Join Marvin Cash and Matt Reilly on The Articulate Fly for a fresh Southwest Virginia Fishing Report, where seasonal transitions are the name of the game. As Marvin and Matt discuss the winding down of musky season and the revving up of smallmouth action, they delve into the telltale signs that nature provides to signal these changes. With recent warm spells pushing water temperatures up, Matt shares his insights on when muskies get spawning on their minds and the strategic shift to smallmouth for more consistent catches.
As they pivot to pre-spawn smallmouth tactics, Matt breaks down the two steps forward, one step back progression of spring fishing. He highlights the importance of understanding the fish's instinct-driven feeding patterns as they bulk up for the energy-intensive spawning period. Matt's expertise shines as he discusses the significance of habitat, the timing of bites and the selection of flies—from bottom-dwelling crayfish imitations to mid-column baitfish patterns.
Listeners will benefit from Matt's detailed explanation on how to adjust fly choices and tactics based on the feedback from the fish, emphasizing the need for significant changes in presentation rather than minor fly swaps. In response to a listener's question, Matt provides a masterclass on his fly change progression strategy, stressing the importance of having a variety of tools for different situations.
As the episode wraps up, Matt offers a glimpse into his availability for guiding through the seasons, from the remaining opportunities for smallmouth adventures to the advance booking for next season's musky hunts.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this episode is loaded with valuable insights to enhance your approach to fishing in the dynamic spring season. So, grab your gear, note the patterns and let's cast into the warming waters. Tight lines!
To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview.
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S6, Ep 53: On the Water: Dustin White on Early Hatches and Dive Bar Delights
S6, Ep 52: Tailwater Tactics: Ellis Ward on Navigating Sulphur Hatches and Stained Waters
S6, Ep 51: The Ruch Report: Brendan Ruch on Post-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies
S6, Ep 50: Beyond the Forecast: Mac Brown's Guide to Fishing in Fickle Conditions
S6, Ep 49: Crafting Precision: Morten Valeur and the Evolution of Ahrex Hooks
S6, Ep 48: Rain or Shine: Central PA's Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 47: From Chilled Streams to Chilling at Frank's: Dustin White's Guide to Early Spring in Wyoming
S6, Ep 46: Ellis Ward's East Tennessee Euphoria: Dry Flies and Midge Magic
S6, Ep 45: Matt Reilly's Post-Spawn Smallmouth Strategies and Topwater Tips
S6, Ep 44: Perfecting the Cast with Mac Brown's Masterclass Insights
S6, Ep 43: PJ Smith Unravels the Driftless Mysteries
S6, Ep 42: Ellis Ward's Tailwater Tactics and Temperature Tantrums
S6, Ep 41: Smallmouth Secrets and Streamer Savvy with Brendan Ruch
S6, Ep 40: High Waters and Hatch Hopes with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 39: Mac Brown's High Country Hideaways and Warm Water Wisdom
S6, Ep 38: Shoal Bass Shenanigans and Fly Tying Philosophies with Georgia's Fletcher Sams
S6, Ep 37: Streamer Secrets and Dry Fly Dreams with East Tennessee's Ellis Ward
S6, Ep 36: Mac Brown's Spring Hatch Hacks and Windy Day Tactics
S6, Ep 35: George Costa's Easter Treats and Stream Beats in State College
S6, Ep 34: Stories of Lee Wulff with Jack Dennis
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