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Send us Fan MailJoin Alex Rutledge and Redbone on American Roots Outdoors as they welcome Missouri Conservation Agent Brad Hadley and Wise Eye Technologies CEO Harold Monk. Brad breaks down Missouri's hunting history from the first 1944 deer season to today's declining hunter recruitment, and debunks a viral fake MDC news release about fining drivers for hitting deer. Harold shares Wise Eye's latest trail camera innovations, including AI-powered picture filtering and the game-changing DC2 camera. The show wraps with a bonus segment on Cajun cooking — gumbo, roux, andouille sausage, and the perfect way to feed a hunting camp.Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewOn this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for an early fall conditions update as the smallmouth bite makes its seasonal shift from bugs to streamers. With surface temperatures dropping into the 60s ahead of an incoming rainy, cooler pattern, Shumaker explains why the region's smallmouth bass are moving off the shallow flats and staging in deeper pockets, and why the topwater bite has effectively shut down for now. The conversation centers on the tactical adjustments that come with this shoulder season transition: downsizing from a size 2 to a size 4 streamer, swapping an intermediate line for a floating line and nine-foot leader to slow the fly's descent, and building in a deliberate pause that triggers strikes. Shumaker also walks through proper streamer hook set mechanics, contrasting the trout set most anglers default to with the strip strike his smallmouth program demands, and explains how holding the rod at roughly a 45-degree angle off to the side keeps steady pressure on a hooked fish through the fight, which matters even more if barbless hooks are in play. Looking ahead, he outlines what an Indian summer warm-up could mean for a brief return of topwater action layered on top of an already dominant streamer bite.Key TakeawaysHow to adjust streamer size and line choice as Pennsylvania smallmouth water temperatures drop into the fall shoulder season, downsizing to a size 4 streamer on a floating line and nine-foot leader for a slower presentation.Why building in deliberate pauses on the retrieve is critical to triggering strikes from bass that have shifted from a topwater bite to a slower, subsurface streamer bite.When to expect the smallmouth bite to shift decisively from topwater bugs to streamers as surface temperatures fall through the 60s and days shorten.How to execute a proper strip strike and why to hold the rod low and to the side at roughly a 45-degree angle to keep steady pressure on a hooked smallmouth through the fight.Why fishing barbless hooks requires maintaining constant line tension, since any slack lets a head shaking fish work the fly loose.When an Indian summer warm-up could bring bugs back into play alongside an already established streamer bite for the final weeks of the season.Techniques & Gear CoveredShumaker's fall program centers on downsizing streamers, dropping from a size 2 Clouser-style pattern to a size 4, fished on a floating line with a nine-foot leader instead of his usual intermediate setup to slow the fly's descent through the water column. The technique hinges on incorporating deliberate pauses into the retrieve. On the hook set, Shumaker teaches a strip strike with the rod held low, correcting anglers who default to a trout-style upward set that fails to bury the hook. Once a fish is on, he recommends fighting it with the rod at roughly a 45-degree angle off to the side rather than straight up, which keeps steady pressure on the fish and helps prevent it from throwing the hook, especially with barbless hooks that rely on tension rather than a barb to stay pinned. He also touches on a topwater approach for warmer stretches, working poppers slowly with a pop-and-dead-drift retrieve rather than constant motion.Locations & SpeciesThis Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report covers Captain Brian Shumaker's central Pennsylvania guide waters as they move through the early fall shoulder season. Surface temperatures have dropped into the 60s and are trending lower behind an incoming rainy, cooler weather pattern, pushing bass out of the shallows and into deeper pockets and slower moving water. The bug activity that defined the summer topwater bite has shut down with the falling temperatures, leaving streamers as the dominant presentation, though Shumaker notes that a stretch of Indian summer in the high 70s to low 80s could bring a brief return of topwater action.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhen does Pennsylvania smallmouth fishing shift from a topwater bite to a streamer bite in the fall?The shift happens as surface water temperatures drop through the 70s into the 60s and the days grow noticeably shorter. Bug activity falls off as the weather cools, and smallmouth bass move out of the shallows into deeper pockets, making streamers the dominant and most productive presentation. A stretch of Indian summer with highs in the 70s or low 80s can bring a temporary return of topwater action alongside the streamer bite.What streamer size and line setup works best for Pennsylvania smallmouth during the fall transition?Downsizing is key: Shumaker moves from a size 2 to a size 4 Clouser-style streamer. Rather than his usual intermediate line, he fishes a floating line with a nine-foot leader, which produces a slower fly descent that better matches the fish's mood. Deliberate pauses on the retrieve, rather than a steady retrieve, are what typically draw the strike.How do you properly set the hook on a smallmouth bass streamer strike?Shumaker teaches a strip strike rather than the upward trout set many anglers default to, keeping the rod tip low through the hook set. He notes that trout-style sets fail to drive the hook home on a streamer eat, and that switching to a proper strip strike immediately improves hookup rates for anglers used to trout tactics.What rod angle should you use after hooking a smallmouth on a streamer?After the strip strike, Shumaker recommends bringing the rod to roughly a 45-degree angle off to the side rather than straight up, keeping it between high and low as the fight develops. This keeps steady pressure on the fish and lets the rod absorb the fight, reducing the chance the fish throws the hook, particularly when it jumps or turns toward the boat.Why does fishing barbless hooks change how you fight a smallmouth bass?With the barb pinched down, any slack in the line lets a head shaking fish work the fly loose, so Shumaker emphasizes keeping constant pressure on the fish throughout the fight rather than giving it any give. He pinches barbs both for angler safety and to reduce harm to the fish, but that choice makes disciplined rod angle and steady tension especially important for keeping fish buttoned up.Related ContentS8, Ep 39 - High Water Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth InsightsS8, Ep 34 - Frog Patterns and Fishing Strategies: Brian Shumaker's Late Spring Smallmouth ReportS8, Ep 31 - Chasing Smallmouth: Brian Shumaker's Adaptations for Unpredictable Spring WeatherS8, Ep 27 - The Pre-Spawn Puzzle: Captain Brian Shumaker's Tips for Pennsylvania SmallmouthView all Pennsylvania Smallmouth Reports with Brian ShumakerConnect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand?
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston tells us why fall is a great time for panfishing. Joe Opager senior Director of Communications talks about the changes for the Toyota series and BFL Major League Tournaments for 2027. Charlie Evans is encouraging us to attend the Bass World Championship at the end of the month.
Sometimes you just have a week where everything finally clicks.Joshua and Caleb start this episode with a little life update coving things like; watching your first kid get a driver's permit, playing a whole lot of golf, and taking the family to the Biltmore Championship. Then the conversation takes a hard turn toward something they've been chasing for the better part of four years: smallmouth euphoria.After years of figuring out rivers, studying water, missing fish, getting skunked, finding put-ins and take-outs, and generally wondering if they were ever going to actually figure out smallmouth, something finally clicked. September brought a week of catching a ridiculous number of fish, and with it came the realization that maybe, just maybe, they've finally cracked the code.Joshua and Caleb talk about what it took to get there, the hilarious learning curve of figuring out where to launch and where to get off the river, the lessons they've learned along the way, and what it's like when all that time and effort finally turns into the kind of fishing you've been dreaming about.It's a little parenting, a little golf, a little family life, and a whole lot of smallmouth.Come see us this weekend at the Rise Fly Fishing Festival. Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/
Send us Fan MailThis week on American Roots Outdoors, Alex Rutledge sits down with legendary whitetail hunter Spook Spann — a man with 22 Boone & Crockett bucks over 200 inches taken with a bow, and a hunting career spanning from Canada to Mexico. Spook shares the mental preparation and visualization techniques he learned as an athlete that translate directly to archery success, the incredible story of his greatest hunt (a 230-inch Kansas buck stalked at six yards), and surviving a helicopter crash while sheep hunting in Kyrgyzstan. Plus, conservation agent Brad Hadley joins to break down Missouri hunting regulations and the dangers of relying on AI for legal advice. The bonus segment features Spook and Marty's favorite venison recipes and the story of his latest mule deer kill. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just love a great outdoor story, this episode is packed with passion, faith, and dedication.Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewOn this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for a late summer update on the New River system. After weeks of stable weather, low water and daytime highs in the mid-80s to 90s have kept conditions consistent, though Reilly notes this year's annual cicada hatch has behaved differently than usual, peaking early and sporadically rather than settling into the typical seasonal pattern.Reilly explains that smallmouth bass are already showing the classic fall pattern of podding up into large schools, a shift that normally shows up later in September but appears to be arriving early this year. He walks through how to approach a pod of schooled-up bass methodically, since dense concentrations of fish create pockets of empty water elsewhere on the river, along with the double-edged nature of that competition: podded up fish can be more aggressive toward a fly, but spooking one can shut down an entire pod at once.Key TakeawaysHow to approach a school of podded up smallmouth bass methodically, since dense pods leave stretches of otherwise good habitat empty of fish.Why competition within a schooled group of bass can make fish more aggressive toward a fly, while also raising the risk that spooking one fish shuts down the entire pod.When to expect New River smallmouth to shift into fall schooling behavior.Why an inconsistent cicada hatch reduces how tightly smallmouth key on bank-oriented bug lies, pushing more fish toward mid-river holding water instead.When to plan a Southwest Virginia musky trip, since the season starts from early-to-mid November and runs into February on the New River system.Techniques & Gear CoveredReilly describes sight fishing low, clear New River water for smallmouth bass keyed on terrestrial activity, using a patient, methodical approach to cover water and locate schooled-up fish rather than blind casting likely spots. He details how a pod of bass concentrated around structure like a submerged log can produce competitive feeding, where fish race each other to a fly, but also how the same concentration means a single spooked fish can put the whole group down.Locations & SpeciesThe report centers on the New River system in Southwest Virginia, where low, warm late summer flows and consistent sunny weather have shaped both bug fishing for smallmouth bass and the approach to schooled-up fish. Smallmouth bass are the primary target discussed, with musky emerging as the seasonal focus starting in November. Reilly frames the current window as a seasonal hinge point, where the first hard frost or a tropical system moving through between early September and October could reshape both water levels and the terrestrial bite.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow is the cicada hatch behaving differently on the New River this year?Reilly describes this year's annual cicada emergence as weaker and earlier than typical, with the main foraging event peaking two to three weeks ahead of the typical seasonal window. Since that early spike, cicada activity along the river has been inconsistent, giving this season's bug fishing a different rhythm than prior years even though overall fishing has remained good.Why are Southwest Virginia smallmouth bass podded up into schools earlier than usual?Reilly attributes the early schooling behavior to a combination of low water and the natural shortening of days. Fish that normally hold in consistent individual summer spots are already grouping into pods of several to more than a dozen bass, a pattern he typically doesn't see until a little later in the season.How should anglers approach a pod of schooled-up smallmouth bass?Reilly recommends staying patient and methodical, since a large concentration of fish in one spot means there will be stretches of otherwise good looking water with no fish present. He also cautions that competition among schooled bass can make them more likely to strike, but that spooking a single fish in a tightly packed group can put the entire pod down at once.When does musky season start on the New River, and how far out is Reilly already booking?Reilly expects to shift his focus fully to musky fishing by early-to-mid November, with the season running through February. As of this recording, he is already booked through roughly November 9th, underscoring how far in advance anglers should plan a musky trip.What could disrupt the current stable fishing pattern before fall fully sets in?Reilly points to two wildcards: a hurricane or tropical system passing through between early September and October that could dramatically change water levels, and the first hard frost, which effectively ends the terrestrial-driven bug bite and signals the true seasonal turn toward musky fishing.Related ContentS8, Ep 61 - Smallmouth Chronicles: Matt Reilly's Secrets to Success in SW VirginiaS8, Ep 63 - Seasonal Shifts: Brian Shumaker's Smallmouth Strategies for Late SummerS8, Ep 64 - Streamer Strategies: Ellis Ward's Late Day Fishing Tips for East TennesseeView all Southwest Virginia Fishing Reports with Matt ReillyConnect with Our GuestFollow Matt on Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
Jake Villwock of Relentless Fly Fishing offers a jam-packed crash course in the best lures, flies, and techniques for river smallies — right now. This episode is brought to you by Bob Rich Books. Hosted by executive gear editor Scott Einsmann. Guest is Jake Villwock / Relentless Fly Fishing. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Data could change how Missouri manages its best smallmouth creeks. → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get show notes and stories in our NEWSLETTER Ryan Walker is back for part two, and this time the conversation goes deep on conservation. For five years Ryan has been quietly logging every fish, every location, every date, building a citizen science dataset compelling enough to bring before Missouri's regs committee. He breaks down why current limits are too loose, why the spawn closure Missouri implemented is brilliant, and what he'd change tomorrow if given the keys to MDC. Whether you're 22 or 52, if you love these Ozark rivers, you need to understand what's at stake — and what one person with a notebook can actually do about it. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – 40 Years on the James River 5:00 – The Role of James River Basin Partnership 7:00 – Are Ozark Smallmouth Populations Actually Declining? 8:30 – What Citizen Science Actually Looks Like 13:00 – Why Ryan Hates Missouri's Current Smallmouth Regulations 16:00 – How to Approach MDC with Data 21:00 – The Keys to MDC Reg Changes 24:00 – Stream bank restoration What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston and I discuss fishing lure color. Tony Forte President of U S Angling tells us about the upcoming World Bass Championship. Mike Iaconelli talks about retirement from the Bassmaster Elite Series and what's in the future for him!
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone kick off a special multi-part Archery Talk series as bow season opens across the Ozarks. This week: tuning fixed-blade broadheads, matching arrows and vanes, picking the right bow and getting properly fit, releases vs. finger shooting, trail camera scouting tips, and a practice routine to make you a more accurate shot. Plus current events — MDC's CWD landowner meetings, Chiefs and college football previews, and Friday Night Lights recaps — local event roundups (Mammoth Springs Car Show, Revival on the Current River), and a bonus recipe segment to close out the show.Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
This week, YouTuber Sam Panko makes terrible footwear decisions and macro-influences some bronzebacks into the top of the funnel, we decide not to provoke Karens for video views and vow to never tie a uni-knot in braid again, roll the dice on baby snakes after our mom forced us to go to the trout park, and display no fear in the karate-bass summer camp dojo.
Elite Series pro, Evan Kung joins Day 4 after setting the heavyweight record for smallmouth bass in the Bassmaster Elite Series on the St. Lawrence River. Frank and Evan talk about how to target the biggest smallmouth in your fishery and what it takes to catch a true trophy. LURENETUse code BTL25 at checkout at lurenet.com and get 15% off regular priced items:https://www.lurenet.com/TRAILER WATCHDOGWant to get a Trailer Watchdog system for your boat trailer and turn any trailer into a smart trailer? Use code BTL25 at checkout:https://trailerwatchdog.com/
The best smallmouth guide in the Ozarks (voted on by YOU) just gave away his entire summer playbook (recorded from a raft on the river). → Join other Ozarkers in our Patreon - The Holler → Get weekly updates, show notes, and stories in our NEWSLETTER Ryan Walker joins the guys mid-float on the James River for one of the most practical fishing episodes the show has ever done. From how to read braided water and find that magic 10% of the river that holds fish in August heat, to the counterintuitive topwater tip that changes everything, Ryan hands you a summer smallmouth framework you can use the very next time you hit the creek. Whether you're floating with a kid, learning fly fishing for the first time, or a seasoned angler who can't crack the late-summer code, this one's worth bookmarking before your next trip. Together with... Vortex Optics - Industry leader in scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars Poncho Outdoors - Outfitting the modern outdoorsman (claim $10 off) Ember Shoals Outdoor Resort - Just steps from World-Class Trout Waters 0:00 – The Ozarks' Best Smallmouth Guide 3:00 – What's Changed in the last 2 seasons 7:00 – Summer Water Conditions 10:00 – How to Find the 10% 15:30 – Early Morning Top Water 20:00 – The Afternoon Popper Surprise 23:00 – Top Water Mistakes 32:00 – Braided Water Is Your Best Friend in Summer 36:00 – Book a trip with Ryan What is The Ozark Podcast? In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker. Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett, and our producer is Daniel Matthews Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston and I discuss fall fishing. Brian Brosdahl talks fall walleye, pike and perch fishing in northern Minnesota. Trey McKinney TMK tells us about his AOY win, Bassmaster Elite 2026 Angler of the Year!!!
We are headed to Marinette, Wisconsin to chase some trophy smallmouth! The Kayak Adventure Series continues with Bronze Quest! We are definitely hitting the river to focus on Smallmouth in one of the best fisheries in the country.So how do we prepare for a trip like this?Let's plan it LIVE!On this episode, we are checking the eligible waters and finding our launch spots. Then we are selecting our rods, reels and tackle. Then we are picking the right kayak for the job.This should be a fun one!Check out our Review Website: www.outdoorgearnerds.comT-SHIRTS and DECALS: aggressivelyaverageanglers.myshopify.comBurly Fishing Content:Follow BurlyFishing: https://www.youtube.com/@aaanglersInstagram: instagram.com/aaanglersFacebook: facebook.com/burlyfishingTik Tok:tiktok.com/@aaanglers
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone kick off the season with Alex's tried-and-true food plot prep — soil testing, pH, timing your planting around rain, and the fertilizer tricks that make Eagle Seed blends explode. Along the way: Cardinals/Royals/Chiefs talk, local fishing tournament results, the Mammoth Springs Car Show, big changes to Missouri deer hunting regulations, Friday Night Lights previews, and a bonus segment with Alex's smoked deer rib and pulled pork recipes. Brought to you by Eagle Seed, Wiseye Trail Cameras, 12 Point Hunting Blinds, Hornady Ammunition, and Spandau Firearms.Chapter markers added:Intro: Food Plot Fertilizer TipsShow Kickoff & Pop's Event NewsSports Talk: Cardinals, Royals & ChiefsFishing Tournaments & Car ShowPrepping Farms & Soil pH for Food PlotsPlanting, Fertilizing & Liquid Fertilizer TipsEagle Seed, Wiseye Cameras & Friday Night LightsMissouri Hunting Regulation ChangesBonus Segment: Deer Ribs & RecipesClosing Thoughts & Outro SongMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston and I talk about how amazing many fisheries just seem to continue to get better. Caleb Hudson wins ROY in the Bassmaster Elites listen to how he got that done. Evan Kung wins the last of the season Bassmaster Elites on the St Lawrence River. He's going to tell us how he got that done.
Episode OverviewCaptain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides returns to The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast for another Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report, breaking down how a fresh round of heavy late summer rain has muddied the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers and reshaped smallmouth positioning heading into Labor Day. Shumaker explains how localized thunderstorm tracks determine which branch of the Susquehanna blows out and which stays clean, meaning anglers who understand the West Branch/North Branch dynamic on the Susquehanna and the Juniata Valley's own storm patterns can often salvage half a river rather than write off an entire day. He details a mud line strategy for fishing the boundary between clear and discolored water and lays out when to stick with "bug" patterns tight to clear banks versus when to switch to intermediate lines and streamers in colors like black-and-purple or chartreuse-and-orange once water clarity drops off. As rising but still fishable flows push Susquehanna smallmouth tighter onto mid-river structure such as grass beds, islands and rock ledges, Shumaker also covers how those fish use discolored water the same way they use shade or cover, sitting in the murk to ambush prey. On the seasonal side, he notes that a lack of an early hard frost could extend the region's topwater bite into the back half of September.Key TakeawaysHow to read localized thunderstorm tracks to figure out which branch of the Susquehanna will blow out and which stays fishableWhy smallmouth bass hold in muddy or discolored water as an ambush point the same way they use shade or grass coverWhen to switch from "bug" fishing tight to clear banks over to streamer fishing once you move more than about five feet into discolored waterHow rising but still fishable Susquehanna flows push smallmouth bass tighter onto mid-river structure like grass beds, islands and rock ledgesWhy the lack of an early hard frost can extend Pennsylvania's topwater bite into late SeptemberHow to pick streamer colors like black-and-purple or chartreuse-and-orange with intermediate lines for muddy high water smallmouth fishingTechniques & Gear CoveredShumaker walks through a mud line approach that targets the seam between clear and discolored water where smallmouth bass concentrate during high flows alongside a two-track presentation strategy that pairs "bug" patterns fished tight to clear banks with streamer fishing once anglers move into muddier water. For the streamer side, he favors intermediate lines paired with baitfish-style patterns in black-and-purple or chartreuse-and-orange color combinations chosen for visibility in reduced-clarity conditions. He also touches on the difference between fishing wide island-studded water like the Susquehanna, where rising flows push bass onto mid-river grass beds, islands and rock ledges rather than tight to the bank, and smaller water where high flows more directly push fish toward bank structure.Locations & SpeciesThe report centers on the Susquehanna River, where the confluence of the West Branch and the North Branch determines which side of the river runs clean after localized storms, along with the Juniata River and its own Juniata Valley watershed. Target species is smallmouth bass, with Shumaker describing how rising but still fishable flows concentrate fish tighter onto mid-river grass beds, islands and rock ledges rather than spreading them out as they would be in normal lower water. Seasonally, the report is set in late summer heading into Labor Day, with Shumaker noting that, barring an early hard frost, the topwater bite could last into the back half of September.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does thunderstorm track affect fishing conditions on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers?Shumaker explains that because the Susquehanna is fed by a West Branch and a North Branch, storms tracking from the west without moving north will muddy the West Branch and roughly half the river while the North Branch-fed side stays clear. A similar pattern plays out on the Juniata and the two systems meet near Duncannon, so anglers can often find fishable water somewhere even after heavy rain.Why do smallmouth bass hold in muddy or discolored water during high flows?Shumaker notes that bass treat discolored water the same way they treat shade or grass cover using it as an ambush point where they can sit unseen and dart out to grab prey that swims by even though the fish cannot see the same distance in dirty water that they could in clear conditions.When should anglers switch from "bug" fishing to streamers in high water?According to Shumaker, visibility along the banks typically holds for about one to five feet before the water turns too dirty, so anglers can still fish bug patterns tight to the bank and in the shade. Once they move beyond that clear margin into discolored water, he recommends switching to intermediate lines and streamers since fish cannot see a surface bug's silhouette well in reduced clarity.How does rising water change where Susquehanna smallmouth position themselves?Shumaker explains that on a wide river system like the Susquehanna, rising but still fishable flows push smallmouth bass tighter onto mid-river structure such as grass beds, islands and rock ledges.Why might a late hard frost extend Pennsylvania's smallmouth topwater activity into late September and beyond?Shumaker says that, without an early hard frost, the region's damsel activity and flying ant hatch, both of which are already good in the July-through-August window, could keep producing solid topwater opportunities into the second half of September rather than tapering off as usual.Related ContentS8, Ep 59 - Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report: Captain Brian Shumaker's Late Summer StrategiesS8, Ep 56 - Topwater Tactics: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth ReportS8, Ep 52 - Hot Days and Night Bites: Brian Shumaker's Guide to Pennsylvania Smallmouth FishingS8, Ep 43 - Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania ReportView all Pennsylvania Smallmouth Reports with Brian ShumakerConnect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone kick things off with car-show stories from the Tri-Five Nationals and a look at the NFL preseason before welcoming turkey-hunting legend Eddie Salter, calling in from the hospital while supporting his wife Julie. Eddie shares decades of food-plot wisdom — soil testing, seed blends, and keeping deer from getting spooked off your property — plus the story behind his 18-year bow camp fundraiser for his church. The show wraps with a bonus segment of Eddie's smoked deer meat and grilled pizza recipes.Chapters added:0:00 Cold Open: Food Plot Tips & Eagle Seed1:17 Show Intro1:30 Tri-Five Nationals Car Show Story5:13 NFL Preseason & Local Fishing Tournaments8:40 Teasing Eddie Salter Interview9:50 Eddie Salter Joins: Food Plot Basics15:56 Eddie Salter's Bow Camp Fundraiser20:18 Bow Camp Deer Management & Scouting Tips28:24 Soil Testing & Food Plot Fertilizing Advice38:23 Show Wrap-Up & Sign-Off39:22 Bonus Segment: Eddie Salter's RecipesBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Ryan Teach Vice President of Product Innovation talks about St. Croix's salt water offerings. Jim Crowley tells us about his fall fishing trips coming up soon. Bryan Schmitt tells us how he got the win on lake Champlain in New York last week. He was fishing the Bassmaster Elite tournament.
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and co-host Mike Race sit down with Brad Doyle of Eagle Seed to break down everything you need to know about getting your food plots ready for fall — soil testing, crop rotation, battling johnsongrass, and Eagle Seed's brand-new Fieldcraft blend built for 2,4-D spraying. Plus fishing tournament results, an NFL/MLB check-in, a Ted Nugent conservation story from the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, and a bonus segment on cooking wild game with a pellet grill.0:00 – Intro & Theme Song1:01 – Show Open & Current Events9:04 – Food Plot Interview with Brad Doyle – Part 118:18 – Food Plot Interview with Brad Doyle – Part 235:35 – Show Wrap-Up36:35 – Bonus Segment: Cooking Wild Game43:09 – Outro SongLink for Transcript:https://www.buzzsprout.com/680042/19681320-food-plotting-secrets-with-brad-doyle-from-eagle-seed/transcriptMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewWhat happens to a Southwest Virginia smallmouth fishery when storm after storm rolls through a watershed for weeks on end? On this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide and writer Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for a late-summer update on a region caught in a relentless rain pattern, with flash floods dumping 6 to 7 inches of rain in an hour on parts of the watershed while the New River holds up comparatively well thanks to its lake-fed flows. Reilly breaks down how he reads clarity river by river and tributary by tributary rather than trusting a single gauge, and why the New River's roughly 95 percent lake-water makeup gives him options even when stream flow numbers spike. The conversation moves into an unusual bright spot for the fishery: several years of strong smallmouth recruitment have produced an abundance of 0 to 3 year old fish in the 11 to 12 inch range, but a noticeable gap in the 12 to 15 inch numbers class, meaning bigger streamers and bugs are drawing pecks from undersized fish rather than solid hookups on true numbers fish. Reilly and Cash also look ahead to the seasonal transition bearing down on the region, with smallmouth season winding down over the next month to six weeks, musky bookings already filling for November and December and striper season deposits coming in for the spring run. It is a practical, conditions-first snapshot for anglers planning a Southwest Virginia trip around shifting water and a fishery in transition.Key TakeawaysHow to read water clarity on a tributary-by-tributary basis rather than trusting a single regional gauge when a watershed is hit by scattered stormsWhy the New River's largely lake-fed flow gives anglers a clarity advantage over tributary-driven systems even when overall stream flow spikesWhy an unusually strong multi-year smallmouth spawn has created a numbers gap, with plenty of small fish but fewer 12 to 15 inch bass than normalWhen to expect the seasonal shift from smallmouth to musky in Southwest VirginiaWhy booking musky, striper and smallmouth trips well in advance matters as Reilly's calendar fills a year or more outTechniques & Gear CoveredReilly's late-summer program currently leans on moving-water tactics suited to diminished clarity and elevated flows, including streamer fishing and aggressive topwater presentations on cloudy, rainy days. He notes that with the current numbers-class gap, fishing bigger streamers and bugs sized for mature smallmouth is producing more short pecks from undersized fish than solid hookups. On the highest-water days, Reilly will fish well past the flow range most anglers consider viable, targeting mid-river slack water and bank structure where fish concentrate once flows push two to three times normal CFS.Locations & SpeciesThe report centers on the New River in Southwest Virginia, where smallmouth bass are the primary late-summer target and the New's largely lake-fed flow gives the system a clarity edge over tributary-driven waters even during heavy rain events. Conditions have been shaped by a stretch of intense, localized storms moving through the Johnson City to Wytheville corridor, producing everything from blown-out tributary water to sections holding good clarity on the same day. Reilly also flags the upcoming seasonal shift, with musky fishing picking up through the New River system from November into winter and a spring striper run drawing early bookings as smallmouth season winds down.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow do you find fishable water on the New River during a heavy rain pattern?Reilly watches radar and tributary-specific conditions rather than treating the watershed as one system, since some tributaries blow out quickly while the main New River can stay comparatively clear. Because roughly 95 percent of the New River's flow originates from lake water upstream, the system tends to hold clarity better than more tributary-fed rivers even when overall stream flow numbers rise sharply.Why are anglers getting short strikes on big smallmouth flies right now?Several consecutive years of strong spawning success have filled the river with 0 to 3 year old smallmouth in the 11 to 12 inch range, while the 12 to 15 inch numbers class that anglers normally target with bigger flies is thin this year. The result is a lot of pecks and grabs from fish too small to get the hook, since standard bigger-fly tactics are sized for the missing age class rather than the abundant younger fish.How high is too high to fish the New River with flies?Reilly will fish flows well beyond what most anglers consider viable, including stretches at two to three times the typical CFS range for good fishing, though success rates can drop noticeably at those extremes. At very high flows the fish concentrate into mid-river slack water and bank structure, which can still produce opportunities if anglers focus their presentations there.When does Southwest Virginia transition from smallmouth to musky season?Reilly expects a fairly abrupt seasonal shift over the next month to six weeks as smallmouth fishing wraps up and musky season ramps into November and December. His musky calendar is already booking well into the winter months, alongside early deposits for the following spring's striper run.Related ContentS8, Ep 54 - Weathering the Storm: Matt Reilly on Adapting to Summer Fishing ConditionsS8, Ep 46 - Low Water, Big Bugs: Matt Reilly's Southwest Virginia Fishing UpdateS8, Ep 59 - Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report: Captain Brian Shumaker's Late Summer StrategiesView all Southwest Virginia Fishing Reports with Matt ReillyConnect with Our GuestFollow Matt on Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? 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Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston and I talk about getting into tournament fishing. Bobby Dennis from HeadHunter talks about the urchin bait craze. Justin Lucas tells us how he won 125,000.00 on Lake Erie.
On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on Ewing Minor after another huge Susquehanna River victory to break down exactly how he approached one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the country—and how changing water, heavy fishing pressure, ultra-shallow bass, and one critical adjustment nearly turned his tournament upside down before helping him win it.Ewing is putting together an incredible season, including winning the Tennessee Bass Nation AOY, leading the Bassmaster Kayak Series AOY race at the time of our conversation, earning his second national victory, and stacking up roughly seven wins this season.But this episode isn't just about winning.It's a masterclass in Susquehanna River smallmouth fishing and tournament decision-making.Ewing breaks down why topwater fishing is so important on the Susquehanna, how he attacks grass islands, shade lines and ridiculously shallow water, and why he pays almost as much attention to OTHER ANGLERS as he does to the fish.Day Two is where things get really interesting.After catching a 19-inch smallmouth minutes into the morning, Ewing thought he was about to crush them.Instead, the bite disappeared.He found himself fishing behind other competitors, missing bites and watching his tournament begin to unravel.That's when he went into SEARCH MODE.Ewing Minor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ewing_minor/ Ewing Minor Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009161149401 Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHtGreen Top: https://www.greentop.com/ Support the show
Send us Fan MailHost Alex Rutledge sits down with Harold Monk Sr., Daryl Monk, and Cole Eggemeyer of Wise Eye Technologies for a wide-ranging conversation covering the origin story of the family-run trail camera company — from a rundown warehouse to an old church to a growing 30-employee operation. They dig into the No Glow and DC2 camera lines, ranch/property monitoring uses, setup tips and camera placement strategy, plus current events (the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Cardinals, and high school football season). The crew also recaps a smallmouth fishing trip on the Current River and trades fried fish and fish fry recipes to close out the show.Chapters:0:00 Intro (No Glow Camera & Eagle Seed ads)Show Open & Current EventsMonk Family History & Fishing RecapCamera Tips & The Monk Story ContinuesFavorite Cameras & Camera Setup TipsRecipes & Wrap-UpClosing ThemeMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewOn this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a mid-August conditions update on the Susquehanna River system in Central Pennsylvania. After a heavy rain event pushed the river up, Shumaker reports flows are now falling and clarity is returning, with roughly two feet of visibility on the edges and more color still out in the main current. That in-between water dictates a two-tier approach: anglers can still pound the banks with poppers where visibility holds, but need to switch to bigger, darker streamers with more flash as they move off the bank into stained water. Shumaker breaks down how he is fishing Half and Half and Clouser Minnow patterns in size two and one, in chartreuse-yellow with gold flash, black-and-olive and olive-and-orange combinations, all still fished on an intermediate line. He also covers how the return of some color has let him tighten up casting distances compared to the ultra-clear, low-water conditions from before the rain, when 40-foot+ casts were often required to avoid spooking fish. Looking ahead, Shumaker outlines open guide dates in late September and October before he heads to Texas for redfish in November.Key TakeawaysHow falling, stained water after heavy rain changes streamer color and profile choices for Susquehanna smallmouthWhy topwater poppers still produce along the bank edges even when the main current carries reduced visibilityWhen to size up to bigger, darker streamers with added flash as anglers move off the bank into off-color waterHow stained, elevated water allows for shorter, more comfortable casts compared to low, clear pre-rain conditionsWhen to book a fall smallmouth trip with Susquehanna River Guides as the guide calendar opens up in September and OctoberTechniques & Gear CoveredShumaker splits his approach along a visibility gradient: poppers worked tight to the bank where a foot and a half or so of clarity remains, and streamers as anglers move out into the murkier main current. His streamer program centers on Half and Half and Clouser Minnow patterns in size two and one, favoring darker, flashier color combinations in stained water, including chartreuse-yellow with gold flash, black-and-olive and olive-and-orange. All of these are fished on an intermediate line rather than a heavier sinking option, even as fly size and color shift with conditions. On the presentation side, he notes that reduced water clarity has shortened the casting distance needed to reach productive water, a contrast to the 40-foot+ casts required during the low, gin-clear conditions before the rain.Locations & SpeciesThis report covers the Susquehanna River system in Central Pennsylvania, where Captain Brian Shumaker guides for smallmouth bass out of Susquehanna River Guides. Conditions are transitional: the river is dropping and clearing after a heavy rain event, moving from a bony, low-water late-summer pattern toward a fresh bump with a couple of feet of edge visibility.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does falling, stained water after heavy rain change smallmouth fly selection on the Susquehanna?Brian Shumaker sizes up to bigger, darker streamers with more flash as visibility drops moving off the bank, favoring Half and Half and Clouser Minnow patterns in size two and one. Color choices lean toward chartreuse and chartreuse-yellow with gold flash, or black-and-olive and olive-and-orange combinations that show up well in off-color water.When should anglers fish topwater poppers versus switch to streamers in low-visibility conditions?Poppers still work tight along the bank, where roughly a foot and a half of visibility typically remains even in stained water. As anglers move out five feet or more from the bank and lose that visibility, Shumaker shifts to streamers, then moves back to a full topwater program once the river fully clears.How does water clarity affect casting distance for Susquehanna smallmouth?During the low, gin-clear conditions before the recent rain, Shumaker often needed anglers to make consistent 40-foot+ casts to reach fish without spooking them. With some color back in the water, he can now position anglers closer to productive water, making the cast easier without sacrificing effectiveness.What fly line does Brian Shumaker use for streamer fishing in these conditions?Shumaker fishes his streamer program on an intermediate line rather than a more aggressive sinking option, keeping the same line even as he adjusts fly size and color for changing water clarity.When is Brian Shumaker's guide calendar open for fall smallmouth trips?Shumaker has open dates in late September and more availability through October before heading to Texas in November to chase redfish. Anglers can reach him by phone or text or through the Susquehanna River Guides website to book a fall trip.Allen Rupp's East Tennessee Tying ClassesOn August 21st and 22nd, Allen is teaching three schools at Tailwaters Fly Company in Bluff City, Tennessee.Friday, August 21, 5:30-7:30 PM: Dave's NearNuff Sculpin SchoolSaturday, August 22, 9:00-11:00 AM: Dave's NearNuff Crayfish SchoolSaturday, August 22, 3:00-5:00 PM: Whitlock's Bass Bug SchoolDon't forget to use ARTICULATEFLY at check out!Related ContentS8, Ep 56 - Topwater Tactics: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth ReportS8, Ep 52 - Hot Days and Night Bites: Brian Shumaker's Guide to Pennsylvania Smallmouth FishingS8, Ep 44 - The Legacy of Classic Flies: Allen Rupp's Insights on Timeless PatternsS8, Ep 43 - Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania ReportConnect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston talks about pattern fishing and why it's so important. Mike Norris gives us a central Wisconsin fishing update. Zack Birge wins the Bass Pro Tour AOY title and 125,000.00 he talks about his amazing season.
This episode was originally published on August 6th, 2021. This week my guest is Colby Trow [38:08] of Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, one of the best smallmouth bass anglers I know. Colby talks about successful techniques in catching these critters in late summer, when they can be harder to catch than earlier in the season. The good news is that it's one of the best times to catch them on a surface fly like a popper or hair bug, which is always the most fun. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: A listener who makes the point that it's quicker to land trout on light tippets with a Euro rod. Can I fish carp flies with an indicator? Are treble hooks more harmful than single point barbless hooks? What do I do when trout take my hopper patterns deep? Should I leave the fly in them? I have trouble catching smallmouths in clear water. Any suggestions? Where do you store your leader between fishing trips? A tip from Sam, fishing manager at Orvis Houston, on catching redfish in dirty water. What are the advantages and disadvantages in using a pedestal vise as opposed to a C-clamp? How do I choose which size hair stacker to use? How can I fish size 18-22 nymphs in four feet of fast water? A suggestion for using 7 1/2-foot leaders in small streams in the Driftless Region. Can I put a 7-weight sinking line on my 5-weight rod? If I am catching trout in small mountain streams where the water is cold enough, do I need to worry about them moving downstream into warmer temperatures after I release them? How many phone calls and questions do you get per week? When I switch from Euro nymphing to my regular trout rod, I keep breaking off fish. Is this normal?
On this episode of Fishing the DMV, I sit down with Robert of River Rock Baits. We talk tubes and about natural forage, and what really gets pressured bass to bite. If you fish the Shenandoah River, Susquehanna River, Juniata River, Potomac River, James River, or other Mid-Atlantic rivers, this conversation is packed with information that can help you better understand smallmouth behavior and bait selection.One of Robert's most interesting theories is what he calls the “95/5” approach to smallmouth fishing. He believes that much of the time, especially on pressured water, anglers aren't simply putting a bait in front of an actively feeding fish—they're provoking or enticing the strike. That leads into a detailed discussion about why size, color, presentation, scent, and especially soft-plastic texture can matter when targeting river smallmouth that have already seen plenty of fishing pressure.We also break down why tube fishing remains so effective for smallmouth bass decades after the technique became popular. Robert explains how River Rock Baits hand-dips its tubes, why he believes that process creates a different texture and action than many molded soft plastics, and how matching the hatch influences everything from bait size to color selection. We discuss common brown crayfish in the Shenandoah Valley, seasonal crawfish color changes, gobies, minnows, madtoms and stonecats, along with colors such as Amber Smash, Dark Erie Green, Goby and Red Swamp Craw.The conversation also gets into seasonal smallmouth patterns. When cold water reduces the availability of crayfish, Robert explains why baitfish can become increasingly important around Susquehanna River wintering areas and why an extremely slow-moving minnow presentation can produce cold-water bites. We also compare Susquehanna and Shenandoah smallmouth, discuss the importance of local knowledge, and look at how experienced river anglers have helped Robert develop baits for specific fisheries from Pennsylvania and Virginia to larger northern smallmouth waters.In this episode, we cover:• Why Robert believes many smallmouth strikes are provoked rather than feeding bites • Why tubes remain one of the best baits for river smallmouth bass • Size, color, scent, presentation and texture for pressured smallmouth • Matching crayfish and baitfish forage throughout the seasons • Susquehanna River vs. Shenandoah River smallmouth fishing • Hand-dipped tubes vs. molded soft plastics and why texture matters • Stonecat/madtom, goby and crawfish imitations for river bass • Winter smallmouth fishing and ultra-slow baitfish presentationsPlease support Fishing the DMV on Patreon!!! https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Flint Financial Planning: https://www.flintfinancialplanning.com/ FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHtSupport the show
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone are live from K-Country 95 in Thayer, Missouri for a packed episode of American Roots Outdoors. In Segment 1, they cover local current events: King of the River tournament results, Cardinals and Royals baseball frustrations, high school football Jamboree prep, and a big conversation about Missouri potentially losing both its NFL teams. Segment 2 dives deep into strategies for locating mature bucks — food sources, water holes, Wiseye camera networks, glassing, and tapping local farmers for intel. Segment 3 covers pre-season preparations: food plot management, soil pH, no-till drilling, mineral sites, and getting your 12 Point Hunting Blinds placed early. Segment 4 wraps with Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame news (Tommy Garner & Ted Nugent), rifle practice tips using Hornady ammo, ethical shot placement, and archery prep. The bonus segment features Redbone's weekend BBQ smoker adventure and the Cave City Watermelon Festival. Powered by Wise Eye Technologies, Eagle Seed, 12 Point Hunting Blinds, Spandau Arms, and Hornady Ammunition.Chapter markers added (24 total) and ♪ symbols placed before and after each music segment:♪ Show Intro – 1:35Show Open & Segment 1: Current Events – 1:50King of the River Fishing Tournament Results – 3:18Cardinals & Royals Baseball Talk – 4:54High School Football & Local Sports – 6:51Missouri's Losing Its Pro Football Teams – 8:25♪ Break 1 – 10:52Segment 2: How to Find Mature Bucks – 11:46Food & Water Sources for Deer – 12:26Scouting Techniques: Cameras, Glassing & Locals – 14:15♪ Break 2 – 18:54Segment 3: Deer Season Preparations – 19:43Food Plot Management: Mowing, Spraying & Soil pH – 21:0712 Point Hunting Blinds: Placement & Setup – 23:15Using Wiseye Cameras to Pattern Bucks – 25:07Deer Hunting Ethics & Property Respect – 28:07♪ Break 3 – 29:01Segment 4: Rifle Prep, Legends Hall of Fame & Closing – 29:47Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame: Tommy Garner & Ted Nugent – 30:52Rifle Practice & Hunting Prep with Hornady Ammo – 33:31Bullet Placement & Harvesting Tips – 36:00Bonus Segment: BBQ Recipes & Cave City Watermelon Festival – 39:24River Masters Elite Series Tournament Preview – 45:45♪ Show Outro – 47:19Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you listen to this week's podcast. Dan Johnston kicks off with talking about power fishing vs finesse fishing. Jay Garstecki founder and president of Take A Vet fishing and Operation Healing Heroes gives us an update on what's going on there. Hayden Marbut just won the BASS Nation Championship on Lake Champlain. He talks about how he got it done!
Wynn Varble has written some of the most iconic songs in country music for Brad Paisley, Garth Brooks, and Easton Corbin—and he brought the stories behind them to God's Country. Wynn joins Reid and Dan to share how he and Darryl Worley wrote “Have You Forgotten?” in just 90 minutes, the story behind Brad Paisley's “Waitin' on a Woman,” and the lessons he learned while trying to make it as a Nashville songwriter. They also talk about Wynn's years as Darryl Worley's roommate, catching six-pound smallmouth on Tennessee's Duck River, surviving an unexpected Asian carp attack, and why the best country songs come from real life. Plus, Wynn performs the unreleased “Nashville Tears” and closes the episode with “Waitin' on a Woman”—a song Reid calls one of the greatest country songs ever written. Subscribe to God's Country for more conversations where country music, songwriting, hunting, fishing, faith and the outdoors all come together. #WynnVarble #GodsCountryPodcast #CountryMusic #Songwriting #BradPaisley #DarrylWorley TBH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebrothershunt/ TBH FACEBOOK: TBHhttps://www.facebook.com/thebrothershunt/ GCP FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/godscountrypodcast GCP INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegodscountrypodcast/ TBH/ GCP TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@brothershunt?lang=en TBH MERCH: https://the-brothers-hunt.myshopify.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone sit down with Kenny Zuspan of First Class Whitetails to break down soil testing, food plot placement, and pH strategy ahead of deer season. Kenny details his $100,000 Whitetail Challenge, shares stories from professional poker tournaments, and closes with a bonus segment of his favorite deer meat recipes.Chapters (24 added):0:00 Soil Sample Collection 101 · 0:29 Eagle Seed Smorgasbord Food Plot · 1:12 Show Intro & Theme Song · 1:47 Meet Kenny Zuspan of First Class Whitetails · 3:35 Sports Talk: Reds, Cardinals & Red Sox · 6:23 Kenny's Background & $100K Challenge Teaser · 6:46 Ripley County Fair & King of the River · 8:45 Break: Theme Song & Sponsor · 9:48 Kenny's Roots, Coon Hunting & Poker · 11:48 First Class Whitetails Operation Explained · 12:19 Inside the $100,000 Whitetail Challenge · 17:12 Youth & Ladies Teams · 18:13 Break: Theme Song & Sponsors · 19:23 Season Prep & Guiding Experience · 20:09 Soil Testing Deep Dive · 23:00 Army Worm Warning · 26:05 Break: Theme Song · 27:01 Food Plot Placement Strategy · 30:26 Soil pH & Food Plot Diversity · 33:43 12-Point Blinds & Wise Eye Success · 35:44 Closing Thoughts & Theme Song · 36:21 Outro & Sponsor · 37:20 Bonus Segment: Kenny's Deer Recipes · 45:16 Closing Theme SongMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Send us Fan MailHillbilly hard work meets Major League dreams. 18-year-old Brady Smith joins American Roots Outdoors fresh off being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2025 MLB Draft. Alongside his parents Brad and Erica and younger brother Bryn, Brady shares the emotional story of draft day, the years of grinding that got him there, and why he chose the pros over college ball at Wichita State. The Smith family also opens up about their Ozarks roots, faith, and love of hunting and fishing on the Current River — plus a full breakdown of how to clean and fry up a mess of suckers.Chapters:0:00 — Intro & Sponsor Messages0:59 — Show Open: Cardinals & Brewers Talk2:18 — Meet Brady Smith and Family3:26 — Draft Day Story6:08 — Brady's Baseball Journey9:56 — Who Is Brady Smith18:14 — College Path & Cardinals Snub19:20 — Hunting and Fishing with the Smiths27:39 — Faith, Family, and the Future35:07 — College vs. Pro Debate37:06 — Closing Thoughts38:36 — Bonus Segment: Cooking Suckers42:40 — Wrap-Up & Sign-OffMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewOn this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a peak-summer conditions update on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania. Flows are running skinny with a stretch of cool mornings and low humidity, with rain in the forecast to bump levels back up. Shumaker breaks down a topwater program built around a heavy blue damsel bite, the arrival of the white fly hatch on both rivers and cicadas working the banks, along with the disciplined casting angles and dead-drift-then-pop presentation that turn a good popper bite into a great one. He also covers how he adjusts on cooler mornings when bug activity is slow, switching clients to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns fished on floating lines and long leaders to stay in the smallmouth's strike zone without hanging up. Shumaker explains why he skips the obvious white fly dry fly in favor of a small floating minnow or white popper during the dusk-into-dark spinner fall and why a proper strip set, not a trout set, is the difference between a hookup and a miss. The conversation closes with a seasonal look ahead: bookings running into early October before the bite transitions from topwater to streamers as water temperatures cool through the fall.Key TakeawaysHow to position the boat and cast at a consistent 45-degree angle downstream so both anglers maintain a natural drift without creating drag or crossing linesWhy the pause after a popper's initial splat, not the retrieve, is what triggers a smallmouth strikeWhen to switch from topwater to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns on cooler, low-activity topwater morningsWhy floating lines and 9-foot leaders outperform intermediate lines for working skinny summer flows without hanging bottomHow to fish the Susquehanna's white fly hatch with a small floating minnow or white popper instead of a matching dry flyWhy a strip set rather than a trout set is essential for solid hookups on topwater and streamer eatsTechniques & Gear CoveredShumaker's summer program centers on blue and black poppers fished with a deliberate splat-pause-pop-pause retrieve, paired with disciplined 45-degree downstream casting angles from both the bow and stern to keep flies drifting at boat speed and avoid drag. For lower-activity topwater mornings, he switches clients to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows tied with small dumbbell or bead chain eyes and crayfish patterns worked with short strips and a pause, fished on floating lines with 9-foot leaders rather than intermediate lines. During the Susquehanna and Juniata white fly hatch, he intentionally avoids a matching dry fly in favor of a small floating minnow or small white popper, reasoning that a fly which stands out from thousands of naturals draws a more confident eat. Across every presentation he emphasizes a strip set over a trout set to avoid pulling the fly away from a committed fish.Locations & SpeciesThe report centers on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania, where smallmouth bass are the primary target during the height of topwater season. Conditions are running low and clear after several days of cooler, low-humidity weather, with rain needed to bump flows back to normal summer levels. The Susquehanna's white fly hatch is in full swing alongside blue damsels and resident cicadas, a combination that defines the region's peak summer surface bite from late morning through the dusk-into-dark spinner fall.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy does the pause matter more than the retrieve when fishing poppers for smallmouth bass?Shumaker explains that whether an angler is fishing a popper, streamer, crayfish pattern or hellgrammite imitation, smallmouth bass eat during the pause far more often than during active movement. The retrieve gets the fly in front of the fish, but the pause is what triggers the strike.How should anglers position themselves in a drift boat when casting poppers for smallmouth?Both the bow and stern anglers should cast at a consistent 45-degree angle downstream rather than straight out or straight downstream. This keeps each fly drifting at the same speed as the boat, prevents drag and avoids the two anglers crossing or tangling lines, with the oar marking the boundary between each angler's casting lane.What should anglers throw when cooler mornings slow the topwater bite?On cooler, low-activity mornings, Shumaker switches clients to lightly-weighted Clouser minnows and crayfish patterns fished on floating lines with 9-foot leaders. The lighter weight keeps the fly up off the bottom in the strike zone without hanging up, since he is intentionally avoiding intermediate lines in the current flow conditions.Why does Brian Shumaker avoid using a standard dry fly during the white fly hatch?Even though smallmouth will eat a dry fly during a heavy white fly spinner fall, Shumaker prefers a small floating minnow or small white popper because it stands out among the huge volume of naturals on the water. Giving fish something visually different from the thousands of identical insects increases the odds of a confident, aggressive eat.Why is a trout set the wrong hookset technique for smallmouth bass on the Susquehanna?Lifting the rod straight up in a traditional trout set pulls the fly away from the fish rather than driving the hook home. Shumaker recommends a strip set instead, which keeps tension on the line and results in a much more reliable hookup on topwater and streamer eats alike.Related ContentS8, Ep 52: Hot Days and Night Bites: Brian Shumaker's Guide to Pennsylvania Smallmouth FishingS8, Ep 48: Summer Heat Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Smallmouth TipsS8, Ep 39: High Water Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth InsightsS8, Ep 34: Frog Patterns and Fishing Strategies: Brian Shumaker's Late Spring Smallmouth ReportView all Pennsylvania Smallmouth Reports with Brian ShumakerConnect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? 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Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Dan Johnston talks about the new Urchin bait craze. Tom Lang tells us our aging reservoirs need some help, listen to what he has to say. Spence Petros has done it all in the sport fishing industry. He says he is best at teaching in an easy way to understand basic fundamentals of fishing.
Episode OverviewWhat happens to smallmouth bass fishing in Southwest Virginia when a big summer rain event hits after weeks of low, clear water? On this Southwest Virginia Fishing Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with guide and writer Matt Reilly of Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for a real-time look at a region caught mid-storm, with rain hammering areas south of Radford and across northeast Tennessee while the New River itself stays comparatively unaffected. Matt breaks down why the coming days of rising, cooling, discolored water will actually put feeding smallmouth on more aggressive behavior than the low, clear conditions anglers had been dealing with, and why a passive, finesse-driven bug approach that worked so well in low water gives way to power fishing with bigger, darker profiles once the water comes up. He walks through the underlying logic: cooler water lowers a smallmouth's metabolic cost of chasing prey, rising flows create a predatory veil that lets fish hunt more boldly, and the same early-morning-versus-midday light and temperature gradient that governs a single summer day also governs the multi-day arc after a storm. Matt also answers a listener question about what conditions put smallmouth in a genuine feeding mood during the dog days of summer. The conversation closes with a look ahead to the fall calendar, as Matt discusses booking musky trips for the final weeks of the season and striped bass dates for next year, and points listeners to his monthly newsletter as the fastest way to hear about last-minute cancellations and openings.Key TakeawaysHow to read a rising, cooling and discoloring river as an opportunity rather than a setback for smallmouth fishing.Why finesse bug presentations dominate in low, clear, hot water while power fishing with streamers takes over once flows rise and temperatures drop.When to target slack water, eddies and bank cover with large, dark profiles during high, dirty water conditions.Why the same light-and-temperature gradient that drives fish activity within a single summer day also plays out across the days following a storm.How to stay ahead of last-minute musky and striper trip openings by subscribing directly to a guide's newsletter.Techniques & Gear CoveredMatt contrasts two core approaches for Southwest Virginia smallmouth: a passive, finesse-oriented topwater bug presentation suited to low, clear, high-pressure summer conditions, and a power-fishing approach built around larger profiles, darker colors, and faster retrieves once rain raises water levels and drops temperatures. He emphasizes targeting protected water, including slack water holes, eddies, and bank cover, when rivers run high and stained, since these areas concentrate fish that are less willing to fight heavy current. The conversation also touches on the same early-morning topwater and baitfish-imitating streamer window that opens before direct sun and rising temperatures push fish back into a more conservative feeding pattern later in the day.Locations & SpeciesThis report centers on the rivers of Southwest Virginia, including the New River and the broader drainages around Radford, Narrows and Pearisburg, with Matt tracking an active storm system moving through the region alongside spillover effects from flooding further north in West Virginia. Smallmouth bass are the primary target discussed, with the conversation focused on how a shift from low, clear, hot conditions to high, cool, discolored flows changes both fish behavior and angler strategy heading into the heart of summer. Matt also flags the approaching transition into fall, when Southwest Virginia's musky season picks up, along with striped bass dates he's already booking for the following year.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy does rising, cooler, dirtier water often improve smallmouth fishing instead of hurting it?Cooler water lowers the energy cost of chasing prey, so smallmouth can afford to move around and feed more aggressively than they do in low, clear, hot conditions. Rising, stained water also gives fish a kind of predatory veil that lets them hunt more boldly instead of feeding cautiously to avoid predators themselves.How should anglers adjust their approach right after a big rain event hits a smallmouth river?Matt's first move is to get below the freshest, most turbid water or find a stretch of river the storm has not fully reached yet. In the days that follow, the priority shifts to identifying the most promising combination of temperature, clarity and flow, since conditions can vary drastically from one stretch of river to the next after a storm.When should anglers use finesse bug fishing versus power fishing with streamers for smallmouth?Finesse bug presentations work best in low, clear, hot water, where fish feed conservatively and a subtle approach out-produces aggressive retrieves. Once water levels rise and temperatures drop, anglers should shift to fishing bigger, faster, and with darker colors in protected water like eddies and bank cover, since fish become willing to chase and expend more energy.What conditions put Southwest Virginia smallmouth into an active summer feeding mood?Beyond the day-to-day storm cycle, the same gradient shows up within a single day: lower light and cooler water temperatures in the early morning trigger windows of aggressive topwater and streamer activity, which then wanes as the sun climbs and the water warms through midday.When does musky season start in Southwest Virginia, and how can anglers get last-minute trip openings?Matt's musky season picks up on the tail end of smallmouth season, with October representing some of the last open dates before the fall push. Because cancellations and last-minute openings move fast, Matt recommends subscribing directly to his newsletter at mattreillyflyfishing.com, since that is where schedule changes get posted first.Related ContentS8, Ep 46 - Low Water, Big Bugs: Matt Reilly's Southwest Virginia Fishing UpdateS7, Ep 19 - Weathering the Winds: March Fishing Insights and Pre-Spawn Strategies with Matt ReillyS6, Ep 112 - Smallmouth Transitions and Musky Prep: Matt Reilly's Southwest VA UpdateS8, Ep 52 - Hot Days and Night Bites: Brian Shumaker's Guide to Pennsylvania Smallmouth FishingConnect with Our GuestFollow Matt on Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? 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Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's podcast. Dan Johnston gives us an update from ICAST and the wins StCroix got there. Tom Lang Director of Fishingsfuture.org tells us about the take a friend fishing month campaign from June. John Crews talks about new baits released At ICAST and his tournament season so far.
Charlie Hartley returns to BTL to talk about the joys of fishing for smallmouth bass on the Great Lakes.
On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I have on Susquehanna River fishing guide Chris Gorsuch returns to Fishing the DMV for a detailed look at summer smallmouth bass fishing across one of Pennsylvania's most recognizable river systems. From the main stem near Harrisburg and North Liverpool to the North Branch around Laceyville and the Endless Mountains, Chris explains what he is seeing from the fishery and how anglers can adjust when quality smallmouth are not holding in their usual places.Chris believes the Susquehanna River is still fishing well, especially for anglers looking to catch numbers of smallmouth bass. However, he has seen fewer fish in the 19- to 20-plus-inch range than during the previous several springs. Bigger bass are still available—including two 23-inch smallmouth caught from his boat—but finding them has required more movement, more fuel and a willingness to fish away from the same heavily pressured areas. We discuss how year classes, winter ice, delayed grass growth, floods, low water, high summer temperatures, pollution, predators and changing forage can all influence the Susquehanna River smallmouth population.The conversation also turns toward summer smallmouth fishing techniques and the best baits for different sections of the river. Chris considers a chatterbait essential on the lower Susquehanna and main stem, while crankbaits are a major part of his North Branch fishing from spring through late fall. On the nearby Delaware River, he leans heavily on spinnerbaits, especially white skirts paired with silver, gold or copper blades that resemble young American shad and other baitfish.Chris also breaks down several developments from FITT Lures, including the Flea Flicker swimbait, VIG and Javelin. The Flea Flicker features a keeled body that allows anglers to shorten the bait while maintaining its profile and action. The VIG is a compact, thick-walled tube-style bait that can be fished on a Ned head, screw-lock jig, Carolina rig or other presentations. Chris explains how these baits can be used around grass, deeper holes, current breaks and other productive river smallmouth habitat.Fish care is another important part of this episode. Chris shares why he nets every bass, keeps his camera ready before lifting a fish from the water and releases weak post-spawn fish without taking a picture. He also discusses shortening fight times during warm-water periods and why proper handling matters when catching large Susquehanna River smallmouth.In this episode, we cover:The current state of Susquehanna River smallmouth fishingWhy anglers are seeing fewer 20-inch bass than in recent springsHow to locate bigger smallmouth by covering water and changing areasChatterbait, crankbait and spinnerbait fishing for river smallmouthGrass, current, deeper holes and summertime bass positioningFITT Lures Flea Flicker, VIG and Javelin rigging optionsChoosing lure colors based on depth, water clarity and forageProper summertime smallmouth bass handling and fish carePlease support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com FITT Lures: https://bit.ly/4w5lgHtLMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake's bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Max4 Fishing: https://bit.ly/4unuiOs Flint Financial Planning: https://bit.ly/43t8h5N #FishingtheDMV #SmallmouthFishing #FishingReport Support the show
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone sit down with Shane Wagner of Wagner Heating and Air for a wide-ranging conversation covering his roots in West Plains, Missouri, how he learned the HVAC trade hands-on, and tips for maintaining your split air units. Shane also opens up about his passion for whitetail and turkey hunting using Wise Eye trail cameras, his approach to deer management on the family farm, and his side gig coaching high school basketball at Koshkonong. Stick around for the bonus segment where Shane shares his favorite deer meat recipes. Plus, Cardinals baseball talk and Chiefs updates to kick things off.Chapters & Timestamps:0:00 – Show Open & Food Plot Tips1:04 – Welcome to American Roots Outdoors3:08 – Cardinals Baseball Talk4:16 – Chiefs & Travis Kelce5:39 – Shane Wagner Joins the Show7:31 – Shane's Roots & Heating Business10:17 – Certifications & Career Advice14:00 – Deer Hunting & Wise Eye Cameras19:44 – Sanctuary & Deer Management21:59 – Split Air Unit Maintenance Tips25:37 – Why Mini Splits Are Popular28:06 – Rifles & Long Range Shooting28:44 – Coaching High School Basketball32:37 – Bonus: Cooking Deer Meat35:45 – Invitation to Hunt & Closing Thoughts36:47 – OutroMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewIn this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report on The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a midsummer conditions update on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania. Recorded following a stretch of triple-digit heat punctuated by heavy rain, the report finds Shumaker firmly in prime topwater season, with blue damselflies coming off heavy from late morning into the evenings and the white fly hatch on deck for the end of July into early August.Shumaker walks through his day-to-day approach on the water: starting clients with a popping bug and a streamer or crayfish pattern first thing in the morning, then committing fully to topwater by mid-morning. On color selection, he leans on Carolina blue Boogle Bugs and smaller blockhead poppers, with yellow still producing thanks to lingering sulphurs, and blue, white, yellow and green all working depending on the day. For the white fly window, he skips realistic dries in favor of a Clouser's Floating Minnow or a small white popper twitched across the surface after dark.The conversation also covers river conditions following recent heavy rain — both the Susquehanna and Juniata are dropping from a solid slug of water but haven't bottomed out, with more rain possibly on the way. Shumaker shares his theory on why big smallmouth become nocturnal feeders once water temperatures push into the high 80s, and closes with fall booking availability for late September into early October.Key TakeawaysHow to structure a summer smallmouth day on the Susquehanna and Juniata by starting with a popper-and-streamer combo and shifting fully to topwater by mid-morning.Why blue, white, yellow and green popper colors are all producing right now, tied to peak blue damselfly activity and the tail end of the sulphur hatch.When to expect the white fly hatch to begin on the Susquehanna system, and how to switch presentations from realistic dries to a Clouser's Floating Minnow or a small twitched popper after dark.Why big smallmouth bass shift to nocturnal feeding once water temperatures climb into the high 80s, and how that changes where and when to target trophy fish.How to read post-rain conditions on the Susquehanna and Juniata, since both rivers were dropping from a recent high-water event without bottoming out.Techniques & Gear CoveredShumaker's summer topwater program centers on popping bug fishing, with a Carolina blue Boogle Bug and smaller blockhead poppers as the go-to producers, plus a yellow Boogle Bug that still draws strikes off the lingering sulphur hatch. Early in the day he'll pair a popper with a streamer or crayfish pattern on a second rod to gauge activity before committing to topwater for the rest of the day. For the incoming white fly hatch, he moves away from imitative dry patterns like a size 12 white Wulff in favor of a Clouser's Floating Minnow tied with a white head and white bucktail, or a smaller white popper twitched across the surface after dark. He also discusses fishing after dark generally as a heat-avoidance and big-fish strategy once water temperatures push into the high 80s and large smallmouth shift to feeding on baitfish and small critters swimming across the river after sunset.Locations & SpeciesThe report covers the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania, both of which received a significant rain event that pushed flows up before beginning to recede; the Juniata remains somewhat stained while the Susquehanna is dropping into more fishable shape, with additional rain possible by the weekend. Smallmouth bass are the primary target, with the fishery currently in full topwater mode driven by heavy blue damselfly activity and the approach of the white fly hatch. Shumaker also notes water temperatures reaching the high 80s, which pushes larger, trophy-class smallmouth into nocturnal feeding patterns on baitfish and small terrestrial prey.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the best popper color for summer smallmouth on the Susquehanna and Juniata?Blue is the top producer right now, particularly a Carolina blue Boogle Bug or smaller blockhead poppers, matching the heavy blue damselfly activity. Yellow poppers are also working off the tail end of the sulphur hatch, and white and green will draw strikes as well.When does the white fly hatch start on the Susquehanna river system?Shumaker expects the white fly hatch to begin rolling in at the end of July into the beginning of August. It comes off heavy and after dark, which changes both fly selection and the timing of a day on the water.Why do big smallmouth bass become nocturnal feeders in the summer?Shumaker's theory is that once water temperatures climb into the high 80s, larger fish shift to feeding after dark, whether to beat the heat or take advantage of baitfish and small critters swimming across the river at night. Fishing after dark is one way anglers can target trophy fish while also avoiding the worst of the daytime heat.How are the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers fishing after recent heavy rain?Both rivers received a solid slug of water and are dropping, with the Juniata still somewhat stained. Conditions aren't expected to bottom out before additional rain arrives, which should help keep flows consistent heading into the following week.When is the best time to book a fall smallmouth trip with Brian Shumaker?Shumaker highlights the last half of September through the first two weeks of October as a sweet spot, offering cooler conditions than peak summer while still fishing well for Susquehanna and Juniata smallmouth.Related ContentS8, Ep 48 - Summer Heat Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Smallmouth TipsS8, Ep 43 - Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania ReportS8, Ep 39 - High Water Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth InsightsS8, Ep 34 - Frog Patterns and Fishing Strategies: Brian Shumaker's Late Spring Smallmouth ReportConnect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? 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Dave Kranz creator of the WeFishASA podcast would like you to listen to this week's episode. Mark Hanson StCroix ambassador talks about using old fishing lures. Ken Duke Bass after dark host talks bass fishing and more. Mike Iaconelli talks about his Ike foundation and his 2026 professional fishing season so far.
Guest Austin Sandman Pacific Northwest tournament angler ABA Angler of the Year Northwest Bass Angler of the Year Grant County Fish & Wildlife employee Eastern Washington farmer Topics Covered Upcoming BAM Events Preview of the BAM Super 60 at Tri-Cities Pro-Am tournament discussion Why Tri-Cities was selected as the tournament venue Family-friendly attractions around Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco Columbia River Tournament Strategy Expected summertime bass patterns Predicted winning weight Smallmouth vs. largemouth opportunities Current breaks and dam-influenced fishing Areas where local knowledge can provide an advantage Best Lures for Tri-Cities Zara Super Spook Walking topwater baits Poppers Drop shot Forward-facing sonar techniques Carolina Rig Lizards for smallmouth Pacific Northwest Fisheries Columbia River Lake Roosevelt Potholes Reservoir Moses Lake Why Washington offers some of the country's most overlooked bass fisheries Beyond Bass Fishing Sturgeon fishing on the Columbia River Juvenile sturgeon recovery Fish and Wildlife conservation efforts Columbia River dams and fisheries management Life Outside Tournament Fishing Wheat farming in Eastern Washington Center-pivot irrigation systems Balancing farming with tournament competition Growing up in the Pacific Northwest Austin's Tournament Journey Starting tournament fishing at age 19 Competing without today's electronics Building a successful tournament career Importance of confidence on the water Supporting local sponsors and businesses Growing Tournament Fishing Why more anglers should fish the BAM Super 60 Opportunities for Pro and Co-Anglers Building the future of tournament fishing in the Pacific Northwest Creating a stronger regional bass fishing community Key Takeaways Tri-Cities is shaping up to be one of the most exciting stops on the BAM Super 60 schedule. Local knowledge of current, structure, and seasonal movements could make the difference between cashing a check and winning $50,000. The Pacific Northwest offers world-class bass fishing that remains underappreciated nationally. Success in tournament fishing comes from confidence, consistency, and adapting to changing conditions. Austin's passion for conservation, farming, and competitive fishing makes him a unique voice in the Northwest bass fishing community. Watch More BAM Content Follow the BAM Trail for tournament coverage, live weigh-ins, podcast episodes, and professional bass fishing action from across the West. Website: https://bamtrail.comMagazine: https://bassanglermag.com About BAM Podcasts Bass Angler Magazine's is a bi-monthly podcast series its available free on Simple Cast, iTunes, Spotify, Google Play and Amazon. Stay tuned as we discuss the latest in bass fishing, lure trends, ways to catch fish, tournament wins and things of interest to bass anglers.BASS ANGLER MAGAZINE (BAM), a veteran owned quarterly print and digital magazine, designed, and printed in the U.S.A. Covering largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass, Bass Angler was created specifically to help you become a better, more informed bass fisherman. As the industry's most informative bass fishing magazine, we provide you in-depth exclusive new features with the world's top anglers.Subscribe to Bass Angler Magazine print and or digital here
Jake has a great conversation about all things Ozarks Smallmouth with Dan Kreher of the Missouri Smallmouth Alliance
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge and Redbone dive into the best fishing streams of the Ozarks — Current River, Jack's Fork, Gasconade, Eleven Point, and more — sharing trout fishing stories, smallmouth tales, and grilling tips, alongside Cardinals/Royals talk, World Cup soccer, and shoutouts to sponsors Eagle Seed, 12 Point Hunting Blinds, Wiseye Technologies, Spandow/Spandau Arms, and Hornady Ammunition.Chapter markers:Trout Fishing Stories & Studio Banter (0:00)Eagle Seed Food Plot Segment (0:53)Studio Intro & Cardinals/Royals Talk (1:30)World Cup Soccer Talk (3:21)Ozark Streams Preview & Father's Day Stories (5:18)Segment 2: Ozark River Streams (10:14)Spandow Firearms Ad (19:42)Segment 3: 12 Point Blinds & Eleven Point River (20:00)Segment 4: River Streams Continued (28:49)Spandau Guns & Grilling Recipes (37:47)Closing Remarks & Sign-off (45:16)Outro Song: American Roots Theme (46:29)Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Send us Fan MailThis week on American Roots Outdoors, Alex Rutledge and Redbone sit down with special guest Travis Smith — turkey hunting enthusiast, former Missouri legislator, and lifelong outdoorsman. From growing up in West Plains and working for the Atlanta Hawks/Braves, to coaching football, raising grandkids, and chasing gobblers with his grandfather's old shotgun, Travis shares stories about faith, family, and life in the Ozarks. Plus: Fourth of July safety tips, Cardinals talk, tick-borne illness and controlled burns, and a bonus segment on smoking meats and wild blackberry recipes.Chapters:0:00 — Intro & Eagle Seed Ad1:34 — Show Open & Current Events1:47 — Who Is Travis Smith?11:28 — Travis's Background & Family17:02 — Faith & Public Service21:10 — Turkey Hunting Stories24:49 — Guns, Ticks & Controlled Burns29:57 — Football Coaching Journey33:47 — Farmer's Market & Community Talk36:11 — Wrap-Up & Where to Follow Travis40:32 — Bonus Segment: 250th Birthday & Recipes42:24 — Smoking Meat & Blackberries48:10 — Closing Thoughts & OutroMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase
Episode OverviewA scorching Fourth of July heat wave is bearing down on Central Pennsylvania, and the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers are about to test every smallmouth angler's heat tolerance. On this Pennsylvania Smallmouth Report from The Articulate Fly fly fishing podcast, host Marvin Cash checks in with Captain Brian Shumaker of Susquehanna River Guides for a candid, safety-first conversation about fishing smallmouth bass through triple-digit conditions.With water temperatures pushing into the 90s and a 101-degree forecast on the horizon, Brian breaks down how heat affects both the bite and angler safety on his home waters. The Juniata offers some bankside shade thanks to its narrower channel, while the three-quarter-mile-wide Susquehanna leaves anglers largely exposed. Brian and Marvin trade practical advice on hydration, sun protection and timing strategy, then dig into the tactical adjustments that keep smallmouth on the line when conditions turn brutal. That includes a hard pivot to tropical fly lines once standard fly lines start going soupy in the heat, plus a shade-line and riffle-focused approach using poppers, crayfish patterns and baitfish imitations like the Murdich Minnow. The two also debate the merits of an early-morning session versus a late-afternoon-into-dark float, with Brian making a clear case for the latter. It is a short, practical episode built around one core message: protect yourself first, then adapt your tactics to the heat.Key TakeawaysHow to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related risks while fishing smallmouth in 100-plus-degree conditionsWhy tropical fly lines outperform standard fly lines once summer heat sets inWhen to fish for the best results during a heat wave: a late-afternoon-into-dark session over an early-morning startHow to use shade lines and oxygenated riffles to locate active smallmouth during the hottest part of the dayWhich fly patterns to throw when water temperatures push into the 90s, including poppers, crayfish patterns and baitfish imitations like the Murdich MinnowWhy caffeine and alcohol should be avoided in favor of water and sports drinks on extreme-heat fishing daysTechniques & Gear CoveredBrian outlines a shade-line and riffle-focused approach for fishing smallmouth through extreme summer heat, working topwater poppers along shaded banks and rolling crayfish patterns through riffles where oxygen levels run higher. For subsurface presentations, he reaches for baitfish imitations including the Murdich Minnow and Shimmering Minnow patterns. The single biggest gear adjustment for this stretch of summer is the fly line itself: Brian made the switch to tropical lines years ago, since standard fly lines turn soft and sticky once water and air temperatures climb to summer levels. On the sun-protection side, the conversation covers sun hoodies with built-in buff gaiters, quick-dry SPF nylon pants and wide-brim hats as practical defenses against extended midday exposure on open water like the Susquehanna.Locations & SpeciesThis report centers on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers in Central Pennsylvania, Brian's primary guide waters out of Susquehanna River Guides. Smallmouth bass are the target species throughout. The conversation is framed around peak summer heat conditions heading into the Fourth of July, with water temperatures pushing into the 90s and air temperatures forecast to hit 101 degrees. The Juniata's narrower channel and tree-lined banks provide more shade options than the much wider Susquehanna, where shade is largely limited to the banks themselves, making shade-line and riffle strategy especially important on the bigger river during this stretch.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhy do tropical fly lines work better than standard fly lines for summer smallmouth fishing?Standard fly lines turn soft and sticky as water and air temperatures climb to summer levels, making them difficult to cast and fish effectively. Tropical lines are built to hold their stiffness and performance in high heat, which is why Brian made the permanent switch starting around July and continuing through early September.How can anglers stay safe while fly fishing in extreme heat?Brian and Marvin recommend drinking water at least every 30 to 45 minutes throughout the day, and avoiding both alcohol and caffeine since both contribute to dehydration. Full sun coverage matters too, including 50 SPF sunscreen, sun hoodies with built-in gaiters, quick-dry SPF clothing and a wide-brim hat, even when fishing in or near shade.What time of day is best for fishing smallmouth bass during a heat wave?Brian prefers getting on the water around 5 p.m. and fishing until dark, rather than starting at first light. A late-afternoon start avoids the pre-dawn shuttle logistics of an early session while still delivering enough usable light to fish productively until around 9 or 9:15 p.m.What fly patterns work best for smallmouth bass when water temperatures push into the 90s?Topwater poppers worked along shade lines remain effective, and crayfish patterns produce well when fished through oxygenated riffles. For baitfish presentations, Brian reaches for the Murdich Minnow and Shimmering Minnow patterns.How can anglers find productive water on a wide river like the Susquehanna during peak summer heat?Since the three-quarter-mile-wide Susquehanna offers little overhead shade beyond its banks, Brian focuses on fishing the available shade lines along the banks combined with oxygenated riffle sections, rather than expecting shade relief across the open channel the way a narrower river like the Juniata provides.Related ContentS8, Ep 43: Smallmouth Strategies and Seasonal Shifts: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania ReportS8, Ep 39: High Water Strategies: Captain Brian Shumaker's Pennsylvania Smallmouth InsightsS8, Ep 34: Frog Patterns and Fishing Strategies: Brian Shumaker's Late Spring Smallmouth ReportS8, Ep 31: Chasing Smallmouth: Brian Shumaker's Adaptations for Unpredictable Spring WeatherS8, Ep 46: Low Water, Big Bugs: Matt Reilly's Southwest Virginia Fishing UpdateConnect with Our GuestFollow Brian on Facebook and Instagram.Follow the ShowFollow The Articulate Fly on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and YouTube.Follow our Substack newsletter for episode updates, tips and resources.Support the ShowShop 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 & AdvertiseSubscribe to the podcast in your favorite podcast app.Think our community is a good fit for your brand? 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This week we're sharing stories from a summer full of fishing—from Caleb's unforgettable two-day trip with his boys chasing bluegill and smallmouth to our ongoing quest for trophy bronzebacks and our newest challenge of chasing carp on the fly.Along the way we talk about encouraging kids to try hard things, celebrating growth over success, and why intentional time together often matters more than what's at the end of your line.Whether you're a dad, an angler, or just someone who loves a good fishing story, we think you'll enjoy this conversation.Get your Dads On The Fly Merch in our online store .Check out our sponsors:https://turtleboxaudio.com/https://nativesflyfishing.com/https://saludabeads.com/https://rambler.co/
Send us Fan MailAlex Rutledge, Redbone, and special guest Cole Legman from WiseEye Technologies discuss why running trail cameras year-round is essential for hunters, farmers, and property owners. Topics include new WiseEye features (DC2 live streaming, population studies via Hunt Control), law enforcement and government camera uses, security applications, the Ranch Plus subscription plan, CWD and tick research, Eagle Seed food plots, and off-season land management. The bonus segment features fish recipes including redfish boulets, Italian dressing marinades, and Louisiana-style catfish.Chapter Markers:0:00 – Intro & Show Open2:06 – Meet Cole Legman – WiseEye Marketing Team3:43 – Current Events: Baseball & Sports Talk5:36 – NFL Contracts vs. Military Pay Debate10:06 – Segment 2: Why Run Cameras Year-Round?12:24 – Cameras for Security, Law Enforcement & Wildlife Monitoring13:57 – CWD, Ticks & Ivermectin Research Discussion17:12 – Segment 3: Cameras, Food Plots & Off-Season Monitoring27:13 – Segment 4: Farmers & Ranchers Using WiseEye Cameras30:57 – Ranch Plus Plan & Subscription Options32:06 – Camera Placement & Security Tips38:30 – Bonus Segment: Fish Recipes & Cooking TipsMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase