S8, Ep 4: Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa
Episode Overview
In this first Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report of 2026 on The Articulate Fly podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with George Costa for a winter conditions update across the region's premier trout waters. George breaks down the technical nymphing and streamer tactics that are producing fish in low, clear flows as cold temperatures settle into central Pennsylvania. With snow in the forecast and a significant cold snap ahead, George covers current conditions on the Juniata River, Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek, explaining why the J is fishing at seasonal flows with good color while Spring, Penns and Fishing Creek remain challenging with low, clear water. The conversation reveals where trout are concentrating in deeper pools, how to adjust presentations for winter conditions and what anglers should expect over the coming weeks. George also previews upcoming winter fly tying classes at TCO shops and the Edison Fly Fishing Show, making this episode essential listening for Pennsylvania anglers planning their winter outings or looking to sharpen their skills indoors.
Key Takeaways
- How to adjust nymphing presentations for low, clear winter water by keeping bugs down deep and moving them slowly through concentrated holding areas.
- Why the Juniata River is currently the best bet for Pennsylvania winter trout fishing with seasonal flows and good color compared to other regional waters.
- When to use streamers in winter conditions by fishing them low and slow rather than with aggressive retrieves.
- How technical winter fishing requires proper layering and thermal gear to stay comfortable during long sessions in deeper pools where fish are holding.
Techniques & Gear Covered
The primary techniques discussed are technical winter nymphing and low-slow streamer fishing tailored to challenging low-clear water conditions. George emphasizes getting nymphs down deep into the pools where trout concentrate during cold weather, maintaining slow drifts that match the fish's lethargic winter metabolism. Streamers are producing when fished deep and slow rather than stripped aggressively, with George noting his recent success moving decent fish on this approach. The conversation touches on the importance of proper winter layering—thermals, multiple sock layers and cold-weather gear—to fish effectively during extended nymphing sessions in frigid conditions.
Locations & Species
This report covers central Pennsylvania's top trout fisheries including the Juniata River (locally called "the J"), Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek. The Juniata is fishing at seasonal flows with good color, making it the standout winter destination, while Spring Creek and Fishing Creek remain low and clear, requiring more technical approaches. Winter trout are holding in deeper pools across all waters as temperatures drop and snow moves into the region. The low-clear conditions make these Pennsylvania limestone and freestone streams more challenging but rewarding for anglers who dial in proper depth and presentation.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
What are current water conditions on central Pennsylvania trout streams in early January 2026?
The Juniata River has seasonal flows and good color, making it the best current option. Spring Creek and Fishing Creek remain low and clear, requiring more technical presentations. A cold snap with snow is forecast, which will push water temperatures down and concentrate trout in deeper holding water.
What techniques work best for winter trout fishing in low, clear water?
Technical nymphing is the primary approach, focusing on getting flies deep into pools where fish concentrate and moving them slowly through the drift. Streamers can also produce when fished low and slow rather than stripped aggressively. Dry fly opportunities will be minimal over the coming weeks.
Where should anglers focus when fishing central Pennsylvania waters in winter conditions?
Concentrate on deeper pools where trout hold during cold weather. With low, clear water, fish are less distributed and more concentrated in prime lies. The Juniata's better flows and color make it easier to approach fish compared to the ultra-clear conditions on Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek.
How should anglers prepare for fishing in upcoming winter conditions?
Layering is critical—wear thermals, multiple socks and proper cold-weather gear to stay comfortable during technical nymphing sessions. With temperatures dropping into the low range and snow forecast, proper preparation allows you to fish effectively when presentations require patience and extended time on the water.
Related Content
S6, Ep 138 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa
S7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George Costa
S7, Ep 36 - Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 30 - Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop
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Hey, folks, it's Marvin Cash, the host of The Articulate Fly.We're back with the first Central Pennsylvania Fishing Report of 2026 with the man himself, George Costa. George, how are you?
George CostaI am amazing as always. Marvin, how are you?
Marvin CashAnd as always, I'm just trying to stay out of trouble. Was baby New Year good to you this year?
George CostaYeah, it was fine. You know, we had, we had a great time. It's, it's the new year, it's the new season coming up, so the usual shenanigans and the usual fun.
Marvin CashWell, there you go. And speaking of usual shenanigans, your weather is going to have you up to the usual winter shenanigans, right?
George CostaIndeed it is. It is supposed to get chilly this week. We got a little bit of snow forecast for the next few days. Nothing really big accumulation wise.Maybe an inch, inch and a half is what they're calling for. You know, some warmer temps. I think Saturday supposed to get up to the 40s.And then we got a big chill down coming over the weekend into early next week. So it's going to be cold. So wear your layers, wear your socks and wear your thermals and, and nymph and. Exactly. And don't expect many dry flies.Nymphing is really going to be where we're going to, what we're going to be seeing for the next, you know, few weeks here. Streamers have been moving some fish here and there if you can keep them down low and move them slow.We moved some decent fish this past week on some streamers, so that'll work.But you know, the water's still on the low, clear side for pretty much everything, you know, J, the J is actually about seasonal, so the J's got good flows and good color. But spring pens, fishing creek all remain pretty low and pretty clear.So it's been a little, little tougher, more technical fishing winter time, getting those bugs down, you know, keeping them slow in the deeper pools. That's really where the fish have been concentrated.
Marvin CashYeah, sounds like you're throwing out that maybe you should go fly tying vibe.
George CostaThat's not the worst idea I've ever heard. That or the tropics and pina coladas.
Marvin CashWhich is a great segue into what's going on in the shop from a sales class perspective and then also know give you an opportunity to pimp some of your Bahamian fishing trips.
George CostaOh, I got nothing to pimp. You got to get on the wait list for those these days that's coming up. And I'm I'm booked up for a couple of years on all my trips.But yeah, reach out if you ever want to get on one of those saltwater trips with me. We do have a bunch of classes still on the schedule. We've got our winter class with Frank Landis in Sam Gault coming up this Sunday.There might be one spot left. If you get on hear this before Sunday and you want to get in on that class. I think one spot just opened up on that.We got a bunch of really good tying classes here in State College and all the other TCO shops have a lot of really good classes for the winter.So great time of year to sign up for a class, learn some new tying techniques, learn some new patterns to learn some new stuff to get you ready for the season. Other than that, you just start typical sales. We've got lots of sales going on right now.Check out the sale page, stop in the shops and, you know, get ready for those fly fishing shows because we got the Edison show coming up here in just a couple of weeks. So if you're in the northeast and you've never been to the Edison show, stop by. It's a really cool show.Great things to see, great things to do, great things to learn, A lot of cool destination things there to check out. Yeah, just a normal wintertime fun.
Marvin CashYeah, absolutely. And I'll see you in Edison. And I'm actually teaching a class on Friday morning and I'm giving a presentation on Saturday, so I'm going to heckle you.Yeah, you should. And if any of my adoring fans want to actually meet the articulate fly in the flesh, ping me.Probably the best thing to do is either email me or DM me on Instagram and catch up. I'll give you some stickers and all that kind of good stuff.
George CostaLove that. For you.
Marvin CashYeah, absolutely. And, you know, it's kind of funny your book's so deep in your trips. That must be why your nickname's Mr. Warmth.
George CostaI've never heard that before, but I'll take it.
Marvin CashYou'll take it?
George CostaI like it.
Marvin CashIt's actually Don Rickles. It's actually Don Rickles old nickname.
George CostaThat's right, it is. I like that. All right. Comparing me to Don Rickles now. It's great.
Marvin CashIt's all good. Equal opportunity. It's all good stuff. Well, listen, folks, as I always say, maybe it's not time to go out and catch fish.Maybe it's time to get your favorite brown liquor or craft beer and sit at your vice and tie and watch a little football, watch a little basketball, something like that. But it's a little bit late. But this is the first one of the year. I wish everybody a happy New Year. Happy New Year, George.
George CostaHappy New Year, Marv.
