Untangled: Fly Fishing For Everyone | Ventures Fly Co.

Cutthroat trout are the meanest, nastiest, gnarliest trout that ever roamed planet earth!  Okay, they're not. In fact, they've got a reputation for being kinda easy to catch.  But cutthroat are so much more than just eager dry fly eaters. They're one of the West's native trout, they're hugely important to some of the most unique ecosystems on earth, and catching them in the high country is one of the sport's greatest experiences.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn why so many anglers hold the cutthroat in such high regard. From learning all about their life history and exploring their native range, to tips on how to catch them today, you'll end this episode ready to become part of the cutthroat's epic story.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for picking the right rod to use when teaching little kids how to fly fish Why are there so many dry flies for sale when most of a fish's diet is subsurface? Tips for achieving the perfect mend LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line - CHECK IT OUT

One of the toughest decisions you've gotta make is what fly to tie on, and sometimes, that task feels IMPOSSIBLE! One of the best ways to feel confident about picking flies is to learn as much as you can about the food that fish eat.  Aquatic insects are a HUGE part of a fish's diet, and caddisflies are a bug that's almost always on the menu. But we don't give caddis the attention they deserve. In fact, most anglers don't know just how important caddis are, or how much they actually matter to trout.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about caddisflies -- what they look like, why fish love 'em so much, and a few of our favorite patterns. This gives you the information you need to go out and give the fish EXACTLY what they wanna eat.  You'll also learn about:  How to tie your dry-dropper rigs so the dropper doesn't slide off your top fly Some tips for fishing during spring runoff  When and how you should use weightless nymphs (nymphs tied without beads)  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How We Fish: Spring Fly Fishing - CHECK IT OUT  

Pools - the slow, deep sections in a river - always look so inviting! They're so deep and mysterious, they've just GOTTA hold tons of fish, right?  Well, they do - but catching fish from these pools ain't always easy. If you're anything like me, you've probably left pools feeling like you could've done better, even if you put a few in the net.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn how to fish pools. The tips and tactics I'm teaching are the same ones I used when guiding, and that we've taught to thousands of anglers here at VFC. I know they're gonna work for you!  You'll also learn about:  How long to rest fish before casting to them again, if you've fished or waded through the hole before Using fast clips (or snap swivels) with flies How to tell what weight your fly line is The type of wading boots you need for slippery, tough wading conditions  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT RESOURCE - AFFTA Fly Line Weight Chart - CHECK IT OUT  

Do you need to use different tactics, flies, and strategies when you're fishing for stocked trout versus wild ones? We hear a version of that question ALL THE TIME here at VFC, and it makes sense. For a lot of people, the most consistent trout fishing they have easy access to are stocked fish. So, we're taking a deep-dive into the world of stocked and wild fish. We'll look at all the differences between the two -- their appearance, behavior, and the flies and strategies we recommend for them.  You'll also learn about:  How steep the learning curve is in fly fishing, and the two things you should focus on to lessen it  Why fish sometimes don't eat caddis dry flies, even if the caddis are swarming in the air above the river How many flies you should carry with you for a day of fishing What counts as a "caught" fish  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE RESOURCE - Paper about stocking trout - CHECK IT OUT EBOOK - How to Read Rivers and Find Fish - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Game-changing Presentation Strategies - WATCH IT NOW VIDEO - Match the Hatch with Caddis Flies - WATCH IT NOW  

Catching fish on a dry fly is like MAGIC -- when it actually happens.  As much fun as dry fly fishing can be, it also presents some unique challenges you have to overcome. You need to find your fly after you cast it, you need to make an accurate cast, and none of that matters if you don't have the right fly in the first place.  This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant covers ten of the most important (and frequently asked) dry fly questions we get here at VFC. You'll learn about everything from improving your drift and presentation, to tricks for setting the hook on small flies.  You'll also learn about:  The importance of tapered leaders, and why you NEED these  The leader setup Spencer recommends for streamer fishing Tips for improving the rigging up process so you can spend more time fishing  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Fly Fish with Terrestrials - CHECK IT OUT  

Have you ever been casting to a trout that's acting as cantankerous as a toddler who missed his nap? You've tried EVERYTHING, but nothing will get the fish to calm down, eat your fly, and spend a few minutes in your net.  What do you do in that situation? Pack up and go home? Admit defeat - yet again - to an animal with the brain the size of a strawberry?  Well, after this week's episode of Untangled, you'll have another trick to try.  This episode shares ten fly patterns that most anglers overlook. When the chips are down and the fish refuse to cooperate, these are the flies you can turn to.  You'll also learn about:  Sink-tip fly lines, and the best lines to use when fishing streamers in a river What to do when you're fishing a dry-dropper rig, but the fish aren't rising very much What flies are categorized as mayflies Some tips for fishing a dry-dropper rig effectively The differences between stocked and wild trout  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How We Fly Fish with Nymphs - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Master Class: Mayflies 101 - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Fly Fishing's Most Important Fly - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT

Brook trout might be the most gorgeous fish on the planet. Sure, they're usually small, and where you find one, you'll often find 300 more -- but they're pretty, and they'll almost always eat a fly.  But did you know brook trout AREN'T actually a trout? And that in some places in the world, they can grow to well over 10 pounds?  This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about brook trout. From their life history to a few tricks on finding your own trophy brookie - and some killer fly patterns - this is an episode you don't want to miss!  You'll also learn:  Why you should (or shouldn't) use a strike indicator when fishing with dry flies How to approach a run you've already fished, after changing your rig Why Spencer never mentions the Royal Coachman or Humpy flies The three different types of flies that exist  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - VFC Fly Selection Master Class - WATCH NOW PODCAST - How to Fly Fish on Lakes - CHECK IT OUT

The more you know about aquatic insects, the more fish you'll catch. Aquatic insects are the backbone of a fish's diet, so if you know how their prey acts and behaves, you'll be able to make your fake flies look even more convincing!  Mayflies are one of the most abundant aquatic insects on the planet, and they're a HUGE part of a trout's diet. This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about what mayflies are, where they hatch, what they look like, what flies to use to imitate them, and how to be successful during a mayfly hatch.  You'll also learn about:  How to dial in the depth of your nymph rig EVERY time  What tenkara is and the pros and cons of this style of fishing How much the information we talk about on Untangled translates to trout streams across the country  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Set Your Strike Indicator Perfectly - CHECK IT OUT

Riffles are the buffet line of the river. They're jam-packed with both food AND hungry fish, but a TON of anglers just skip this type of water. They think riffles are too shallow to hold fish. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through everything you need to know about riffles. You'll learn how to identify one, WHY fish and bugs hang out in them so much, and how to present your flies in a riffle.  You'll also learn about:  Proper etiquette for fishing on different rivers How to put together an effective double-nymph rig The differences between stocked and wild trout LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Finding Fish in Riffles - WATCH HERE eBOOK - Finding Fish in Rivers - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Complete Guide to Wet Flies - CHECK IT OUT

Rainbow trout are known for their acrobatics, and for growing so big they look like more like a football than a fish.  You can also catch rainbows in LITERALLY every state in America.  But how often do you treat rainbows as just an afterthought? We're busy chasing browns, or cutthroat, or brookies, but rainbows don't always get the love they should. And that's a shame, since some of the BEST fish I've ever caught on a fly rod are rainbows!  This week on Untangled, we're taking a deep dive into rainbow trout. You'll learn about their life cycle, their feeding habits, the flies they like - even the best places in a river to look for them!  If you want to hook into a big ol' rainbow trout this year, you've gotta listen to this week's show!  You'll also learn about:  How to find new places to go fly fishing, even if you're traveling to somewhere you've never been before  Some tips on finding new flies to tie, and materials to tie those flies with The value of looking for, and discovering, new places to fly fish, all on your own  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE PODCAST - The Ultimate Guide to Brown Trout - LISTEN HERE VIDEO - Find Your Own Fly Fishing Spot - CHECK IT OUT  

You want to become a better angler. You'd like to catch more fish, definitely catch bigger fish, and feel confident in any river you find yourself fishing. So, what skills should you focus on if you want to make that leap?  Well, as I looked back on my own experiences, I found 7 skills that helped me quit feeling overwhelmed and outgunned.  If you focus on these 7 skills, you'll avoid A LOT of the mistakes I made, and you'll be able to fish with confidence no matter where you are.  You'll also learn about:  The differences between powder and gel floatant for dry fly fishing How to properly mend your fly line when fishing a dry-dropper rig When to untangle your line, or cut and re-tire your entire rig  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Get the Finding Fish eBook for FREE!  - CHECK IT OUT Get the Year-Round Hatch Chart for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Performing the Reach Cast - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line - CHECK IT OUT

The early-season hatches you find during spring are some of the BIGGEST challenges you'll face in fly fishing.  And after a winter where you've been cooped up and dreaming of fishing, the last thing you want is to get frustrated because these hatches are SO TOUGH to fish.  This spring, you won't be the angler who can't figure out the fish.  This week's episode of Untangled takes a deep dive into 8 of the essentially fly fishing skills that will COMPLETELY change how successful you are this spring.  These skills are GAME-CHANGERS that will help you read the water better, make smarter fly choices, and present your flies more naturally.  In this episode, you'll also learn about:  The importance of backing on a fly reel, and why every fly reel needs it How to keep your nymphs from constantly snagging the bottom of the river How to set the hook on dry flies  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Year-Round Hatch Chart for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Spring fly fishing is here! But how confident are you that you have the right flies for the job? If you don't have the right flies, you could be missing out on what I think is the BEST fly fishing you'll have all year.  In this episode of Untangled, I'll walk you through the 14 must-have fly patterns I use every spring. You'll learn their names, the sizes and colors I recommend, and the real-life bugs these flies imitate.  You'll also learn about:  The major differences between cheap and expensive reels, and why your best bet is a middle-of-the-road option When and if you should use flies that are larger than the naturals you see on the water Spencer's top three dream fly fishing trips  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE! - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE  

Brown trout have a reputation for being the smartest - and PICKIEST - fish in the river. If you've ever had one reject your fly, you know it feels like a personal rejection!  But here's the good news: once you understand brown trout behavior, their favorite foods, and where they live, catching them is MUCH easier! In this episode of Untangled, we'll break down everything you need to know about brown trout. You'll leave with the tactics you need to know to catch a trophy!  You'll also learn about:  How and why the same flies work in so many different rivers in America  A leader setup for dry-dropper rigs Tips for catching and cooking trout  Where the fish in small creeks spend their winter LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Master Class - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT

Have you ever heard of "trash" or "junk" flies, and wondered what the heck they are? If a fly is considered "trash," should you even be using it? Well, here's the thing: these so-called trash flies FLAT-OUT CATCH FISH!  Seriously, these trash flies are some of the most effective patterns out there! And in this episode of Untangled, Spencer walks you through what trash flies imitation, why they're controversial, how to fish them, and why they deserve a spot in your fly box.  You'll also learn about:  Tippet rings (FINALLY!)  The importance of fishing multiple types of water to improve your skills Spencer's process of selecting flies for a dry-dropper rig The reason we add tippet to leaders  Suggestions for a guide looking to outfit his boat for his first guide season  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE  

Catching trout is often the focus of most fly fishing media. But not all of us live near great trout fishing! You might live next to a farm pond full of panfish, or on the coast near striped bass. So, all the trout-centric fly fishing content can get kinda old. Here's what most folks don't immediately understand, though -- the skills you need for trout fishing overlap with the skills you need for almost every other fish!  Bonefish, bass, tarpon, roosterfish, taimen, musky, pike -- these are all vastly different from trout, but they still require a good knowledge of fly presentation, fly selection, casting, and reading water. Those are foundational skills you need no matter what you're fishing for!  On this episode of Untangled, Spencer walks you through how trout fishing can overlap with all sorts of other species, and gives you concrete examples of what that looks like. You'll also learn about:  Building your own leaders The most versatile fly rod OTHER than a 9' 5-weight How to cast after making a LONG drift through a good run LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Fishing Knots - WATCH HERE VIDEO - Wildfly Smallmouth Film - WATCH HERE

Have you ever wanted to go fly fishing in some incredible place, but you're unsure if you'll ever be able to afford it? I mean, with how expensive eggs are, traveling to fish is just out of the question - right?  Not necessarily. If you're willing to make a few compromises, you can have an AMAZING fly fishing trip for relatively cheap. In this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through the process he uses to plan fishing trips, including a half-dozen trips to Alaska while he was still either in college, or teaching high schoolo English.  You'll also learn about:  Tying on a dry fly to act as an "indicator" in a two-dry rig Some tips for mending more effectively Spencer's process for applying floatant to dry flies Whether your dry-dropper rig needs to be two flies of the same species (a caddis dry and nymph, for example)  How to match your leader/tippet size to your flies  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Fishing in Alaska!  - WATCH HERE GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - How to Mend Fly Line - WATCH HERE

We all dream of catching a fish that we'll never forget. You know the kind - a big one, or one that required a crazy cast, or maybe just one that surprised you. Often, these unforgettable fish are what keep us coming back to the river. But what exactly makes some fish stand out more than others?  In this episode of Untangled, you'll hear five stories about fish that Spencer hasn't forgotten. From those five fish, Spencer put together a step-by-step guide to help you make your own unforgettable fishing memories.  You'll also learn about:  Wader and boot recommendations How often you should change your flies The differences between 5 and 6wt rods  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook For FREE!  - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE  

Have you ever wondered WHY a fish rejects your fly? Well, we know that presentation matters, but is there something about the fly itself that makes a trout decide to eat - or reject it entirely?  Well, you can find some answers to those questions when you look at exactly how trout see your flies. Their vision is great, but not without its faults. Understanding how trout view the world will give you more tools with which you can better fool fish. In this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the science behind how fish see your flies, what actually triggers them to eat, AND how this information can directly put more fish in your net.  You'll also learn about:  How cold is too cold for fly fishing Do trout flies work everywhere, or are some patterns specific to certain regions? What a nymph is, and what it imitates  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT ARTICLE - How Trout See - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - How Trout See Pt. 2 - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Does Fly Color Matter? - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - Unmatching the Hatch - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - About That Hook: What Do Trout See? - CHECK IT OUT

We spend A TON of time talking about dry flies, nymphs, and streamers. But there's another type of fly out there that doesn't get enough love. This fly is supposedly the easiest to use, AND it's the favorite of some of the world's best anglers.  I'm talking about wet flies, or soft hackles (they're the same thing).  In this episode of Untangled, you'll learn what soft hackles are, what they imitate, why you'd want use them, and how to fish them. This is another trick you can add to your skillset to help you put more fish in the net! You'll also learn about:  How to get good drifts across large, deep pools with multiple currents The differences between a 9' 4-weight and 9' 5-weight How to cast strike indicators The best strike indicators for mountain streams LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Swing Wet Flies - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Soft Hackle Fly Fishing - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Make a Reach Cast - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Isaiah's Brown Trout - CHECK IT OUT

Have you ever been told that you HAVE to get a perfect, drag-free drift if you want to catch fish on dry flies? What about the need to keep your rod tip sky-high when you're fighting a fish? Or that you'll catch big fish if you're using big flies?  These may sound like they're rules, but there are actually NO RULES in fly fishing. There are only guidelines, and just a few at that.  On this episode of Untangled, you'll learn about some of the "rules" in fly fishing, and WHY and WHEN you should break them.  You'll also learn about:  Fishing for fish other than trout on a fly rod How sunscreen impacts trout, and what sunscreen you should use Some insight about spring creeks and freestone streams What to do when fish swallow your flies  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE RESOURCE - Scientific Paper about Sunscreen and Fish - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - Brian's Creek - CHECK IT OUT

What fly fishing skills will ACTUALLY move the needle and make you a better angler? Well, if you asked 5 different anglers, you'd probably get 20 different answers! And trying to master 20 new skills in a single year sounds like too much for it to be of any use.  On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer will share the 5 skills that have made the biggest difference in his own fishing. These are things he's still working on, and they're aspects of the sport that ALL of us can learn and improve on.  You'll also learn about:  How to interpret CFS data How much wind is too much for fly fishing, and what it feels like Setting your drag for different fish fighting situations How to properly position your strike indicator  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Pocket Rigs Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - WATCH HERE ARTICLE - A Gut Check on Accuracy - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Positioning Your Strike Indicator - WATCH HERE PICTURE - Jon's Apache Trout - CHECK IT OUT

What flies are go-to patterns for winter fly fishing? And how do you know which flies you should be fishing in winter, anyways? On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through which aquatic insects are most active in the winter, the flies we use to mimic them, and a few tips for how to fish them. This list of the 12 best winter fly fishing flies will have you set to start catching trout and bass!  You'll also learn about:  Why you need wading boots, and advice on buying them Why Crocs aren't ideal wading footwear How to size your strike indicator when fishing with nymphs Spencer's recommendation for pants to wear during winter fly fishing Why trout jump all the way out of the water to eat different bugs  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Get the FREE Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT PICTURE - AJ's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT

When the fish are eating everything EXCEPT your fly, what do you do? How do you save yourself from getting skunked? Well, there's a simple process you can use to troubleshoot your way out of a bad day on the water. On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through the five steps that will almost always help you put a fish in the net.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for setting the hook when fishing with dry flies Why a dry-dropper rig is so versatile Your main goal as a fly angler How to find active bugs so you can pick the right fly LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - How to Pick the Right Fly - WATCH HERE PICTURE - Nate's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT  

PIcking the right fly rod is like when your wife asks you if those pants make her look fat. How are you supposed to answer that question?  Well, I can't help with that--but I CAN help with fly rods! There's a lot that goes into the world of fly rods, and understanding the language, terminology, and prices can be daunting. Spencer Durrant has reviewed fly rods for major fishing magazines for a decade, though, and he's dumping all his experience with rods into this episode of Untangled!  You'll learn all about rod action, length, and weight, the differences between glass and graphite, why some rods are so expensive, and TONS more. This is a show you just can't afford to miss.  You'll also learn about:  Advice for fishing panfish and bass on the fly How to fish midges during the winter How to get someone interested in fly fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - What is the Difference Between Leaders and Tippet? - CHECK IT OUT  

What is it about fly fishing that keeps us coming back? Why is this sport so addicting? Is it the simple pleasure of watching fish eat dry flies, or the rush of hooking and landing a trophy trout? Tons of folks have tried to answer this question, and in a slight departure from the norm on this show, Spencer Durrant will dive into why he thinks fly fishing is so addicting.  You'll also learn about:  Different options for attaching leader to your fly line Tips for fishing spring creeks in winter Tips on picking the right fly during winter How to properly fish nymphs in slow, deep water Some general advice on fishing with streamers  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Pick the Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE Ben's #LiveReelLife Moment - PICTURE

I know, winter is cold. You've gotta bundle up like the Stay Puft Marshmallow man, and on top of that, the fish aren't all that active, either! So, why do some people just LOVE winter fly fishing? Well, it has enough redeeming qualities to make it worth the effort. The solitude and peace are hard to beat, and you can get into some fantasitc fish, too. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through everything you need to know about winter fly fishing: where the fish are, what flies to use, how to stay warm, how to deal with ice in your guides, and more!  You'll also learn about:  The characteristics of wet flies Recommended rods for beginners Some advice on picking flies for creek fishing How to tell where fish are holding in the water column LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Pick the Right Fly e-Book - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE Sean's #LiveReelLife Moment - PICTURE VIDEO - Proven Winter Fly Fishing Tactics - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly Flinger Rod - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Rod Buying Guide - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT

Is it enough to just know WHAT the best flies are? Or should you spend the time to understand WHY those flies are so effective?  Well, if you want to become a great angler, then you need to understand WHY the best flies work so well. On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through what real-life insects the flies we use imitate, and a list of 15 flies you should never leave home without!  You'll also learn about:  Adjustable dry-dropper rigs The best fly boxes for dry flies How to get your flies to sink quicker How often to change your flies if the fish aren't biting  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT EBOOK - How to Pick the Right Fly - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Waterproof Fly Box - CHECK IT OUT  

Where a fish lives has a HUGE impact on how it behaves and what it eats. Now, this matters to anglers, because if you understand how fish behavior and bug activity changes from a freestone to a tailwater, you'll eliminate A TON of frustration that many beginners experience. On this episode, Spencer Durrant will walk you through the information you need to know about the three main types of rivers, and how this knowledge can directly lead to putting more fish in the net. You'll also learn about:  Why to choose a parachute fly instead of a regular one How to sneak up on fish The 3 flies beginning fly tiers should start out with Tips for setting the hook on dry fly eats  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Sneak Up on Fish - WATCH HERE  

You can learn a lot about fly fishing from reading books or watching videos, but they don't always tell the complete story. Often, the lessons that stick with us the most are the ones we learn when we have a tough day on the water, or when we finally figure out how to catch a certain fish that's been elusive all season.  On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce talk about the fly fishing lessons they've learned that don't really show up in guidebooks, and how applying these lessons will turn you into a better angler.  You'll also be treated to a Lighting Round Q&A session, with tons of questions submitted from folks in the VFC Skool Group!  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Free Right Fly eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - WATCH HERE

Nymphing is by far the most effective way to catch fish on a fly rod. After all, 80% of a fish's diet is made up of nymphs! But how do you become FANTASTIC at nymphing? Once you have a good grasp of the bascis, what are the skills and techniques you should focus on to become confident with your nymphing?  On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through four advanced nymphing strategies to help you go from lucking into fish every now and then, to consistently catching tons of fish on nymphs.  You'll also learn about:  The best fly rod for small stream fishing The colors trout see, and how they impact the flies those trout eat How to get started in fly fishing  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Free Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENTS - SUBMIT HERE PICTURE - Kent's #LiveReelLife Moment - CHECK IT OUT PODCAST - Nymphing 101 (Episode 47) -  CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Fly Flinger Rod -  CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Rod FAQs - CHECK IT OUT ARTICLE - How Trout See - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - VFC Starter Packs - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Selection Masterclass - CHECK IT OUT

Dry fly fishing is the toughest style of fly fishing to master. You need to get SO MUCH right if you want to catch the biggest, pickiest fish on dry flies. Your presentation has to be solid, your knowledge of hatches has to be great, and your casting needs to be on point.  So, how do you get to that level? How do you avoid those extremely frustrating moments when you're fishing a hatch, only for the fish to ignore your flies, or quit rising altogether? Is it really as simple as practice makes perfect?  On today's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will wak you through a roadmap to help you take your dry fly fishing skills to the next level.  You'll also learn about:  The simple knots you need for fly fishing Why so much of fly fishing media focuses on fishing for trout in rivers Tips for fighting fish  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

If you want to progress from lucking into fish every now and then, to consistently catching fish, what are the most important things to focus on? What skills or techniques bring you the most bang for your buck?  Well, if you're serious about unlocking your potential as an angler, then you'll pay attention to the three things Spencer Durrant discusses in this show. He'll give you an in-depth look at the skills that, if you work to master them now, will help you become a confident, self-sufficient angler.  You'll also learn about:  Dry-dropper rigs How to combat losing fish during the fight Book recommendations for those looking to learn more about fly fishing and trout The exact gear Spencer takes with him during a day on the water  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

If you've ever walked into a fly shop to get outfitted for fly fishing, you've probably felt like you were floating in the Pacific Ocean with NO LAND in sight! The amount of things you CAN buy is overwhelming! So, what do you actually need to get started? On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through a list of all the gear beginners need, and he explains WHY this is the gear you should start with.  You'll also learn about:  When to use a dry dropper rig How to set the hook when fishing down stream When you should add movement to your flies Why you can't catch certain fish LINKS FROM THE SHOW

If you're a beginner, you probably have TONS of questions about fly fishing! And while we try to answer a lot of those on Untangled, sometimes we miss a few.  So on this show, Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce sat down with two beginning fly anglers, to answer their questions and hopefully point them in the right direction. The beginners ask everything from how to adjust your reel to the best way to fish big rivers.  If you're a beginner, one (and probably more) of your common questions will be answered in this episode.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW GET THE RIGHT FLY EBOOK HERE!  SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE SHOW HERE! SUBMIT YOUR #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT HERE! JOIN THE #TEAMVFC GROUP HERE!

What flies do you ACTUALLY need in your box? And how do you know which ones to choose? Is there some sort of secret that we're just not telling the fly fishing masses? Not really. Knowing what flies to take with you to the water (so you don't end up hauling 1,000 flies every time) comes with experience. But on this episode of Untangled, we're going to short-circuit that experience and give you all the info you need RIGHT NOW to always pick the right fly.  You'll also learn about:  How to tell emergers apart from dry flies What to do when you get snagged How far up river you should cast when fly fishing Spencer's recommendations for fishing sunglasses Why your knots break  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

If you don't rig your flies correctly, you won't catch fish.  Alright, that's a bit dramatic - but it's not far off from the truth! The way your flies are rigged impacts your ability to present them in as realistic a way as possible. And since our goal is to fool fish into thinking our fake fly is the real thing, you can see how important it is to correctly rig your flies. In this episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through how he rigs his dries, nymphs, and streamers, sharing the exact steps he uses after 20 years of fly fishing, a few years of guiding, and teaching thousands of new anglers here at VFC.  You'll also learn about:  How to correctly size tippet for multi-fly rigs The best flies to start with when you begin your day on the water Tips for casting in the wind How to tell what size and type certain flies are  LINKS FROM THE SHOW DOWNLOAD - Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT

The single most important skill you can develop is to present your flies in as lifelike and natural a way as possible. You could have the PERFECT fly, but it won't matter if you can't put that fly in front of a fish in a way that mimics the real thing. In today's episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through six tips that will help you perfect your presentation and immediately start putting more fish in the net.  You'll also learn about:  Fly recommendations for bass and bluegill Loop-to-loop versus nail knot connections for fly line to leader How to meet new anglers to fish with How to work fish close to far  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

Beginners don't always have a guide, or even an experienced fishing buddy, to help them overcome the mistakes they make on the water. There's A LOT of trial and error that goes into learning to fly fish, especially if you're doing it on your own. Today's show breaks down four of the most common beginner fly fishing mistakes, and how to fix them, so you can quickly improve your skills and have a better chance at putting more fish in the net.  You'll also learn about:  The best way to rig your nymphs to catch more fish How long your flies should drift in the river Catch-and-release tactics to take care of trout The basic fly fishing fundamental that will CHANGE your life  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

Have you ever wanted to fly fish in Alaska? Okay, that's probably a dumb question. Alaska is an AMAZING place, and Spencer Durrant just got back from a week chasing salmon, trout, and grayling. He shares the story of that trip, along with some of the most important lessons he learned, that apply not just to fly fishing in Alaska, but chasing fish EVERYWHERE. This is an episode of Untangled you don't want to miss! 

When you fish somewhere you've never been before, do you get nervous about being skunked? Is that even normal? I mean, a river's a river, right? How different can they be?  Well, rivers are different from each other, and it's totally normal to be nervous about not catching from a river you've never visited before. On today's show, Spencer Durrant will take you through the four tips he uses to tackle water he's never fished before, and if you remember these tips, you can replace all your nervousness with confidence.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for organizing your fly box Tips for fishing for grayling in Alaska Some advice on buying fly rods for fishing in Florida Some advice on what net you actually need for trout fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW

What the heck is a dry fly? And what are nymphs for? And what about streamers -  those are party decorations, right? So, why would anyone fish with that? If you've found yourself asking these questions, you're not alone. The world of flies is confusing, especially for beginners. Luckily, you have a Diet Coke-swilling guide to help you understand all the different flies we use for fly fishing. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through everything to know about the different types of flies, including the instances when you might want to use them. You'll also learn about:  The best cities to live in if you want to be near great trout fishing How to safely wade a river Some tips on mending  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

One of the biggest problems that holds beginner fly anglers back from really finding success is this: they overthink the sport. Fly fishing, at its essence, is a simple sport! And in this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant will walk you through WHY it's so simple, and give you some tips to remind yourself of that when it feels like you don't know how to catch fish on a fly rod.  In addition, you'll learn about:  The difference between fly rod actions How to properly store your rod, reel, and fly line Tips for applying dubbing to your flies Whether expensive fly rods are "worth it"  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

Do you wanna catch big trout? Do we even need to ask that question?  We all love big fish, but sometimes, it feels like catching them involves more luck than it does skill. However, with the right foundation of knowledge, you can put yourself in situations where you have the best chance possible to net a trophy trout.  You'll also learn about:  How long you can store fly line, leaders, and tippet before you should replace them How and why to choose the right nymphs for a nymph or dry-dropper rig Catching fish from water where you're getting skunked, but everyone else isn't  We also have a WONDERFUL #LiveReelLife moment on the show today, so stay tuned to the end of the episode for that!  LINKS FROM THE SHOW SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE! SUBMIT YOUR #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT HERE! FREE EBOOK -- How to Pick The Right Fly for Every Fishing Situation   PRODUCT -- Buy Tippet from VFC Here VIDEO -- Water Types from the Beginner Fly Fishing Masterclass Stephan's trout he caught after taking a swim

What do you do when the bugs are hatching, but no fish are rising to eat them? Or, what if the fish are rising, but they're refusing your flies? And how do you handle it when literally EVERYONE on the river is catching fish, and you're only catching the skunk? Do you go home empty-handed, like the commies after WWII? Of course not! You listen to this episode of Untangled, where Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce walk you through common situations you'll run into on tough rivers, and help you troubleshoot your way through them.  You'll learn all about how to handle moments when:  Bugs are hatching, but fish aren't rising Fish are rising, but ignoring your fly No bugs are hatching, and no fish are rising Fish are rising, but you don't know what they're eating Other anglers are catching fish and you're not.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

Small stream fly fishing is one of the sport's greatest experience, but tons of anglers overlook these hidden gems. Tiny rivers can present some tough challenges for anglers, but that's where today's episode of Untangled comes in!  Spencer Durrant will walk you through EVERYTHING you need to know about fly fishing small streams, including how to rig up your flies, what flies to use, how to approach the water, and how to get the best presentation possible, so you come home with tons of memories.  You'll also learn about:  The knots most guides use for fly fishing How to fish nymphs at different depths Some general tips on fishing with emergers  Why fly anglers generally don't use lifelike flies  LINKS FROM THE SHOW

What are the best trout rivers in America? You know, the rivers that every angler should visit before passing on to that great river in the sky. And for that matter, why do we hold some rivers in such high regard? On this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through his own ranking of the country's best trout water.  You'll also learn about:  Dry-dropper rigs  The science behind water temperature's impact on trout  Why fly anglers don't use barrel swivels  How to find fishing spots in brand-new areas 

What's the hardest thing about learning to fly fish? Is it the casting, learning how to pick the fight fly, or reading water? Or is it...well, everything?  On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant and Alex Stulce walk you through the major paint points you'll encounter when fly fishing, and they offer some great tips to help you navigate these. You'll come out of this podcast full of the confidence you need to absolutely crush it on the water!  Links From The Show FREE EBOOK - Picking The Right Fly For Any Fishing Situation Submit a question for the show here!

Do you like losing big fish? Of course not! No one does! On this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through a 5-step checklist he's developed over YEARS of losing big fish. If you follow these steps, you'll avoid learning the hard way like Spencer, and start putting more nice fish in the net in no time!  You'll also learn about:  How to assemble a dry-dropper rig with barbless hooks Why barbless hooks are the best option for every angler How to tell the difference between hooking into a fish and snagging bottom Some general tips on how to effectively fly fish lakes  LINKS FROM THE SHOW SUBMIT A QUESTION FOR THE SHOW! VIDEO - How to Fight Fish VIDEO - Fly Fishing Rigs and Knots VIDEO - How to Fly Fish Lakes VIDEO - Why You Should Use Barbless Hooks

Have you ever run into an angler who seems to ALWAYS know the EXACT RIGHT FLY to tie on, no matter where or when they're fishing? That might seem like a superpower, but really, it's a skill that just takes a bit of time - and effort - to develop. On today's episode, Spencer Durrant walks you through the 4 concepts you need to learn if you want to always pick the right fly for any fly fishing situation.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for casting dry flies Does color actually matter when picking a fly pattern? When should you change flies?  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Submit a question for the podcast here! VIDEO - How to Pick The Right Fly PODCAST - How to Pick The Right Fly EBOOK - Picking the Right Fly for Any Fishing Situation  

Euro nymphing supposedly catches more fish than ANY other fly fishing method. If that's true, then why isn't EVERYONE doing it? To understand the truth about Euro nymphing, you first have to understand what the technique actually is. On this episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant explains exactly what Euro nymphing is, he walks you through the pros and cons of Euro nymphing, compared to traditional indicator nymphing, and he shows you which method puts more fish in the net. By the end of this show, you'll have the information you need to decide if this technique is something you want to try.  You'll also learn about:  Why presenting your flies properly is SO important When to cut and re-tie your tippet and leader Spencer's preferred dry fly floatants, and how to use them How to find new places to go fly fishing  Links From The Show SUBMIT A QUESTION HERE!  LINK - Devin Olsen's article on Euro nymphing LINK - Joe Trotter's video on Euro nymphing