't arrive until water temperatures and flows settle in the summer, usually around the Fourth of July, assuming conditions don't remain abnormally low and clear even sooner.

What does Matt Reilly's fall guide calendar look like, and what should you expect booking-wise?

As of this recording Reilly's summer is fully booked, with early October being the next available window. He describes October as a mixed bag: possible hurricane-driven high water and strong streamer fishing, or a continuation of summer patterns depending on the year — but consistently a period when big fish show up in the first couple weeks before his focus shifts entirely to musky season.

Related Content

S8, Ep 29 – Fishing in Flux: Matt Reilly's Take on Spring Trends and Techniques

S8, Ep 23 – Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts

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

S6, Ep 71 – Adapting to Heat and Low Flows: A Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with Matt Reilly

Connect with Our Guest

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Episode Overview

In this East Tennessee Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide Ellis Ward for an early-summer conditions update focused on the Watauga River tailwater. After a dry spring that kept anglers grinding through tough conditions, a stretch of rain and rising water has Ellis bullish on what's ahead: bigger flows, off-color water, and the full slate of techniques that make East Tennessee tailwaters unique. He covers the current Watauga generation schedule (six days a week, five hours of afternoon generation), how that release window shapes a full-day float, and why the combination of streamers, dry fly fishing to rising trout, and mousing after dark makes summer his favorite time of year to be on the water. Ellis also discusses the browns that have been showing up even through the tough conditions — fish in the 24-inch range with a handful over two feet — and a striper in the 34–35 inch class that made it to the boat. The deeper thread of the conversation is mindset: Ellis draws a direct parallel between hunting big brown trout on streamers and musky fishing, emphasizing patience, sustained focus, team mechanics in the boat, and the discipline of forming good habits before a big fish shows. His approach to dry flies gets equal attention, with a nuanced breakdown of how he thinks about hackle, CDC, and the meniscus — treating dry flies as micro topwater rather than fixed imitations.

Key Takeaways

• How the Watauga River's afternoon generation schedule structures a productive full-day float that can include streamers, dry fly fishing to risers, and mousing after dark.
• Why approaching big brown trout on streamers through the lens of musky fishing — managing expectations, maintaining focus, and working as a team — produces fish that pure numbers-chasing won't.
• How to distinguish the post-spawn streamer fishery (low-feedback, high-consequence encounters with giant fish) from the early-summer streamer bite when 20 or more fish in the boat per day becomes realistic.
• Why the visual feedback of rising trout makes dry fly fishing a productive mental reset within a streamer-focused float, keeping anglers sharp throughout the day.
• How to think about dry fly construction in terms of water contact — CDC touch points versus hackle touch points, emerger versus floating presentations — rather than vise aesthetics.
• When moon selection matters for night mousing on tailwaters and why the hook set on a mousing fish is a fundamentally different skill than a streamer or dry fly hook set.

Techniques & Gear Covered

This episode covers a multi-technique summer tailwater program built around the Watauga River generation schedule. Ellis describes the float structure in detail: streamer fishing for the first several hours, pausing for risers whenever the dry fly opportunity presents itself, then transitioning to mousing as light fades — a full-day arc that demands different focus and mechanics at each stage. On streamers, Ellis fishes seven-weight setups with smaller trout flies rather than musky-scale patterns, emphasizing presentation discipline (getting the fly three inches from the bank when necessary), sustained team focus, and strip-set timing over fly size or flash. His dry fly breakdown centers on how materials actually sit on the water: he favors CDC for its hundreds of micro touch points holding the fly at the meniscus, contrasting it with the louder, fewer contact points of rooster hackle, and notes that many flies riding low in the surface are effectively fishing as emergers regardless of how they look in the vise. Mousing is treated as a patience game similar to streamer fishing, with moon phase factoring into session planning and requiring a hook set distinct from both streamers and dry flies. Ellis also notes bucktail availability through his website, elliswardflies.com, as musky conditions improve with returning rain.

Locations & Species

The primary fishery discussed is the Watauga River tailwater in East Tennessee, based out of Johnson City. Ellis also guides on the South Holston River, referenced briefly in the context of his broader East Tennessee tailwater program. Both systems are classic Tennessee tailwaters — dam-controlled flows with temperature-stabilized water that supports year-round trout fishing distinct from freestone or western tailwater fisheries. The main target species are brown trout, with multiple fish in the 24-inch range mentioned and a handful over two feet even through a difficult low-water spring. The episode also notes a 34–35 inch striper landed a couple weeks prior. Ellis mentions returning to musky fishing once water conditions improve following recent rain — a species he has been sidelined from during the spawn and low-water period. The early-summer window discussed (late May through July) is framed as some of the most consistent streamer action of the year, with the post-spawn bite giving way to days where 20 or more fish in the boat on streamers is achievable.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the Watauga River generation schedule affect how you structure a full day of guided fishing?

Ellis builds the float around the generation window: five hours of afternoon generation, six days a week. This gives the boat several hours of fishable water in the morning before generation kicks in, a streamer window as levels rise and off-color water comes through, and then the opportunity to stay on the water into darkness for mousing as levels drop back out. The generation schedule effectively writes the day's agenda, and Ellis treats each phase as a distinct technique opportunity rather than fighting the releases.

How is hunting big brown trout on streamers similar to musky fishing, and why does that mindset matter?

Ellis draws a direct parallel: big browns on streamers require the same patience, sustained focus, and expectation management that musky fishing demands. Unlike an indicator rig where the feedback is constant, streamer fishing can go hours between meaningful encounters, and the moment your concentration lapses is typically when a fish shows. He treats large browns the way he would treat a musky — working the boat as a team, identifying specific water to target, maintaining good habits throughout the day rather than only when a fish is behind the fly.

What is the difference between the post-spawn streamer bite and the early-summer streamer bite in East Tennessee?

Post-spawn (January–February) is a low-feedback, high-consequence game: you may go four or five hours without a follow, but the fish you do see could be jaw-dropping in size, and its appearance has nothing to do with the overall bite. Early summer shifts that dynamic significantly — fish are active, untargeted, and on a good day Ellis is putting 20 or more in the boat on streamers, with the realistic chance that a 26 or 27-inch brown shows up in a session where you've already seen a lot of fish. The two windows require similar discipline but very different expectation-setting.

How does Ellis think about dry fly construction for tailwater fishing?

Rather than tying for appearance in the vise, Ellis focuses on how each material interacts with the surface. He favors CDC for its density of micro touch points — potentially hundreds or thousands of tiny fibers holding the fly at the meniscus — compared to the louder but fewer contact points of rooster hackle. He notes that many "dry flies" are functionally fishing as emergers, sitting partly in the surface film, and that understanding where the fly actually sits (and what happens when you skate or move it) is more valuable than visual realism at the vise. He treats dry flies as micro topwater, with the same attention to presentation and action he applies to streamers.

When does mousing become a priority in Ellis's summer guiding program, and what makes it different from streamer fishing?

Ellis starts mousing as water drops and light fades at the end of a float, and he selects sessions in part around moon phase, particularly when dedicating a multi-hour block to it. The technique shares streamer fishing's grind-and-patience arc — long stretches without action punctuated by high-consequence eats — but the hook set is fundamentally different and requires practice to execute correctly. He describes August and September as the window when he becomes "chirpier" about mousing specifically, though the summer program already incorporates mousing as the third act of a streamer-and-dry-fly day.

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

S7, Ep 45: Navigating the Waters: Streamers and Strategies in East Tennessee with Ellis Ward

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

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Episode Overview

In this Casting Angles segment on The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash and veteran guide and Master Casting Instructor Mac Brown tackle one of the most practical — and underappreciated — skill sets in freshwater fly fishing: how to adapt your approach when elevated, stained water follows prolonged rainfall. Recorded against the backdrop of a week of steady rain across western North Carolina, with more forecast ahead, Mac shares a framework for fly selection, water reading and presentation discipline that turns a condition most anglers write off into a genuine tactical advantage.

Mac and Marvin walk through the core principles of fishing stained water: understanding where fish go when visibility drops (higher in the column, into the kitchen riffles), how to match fly color and size to actual visibility rather than habit, and why the grid-tightening approach — spending two to three times longer per spot and halving your grid interval — is the single most important behavioral adjustment for covering dirty water effectively. The conversation also touches on how stained conditions can work in an angler's favor by masking wading noise and allowing closer approaches, and closes with an update on Mac Brown's newly redesigned websites and upcoming fly fishing schools and masterclasses out of Bryson City, North Carolina.

Key Takeaways

• How to position flies higher in the water column when stained conditions push trout and bass off structure and toward the surface.
• Why contrast — not naturalism — is the governing principle for fly selection in dirty water, and how that logic changes depending on whether you're fishing a deep pool or a shallow riffle.
• When to fish dark, high-contrast dry flies (foam or stimulator-style patterns in black or dark gray) versus light-colored nymphs in shallow, broken riffle water where the food is actually concentrated.
• How to use size, shine and sound (rattles) as visibility supplements when natural colors become invisible in tea-colored water.
• Why tightening your grid — cutting your grid interval in half and spending two to three times longer per spot — is essential when fish can't track a fly from distance in low-visibility conditions.
• How stained water tilts the odds in the angler's favor by masking wading noise and enabling closer presentations that would spook fish in clear conditions.

Techniques & Gear Covered

Mac Brown's stained-water framework covers three primary presentations. For dry fly fishing, he advocates dark, high-contrast patterns — black foam bodies, dark brown bodies and black stimulator-style flies — that read clearly against an overcast sky. For nymphing, the key distinction is depth: in deep holes, light penetration is insufficient for fish to see anything, so Mac redirects anglers to shallow riffle heads (what he calls "the kitchen") where fish move to feed and where visibility remains functional in as little as a foot of water. In those shallower zones, he recommends light-colored, small and shiny nymph patterns. Marvin adds that mops and dark stonefly patterns fished with a jigging retrieve are effective for probing stained water more slowly and deliberately, coaxing reluctant fish to commit. Mac references the "Rain X Mop" developed by Jim Estes as an example of a light-colored pattern that works well in shallow riffle water. Rattles are noted as a viable visibility supplement, consistent with the same logic that makes sound important in night fishing. The overarching gear philosophy: let the contrast between fly and water, not the fly's naturalistic fidelity, drive your selection.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do I choose fly colors when fishing stained or dirty water?

Mac Brown's core principle is contrast over naturalism: pick a fly color that stands out against the actual background the fish sees, not the color that matches the natural. In overcast conditions with stained water, that means dark dries (black, dark gray) against a light sky, and light or shiny nymphs in shallow zones where the water itself is the dark background. The single rule of thumb is to avoid matching the water's color — a tea-colored fly in tea-colored water is effectively invisible.

Where do trout and bass go when water levels rise and clarity drops?

Both trout and bass move higher in the water column and position themselves in shallower, broken water — particularly riffle heads and foam lines at the head of pools, which Mac calls "the kitchen." These are the zones where dislodged food concentrates and where there's enough ambient light for fish to see. Deep holes become largely unproductive in stained conditions because light penetration is insufficient for fish to spot a fly at depth.

How should I adjust my wading and water coverage in dirty water?

Mac Brown recommends spending two to three times longer in each spot compared to clear-water fishing, and cutting your grid interval roughly in half — from, say, two feet to one foot. Because reduced visibility shortens the distance at which fish can track and respond to a fly, thorough, systematic coverage becomes far more important than covering ground. The goal is to put the fly close enough that the fish almost bumps into it.

Why can stained water actually be an advantage for fly fishers?

Two factors work in the angler's favor when water is stained: fish are less able to detect the angler's presence, which allows closer approaches without spooking; and wading noise is substantially masked by the increased water volume and surface disturbance. Mac Brown notes that he personally prefers fishing in stained conditions for exactly these reasons — the playing field tilts toward the angler who adjusts technique accordingly rather than waiting for clear water.

When should I use dry flies versus nymphs in elevated, stained conditions?

Mac recommends a dry-dropper setup with the dropper kept very close to the surface — not three or four feet down — so that the nymph remains in the productive visibility zone. Dark, high-contrast dries remain viable in stained conditions as long as they're readable against the sky. Pure deep nymphing in pools is largely unproductive; the better bet is redirecting to shallow riffle water where fish are actively feeding and the fly can be seen.

Related Content

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

S8, Ep 25 – The Science of Stealth: Mac Brown on Fishing Techniques for Low Flow Scenarios

S8, Ep 21 – Casting into Spring: Mac Brown Discusses Wild Trout Fishing and Upcoming Classes

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

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Episode Overview

This Central PA Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast finds host Marvin Cash checking in with George Costa, manager at TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, for a late-spring conditions update across Central PA's limestone streams. Recorded in late May ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the report captures one of the most productive dry fly windows of the year: sulphurs, March browns and Drakes are all in play simultaneously, and Costa is emphatic that the Drake hatch on Penns Creek is just now getting started en masse. Stream temperatures are sitting in the high 50s to low 60s — ideal for active feeding — though some waters like Spring Creek briefly nudged toward 64°F before a cooldown. Conditions have been running low and clear, which puts a premium on precise dry fly presentations, but an inch-plus of rain is expected Friday into Saturday, which should add needed flow without blowing anything out. Costa walks through how light and weather affect timing, advising anglers to fish earlier on overcast days and push toward evening on bright sunny ones. The episode closes with a preview of TCO Fly Shop events this summer, including the All Fins tournament benefiting Clearwater Conservancy and the Bass Thumb tournament.

Key Takeaways

• How to time dry fly fishing around weather and light conditions — overcast days favor earlier sessions, while bright sunny days push fish and hatch activity toward evening.
• Why the current week is the critical window to target Drakes on Penns Creek and the surrounding Centre County streams before the hatch peaks and passes.
• How to read an incoming rain event on Central PA limestone streams — modest precipitation adds flow and color without blowing rivers out, making a rain jacket the only real adjustment needed.
• Why stream temperatures in the high 50s to low 60s signal optimal conditions for dry fly fishing, and when a reading near 64°F warrants closer attention as temps climb.
• When to reach for streamers during the spring hatch season — slow afternoon periods can yield fish even when hatches are dominating, but they shouldn't be your first play.

Techniques & Gear Covered

The episode centers on dry fly fishing during the season's most prolific multi-hatch window. Costa covers presentation timing strategies for both overcast and sunny conditions, emphasizing that sunlight is the primary driver of hatch activity. Streamers get a brief mention as a productive option during slow afternoon stretches or in slightly colored water following rain, though Costa is clear that with this many bugs in the air, fish are predominantly keyed on surface food. The conversation does not get into specific fly patterns or tackle beyond confirming that this is unambiguously dry fly season — anglers headed to Central PA right now should have sulphur, March brown and Drake imitations ready across a range of sizes.

Locations & Species

The primary focal waters are Central Pennsylvania's limestone streams — Spring Creek and Penns Creek in Centre County are specifically named, with the broader network of Centre County spring creeks implied throughout. Wild trout are the target species in this fishery, and the presence of sulphurs, March browns and Drakes points squarely to the limestone stream ecosystem these waters represent. Stream temperatures at the time of recording were in the high 50s to low 60s, with Spring Creek briefly touching 64°F — conditions that remain comfortable for trout but worth monitoring as the season progresses. Low, clear flows have characterized the region since early spring, making careful presentations essential, though the incoming weekend rain is expected to provide welcome relief.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat hatches are active on Central PA limestone streams in late May?

Late May is one of the busiest hatch periods on Central Pennsylvania limestone streams. Costa reports sulphurs, March browns and Drakes all active simultaneously at the time of recording, with Drake activity on Penns Creek just getting started en masse. He recommends the next five to seven days as the prime Drake window before it passes.

How does weather affect dry fly fishing timing in Central PA?

Light quality and temperature are the primary variables. On bright, sunny days, expect hatch and dry fly activity to concentrate toward evening; on cold, cloudy or overcast days, fish can be on the surface earlier and the window is broader. Costa frames this as a consistent seasonal pattern rather than day-to-day unpredictability.

Should I fish through a rain event on Central PA streams?

For modest rain events of an inch or so — the kind typical of Central PA's late spring pattern — Costa advises fishing through it. The streams can absorb the rainfall, may pick up some color but should remain fishable, and cooler post-rain conditions can actually improve hatch activity. Bring a rain jacket and don't cancel your trip.

When should I consider throwing streamers during the spring hatch season?

Streamers are worth a try during slow afternoon stretches when hatch activity is down and fish have stopped rising, or when water carries a little color following rain. Costa notes that with sulphurs, March browns and Drakes all in play, streamers are secondary — fish will be keyed on the surface the majority of the time.

What are current stream temperature conditions on Central PA waters?

At the time of this report, most Centre County limestone streams were running in the high 50s to low 60s — solidly within the optimal range for active trout feeding. Spring Creek briefly hit 64°F during a warm stretch, but a cooldown and incoming rain are expected to stabilize temps back into the ideal zone.

Related Content

S8, Ep 17 - Spring Awakening: George Costa on Central PA Fishing and Upcoming Hatches

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

S6, Ep 48 - Rain or Shine: Central PA's Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop

S7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George Costa

S8, Ep 30 - Central PA Chronicles: George Costa's Guide to Spring Fishing Conditions and Techniques

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Episode Overview

In this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a timely late-spring conditions check on the Susquehanna River system. The frog bite has been exceptional — two solid weeks of deer hair bug action — and Brian breaks down exactly how to rig, dress and present deer hair frogs for surface-eating smallmouth before the post-spawn funk sets in. Beyond the fishing report, Marvin turns the episode over to a listener question from Myles, a college angler eyeing a career in guiding, and Brian delivers a candid, experience-rich breakdown of how to break into and build longevity in the guide game. Brian's own path — 40-plus years as a union electrician running parallel to a decades-long guiding career on the Susquehanna, with Bob Clouser as a key early mentor — frames the conversation in practical terms. The dual-career model, the reality of weather-dependent income, the roughly 10-year timeline to build a dependable client base, and the value of humility with clients all get real treatment here. This episode delivers useful tactical information for smallmouth anglers targeting the frog bite while also offering one of the most grounded, experience-backed discussions of guide career structure the show has produced.

Key Takeaways

• How to select and prepare deer hair frog patterns — including applying resin to the belly for proper orientation — to maximize floatation and presentation during the late-spring frog bite on Pennsylvania smallmouth rivers.
• Why the frog bite window is typically compressed into the first few weeks of May under normal conditions, and how unseasonable heat and weather swings can extend or disrupt that window.
• When to adjust expectations after the spawn: the first three weeks of June typically produce slower, more selective fishing as post-spawn fish recuperate, though early-spawn fish may already be active.
• How to build a dedicated leader system for deer hair frogs — an 8-foot tapered construction stepping from 40-pound to 16-pound with a barrel swivel — that turns large surface flies over cleanly.
• Why building a guide career alongside a stable parallel career is a realistic and financially sound path, with Brian's union electrician model illustrating how to stage the transition over roughly 10 years.
• How to break into guiding by starting through local fly shops, connecting with independent guides as mentors or attending a structured guide school — with humility and client service as the non-negotiable foundation.

Techniques & Gear Covered

The episode centers on top water fly fishing for smallmouth bass during the late-spring frog bite, with deer hair frogs — specifically the Umpqua swimming frog — as Brian's primary choice, supplemented by green blockhead poppers and green boogle bugs as accessible alternatives. Brian details his prep routine: applying resin to the belly of deer hair frogs to ensure the fly lands face-up, belly-down, and using a powder floatant (such as High and Dry) to maintain buoyancy throughout the day. For the leader, Brian constructs an 8-foot system stepping from 2 feet of 40-pound down through 30-pound and 25-pound sections, then 18 inches of 20-pound, a barrel swivel and an 18-inch tippet of 16-pound — a setup designed to turn over wind-resistant deer hair patterns without sacrificing control. His preferred fly line for the frog game is the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Bass Bug Taper, chosen for its ability to load quickly and deliver bulky flies accurately. The deer hair frog presentation is described as a highly visual game: the fly is watched throughout the retrieve, with the surface eat being the primary reward and tactical cue.

Locations & Species

The episode focuses on the Susquehanna River system in Central and South Central Pennsylvania, the home water of Susquehanna River Guides. Smallmouth bass are the exclusive target species discussed, specifically in the context of the late-spring frog bite and the post-spawn transition. Brian notes that under normal seasonal conditions, the frog bite runs from early to late May before the first three weeks of June bring slower, post-spawn fishing as fish recuperate from the spawn. The episode also touches on how erratic spring weather — extended heat waves followed by sharp cooldowns and potential rainfall — can compress or disrupt the frog window and push the spawn cycle off its typical rhythm. These conditions and species dynamics are broadly applicable to any angler fishing for smallmouth on mid-Atlantic river systems.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the best fly pattern and presentation for the late-spring smallmouth frog bite in Pennsylvania?

Brian Shumaker's go-to is the Umpqua swimming frog, with green blockhead poppers and green boogle bugs as workable alternatives when deer hair patterns aren't available. He emphasizes that the frog game at this time of year is a visual experience — watching the fly, watching the eat — and that having the fly properly oriented (face-up, belly-down) through resin treatment and a powder floatant keeps the presentation clean and fishing effectively throughout a day on the water.

How do you rig a leader for casting deer hair frog patterns on a fly rod?

Brian builds an 8-foot tapered leader starting with 2 feet of 40-pound, stepping down through 2 feet of 30-pound and 2 feet of 25-pound, then 18 inches of 20-pound, a barrel swivel and a final 18-inch section of 16-pound tippet. The taper allows the heavy, wind-resistant deer hair fly to turn over cleanly, and the barrel swivel reduces line twist during the retrieve. He pairs this system with the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Bass Bug Taper fly line.

How long does the frog bite window typically last for Pennsylvania smallmouth, and what ends it?

Under normal conditions, Brian says the frog bite starts around the beginning of May and runs through the end of May — roughly a four-week window. Post-spawn funk among June fish and the shift to summer patterns typically close the most productive surface action. This year, an erratic spring with heat waves and sharp temperature drops has made the window less predictable, and incoming rainfall may affect how much of the frog bite remains.

What is the best way to break into the fly fishing guide profession?

Brian recommends starting by approaching local fly shops about guide training opportunities, or connecting with established independent guides who may be willing to take on a mentee. Guide schools — typically two-week programs often run in the West — provide certification that carries weight with outfitters. The most important qualities, in Brian's experience, are humility and a genuine commitment to the client experience. He credits Bob Clouser as a critical mentor in his own career, while acknowledging that not everyone will have access to that level of mentorship.

How long does it realistically take to build a viable guiding career, and how do you manage financial risk along the way?

Brian's honest answer is about 10 years to build a client base substantial enough to feel comfortable leaving a parallel career for the guiding season. He ran a union electrician career alongside his guiding work for decades, which gave him the flexibility to ramp up guiding progressively without the full financial exposure of going all-in immediately. He compares guiding to farming in terms of weather dependency — wet springs, low summer flows and drought conditions can all eliminate weeks of booked trips — and emphasizes that the income risk is real and not suited to everyone.

Related Content

S8, Ep 31: Chasing Smallmouth: Brian Shumaker's Adaptations for Unpredictable Spring Weather

S8, Ep 27: The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth

S1, Ep 97: All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz

S7, Ep 33: Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch

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Episode Overview

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Jason Taylor — a Philadelphia-area fly tier, Tiers Row fixture at the Edison show and regular contributor to Masters of the Fly — for a wide-ranging conversation about fly tying philosophy, natural materials and the tradition of innovation rooted in Bob Popovics' work. On this fly fishing podcast episode, Taylor traces his journey from a 2008 Belize honeymoon that ignited his passion for the sport, to the early-2010s online forums — particularly Stripers Online — that connected him with a formative community of Northeast saltwater tiers including Popovics and David Nelson. Taylor shares the philosophy that drives every session at the vise: every feature in a fly must serve a purpose, and materials should be used as sparingly as possible to achieve it. The conversation digs into the enduring versatility of the hollow fleye platform — what Taylor calls "the Christmas tree" — its adaptability across materials and applications, and his own innovations including an ostrich herl hollow fleye variant and a Surf Candy adaptation with embedded foam for neutral buoyancy when targeting false albacore in calm, glassy conditions. Taylor also offers detailed guidance on selecting and handling bucktail and ostrich herl, shares tying tips rarely covered elsewhere, and takes listeners through the exotic and vintage natural materials currently occupying his tying bench.

Key Takeaways

• How to apply Bob Popovics' "Christmas tree" principle to hollow fleye design — preserving the core profile shape while freely adapting materials, proportions and techniques.
• Why using less material than you think you need almost always produces a more castable, livelier fly.
• How to select bucktail for hollow fleyes by identifying soft, kinky fiber pulled from the middle half to two-thirds of the tail for the most predictable flare under thread pressure.
• Why a neutrally buoyant fly presentation — using embedded foam under a hard body paired with an intermediate line — consistently outperforms standard Surf Candy patterns when false albacore become selective in calm, flat-water conditions.
• How to stabilize thread wraps using brushable cyanoacrylate applied directly to the thread before making final wraps rather than to the hook or materials.
• Why grading ostrich herl by length, taper and barb density — rather than just overall plume size — is critical to achieving consistent movement in large saltwater patterns.

Techniques & Gear Covered

The episode centers on hollow fleye construction — specifically the bucktail collar technique Bob Popovics developed and Taylor has refined over more than a decade, including his personal adaptation of palmering ostrich herl down a mono or shank base to create a mobile, feather-forward variant. Taylor details his Surf Candy–based neutral buoyancy modification, incorporating foam beneath the hard body to maintain a suspending presentation throughout the retrieve — not just the first few strips — which he argues better matches the behavior of bait sitting still in calm, low-turbulence water when paired with an intermediate fly line. He also covers his evolution of the Semper Fli, replacing time-consuming palmered feather fronts with commercially available fly tying brushes for consistent, production-speed results without sacrificing profile. On the tools and materials side, Taylor explains his preference for monofilament thread for virtually all saltwater work (with gel-spun for mounting eyes), walks through his grading process for both bucktail and ostrich herl, and advocates for brushable cyanoacrylate applied to the thread to more durably secure the final wraps. He references Regal as his favored vise, Tuffleye (a blue-light–cured resin with origins in dental applications) as his preferred coating for albie and Surf Candy patterns, and monofilament as the default thread for nearly all non-dry fly work.

Locations & Species

Taylor's saltwater fishing world centers on the Northeast coast — New Jersey beaches and jetty structure where he targets false albacore (albies) and striped bass. The neutral-buoyancy Surf Candy modification he developed addresses a specific condition: calm, glassy water where bait is suspended neutrally in the water column rather than being pushed and darting erratically, a situation that allows albies to scrutinize flies far more critically than in ripping current. The foam-infused body paired with an intermediate line creates the illusion of naturally suspended bait being dragged just below the surface — a presentation Taylor describes as reliably effective when albies appear finicky. Jetty fishing accounts for heavy fly loss in his program, which directly influences his bench work: efficient, repeatable tying at high quality is not just an aesthetic goal but a practical one.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the "Christmas tree" principle and why has the hollow fleye remained relevant for decades?

Taylor borrows this framing directly from Bob Popovics: the hollow fleye's core construction — bucktail tied in parallel to the shank and then pushed back on itself in a reverse tie to form an umbrella shape — creates a foundational profile that can be dressed up or stripped down infinitely. In its simplest form it ties in under five minutes and catches fish for anything; at the other extreme it accommodates exotic feather work, articulations and brush-based enhancements while retaining the original profile logic. Taylor's own ostrich herl variant illustrates how elastic the platform is: by palmering ostrich around a mono or shank base — orienting the material perpendicular to the base rather than parallel — he achieved a different movement profile while staying true enough to the Christmas tree shape that Popovics immediately recognized the technique as sound. That openness to adaptation was always the point: a baseline any tier could take and make their own.

How do you select bucktail for hollow fleyes?

Look for fibers that are soft, slightly kinky or wavy rather than pin-straight, and of medium hollowness. Taylor recommends pulling material from the middle half to two-thirds of the tail, where hair has enough hollow structure to flare predictably but enough density to stay controlled. He warns that the softest, most hollow base fibers can be too erratic for general hollow collar work and are better reserved for specific profile applications near the front of a fly.

Why do false albacore seem to go finicky in calm, flat water?

Taylor's answer is that this behavior isn't true selectivity — it's a physics mismatch. In ripping current or choppy conditions, bait is pushed around and moves erratically; a fly stripped through that same water fits right in. In flat, glassy conditions, suspended bait is genuinely neutrally buoyant and barely moving, and albies can see that a standard fly doesn't replicate that suspension. His foam-infused body maintains the neutrally buoyant presentation throughout the retrieve rather than sinking progressively as trapped air escapes, which he argues is the key to the pattern's effectiveness in those conditions.

How should brushable cyanoacrylate be used correctly at the vise?

The standard approach — applying glue directly to the hook shank or finished materials — can stiffen fibers and make delicate collars unpredictable. Taylor applies brushable super glue to the thread itself, just before making final securing wraps, which locks the thread without affecting material movement or positioning. This is especially useful when controlling sparse bucktail or fine feathers where a traditional coat would ruin the texture and action of a finished collar.

Why does kinky or wavy bucktail produce a better hollow fleye than straight bucktail?

Taylor explains that kinky, wavy bucktail creates an illusion of greater bulk and size than the amount of material actually on the hook warrants. Just as straightening curly hair reveals how much longer it truly is, the kinks and curves in wavy bucktail compress into a shorter measured length — meaning the fibers occupy more visual space on the hook than pin-straight hair of the same count would. For hollow fleyes, where the goal is achieving profile and the illusion of size with the least possible material, that optical magnification effect is a direct advantage. Straight bucktail, by contrast, gives you exactly what it is and nothing more.

Sponsors

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

Related Content

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

S8, Ep 14: Crafting Connections: Blane Chocklett on Fly Design and Conservation at Tie Fest

S6, Ep 91: Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's Journey

S7, Ep 66: Tales of a Fly Fishing Legend: Remembering Dave Whitlock

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

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Follow Jason on Instagram.

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Helpful Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction

09:42 Forums, Mentors and Growth

14:10 A Purposeful Tying Philosophy

19:13 Hollow Fleye Breakthrough

28:34 Natural Materials First

32:45 Bucktail and Ostrich Choices

38:09 Bench Tricks and More

49:24 Exotic Materials Obsession

Episode Overview

In this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Master Casting Instructor and veteran Western North Carolina guide Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish in Bryson City for a timely mid-May conditions update on the Tuckasegee River. With the delayed harvest season winding down and roughly three weeks left to fish the DH water, Mac and Marvin break down exactly what anglers are up against — and how to read it correctly. The Tuck is running well below its seasonal average at roughly 400–500 cfs compared to a normal 1,600–1,800 cfs, but recent rainfall and cooler temperatures are providing a welcome reprieve from what has been a difficult spring across the mid-Atlantic and southern Appalachians. The episode centers on one of the most practical and underappreciated skills in trout fishing: learning to distinguish between freshly stocked fish and the educated holdover and lake-run trout that share the same water — and adjusting technique and fly selection accordingly. Mac walks through his system for identifying fish by their behavior and location, his nymphing rig progressions through the day, and why moving away from indicators is no longer optional in low, clear water.

Key Takeaways

• How to identify stocked versus holdover and lake-run trout on the Tuckasegee by using stocking truck access points and "junk food" fly response as a quick field diagnostic.
• Why fishing a natural-colored anchor pattern like a Walt's Worm in the morning and transitioning to smaller flies as the day progresses is Mac's preferred nymphing progression in low, clear water.
• How to position a small nymph pattern on the dropper or point depending on whether fish appear to be feeding higher in the column or holding deep.
• Why using a large sacrificial dry fly — a Parachute Adams, Stimulator or Elk Hair Caddis — as a sight indicator for a trailing small dry creates a "training wheels" system for less experienced dry fly anglers targeting educated fish on size 18–20 patterns and smaller.
• How marking your fly line or leader with small foam indicators or competition nymphing wax lets you track takes by watching for changes in the alignment of the indicators or wax marks.
• Why fishing indicator-free with a longer leader at low water is increasingly critical as DH fish become conditioned to suspension devices.

Techniques & Gear Covered

The episode focuses primarily on indicator-free and low-profile presentation techniques for technical low-water trout fishing. Mac's core nymphing approach involves a natural-colored anchor fly paired with a very small midge or emerger, with dropper or point placement adjusted based on where fish appear to be in the water column. For dry fly fishing, both Mac and Marvin advocate a sacrificial large attractor — Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator — with a size 18–20 smaller pattern that fish are actually eating trailed 12–14 inches behind; they call the large fly "the sacrificial fly" for a reason: it never gets eaten, it just helps anglers locate their small fly. As an alternative to a sacrificial dry, Marvin recommends marking the fly line or leader with foam stick-ons or nymphing wax and watching for the indicator marking to straighten on the take. Mac confirms that big bobber rigs and streamers are the wrong tools when PhD fish are locked into size 20–24 midges and blue-winged olive emergers.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do I tell whether I'm fishing to freshly stocked trout or educated holdover fish on the Tuckasegee?

Mac's field diagnostic starts with geography: on the Tuck, stocking trucks can only access about five specific pullouts on the narrow gravel road, so fish podded up near those locations are almost certainly recent stockers. Fish holding far from those access points in less obvious water are likely holdovers or lake-run trout. A second confirmation: throw a "junk food" fly — a bright attractor or gaudy nymph — through a riffle. If you're getting easy eats, those are the new fish. PhD fish feeding on size 20–24 midges will ignore streamers and big rigs entirely.

When should I use an indicator versus fishing indicator-free on low, clear water?

Mac's view is unambiguous: in low, clear conditions — especially late in the DH season when fish have been seeing indicators for weeks — suspension devices hurt your results more than they help. He prefers a longer leader setup, tracking the nail knot or line end visually, and fishing emerger patterns just an inch or two under the film. The mechanics of detecting a subtle take watching the line end are no different from detecting takes when tight-line nymphing subsurface. Marvin adds that marking the leader with foam indicators or competition wax gives less experienced anglers a visual reference without the wake and shadow of a traditional indicator.

What is the "sacrificial fly" system for small dry fly fishing?

The idea is to rig a large, highly visible attractor — a Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis or Stimulator — with a small dry fly (size 18–20 or smaller) trailed 12–14 inches behind it. The big fly never gets eaten by selective fish; it simply anchors your eye to where the small fly roughly is. When a fish rises anywhere near the attractor's position, lift — hook sets are free. Mac notes that after hundreds of drifts through the same run, not one fish ate the big fly, but many took the small trailer. It functions as training wheels for anglers who aren't yet comfortable tracking a size 20 dry without a reference point.

How do I adjust fly placement between dropper and point position when nymphing small nymphs?

Mac adjusts this through the day based on where he believes fish are holding and feeding. Early in the morning when fish are likely still deeper, he puts the small fly on the point so it sinks further. As conditions warm and light increases — and as fish move toward emerging insect activity — he moves the small fly up to the dropper position, higher in the water column to intercept fish feeding near the surface. This single rig adjustment tracks fish behavior as the day progresses without changing the entire setup.

What are current Tuckasegee River conditions and how long does the delayed harvest season last?

Recorded approximately 10–11 days into May, this episode describes the Tuck running at roughly 400–500 cfs — significantly below its seasonal average of 1,600–1,800 cfs. Recent rainfall and cooler overnight temperatures (upper 30s) are providing relief. DH fish remain in the water until the first Saturday of June, giving anglers roughly three weeks from the recording date to target them. A fresh stocking round has been completed, so both new fish and conditioned holdovers are present simultaneously.

Related Content

S8, Ep 25: The Science of Stealth: Mac Brown on Fishing Techniques for Low Flow Scenarios

S7, Ep 88: Low Water, Big Adjustments: Mac Brown's Essential Tips for Fall Fishing Success

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

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

S6, Ep 145: Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown

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