Loading...
Loading...

This fly fishing podcast field report features George Costa of TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, delivering the latest Central PA fishing conditions as spring hatches hit full stride. Recorded in mid-to-late April, the report captures a dynamic moment in the season — warm temperatures pushing hatches early, water levels running slightly below seasonal norms and sulphurs poised to come online within a week to ten days. George covers active hatches across Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek, including grannom caddis, Hendricksons, blue quills and olives. Nymphing has been the consistent producer, while afternoon dry fly windows have been excellent when hatches align. Water conditions are described as fishable and near-seasonal, with a weekend cooldown and potential precipitation on the way. George also touches on shop news, including two upcoming summer fishing tournaments — the All Fins In Tournament in June and the Bass Thumb Tournament targeting smallmouth on the Juniata and Susquehanna — along with guide and introductory class availability heading into the peak spring season.
The report emphasizes two primary approaches: opportunistic dry fly fishing during the afternoon hatch window and nymphing as the consistent baseline producer across all major Central PA limestone streams. George notes that multiple hatches are overlapping — grannom caddis, Hendricksons, blue quills and olives — which rewards anglers who can read the hatch and match accordingly. No specific fly patterns, rigs or gear brands are called out by name in this report, keeping the advice hatch- and timing-focused rather than gear-prescriptive.
Central Pennsylvania's limestone spring creeks are the focus of this report, with Spring Creek, Penns Creek and Fishing Creek named explicitly as primary destinations. The Juniata River and Susquehanna River receive a brief mention in the context of the summer Bass Thumb Tournament, pointing toward smallmouth bass as a warm-weather target species in the region. Wild trout on classic limestone spring creeks are the primary focus for the current spring season, with conditions described as slightly low but fishing well. A projected cooldown and potential precipitation over the upcoming weekend could modestly improve flows and extend the spring hatch window before summer conditions set in.
Multiple hatches are active and fishing well across the region's major limestone streams. Grannom caddis are still going strong on Penns Creek, Fishing Creek and other waters, while Hendricksons, blue quills and olives are also present. The most productive window has been late morning through early afternoon, with evening dries running slower than peak.
George Costa projects sulphurs will begin within the next week to ten days based on last year's timing, making this a critical transition moment for anglers planning spring trips to Penns Creek and the surrounding fisheries.
Nymphing has been consistently producing across all major Central PA streams regardless of hatch activity. When the dry fly window is slow — particularly in the evenings — nymphing with standard spring patterns has been the reliable fallback.
Water levels are described as slightly below seasonal norms but still very fishable. A weekend cooldown and possible precipitation may help nudge flows back toward ideal, without posing any significant blowout risk.
S8, Ep 4: Chilly Waters and Crafty Flies: A New Year Fishing Report with George Costa
S7, Ep 36: Central PA Fishing Report with George Costa of TCO Fly Shop
S7, Ep 57: Cicada Mania: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa
S6, Ep 48: Rain or Shine: Central PA's Fishing Report with TCO Fly Shop
S6, Ep 118: Central PA Fall Fishing Report: George Costa's Tips and Tactics
Follow TCO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Follow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.
Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.
Shop through our Amazon link to support the podcast.
Join our Patreon community to support the show.
If you are in the industry and need help getting unstuck, learn more about our consulting options.
Subscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.
Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
No transcript available for this episode.

The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly

The Articulate Fly