S7, Ep 21: Transitioning Seasons: George Costa on Spring Fishing Conditions
In this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash is back with George Costa from TCO Fly Shop in State College for a detailed Central PA Fishing Report. As George gears up for an exciting trip to Belize, he shares insights on the current fishing conditions in Central Pennsylvania, noting the recent rain and its impact on local streams. With expectations of improving conditions by the weekend, he highlights the anticipation of warmer weather that will kickstart the spring hatches, including olives, midges and little black stoneflies.
The conversation also touches on the upcoming emergence of the 17-year cicadas, expected to peak in mid-June, promising a thrilling dry fly season for anglers. George discusses various educational opportunities available at the shop, including a cicada tying class on March 30th and several beginner courses throughout the spring. He encourages listeners to book their spots quickly, as classes tend to fill up fast.
Listeners are also reminded to send in their questions for a chance to win some Articulate Fly swag. This episode is packed with valuable information for anglers looking to enhance their spring fishing experience.
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Marvin Cash
Hey folks, it's Marvin Cash, the host of the Articulate Fly. We're back with another Central PA Fishing report with George Costa, TCO Fly shop in State College. George, how are you?
George Costa
I'm amazing as always. Marvin, how are you?
Marvin Cash
And as always, I'm just trying to stay out of trouble. And you know, you're super excited, right, because you're getting ready to head to Belize in what, a week?
George Costa
I'll be there all next week.
I'm out of here on Saturday, so looking forward to getting out of this dreary Pennsylvania weather and into some and some delicious pina coladas next week for me.
Marvin Cash
Well, there you go.
And of course, you know, when you come back, your weather is kind of crappy now, but my understanding is your weather's going to get better in about a week to 10 days, right?
George Costa
Yeah, for sure. We've had a bunch of rain in the past couple of days here. So as of today, water is up and dirty on pretty much all of our streams here.
Locally blown out conditions. We expect spring to probably drop back down and be fishable by Saturday.
So conditions should definitely improve later in the weekend on all the streams. And early next week conditions should be in pretty good shape. We're supposed to get a good shot of warm weather next week.
So that should really get the bugs moving. Get some olives pop in, we should see midges, little black stone flies.
And we're pretty much getting into springtime now, so all the bugs are going to be moving. Nymphing should improve. Dry fly fishing is going to pick up and we are almost there. Yeah.
Marvin Cash
And then, you know, this summer you get lucky, right. And you're going to get some of those periodical cicadas.
George Costa
That's true. We're definitely getting our 17 year brood this year in central Pennsylvania. People keep asking when to expect them.
Best guess for me is probably going to be we're going to start seeing them probably first, second week of June. I think mid June will probably be when they're going to be best.
Mid June to early July is when they're going to be hitting the water and fish are really going to be looking to eat them. So that's going to get us a real long season here for a lot of dry fly activity and a lot of fun. It should be a crazy fun year this year.
Marvin Cash
Yeah, got it. And I would imagine since we're moving into spring. Right. You're probably your educational stuff in the shops probably winded down a little bit.
But is there anything, you know, educational wise or maybe any sales or like new inventory you want to share with folks?
George Costa
For sure. We do have a tying class for cicadas coming up on March 30th with one of our guys, Caleb here. He's an excellent tire.
So if you want to learn how to tie some cicada patterns, check out the website for that class. On March 30, we've got all our beginners classes. I've still got some spots left for them throughout the spring.
We've got some specialty nymphing classes and dry fight classes that all that stuff is listed for all of our shops on the website. And yeah, I mean, if you're looking to do it on the water class, now is definitely the time of year to book because these classes do sell out fast.
Marvin Cash
Yeah, there you go. And you know, folks, we love questions on the articulate fly. We didn't get one this time and it made George sad and we don't like that. Right, George?
George Costa
Sad.
Marvin Cash
But at least you're going to go to Belize, so it all works out. Happy, happy. So you know, folks, you can email me questions, you can DM me on social media, whatever is easiest for you.
And if we use your question, I will send you some articulate fly swag when you're drawing for some cool stuff at the end of the season from the shop. And you know, as I always say, folks, if it's warm enough where you are to get out and fish, you should do that.
If it's still cold where you are, I would encourage you to tie flies. If you're close to a fly fishing show. I think Lancaster is not this weekend, but next weekend. Check out a, you know, check out a fly fishing show.
There are lots of other smaller regional shows all around the country. Check those out. But as I always say, folks, tight lines, tight lines. George, take it easy, Mark.
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