Spring Is On - Central PA Fly Fishing Update with George Costa

April 17, 2026

Spring is fully underway, and now's the time to get out on the water. We talked with George Costa, manager at TCO State College, to get the latest read on conditions and what you should have in your box before your next trip.

What's Happening on the Water

Hatches are running right on schedule - maybe even a touch early with the warmer temps and lower water we've seen lately. Grannoms are still going and should be around for another week or so. Hendricksons are active, blue-winged olives are going, and sulphur nymphs are already darkening up. Expect sulphurs to start popping within the next week to week and a half. Quill Gordons are on their way, and March Browns aren't far behind.

Water is running seasonably average but trending toward the low side - a bump of rain wouldn't hurt. Other than that, everything is right where it should be.

Timing Your Day

Right now, midday is your window for Hendricksons and olives. That's going to shift as we move deeper into spring. Sulphurs and March Browns are going to push your best activity toward mornings and evenings - so start planning those early and late outings, especially as the water warms up a bit more.

What to Have in Your Box

This time of year, George isn't limiting himself to four or five patterns - and he doesn't think you should either. "You want six to ten different imitations of some sort," he says. "We're moving into the best time of year." That said, here's what he's not hitting the water without right now:

Nymphs:

• Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear (sizes 14-18 - solid imitations for the bigger mayflies getting ready to hatch)
• Walt's Worm
• Small olive nymphs - a Perdigon or Iron Lotus will cover you

Dries:

• Hendricksons - they're going right now
• Sulphur patterns - start carrying them, you'll need them soon
• Tan caddis in size 14 or 16 - don't leave home without them this time of year
• Quill Gordons and olive patterns if you're heading to Penns Creek or the Little Juniata

Get Out and Look Around

The most important thing George wants you to take away - don't just rely on what anyone tells you. Conditions change every single day. Some days you'll see bugs everywhere, some days you won't see a thing. If you're not seeing a hatch you expected, don't force dry flies. Flip a rock, look at what's underneath, and match what you find.

Stay versatile, and be willing to change your tactics. We'll see you out there!

Stop into TCO State College to get rigged up - George and the team will make sure you're dialed in before your next trip.