S8, Ep 71: Fall Fishing Forecast: George Costa on Streamers, Hatches and Safety Tips

Episode Overview

George Costa, manager of TCO Fly Shop in State College, Pennsylvania, returns to The Articulate Fly for another Central PA Fishing Report as the region shifts firmly into fall. Recent rain has pushed creeks across Central Pennsylvania's limestone country well above seasonal flows and off-color, but George reports everything is on the drop and should be fishable again this weekend, with cool water temperatures keeping trout active and comfortable. Fall hatch activity is picking up, with Isos (Isonychia), tan caddis and October caddis all showing well, and George notes a recent streamer bite that produced trout already colored up for fall. He and host Marvin Cash also flag a practical safety reminder: Pennsylvania's fall hunting seasons open October 1st, so anglers fishing shared public waters such as Spring Creek Canyon on state game lands should wear blaze orange. Away from the water, George runs down what's happening at TCO's shops heading into the off-season, including end-of-summer clearance pricing on Simms, Grundens and Patagonia gear, and a full slate of fall and winter fly tying and on-the-water classes across TCO's locations. Among the highlights is a class taught by Allen Rupp, Dave Whitlock's legacy tyer, covering streamer tying and the NearNuff Sculpin pattern. The conversation offers a quick, practical snapshot for anglers planning trips to Central Pennsylvania's limestone streams this fall: current conditions, what's hatching, where the fish are biting and how to gear up.

Key Takeaways

• How to time a trip to Central PA limestone streams safely as high, off-color fall water drops back into shape this week.
• Why fall streamer fishing is heating up as cooling water temperatures push trout to feed aggressively ahead of the spawn.
• What to watch for on the hatch front, including Isos, tan caddis and October caddis activity as Central Pennsylvania moves deeper into fall.
• Why anglers should wear blaze orange on Pennsylvania state game lands like Spring Creek Canyon once hunting season opens October 1st.

Techniques & Gear Covered

George highlights a developing fall streamer bite on Central Pennsylvania's limestone streams, with trout already showing fall coloration as water temperatures cool. He also flags active Iso, tan caddis and October caddis hatch activity worth matching as conditions stabilize after recent high water. On the gear side, TCO Fly Shop is running end-of-summer clearance pricing on Simms, Grundens and Patagonia. TCO's fall and winter class schedule includes a streamer tying session and a NearNuff Sculpin class taught by Allen Rupp, Dave Whitlock's legacy tyer, alongside additional fly tying and on-the-water instruction across TCO's locations.

Locations & Species

This report centers on Central Pennsylvania's limestone stream country in and around State College, including public water on state game lands such as Spring Creek Canyon. Recent rain pushed local creeks well above seasonal flows and off-color, though George reports levels are dropping and the fishery should be fishable again this weekend. Trout are the focus of this fishery, and cooling water temperatures combined with fall hatch activity (Isos, tan caddis and October caddis) are setting up favorable conditions heading into peak fall streamer season. Anglers should expect high, off-color flows to continue to clear absent additional rain.

FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredAre Central Pennsylvania's limestone streams fishable right now?

Yes, but use caution. Recent rain pushed creeks well above seasonal flows and off-color, but George Costa reports water levels are dropping and the fishery should be fishable again this weekend heading into the following few weeks.

What fall hatches are active on Central PA streams right now?

George reports good numbers of Isos (Isonychia), tan caddis and October caddis beginning to show, all typical fall hatch activity for late September into early October in Central Pennsylvania.

Why is fall a good time for streamer fishing in Central PA?

As water temperatures cool, trout become more aggressive and begin coloring up ahead of the fall spawn. George reports a recent streamer bite already producing colored-up fish, with more good streamer water expected over the next few weeks.

Why should anglers wear orange on Pennsylvania state game lands this time of year?

Pennsylvania's fall hunting seasons, including deer and pheasant seasons, open October 1st. Anglers fishing shared public water such as Spring Creek Canyon should wear blaze orange to stay visible to hunters using the same game lands.

Where can anglers find fall and winter fly tying classes near State College, PA?

TCO Fly Shop runs a full schedule of tying and on-the-water classes at its State College shop, including a streamer class and a NearNuff Sculpin class taught by Allen Rupp, Dave Whitlock's legacy tyer. Full listings are at tcoflyfishing.com.

Related Content

S6, Ep 118 - Central PA Fall Fishing Report: George Costa's Tips and Tactics

S6, Ep 129 - TCO Fly Shop's George Costa Discusses Prime Fall Fishing Conditions

S7, Ep 49 - Rain, Hatches and Cicadas: A Central PA Fishing Update with George Costa

S7, Ep 70 - The Dog Days of Summer: Trico Tactics in Central PA with George Costa

View all Central Pennsylvania Fishing Reports with George Costa

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