S8, Ep 27: The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania Smallmouth
Episode Overview
This fly fishing podcast episode launches the inaugural Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly, featuring host Marvin Cash and Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides. The episode arrives at a pivotal moment in the Pennsylvania smallmouth spawn cycle, with an unseasonably volatile spring — swings from the upper 50s to the 70s in water temperature within days — compressing what is normally a methodical, staggered spawn into a chaotic quest to pattern pre-spawn fish. On the Juniata and Susquehanna, Shumaker reports catching spawned-out females alongside buck males, signaling that the first wave has already completed, while subsequent waves are just arriving. The conversation covers responsible angler strategy during the spawn, where to focus presentations to avoid disturbing bedding fish and how low flows on the tributaries have pushed fishing pressure onto the main river. Shumaker also previews his summer guide calendar, highlighting July through September as prime topwater and streamer season, and teases a planned trip with Bob Clouser to target peacock bass in Florida.
Key Takeaways
- How volatile spring water temperatures — from the upper 50s to the low 70s within days — compress the smallmouth spawn and make it more difficult to pattern pre-spawn fish on Pennsylvania rivers
- Why concentrating presentations on mid-river structure rather than bank edges is the most effective and responsible strategy when spawning activity is underway
- How to identify when you've stumbled into bedding fish — landing several fish in quick succession from the same bank zone is the signal to back off
- When swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs, produce in mixed-bag pre-spawn and spawn-transition conditions on the Susquehanna system
- Why Pennsylvania tributary flows have been too shallow for float trips since mid-April, making main-stem Susquehanna and Juniata fishing the primary option this spring
- When to plan a guided Pennsylvania smallmouth trip with Shumaker: July through September for topwater popping bug fishing, with streamer and crayfish options throughout
Techniques & Gear Covered
Shumaker's current approach to the spawn-transition period centers on streamer-style patterns — swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs — chosen for their ability to produce across a wide range of water temperatures and fish behavior stages. The mixed-bag nature of the conditions (cold-water days followed immediately by warm-water days) makes pattern commitment difficult, and Shumaker acknowledges the fish have been hard to lock into a single presentation. For summer bookings, he highlights popping bugs and topwater flies as the primary draw from July through September, with streamers and crayfish patterns rounding out the arsenal.
Locations & Species
The primary fishery covered is the Susquehanna River and Juniata River system in central Pennsylvania, with additional context on the region's smaller tributaries, which have been unfishable by raft since approximately mid-April due to low water. The target species is smallmouth bass, with Shumaker noting a split population dynamic: first-wave fish (spawned-out females and smaller buck males) already post-spawn, and subsequent waves still staging or actively on beds. Water temperatures have swung dramatically this spring — from the upper 50s approaching 60°F to the low 70s within a single week — creating an unusually compressed and difficult-to-pattern spawn window across the Susquehanna drainage.
FAQ / Key Questions Answered
How do you tell if you're fishing over spawning smallmouth on beds rather than pre-spawn fish?
Shumaker's rule of thumb is location and catch rate: pre-spawn fish are still staging out in the current and mid-river structure, while fish on beds are in the shallower water along the banks and edges. If you're casting toward the bank and catching multiple fish in quick succession from the same area, you're almost certainly into bedding fish — the responsible move is to back off immediately.
What fly patterns are working for pre-spawn and spawn-transition smallmouth on the Susquehanna system?
Shumaker has been rotating through swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs during the transition period. He notes the fish have been difficult to pattern because water temperatures have swung significantly day to day, so he's fishing a mixed approach rather than committing to a single presentation.
Why are Pennsylvania smallmouth tributaries unfishable this spring?
Low water has been the dominant story on the tributaries since roughly the second week of April. Despite brief bumps from rain events, levels drop back almost immediately. Shumaker notes that floating his raft requires getting out and dragging the boat 10 to 15 times per trip — making the main-stem Susquehanna and Juniata the practical choice for guided float fishing.
When is the best time to book a guided Pennsylvania smallmouth trip with Captain Shumaker?
Shumaker has openings in July, August and September, with a few days remaining in October. He identifies July through September as prime time for topwater popping bug fishing — in addition to streamers and crayfish patterns — while October offers cooler conditions for anglers who prefer that style of fishing.
How has this spring's weather affected the Pennsylvania smallmouth spawn?
An extended stretch of unseasonably warm temperatures — including 90-degree air temps — spiked water temperatures into the 70s accelerating the typical methodical, staged spawn and making consistent patterning of pre-spawn fish very difficult.
Related Content
S8, Ep 23 – Low Water Chronicles: Matt Reilly on Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts
S7, Ep 33 – Nut Jobs and Chimichangas: A PA Smallmouth Update with Brendan Ruch
S7, Ep 36 – Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop
S1, Ep 97 – All Things Smallmouth with Mike Schultz
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In this inaugural Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker — a central Pennsylvania guide operating on the Juniata River and Susquehanna River — for a timely spring conditions update. With erratic weather swinging water temperatures from the upper 50s into the 70s, Brian describes an accelerated spawn with difficult to pattern pre-spawn fish. He covers responsible targeting strategies for anglers during the spawn — specifically why staying off the banks and concentrating presentations in mid-river current is critical for avoiding fish on beds — and discusses the flies producing in these unpredictable conditions, including swim flies, Deceivers and Half-and-Halfs. Brian also previews upcoming guide dates, highlights his planned peacock bass trip to Florida with Bob Clouser and gives listeners all the information they need to get on his books for summer topwater and streamer fishing on these central Pennsylvania waters.
EPISODE SUMMARY
Guest: Captain Brian Shumaker - Fly Fishing Guide at Susquehanna River Guide Service (Central Pennsylvania)
In this episode: Guide Captain Brian Shumaker delivers the inaugural Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report, sharing current spring spawn conditions and responsible fishing strategies for the Juniata River and Susquehanna River. Topics include erratic water temperature swings and their impact on spawn timing, how to differentiate pre-spawn from bedded fish and avoid disrupting the spawn, and fly selection strategies when fish are difficult to pattern.
Key fishing techniques covered:
- Swim fly presentations for pre-spawn smallmouth in mid-river current
- Deceiver and Half-and-Half streamer fishing during mixed spawn-phase conditions
- Topwater fishing with popping bugs for summer smallmouth
- Streamer and crayfish fly fishing for post-spawn and summer fish
- Mid-river presentation strategy to avoid targeting bedded fish
Location focus: Juniata River, Susquehanna River, central Pennsylvania tributary systems
Target species: Smallmouth bass (pre-spawn, post-spawn)
Equipment discussed: Swim flies, Deceivers, Half-and-Halfs, popping bugs, crayfish flies, streamers
Key questions answered:
- How is unpredictable spring weather affecting the Pennsylvania smallmouth spawn?
- How do you tell the difference between pre-spawn and bedded smallmouth bass?
- What is the most responsible way to fish during the smallmouth spawn?
- What flies are working on the Juniata and Susquehanna during the spring smallmouth season?
Best for: Beginner to intermediate anglers interested in spring smallmouth bass fly fishing strategies, spawn timing, and ethical angling practices during the spawn
FULL TRANSCRIPT:
Marvin Cash
Hey folks, it's Marvin Cash, the host of The Articulate Fly. And we're here for the inaugural Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report with Captain Brian Shumaker. Brian, how are you?
Brian Shumaker
I'm doing well, Marvin, how are you?
Marvin Cash
As always, I'm just trying to stay out of trouble. And we were comparing notes before we started recording. And you've got the same nutty weather up, up where you are that I have down here.What's it doing to the smallmouth?
Brian Shumaker
I don't think that they're not making up their mind yet. I'll be honest with you. We started out last week, we were in the upper 50s for water temperature approaching 60.And then we got this little bit of heat wave. We had 90 degree air temperatures and it jacked the temperature up into 70s.So these fish don't know whether they're coming or going, to be honest with you.
Marvin Cash
Yeah. And so what does that kind of translate to? Because I know like it's messed up.You know, this has been true since like March, depending on where you are, south to north. It's been messing up the pre spawn and everything. You know, what's going on, you know, exactly. Kind of on the J and the Susquehanna.
Brian Shumaker
On the J in the Susquehanna, our first wave of fish that come in, they've spawned already because we're catching some spawned out females already. So the first wave has already spawned and we're catching a lot of what I call buck males, the smaller guys. So yeah, our first wave is spawned.So these fish now we're going to deal with respawn and post spawn about all the same time here. I think it's all coming that way.
Marvin Cash
Yeah. And so, you know, I know too, people have had trouble patterning the pre spawn guys, you know, kind of. Any tips there and kind of.What are you doing on kind of on the tackle side?
Brian Shumaker
Well, on the tackle side, I mean, you know, we've been fishing swim flies, we've been fishing deceivers, we've been fishing half and halves, stuff like that. It's, it's kind of we're getting a mixed bag is what we're doing.Because like I said, you go one day and you got cold water and the next day you got warm water. So it's, it's been a little hard to pattern these fish, to be honest with you.
Marvin Cash
Got it. And so, you know, obviously these fish don't spawn all at one time.So you know, you know, for folks that are getting out there, you know, you've got, you know, fish on beds, you've got fish that aren't on beds yet.You know, what's the kind of, the best, kind of most responsible way for anglers to kind of target the pre spawn guys and leave the guys on the beds alone?
Brian Shumaker
Well, don't be, don't be casting towards the banks. If you're, if you're fishing, stay away from the banks.Fish the mid river stuff because you're going to have your, your pre spawn fish are still going to be out in the middle. The ones that are on beds are, they're going to be in the shallower water along the edges or along the banks.So try to keep your fishing concentrated more towards the middle. If you start throwing towards the bank and you start whacking fish like a few in quick succession, you pretty much know they're on the beds.Just back off of them.
Marvin Cash
Got it. And you were telling me too that you've got the same kind of water troubles we have down here that you can't even float the tributaries now.
Brian Shumaker
Right, right. Our tributaries, it seems like we'll get a rain, we'll get a little bump up for maybe a day or two and they fall right back down.So right now, I mean this, this spring we have, we fished the tributaries early in March or I'm sorry, late March, but since I'm going to say about the second week of April, it's pretty much gotten too shallow that, that I can't even run a raft down through without having to get out 10 or 15 times and dragging. So it makes it tough.
Marvin Cash
That is the opposite of a fun day. Right.
Brian Shumaker
Well, the guys, the guys in the boat, they don't seem mine or the raft, but it's the guy that's got to get out of the raft that isn't enjoyable. Yeah, that's me.
Marvin Cash
Yeah. And particularly too like if you're not waitered up, that water's probably still pretty cold, right?
Brian Shumaker
Oh, it is. I mean I wear, I always wore half waders, you know, and I'll jump in there and still my legs get chilly. Them guys are happy.They're looking at the, oh, this tree's blooming or look at this bird or whatever. I'm out there pulling and pulling and pulling. So yeah, they're having a good time.
Marvin Cash
Yeah. Well, for the record, I feel guilty when that happens, so I try not to do that. And you know folks, we love questions on the articulate fly.You can email me or DM me on social media, whatever's easiest for you. And if we use your question, I will send you some articulate fly and butcher shop stickers.And we are drawing for something cool from Brian at the end of the season.We haven't quite decided on what that's going to be, but we're going to do the Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report just like we do all of our other fishing reports.And you know, Brian, before I let you go, you want to let folks kind of know, you know, what dates you have available, how to get on the guidebooks, you know, if you happen to be, you know, giving any smallmouth talks around PA that folks can check out all that kind of good stuff.
Brian Shumaker
So right now to get on the books with me, you're going to be looking July. I have openings in July, August and September and a couple days in October yet.
Marvin Cash
When it's cooler, right?
Brian Shumaker
Yeah, when it's cooler, sure. But, you know, so July, August and September is good. Popping bug top water fishing.Of course, we'll fish streamers and crayfish, but if you're looking to. You want to throw some poppers and stuff, that's a good time to do it.
Marvin Cash
Absolutely. And you were telling me before you start recording that you're actually going to get down in June to go spend some time with Bob.
Brian Shumaker
Yeah, I'm going to get to go down with. With Bob Clouser and in Florida. And we're going to go har some peacock bass, as I haven't caught one yet and I'm looking forward to doing that.
Marvin Cash
Well, that's super awesome. Well, you want to let folks know kind of website, phone number, email, all that kind of good stuff so they can reach out.
Brian Shumaker
Yeah. Phone number is 717-574-5338. Feel free to shoot me a text. Email is susqriverguide@gmail.com and that's.That's the two easiest ways to get a hold of me.
Marvin Cash
Yeah, absolutely. Got it. Yeah. And I will drop all that stuff in the show notes and I'll also go through and you know, I know you're on Instagram.I'll drop that stuff in for you too.
Brian Shumaker
All right, Sounds good, Marvin.
Marvin Cash
Awesome. Well, listen, folks, show it to yourself to get out there and catch a few tight lines, everybody. Tight lines, Brian.
Brian Shumaker
Tight line. Smart.
Guide | Hosted Travel
Brian Shumaker is the owner of Susquehanna River Guides, specializing in fly-fishing for smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna River that runs through Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Susquehanna River is a fertile limestone river and home to one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the East. This majestic river is rich in food, with rock ledges and wide shallow riffles laden with nymphs, crayfish and other foods. This environment ensures prolific hatches and rapid growth rates and holds the promise of thrilling smallmouth fishing!
Brian’s love of fishing started at an early age, encouraged by his father. After years of exploring the fascinating island-studded river, Brian started Susquehanna River Guides in 1993 as a way to share his love of the river and fly fishing with others. Today, clients from every reach of the U.S. and as far away as Canada travel to Central Pennsylvania to discover the thrill of fly fishing for smallmouth bass.
Off the river, Brian is active with various organizations, including Smallmouth Alliance and Trout Unlimited, and has been a guest speaker for many local and regional organizations. Publications such as Fly Fish America have covered Susquehanna River Guides, as well as regional newspapers and publications.
