The Articulate Fly

Fishing Report Episodes

65
July 24, 2025

S7, Ep 65: Dirty Water Dilemmas: Fishing Insights from Matt Reilly in Southwest Virginia

Join The Articulate Fly fishing podcast as host Marvin Cash catches up with Southwest Virginia guide Matt Reilly for essential summer fishing insights when conditions get challenging. Matt shares his expert strategies for adapting to dirty water and high flow conditions that have disrupted typical topwater opportunities across the region. Learn how to modify your smallmouth bass fishing approach using streamer techniques, including Chuck Kraft's Critter Mite patterns and crayfish imitations t...
Guest: Matt Reilly
63
July 17, 2025

S7, Ep 63: Hot Days and Spicy Bites: An East Tennessee Fishing Report with Ellis Ward

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for an East Tennessee Fishing Report with Ellis Ward, seasoned guide and custom predator fly tyer, covering prime summer conditions on the Watauga and French Broad Rivers. Ellis breaks down how recent thunderstorms are creating explosive bite windows for brown trout, with fish hitting streamers aggressively and rising to dry flies during these barometric pressure changes. Learn his proven streamer techniques using Drunks and swim bug patterns fished clos...
Guest: Ellis Ward
62
July 11, 2025

S7, Ep 62: Summer Stream Strategies: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa

In this Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fishing podcast, Marvin Cash connects with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College for essential summer fishing intelligence. With water levels slightly above seasonal norms and afternoon temperatures pushing into the high 60s, Costa emphasizes the critical importance of temperature monitoring and strategic timing. While the cicada emergence is wrapping up, trout continue attacking cicada patterns as they chase the la...
Guest: George Costa
60
July 9, 2025

S7, Ep 60: Mastering the Drift: Technical Trout Tactics for Summer Success with Mac Brown

Join Marvin Cash on this episode of Casting Angles featuring expert guide and instructor Mac Brown as they dive deep into mastering drift presentation techniques for summer trout fishing. Mac Brown, renowned for his comprehensive fly fishing guide schools and technical expertise, shares game-changing strategies for achieving drag-free drifts when targeting rising fish across varying current speeds. Learn how to position yourself strategically to avoid perpendicular approaches that create i...
Guest: Mac Brown
59
July 3, 2025

S7, Ep 59: Hot Days, Cool Fish: East Tennessee Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast as Ellis Ward delivers an outstanding East Tennessee Fishing Report from the boat ramp, showcasing why the Watauga River and South Holston River are firing on all cylinders despite recent hot weather. Ward, an experienced East Tennessee guide, shares exceptional dry fly fishing success stories including multiple browns over 18 inches and consistent action that's been "unusually good" for both seasoned anglers and first-time dry fly fisher...
Guest: Ellis Ward
58
July 2, 2025

S7, Ep 58: Tackle Talk: Essential Fly Lines for Smallmouth Success with Brendan Ruch

Join Marvin Cash on this tactical episode featuring smallmouth guide Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. With high water keeping anglers off their home waters, Brendan shares his expertise on optimizing Lamson three-pack reel setups for serious smallmouth fishing, breaking down the perfect trio of fly lines for varying conditions. Learn how to match fly lines to your rod's action, discover why intermediate lines require seasonal swapping to avoid sticky summer performance and master...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
57
June 27, 2025

S7, Ep 57: Cicada Mania: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for another Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College. George delivers exciting news about the ongoing cicada emergence that's creating once-in-17-years fishing opportunities throughout central Pennsylvania. Despite recent hot weather in the 90s, stream temperatures remain ideal thanks to water levels running 2-3 times above normal seasonal flows, keeping most waters around 63-64 degrees. The cicada...
56
June 26, 2025

S7, Ep 56: Low Water, Big Fish: Early Summer Tactics with Matt Reilly

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. As Matt embarks on a tarpon fishing adventure, he shares insights on the current fishing conditions back home, highlighting the transition into early summer patterns. With water temperatures on the rise, Matt discusses the smallmouth's shift in diet, focusing on their increased interest in crayfish during this time of year. Listeners will learn about the effect...
Guest: Matt Reilly
53
June 19, 2025

S7, Ep 53: Mousing Around: Summer Fishing Adventures with Ellis Ward

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Ellis Ward for the latest East Tennessee Fishing Report. As summer settles in, Ellis shares his experiences navigating the waters of the Watauga and the exciting opportunities that come with the warmer months. With the river generating six days a week, Ellis discusses the resurgence of dry fly activity and the thrill of night fishing, particularly mousing, as he plans to dive deeper into this late night streamer technique. ...
Guest: Ellis Ward
52
June 18, 2025

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for the latest Ruch Report. As summer heats up, Brendan shares his insights on adapting smallmouth strategies, particularly focusing on topwater techniques and the importance of scaling down baitfish sizes for summer flows. Listeners will learn about the effectiveness of using smaller, slim-profile baitfish flies and the benefits of experimenting with larger flies in faster water. Brendan emphasizes that anglers...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
51
June 11, 2025

S7, Ep 51: The Art of Adaptation: Embracing Summer Fishing Challenges with Mac Brown

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for another insightful installment of Casting Angles. The duo discusses the transition from cooler weather to the sweltering heat of summer, highlighting the challenges trout anglers face as the fishing season evolves. With high water conditions and the recent opening of delayed harvest waters, they explore alternative fishing options, including panfish and bass, while emphasizing the importance of skill developmen...
Guest: Mac Brown
50
June 6, 2025

S7, Ep 50: The Art of the Follow: Streamer Strategies and Fishing Tales from East Tennessee

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by Ellis Ward for the latest East Tennessee Fishing Report. Ellis shares his insights on the current fishing conditions, emphasizing the benefits of predictable flows on the Watauga and the exciting opportunities it creates for anglers. Listeners will learn about the challenges and rewards of streamer fishing, as Ellis discusses the intricacies of catching big brown trout and the techniques that can lead to success. He highligh...
Guest: Ellis Ward
49
June 5, 2025

S7, Ep 49: Rain, Hatches and Cicadas: A Central PA Fishing Update with George Costa

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by George Costa from TCO Fly Shop for the latest Central PA Fishing Report. The duo dives into the recent weather patterns, discussing the significant rainfall that has led to high water conditions in the region. With nearly seven inches of rain recorded in May, George shares insights on the current state of hatches, including the tail end of the drakes and the ongoing sulphur activity. As the cicada season approaches, George e...
48
June 4, 2025

S7, Ep 48: The Ruch Report: Fishing Tips and Tales from the Turnpike!

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Brendan Ruch for another engaging Ruch Report. As he navigates the scenic mountains of West Virginia, Brendan shares his recent fishing experiences en route to pick up a new puppy. He discusses the surprising sight of fish on beds and the strategies that have been effective in the current high-water conditions. Listeners will gain insights into the types of flies that are working well, including olive and black patterns w...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
47
May 30, 2025

S7, Ep 47: Cicada Chronicles: Navigating the Buzz and Bites of Southwest Virginia with Matt Reilly

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. The duo discusses the recent weather patterns and their impact on fishing, with Matt sharing insights on his recent forays into stillwaters and the excitement of cicada season. As the cicadas emerge, Matt reflects on the abrupt end of the striper run and the thrill of fishing with these iconic insects. Listeners will learn about the geographical variations in c...
Guest: Matt Reilly
46
May 29, 2025

S7, Ep 46: Navigating Seasonal Shifts: Fishing Tactics for Summer Success with Mac Brown

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown for another insightful installment of Casting Angles. The duo discusses the unexpected weather patterns impacting fishing, with Mac expressing his disappointment over the forecasted rain that never materialized. As they navigate the transition into summer, they explore how cooler temperatures have affected fishing conditions, particularly focusing on the effectiveness of dry dropper setups in the high 50s to low 60...
Guest: Mac Brown
45
May 23, 2025

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by Ellis Ward for the latest East Tennessee Fishing Report. Ellis shares his recent experiences on the water, discussing the fluctuating weather patterns and their impact on fishing conditions. With a mix of sunny days and humid, still weather, Ellis highlights the resurgence of insect activity and the excitement of catching a 21-inch brown trout on a dry fly, showcasing the thrill of observing fish rise to the surface. The con...
Guest: Ellis Ward
44
May 22, 2025

S7, Ep 44: The Wacky Weather Report: Fishing Tales and Tackle Tips with Brendan Ruch

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for another exciting Ruch Report. Brendan shares his latest fishing adventures, recounting a rollercoaster day on the water filled with unpredictable weather and some impressive catches. The duo dives into the intricacies of fishing under changing conditions, discussing the various techniques and strategies that proved successful during Brendan's outing. As they prepare for an upcoming weather front, Brendan pro...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
43
May 21, 2025

S7, Ep 43: Hatches and High Waters: The Central PA Fishing Scene with George Costa

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with George Costa for the latest Central PA Fishing Report, and it’s a wet one! With rain forecasted to hit the region, George shares insights on how the weather will affect fishing conditions and what anglers can expect in the days ahead. As the waters rise and visibility decreases, he emphasizes the importance of adaptability in your fishing strategy. The duo dives into the current insect activity, discussing the various hat...
41
May 15, 2025

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by Mac Brown for another insightful edition of Casting Angles. As they navigate through the recent storms and high water, Mac shares his expertise on how anglers can still find success despite challenging conditions. They discuss the importance of fishing high in the water table, particularly in the Park, where clarity often prevails over the more turbid waters downstream. Mac emphasizes the value of knowing the water and the b...
Guest: Mac Brown
39
May 8, 2025

S7, Ep 39: East Tennessee Fishing Report: Weather, Caddis and Streamer Strategies with Ellis Ward

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash checks in with Ellis Ward for the latest East Tennessee Fishing Report. The conversation kicks off with Ellis sharing his excitement about the upcoming perfect fishing weather, as they discuss the recent low water conditions that have led to overgrown banks and the challenges of targeting wild brown trout with streamers. Ellis reflects on his recent guiding experiences, highlighting the increased activity of fish and the importance of ad...
Guest: Ellis Ward
38
May 7, 2025

S7, Ep 38: The Shift to Summer: Post-Spawn Fishing Insights with Brendan Ruch

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Brendan Ruch for a new Ruch Report. The duo dives into the recent weather challenges in Pennsylvania, discussing how the heavy rains have impacted fishing but also set the stage for a promising post-spawn bite. Brendan shares his experiences from the past week, where he navigated through a mix of pre-spawn and post-spawn fish, revealing the unique conditions that led to some interesting fishing strategies. Listeners will gai...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
37
May 4, 2025

S7, Ep 37: Cicadas, Stripers and Smallmouth: A Spring Fishing Update with Matt Reilly

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. The conversation begins with Marvin sharing his recent travel adventures and the challenges of pollen season, which has been particularly tough on Matt as he navigates the striper fishing scene. They discuss how the warmer weather has led to an early start for striper action, but with low water levels, the fishing conditions are quite variable. Matt provides in...
Guest: Matt Reilly
36
May 3, 2025

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop for the latest Central PA Fishing Report. The duo kicks off with a lively exchange about the recent spring storms that swept through Centre County, leaving many without power. As they discuss the impact of the weather, George shares the exciting news that the fishing scene is heating up with a variety of hatches including sulfurs, March browns and gray foxes, signaling the peak of dry fly season. ...