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

EPISODE SUMMARY

Guest: George Costa - Shop Representative at TCO Fly Shop (State College, Pennsylvania)

In this episode: TCO expert George Costa shares summer fishing strategies for Central Pennsylvania streams as cicada season winds down. Topics include transitioning from cicada patterns to terrestrials, temperature management for summer fishing and timing considerations for seasonal hatches.

Key fishing techniques covered:

• Cicada pattern fishing post-hatch
• Terrestrial fishing with beetles and ants
• Greeny weenie presentations
• Early morning and late evening timing strategies
• Streamer fishing in low light conditions

Location focus: Central Pennsylvania streams including Penns Creek and Juniata River

Target species: Wild trout and stocked trout

Equipment discussed: Cicada patterns, terrestrial flies (beetles, ants), greeny weenies, streamer patterns

Key questions answered:

• How to fish cicada patterns after the hatch ends
• When to check water temperatures in summer
• Best timing for terrestrial fishing strategies
• Early morning and late evening fishing approaches
• Streamer fishing techniques for summer conditions

Best for: Intermediate anglers interested in Central PA summer fishing strategies, seasonal transition techniques and temperature-conscious fishing methods

Marvin Cash00:00:00

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 Costa00:00:12

I'm amazing as always. Marvin, how are you?

Marvin Cash00:00:14

And as always, I'm just trying to stay out of trouble. And looks like you cooled off since the last time we spoke, but you've had some rain. How are your levels and how's the fishing?

George Costa00:00:23

Levels have been steady. We're approaching our seasonal. Most of the streams are just a little above our seasonal levels. We've had those storms come through.So the water will bump up and it'll bump down pretty quick. Adds a little color, adds a little flow. So temps have kind of leveled off a little bit the past week, which is nice.We're still seeing some warmer temps as we get into the afternoon, so definitely that time of year to start temping the water, you know, early to mid afternoon. Some of the streams, like pens in the J have definitely begin up into the high 60s, so check the temps if you're out there on the water.And as far as the fishing goes, our cicadas are pretty much all gone.Haven't really seen any in the past couple days where fish are still eating to patterns and they probably will continue to do so for the next week or so. So still fish those cicada patterns. Plenty of fish are going to come up and still grab them.They're so used to eating them for the past month that they want to get all the last morsels they can get. Dry fly action. Outside of that, there's been some K hills around tros are getting pretty close to starting.Haven't really had any good reports of them starting yet, but I expect that to be pretty much any day. So that'll add some nice summertime early morning fishing in. And terrestrials are definitely working really well right now.Beetles, ants, things like that. Craz greeny weenies. Of course, all our summertime staples here in Central PA have been working best.Morning bite has definitely been best and in the evenings we're seeing a couple of small caddis around. So the fishing is, you know, typical central Pennsylvania summertime fishing.We're, you know, in that mode of just, you know, fish early, fish late, get out when you can and go catch a couple.

Marvin Cash00:01:52

Yeah. And so with your slightly elevated water, is that making the, the streamer bite kind of a good thing for low light situations?

George Costa00:01:59

Yeah, early and late are definitely going to be best for the streamer bite. Right. Early morning Late night. That's going to be when you're really going to get the fish to, you know, react more to it.Off color water, bright sunny summer dams sit bright sunny summer days. Definitely not the best time to throw a streamer. But give it a shot. If you get some fish chasing, you know it's going to be good.If you're throwing a streamer for 20, 30 minutes and you're not getting any feedback, probably time to put on a couple, couple of nymphs.

Marvin Cash00:02:27

Yeah, there you go. And we didn't get a question this time, which makes George sad.So folks, send us your questions because you can't get swag and you can't win the drawing. Right?

George Costa00:02:36

Right on.

Marvin Cash00:02:36

Yeah. And we've got to keep you caffeinated, right? So we gotta keep you happy.

George Costa00:02:40

That's true, it's true.

Marvin Cash00:02:42

So anything interesting going on in terms of classes, guided trip opportunities, destination travel, summer sales, anything cool like that you wanna share with folks?

George Costa00:02:51

Yeah, for sure. We got a couple of really good summer classes coming up. Caleb is gonna be doing a smallmouth bass class here.He's an outstanding tire that is slated for next weekend.So if anybody's in town and wants to learn how to tie some really good summertime smallmouth patterns, be a great opportunity to come in and learn from a fantastic tire we have here in Central pa. Other stores are doing some really cool classes. So check out the website for what we've got going on. All our full classes will probably be up and posted within the next few weeks.For full classes and travel if anybody wants to go to the Bahamas. I got two spots left for my Bahamas trip to Andros next year. So give me a shout here at the shop and we can give you the details on that.Outside of that, just the usual stuff. All our sales stuff's on our website. Check out our website tco fly fishing.com and we'll see you here at the shop.

Marvin Cash00:03:38

Well, there you go. And so where are you gonna guys gonna stay when you go fish?

George Costa00:03:41

Andros, South Andros Lodge.

Marvin Cash00:03:44

Very, very cool. And yeah, before I let you hop, you want to let folks know location, shop hours and all that cool stuff?

George Costa00:03:50

Absolutely. We're here at 2030 East College Avenue and State College.Our shop hours here are 9 to Saturday, 9 to 3 on Sunday and all of our other stores have similar hours. So check us out online@tcofly fishing.com and we'll see you soon.

Marvin Cash00:04:05

Yeah. Well there you go. Well folks, as I always say, this time of year, first of all, stay cool. But get out there and catch a few tight lines, everybody.Tight lines, George.

George Costa00:04:13

Take it easy, Marvin.