S7, Ep 74: Beyond the Popper: Subsurface Strategies with Brendan Ruch

Author: The Articulate Fly
Published: Thu 28 Aug 2025
Episode Link: https://fly-fishing-podcast.thearticulatefly.com/s7-ep-74-ruch-report

Join Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly for another insightful Ruch Report with Pennsylvania guide Brendan Ruch, who shares expert techniques for challenging summer fishing conditions.

With waters running low and clear across PA, Ruch reveals why subtle surface presentations are outfishing aggressive popper techniques, demonstrating Matt Miles' proven method of creating slack movement that mimics injured insects without spooking selective fish.

Learn specific cicada shimmy strategies that trigger strikes when fish are being "sippy" and discover Ruch's go-to subsurface patterns including the Single Nut Job on size 2 hooks and MFC's mini-Sex Dungeon in olive and tan colorations that are producing consistent results. Ruch provides detailed sizing and weight specifications for these productive smallmouth patterns while explaining how to adapt your approach when fishing pressure increases in limited access areas.

Whether you're dealing with similar low water conditions or looking to refine your surface fishing techniques, this episode delivers actionable insights from a guide who's consistently putting clients on fish during tough summer conditions.

To learn more about Brendan, check out our interview.

S7, Ep 57 - Cicada Mania: Central PA Fishing Insights with George Costa

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

S7, Ep 50 - The Art of the Follow: Streamer Strategies and Fishing Tales from East Tennessee

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