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

S8, Ep 34: Frog Patterns and Fishing Strategies: Brian Shumaker's Late Spring Smallmouth Report

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash [www.linkedin.com/in/marvinscash] reconnects with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides [https://www.susqriverguides.com] 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 ANSWERED WHAT 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 [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e31] S8, Ep 27: The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e27] S1, Ep 97: All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s1-ep-97-all-things-smallmouth-with-mike-schultz/] S7, Ep 33: Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7-ep-33-ruch-report/] CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Brian [https://www.susqriverguides.com/] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063681487666] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susqguide/]. FOLLOW THE SHOW Follow The Articulate Fly [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thearticulatefly], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thearticulatefly/], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@thearticulatefly?xmt=AQF0VLj314Z_G910nAh8-ilrIZiwr8fzr4tZBWxaNNqyvCY] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheArticulateFly]. Follow our Substack newsletter [https://thearticulatefly.substack.com] for episode updates, tips and resources. SUPPORT THE SHOW Shop through our Amazon link [https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&language=en_US&linkCode=sl2&linkId=ea717321828075eabd3b608fd6895f82&tag=thearticulate-20] to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thearticulatefly] to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/consulting]. SUBSCRIBE & ADVERTISE Subscribe [https://lnk.to/thearticulatefly] to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/advertise] with us.

S8, Ep 33: Tying Tradition: Jason Taylor's Journey Through the Art of Fly Tying

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash [www.linkedin.com/in/marvinscash] 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 [https://www.mastersofthefly.com] — 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 ANSWERED WHAT 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 [https://maps.troutroutes.com/] 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 [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s6-ep-144-the-chocklett-factory/] S8, Ep 14: Crafting Connections: Blane Chocklett on Fly Design and Conservation at Tie Fest [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8-ep-14-chocklett-factory-tuning-swim-flies/] S6, Ep 91: Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's Journey [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s6-ep-91-predator-flies-and-sparkle-boats-steve-maldonados-journey/] S7, Ep 66: Tales of a Fly Fishing Legend: Remembering Dave Whitlock [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7-ep-66-dave-whitlock-henry-cowen-allen-rupp/] S6, Ep 132: Fly Tying and Destination Travel with Tim Flagler [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s6-ep-132-tim-flagler-tightline-productions/] CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Jason on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/flyonby/]. FOLLOW THE SHOW Follow The Articulate Fly [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thearticulatefly], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thearticulatefly/], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@thearticulatefly?xmt=AQF0VLj314Z_G910nAh8-ilrIZiwr8fzr4tZBWxaNNqyvCY] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheArticulateFly]. Follow our Substack newsletter [https://thearticulatefly.substack.com] for episode updates, tips and resources. SUPPORT THE SHOW Shop through our Amazon link [https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&language=en_US&linkCode=sl2&linkId=ea717321828075eabd3b608fd6895f82&tag=thearticulate-20] to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thearticulatefly] to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/consulting]. SUBSCRIBE & ADVERTISE Subscribe [https://lnk.to/thearticulatefly] to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/advertise] with us. 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

S8, Ep 32: Spring Fishing Unlocked: Mac Brown's Tips for Targeting Elementary and Graduate School Fish

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this Casting Angles episode of The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash [www.linkedin.com/in/marvinscash] reconnects with Master Casting Instructor and veteran Western North Carolina guide Mac Brown of Mac Brown Fly Fish [https://macbrownflyfish.com] 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 ANSWERED HOW 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 [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e25] S7, Ep 88: Low Water, Big Adjustments: Mac Brown's Essential Tips for Fall Fishing Success [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7e88] S7, Ep 41: Navigating High Water: Strategies for Success with Mac Brown [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7-ep-41-casting-angles-mac-brown/] S7, Ep 28: Warming Waters and Active Fish: A Spring Fishing Update with Mac Brown [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7-ep-28-casting-angles/] S6, Ep 145: Navigating Winter Waters: Unconventional Strategies with Mac Brown [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s6-ep-145-casting-angles-mac-brown/] CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Mac on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/macbrownflyfish/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/macbrownflyfish/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/macbrownflyfish]. FOLLOW THE SHOW Follow The Articulate Fly [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thearticulatefly], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thearticulatefly/], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@thearticulatefly?xmt=AQF0VLj314Z_G910nAh8-ilrIZiwr8fzr4tZBWxaNNqyvCY] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheArticulateFly]. Follow our Substack newsletter [https://thearticulatefly.substack.com] for episode updates, tips and resources. SUPPORT THE SHOW Shop through our Amazon link [https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&language=en_US&linkCode=sl2&linkId=ea717321828075eabd3b608fd6895f82&tag=thearticulate-20] to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thearticulatefly] to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/consulting]. SUBSCRIBE & ADVERTISE Subscribe [https://lnk.to/thearticulatefly] to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/advertise] with us.

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

EPISODE OVERVIEW The Articulate Fly's Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report returns with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides [https://www.susqriverguides.com], delivering a timely mid-spring conditions update for the Susquehanna River system in Central Pennsylvania. This episode cuts straight to the practical challenge facing every Mid-Atlantic smallmouth angler right now: how to fish effectively when an extreme pattern of temperature swings — 80°F one day, back to the 50s by mid-week — is compressing and disrupting the spawn, locking fish down unpredictably, and keeping the frog bite from ever materializing. Brian, a veteran guide with over three decades on the Susquehanna, breaks down how he approaches these volatile conditions with clients, from the diagnostic logic of starting with yesterday's best fly and quickly reading fish mood, to the deeper strategic pivot of going subsurface on intermediate lines when topwater won't produce. He also touches on where the spawn currently stands — with the first wave already pushing some fish into early post-spawn funk — and what anglers can expect as conditions hopefully stabilize heading toward summer. For anyone planning time on Pennsylvania smallmouth water this spring, Brian's approach to grinding through difficult conditions with a rotating bench of swim flies and crayfish patterns offers both tactical and mental frameworks worth internalizing. KEY TAKEAWAYS * How to use yesterday's producing fly as a quick diagnostic starting point and pivot efficiently to Plan B when conditions have shifted overnight. * Why slowing retrieve speed and fishing deeper are the first two adjustments to make when dropping temperatures cause smallmouth to lock jaw. * How intermediate sink lines provide a versatile middle ground that keeps flies in the strike zone when topwater conditions are marginal. * When to rotate through a broad multi-pattern bench — swim flies, Half-and-Halfs, Clousers and crayfish patterns — rather than forcing a single presentation in unpredictable spring conditions. * Why crayfish patterns like the Clawdad are producing when stomach content checks confirm fish are actively keying on crayfish as a primary food source. * How the unusual spring temperature volatility in Central PA is producing an early post-spawn funk in first-wave fish while later-wave spawners are still active, creating a mixed-mood fishery that demands adaptable tactics. TECHNIQUES & GEAR COVERED Brian's current approach centers on intermediate sink lines as the primary tool for getting flies into the strike zone. From there, he runs a rotating bench of approximately a dozen patterns, starting with Clousers, swim flies and Half-and-Halfs and moving through the progression until something sticks — a systematic elimination approach that reflects hard-earned guiding experience in variable conditions. When temperatures drop and fish go passive, he leads with slower presentations before working up to more active retrieves. Crayfish imitations have been particularly productive, with Brian noting that fish are showing crayfish in their gullets on inspection — a data point that drives fly selection rather than guesswork. He specifically mentions patterns in the Clawdad-style that can be fished up off the bottom and animated to mimic a fleeing crayfish. Topwater setups remain rigged as a secondary option for afternoon sessions, with Brian noting that conditions like a sulphur hatch could still prompt fish to look up even in an otherwise subsurface day. LOCATIONS & SPECIES The episode focuses on the Susquehanna River system in Central Pennsylvania, the fishery Brian has guided exclusively since founding Susquehanna River Guides [https://www.susqriverguides.com] in 1993. The Susquehanna is a fertile limestone river renowned for one of the strongest wild smallmouth bass fisheries in the eastern United States, characterized by rock ledges, wide shallow riffles and abundant crayfish and aquatic insect life. Target species is exclusively smallmouth bass throughout this report. The episode is recorded during the mid-spring spawn window, with Brian projecting that spawning activity on his water will wrap up around the third week of May and that some first-wave fish are already showing early post-spawn behavioral funk — while later-wave fish are still active and available. The unusual temperature volatility this spring is affecting fish behavior across the entire east coast smallmouth fishery, not just the Susquehanna, making Brian's adaptable mid-spring approach broadly applicable. FAQ / KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED HOW DO YOU ADAPT YOUR FLY FISHING APPROACH WHEN SPRING TEMPERATURES SWING WILDLY DAY TO DAY? Brian starts each session by testing what produced the day before — that gives a quick read on whether conditions have shifted. If that approach fails early, he moves to Plan B: slowing retrieve speed, going deeper and working through a systematic rotation of patterns until he finds something that matches the fish's current mood. The key is staying flexible rather than committing to a single technique. WHAT FLY LINE SETUPS ARE MOST EFFECTIVE FOR PENNSYLVANIA SMALLMOUTH IN COLD OR VARIABLE SPRING CONDITIONS? Intermediate sink lines are Brian's primary tool right now, allowing him to keep flies subsurface without anchoring them to the bottom. Topwater rigs stay on deck for afternoon sessions as a speculative option, particularly when hatches are occurring. In colder conditions, he prioritizes slower patterns and quieter presentations before working up to more active swim fly retrieves. WHY ARE CRAYFISH FLY PATTERNS SO EFFECTIVE FOR SPRING SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING? Stomach content checks on the Susquehanna are showing fish actively feeding on crayfish, making imitative patterns a data-driven choice rather than a hunch. Patterns that can be fished up off the bottom and animated to simulate a fleeing crayfish — rather than dragged along bottom and snagged — are producing best because they remain accessible to fish holding at a range of depths. WHEN DOES THE SMALLMOUTH SPAWN TYPICALLY WRAP UP ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER IN CENTRAL PA? Under normal conditions, Brian expects spawning to be largely complete by the third week of May on his water. This spring's extreme temperature swings compressed the front end of the spawn but have also extended and complicated the overall picture, with first-wave fish already showing post-spawn behavior while later fish are still in the spawn cycle — creating a mixed-mood fishery that is more difficult to read than a typical spring. WHAT SHOULD ANGLERS EXPECT AFTER THE SPAWN IN TERMS OF FISH BEHAVIOR AND FISHING QUALITY? The post-spawn funk is real — fish that have completed spawning become temporarily lethargic and difficult to catch. Brian describes a brief early version of this pattern already affecting first-wave fish on his water. The good news is that once temperatures stabilize, fish typically come around quickly and the summer bite — including the anticipated frog bite and topwater action — can be excellent on the Susquehanna. RELATED CONTENT S8, Ep 27: The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e27] S8, Ep 23: Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e23] S6, Ep 41: Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s6-ep-41-smallmouth-secrets-and-streamer-savvy-with-brendan-ruch/] S1, Ep 97: All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s1-ep-97-all-things-smallmouth-with-mike-schultz/] CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow Brian [https://www.susqriverguides.com/] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063681487666] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/susqguide/]. FOLLOW THE SHOW Follow The Articulate Fly [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thearticulatefly], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thearticulatefly/], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@thearticulatefly?xmt=AQF0VLj314Z_G910nAh8-ilrIZiwr8fzr4tZBWxaNNqyvCY] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheArticulateFly]. Follow our Substack newsletter [https://thearticulatefly.substack.com] for episode updates, tips and resources. SUPPORT THE SHOW Shop through our Amazon link [https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&language=en_US&linkCode=sl2&linkId=ea717321828075eabd3b608fd6895f82&tag=thearticulate-20] to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thearticulatefly] to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/consulting]. 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S8, Ep 30: Central PA Chronicles: George Costa's Guide to Spring Fishing Conditions and Techniques

EPISODE OVERVIEW In this Central PA Fishing Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash [www.linkedin.com/in/marvinscash] checks in with George Costa, manager at TCO Fly Shop [https://www.tcoflyfishing.com] in State College, Pennsylvania, for a real-time spring conditions update. With prime season fully underway, Costa delivers an encouraging picture across Central PA's limestone stream corridor: water levels are running near seasonal averages, a minor push of off-color water on the Juniata is clearing, and the hatch activity is firing on multiple fronts simultaneously. Sulphurs are coming up on Spring Creek with Penns Creek and Fishing Creek close behind; March browns, blue-winged olives, tan caddis, little black caddis and a few brown stones are all in play. Costa advises carrying a wide variety of dry fly and nymph patterns to dial in what individual fish want on a given day — a critical tactical point during a period when presentations can shift from a size-20 olive nymph to a size-12 jig between sessions. With cooler temperatures and overcast skies pushing the best dry fly action into the afternoon, he notes that warmer, brighter days ahead will shift peak hatch windows toward evening. For anglers ready to strike while the iron is hot, Costa is emphatic: this next month represents the best fishing of the year in Central PA, and the window before summer low-water conditions close in is narrow. KEY TAKEAWAYS * How to carry and rotate a broad pattern selection — dry flies, nymphs and streamers — to match the fast-changing multi-hatch conditions of Central PA's peak spring season. * Why afternoon currently outperforms morning sessions on days with cooler temperatures and overcast skies, and when to expect that window to shift toward evening as conditions warm. * When to reach for streamers even during prime dry fly season — particularly after rain events add color to the water. * How to use attractor-style Euro jig nymphs (Frenchies and similar patterns) as a consistent fallback when dry fly activity isn't dialed in. * Why the next four to six weeks represent the peak fishing window of the year in Central PA — and how summer low-water and rising temperatures will close that window by mid-to-late June. TECHNIQUES & GEAR COVERED George Costa covers a multi-technique spring approach anchored by dry fly fishing during active afternoon hatch windows, with Euro-style nymphing as the go-to when surface activity is absent. On the dry fly front, the current hatch slate — sulphurs, March browns, olives, tan caddis, little black caddis and brown stones — demands anglers carry a broad selection rather than betting on a single pattern. Costa specifically calls out attractor-style nymphs including Frenchies, as well as general Euro jig patterns as reliable subsurface options, noting that fish can shift from small olive nymphs to larger size-12 jigs between sessions. Streamer fishing is flagged as a productive opportunistic tactic when rain pushes off-color water through the system. Costa also references Wheatley stacked fly boxes as the organizational tool of choice for managing the diversity of patterns required this time of year. LOCATIONS & SPECIES The episode focuses on the Central Pennsylvania limestone stream corridor centered around State College, with Spring Creek, Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and the Juniata all discussed. The Juniata was carrying slight color at the time of recording following a rain event but was dropping and clearing. Spring Creek and Penns Creek are highlighted as the primary waters for emerging sulphur hatches, with Fishing Creek also noted as part of the sulphur progression. The target species throughout is trout — the wild brown trout fisheries that define Centre County's reputation as a world-class dry fly destination. Costa notes that current conditions are tracking at or near seasonal averages, with the brief concern of summer low-water and warming temperatures expected to begin closing the prime window somewhere between mid and late June. FAQ / KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED WHAT HATCHES ARE ACTIVE RIGHT NOW IN CENTRAL PA? Multiple hatches are producing simultaneously: sulphurs are emerging on Spring Creek with Penns Creek and Fishing Creek following closely behind, March browns are coming up, blue-winged olives are present throughout, and tan caddis, little black caddis and brown stones are all in the mix. Costa emphasizes that the diversity of activity makes pattern variety an important tool for hatch-matching precision at this stage of the season. HOW SHOULD I ADJUST MY DRY FLY TIMING DURING CENTRAL PA'S SPRING SEASON? Under the current cooler temperatures and overcast conditions, the best dry fly action has been occurring in the afternoon. As warmer and sunnier days arrive, Costa expects the peak hatch windows to shift toward evening — a seasonal pattern Central PA anglers should track closely and adjust their on-water schedules accordingly. WHEN SHOULD I THROW STREAMERS DURING SPRING DRY FLY SEASON? Streamers remain a viable and productive option any time rain events push off-color water through the system, even when dry fly activity is strong on clearer water. Costa frames streamers as a situational rather than primary tactic at this point in the season — a useful arrow in the quiver after rain, but not the main focus when hatches are firing. WHAT NYMPH PATTERNS ARE WORKING IN CENTRAL PA RIGHT NOW? Pheasant Tails, Frenchies and attractor-style Euro jig nymphs are all producing consistently. Costa's key advice is to avoid getting locked into a single pattern: fish can want a small olive nymph one day and a size-12 jig the next, so carrying variety and being willing to change is the most important tactical principle for subsurface fishing during this hatch-rich window. HOW LONG WILL THE PRIME SPRING FISHING WINDOW LAST IN CENTRAL PA? Costa estimates the best fishing of the year will continue for roughly the next four to six weeks from recording, with summer low-water conditions and rising water temperatures expected to become a concern sometime between mid and late June. The advice is clear: get on the water now while conditions are ideal. RELATED CONTENT S8, Ep 19 – Spring Fever: George Costa on Central PA's Fishing Conditions and Upcoming Hatches [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e19] S8, Ep 17 – Spring Awakening: George Costa on Central PA Fishing and Upcoming Hatches [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8-ep-17-central-pa-fishing-report-spring-hatches/] S8, Ep 4 – Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s8e4] S7, Ep 36 – Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7-ep-36-central-pa-fishing-report/] S6, Ep 48 – Rain or Shine: Central PA's Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s6-ep-48-rain-or-shine-central-pas-fishing-report-with-tco-fly-shop/] CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST Follow TCO on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/tcoflyshop/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tcoflyshop/] and Twitter [https://twitter.com/tcoflyfishing]. FOLLOW THE SHOW Follow The Articulate Fly [https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com] on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thearticulatefly], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thearticulatefly/], Threads [https://www.threads.com/@thearticulatefly?xmt=AQF0VLj314Z_G910nAh8-ilrIZiwr8fzr4tZBWxaNNqyvCY] and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/c/TheArticulateFly]. Follow our Substack newsletter [https://thearticulatefly.substack.com] for episode updates, tips and resources. SUPPORT THE SHOW Shop through our Amazon link [https://www.amazon.com/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&language=en_US&linkCode=sl2&linkId=ea717321828075eabd3b608fd6895f82&tag=thearticulate-20] to support the podcast. Join our Patreon community [https://www.patreon.com/thearticulatefly] to support the show. If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/consulting]. SUBSCRIBE & ADVERTISE Subscribe [https://lnk.to/thearticulatefly] to the podcast in your favorite podcast app. Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise [https://www.thearticulatefly.com/advertise] with us.