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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