The Articulate Fly

Fishing Report Episodes

1
Jan. 9, 2025

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash kicks off the year with the first Southwest Virginia Fishing Report alongside Matt Reilly. Battling the harsh January weather, Matt shares insights on the upcoming pre-spawn smallmouth season, discussing his favorite color combinations and patterns for swim flies. Drawing inspiration from conventional gear, Matt emphasizes the importance of adapting fly choices to water conditions, with colors like white, chartreuse and orange taking the sp...
Guest: Matt Reilly
149
Dec. 20, 2024

S6, Ep 149: Central PA Fishing Report: Winter Strategies and Stream Choices

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop for the final Central PA Fishing Report of the year. As winter takes hold, George shares insights into current water conditions, with temperatures dropping into the low to mid-40s. He discusses the transition of fish into deeper, slower waters post-spawn and the effectiveness of slow nymphing and streamer fishing during this period. The conversation touches on the impact of a recent cold snap ...
148
Dec. 19, 2024

S6, Ep 148: Winter Waters: Musky Pursuits and Tailwater Tactics with Ellis Ward

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash wraps up the year with Ellis Ward, delivering the final East Tennessee Fishing Report of the season. As they discuss the current fishing conditions, Ellis shares his recent experiences on the water, including musky fishing on the French Broad and the challenges posed by sediment in Watauga Lake. Despite the obstacles, Ellis notes the excellent musky fishing and the resilience of musky habitat post-Hurricane Helene. The conversation shift...
Guest: Ellis Ward
146
Dec. 12, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash checks in with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. Matt shares his recent experiences on the water, navigating the challenges of a significant cold front that brought gusting winds and snow. Despite the harsh conditions, Matt remains focused on musky fishing, discussing the impact of fluctuating temperatures on fish behavior and offering insights into how anglers can adapt to these changes. Matt delves into the ...
Guest: Matt Reilly
145
Dec. 11, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash dives into an insightful discussion with Mac Brown for another installment of Casting Angles. Mac discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by winter fishing and the importance of adapting to what the river offers. Mac emphasizes the significance of adjusting techniques to suit the season, particularly with the recent stockings in Western Carolina. The duo explores the concept of "taking what the river gives you," highlighting t...
Guest: Mac Brown
143
Dec. 6, 2024

S6, Ep 143: Winter Fly Fishing and Holiday Prep 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. As winter settles in, George shares his recent fishing adventures, including a chilly but exciting trip with Austin from Virginia Trophy Guides. Despite the cold and wind, the sight of big muskies made the trip memorable. George provides a detailed update on the current conditions in Central Pennsylvania, highlighting the cold, windy weather and recent snowfall. He di...
142
Dec. 4, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Ellis Ward for an engaging East Tennessee Fishing Report. As the holiday season approaches, the duo discusses the excitement of musky fishing in the cold, with Ellis sharing recent experiences on the water. Despite the chilly weather, Ellis recounts the thrill of introducing a first-time musky angler to the excitement of the chase, even if no muskies were landed. He emphasizes the importance of getting out there, reminding l...
Guest: Ellis Ward
141
Nov. 27, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Mac Brown for an insightful discussion on transitioning from late fall to early winter fishing. As the temperatures drop, Mac shares his expertise on how these seasonal changes affect trout behavior and fishing strategies. The duo explores the nuances of winter fishing, emphasizing the importance of targeting slower water and deeper pools as trout seek warmer environments. Mac highlights the joy of midge fishing during the w...
Guest: Mac Brown
139
Nov. 20, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by Ellis Ward for an insightful East Tennessee Fishing Report. The duo kicks off with playful banter about the weather predictions in Johnson City before diving into the current conditions on the South Holston and Watauga rivers. Ellis provides a detailed analysis of the South Holston's favorable fishing conditions, highlighting opportunities for wading anglers and the presence of large fish responding to streamers and dry flies. ...
Guest: Ellis Ward
138
Nov. 15, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop for the latest Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report. As the season transitions into colder months, George provides insights into the current fishing conditions, highlighting the challenges posed by low water levels and the importance of respecting spawning fish. He emphasizes the effectiveness of nymphing and streamer techniques while advising caution around redds to ensure the trout can reprodu...
137
Nov. 14, 2024

S6, Ep 137: Navigating Post-Hurricane Waters with Matt Reilly

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with Matt Reilly for the latest Southwest Virginia Fishing Report. As conditions normalize post-hurricane, Matt shares the excitement of musky fishing on the New River, with most boat ramps now accessible and water clarity improving. The duo discusses the benefits of the current water conditions, highlighting the productive fishing opportunities even in clear water. Listeners gain valuable insights into fly and line choices for fal...
Guest: Matt Reilly
136
Nov. 13, 2024

S6, Ep 136: From Arkansas to Appalachia: Fly Fishing 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. Mac shares his recent experiences traveling back from Arkansas, where he spent time with the North Arkansas Fly Fishers and Davy Wotton. The conversation is filled with nostalgia as Mac reminisces about his childhood fishing memories at Bull Shoals, and he reflects on how the area has grown over the years. The duo discusses the current state of fishing in North Caro...
Guest: Mac Brown
134
Nov. 7, 2024

S6, Ep 134: Wrapping Up the Smallmouth Season with Brendan Ruch

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash wraps up the final Ruch Report of the year with Brendan Ruch of Ruch Angling. Reflecting on a successful first season, Brendan shares his thoughts on the current fishing conditions and his plans for the off-season. As the conversation shifts, Brendan discusses his excitement for the upcoming musky season. Marvin and Brendan also announce the winner of the Ruch Angling swag pack, Frank Landis, and assure listeners that the contest was fai...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
133
Nov. 6, 2024

S6, Ep 133: Streamer Strategies and Seasonal Shifts with Ellis Ward

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is joined by East Tennessee fishing guide Ellis Ward for an insightful fishing report. Ellis shares the latest conditions on the South Holston River, highlighting the shift from high flows of over 3,000 CFS to a more manageable 400 CFS. This change opens up new fishing opportunities as anglers can now wade and access areas previously too challenging during high water. Ellis discusses the impact of these flow changes on the river ecosystem,...
Guest: Ellis Ward
131
Oct. 31, 2024

S6, Ep 131: From Montauk Stripers to Campeche Tarpon with Captain David Blinken

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash wraps up the final "On the Salt" segment of the season with Captain David Blinken. Despite a challenging season with unpredictable weather in the Northeast, David shares his excitement about the recent string of fishing days and the arrival of stripers in Montauk for the fall migration. He also voices his concerns over recent public hearings and the management of fisheries, urging listeners to support the cause for sustainable fishing. Shi...
Guest: David Blinken
130
Oct. 30, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with Mac Brown to discuss the unique challenges and joys of fall fly fishing in the Bryson City area. As the peak of fall foliage passes, Mac shares his insights on navigating the leaf litter that can deter anglers during this season. He emphasizes the effectiveness of using dry flies, particularly with orange hues, to avoid snagging leaves and offers a technique called the "circle pickup" to keep your fly clean. Mac and Marvin de...
Guest: Mac Brown
129
Oct. 26, 2024

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

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash checks in with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop for the latest Central PA Fishing Report. As fall settles in, George shares insights on the current fishing conditions. Despite low and clear water levels due to minimal rainfall, the fishing remains robust with plenty of topwater activity. George reports on the presence of caddis, olives and the dwindling Isos, advising anglers to focus on smaller nymphs with a touch of orange. George emphas...
128
Oct. 25, 2024

S6, Ep 128: Catch Big Fish: Ellis Ward's Insider Tips for East Tennessee Anglers

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Ellis Ward for an in-depth East Tennessee Fishing Report. Ellis shares his experiences fishing the South Holston River post-Hurricane Helene, discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by the increased water levels. He delves into his strategy of targeting less conventional zones, such as weed bed flats, and how the unique water conditions have influenced his approach to catching big fish. Ellis emphasizes the imp...
Guest: Ellis Ward
127
Oct. 24, 2024

S6, Ep 127: Final Cast: Dustin White's Last Fishing Report of the Season

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash wraps up the Central Wyoming season with Dustin White in his final On the Water of the year. Dustin shares the current fishing conditions as the season comes to a close, noting the cooler mornings and the progression of hatches throughout the day. He offers tips on fly selection, recommending a tandem dry fly rig with a larger caddis and a blue wing for afternoon fishing, and emphasizes the importance of staying stealthy in low, clear water...
Guest: Dustin White
126
Oct. 23, 2024

S6, Ep 126: Fall Smallmouth Tactics with Brendan Ruch: Low and Slow Strategies

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash reconnects with Brendan Ruch for another insightful Ruch Report. Brendan shares his experiences from a crisp fall day on the river, discussing how the changing season is impacting fishing spots and tactics. As the fall progresses, Brendan emphasizes the importance of fishing low and slow with weighted flies to maintain bottom contact, a key strategy for enticing fish during this time of year. Brendan shares his favorite fly patterns, inc...
Guest: Brendan Ruch
125
Oct. 19, 2024

S6, Ep 125: Weathering the Storm: Southwest Virginia's Fishing and Tourism Recovery

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with Matt Reilly for a comprehensive update on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia. Matt shares his firsthand experiences of the storm's impact on the community, highlighting the severe flooding in towns like Damascus and Marion, which has disrupted local infrastructure and tourism. Despite these challenges, Matt's family is safe, and he discusses the broader implications for fishing and local businesses. Mar...
Guest: Matt Reilly
123
Oct. 17, 2024

S6, Ep 123: On the Salt with David Blinken: Striper Strategies and Fly Tactics

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash catches up with Captain David Blinken for an update on the Northeast fishing scene. As the weather cools down, David shares insights on the arrival of striped bass, while the elusive false albacore remain scarce around Eastern Long Island. Despite their absence, David offers promising reports of stripers in Rhode Island and Fisher's Island, with Montauk and the inner bays seeing an uptick as the season heads into November. David dives in...
Guest: David Blinken
122
Oct. 16, 2024

S6, Ep 122: Mac Brown on the Aftermath: Supporting Our Waters and Communities

In this heartfelt episode of The Articulate Fly, Marvin Cash reconnects with Mac Brown amidst the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the Appalachian region. Mac shares his personal experiences during the storm, highlighting the resilience of the community as they navigate through the aftermath. Despite the challenges, Mac remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of supporting local communities and businesses in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. The episode provides valuable insights...
Guest: Mac Brown
121
Oct. 11, 2024

S6, Ep 121: Ellis Ward on East Tennessee's Waters: After the Storm

In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash connects with Ellis Ward for an insightful East Tennessee Fishing Report amidst challenging conditions. Ellis shares firsthand observations from the Johnson City and Elizabethton areas, highlighting the severe impact of recent flooding on local waterways and communities. Despite the devastation, Ellis offers a glimmer of hope with promising fishing conditions on the South Holston. The conversation transitions to musky fishing, where Ellis ...
Guest: Ellis Ward