PA Smallmouth Bass Spring Recap, Summer Strategy & Gear Talk | TCO Flycast Ep. 9 - Mike Rosa

<p>In this episode of the TCO Flycast, Bill catches back up with Susquehanna River guide Mike Rosa for a full recap of a strange, unpredictable spring — and a look ahead at summer smallmouth strategy. Mike breaks down why this year threw every pattern out the window: a brutal winter freeze, cold water lingering into spring, and fish that wouldn&#39;t show up on schedule.</p><p>We dig into how Mike adapted — skipping the tributaries early to chase big fish in the main river, fishing oversized flies slow when nothing else worked, and reading a river that stayed high and off-color for months. From there we get into the summer transition: gear changes, leader tricks, grass and shade structure, and how a guide&#39;s daily game plan shifts from sunrise topwater to midday hunting.</p><p>Mike also shares his full rod and line lineup for the Susquehanna, a barrel swivel trick every angler should be using, an update on his guide lodge on the river, and advice for anyone wanting to try smallmouth fishing for the first time. We close out talking about the upcoming Bass Thumb Tournament and why fishing early in the day matters more than people think.</p><p>If you fish the Susquehanna — or want to start — this one&#39;s full of real, in-season insight you won&#39;t find anywhere else.</p><p>The best way to support this podcast is to choose TCO Fly Shop for all your fly fishing gear needs. Find our online store here:https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/?utm_source=spotify&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=flycast_ep9_mike_rosa</p><p>Bass Thumb Fly Fishing Tournament (July 9-11, benefiting Project Healing Waters &amp; Susquehanna Greenways): <a href="https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/bass-thumb-fly-fishing-tournament-2026"><u>https://www.tcoflyfishing.com/products/bass-thumb-fly-fishing-tournament-2026</u></a></p><p>Streambred Anglers Website: <a href="https://www.streambredanglers.com/"><u>https://www.streambredanglers.com/</u></a></p><p>Mike’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sba_flyfishing/<br>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; Recapping the Spring Season</p><p>01:26 A Cold Winter and a Slow, Unpredictable Spring</p><p>02:15 Skipping the Tributaries for the Big Susquehanna</p><p>03:23 A Trout Fishing Detour During High Water</p><p>04:42 The Triple Deceiver: Mike&#39;s Dirty Water Go-To</p><p>06:02 Frog Season Starts Early and Never Stops</p><p>07:38 Why a Tough Puzzle Makes Guiding More Fun</p><p>08:34 Pre-Spawn to Post-Spawn: This Year&#39;s Timeline</p><p>10:2