S8 Ep 5 Frosty Mornings and Musky Pursuits - January Fishing Insights with Ellis Ward

Episode Overview
East Tennessee guide Ellis Ward delivers his first fishing report of 2026 on The Articulate Fly podcast, covering winter tactics for both post-spawn trout and low-water musky fishing. Ward breaks down strategic adaptations required for fishing extremely low and clear water conditions that have dominated the region through early January, affecting both tailwater trout fisheries and musky rivers like the French Broad. The episode emphasizes post-spawn trout streamer fishing opportunities in late January and February, when trophy fish are feeding aggressively to recover after the fall spawn. Ward also discusses current musky conditions under challenging low and clear water, requiring downsized presentations and pinpoint casting to specific holding pockets, with the transition to pre-spawn musky anticipated in March. Additionally, Ward covers his intensive bucktail processing operation, having accumulated over a thousand deer tails for custom musky flies following the end of deer season. With water levels dictated by minimal tailwater releases and fish becoming increasingly spooky in gin-clear conditions, Ward explains timing windows for visiting anglers looking to capitalize on prime post-spawn trout streamer fishing and upcoming pre-spawn musky opportunities.

Key Takeaways
How to capitalize on post-spawn brown trout streamer fishing in late January through February when trophy fish are feeding heavily to recover after the fall spawn
Why low and clear water musky fishing requires downsizing presentations and focusing on precision casts to specific structure rather than covering water broadly
When to book trips around optimal moon phases and weather windows during the transitional period between post-spawn trout streamer fishing and March pre-spawn musky activity
How to execute sidearm casts to tight cover and confined holding areas when backcast limitations and spooky fish demand tactical adjustments in extreme low water

Show Notes
https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticu...

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