S7, Ep 99: Winter's Approach: Matt Reilly's Tips for Catching Musky in Low Water

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly fishing podcast for this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing, where he breaks down late fall musky fishing tactics on the New River during challenging low water conditions. Matt shares essential techniques for clear water musky fishing, including stealth approaches with long casts, downsizing presentations and speed retrieval strategies that trigger strikes even when fish are boat-shy.

The episode also delivers valuable technical guidance on intermediate fly line selection, explaining why 25-30 foot intermediate tips outperform full intermediate lines when fishing current seams and eddies in swift river systems like the New River. Matt details how floating running lines allow better line management and hook sets compared to full sinking lines that create problematic bellies in varying currents. Anglers fishing both rivers and lakes will gain actionable insights on matching line systems to water conditions, with specific recommendations for streamer fishing in Southwest Virginia's premier smallmouth bass and musky waters as the season transitions into winter.

To learn more about Matt, check out our full length interview.

Related Content

S6, Ep 146 - Musky Mysteries: Winter Tactics and Fly Tying Tips with Matt Reilly

S7, Ep 12 - Cold Water Chronicles: Insights on Musky Fishing and Streamer Techniques with Matt Reilly

S7, Ep 1 - Winter Fly Tying and Pre-Spawn Tips with Matt Reilly

S6, Ep 142 - Winter Musky Adventures and Streamer Tactics with Ellis Ward

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