Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#891 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/891  Presented by: Patagonia, FishHound Expeditions, Fish The Fly, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/   Steelhead don't wait around long on the southern Oregon coast. They move with fresh water, travel tight to edges, and disappear as quickly as they show up. If you're thinking about Southern Oregon steelhead fishing, timing and water conditions matter more than hero casts. In this episode, I sat down with James Sampsel of Humble Heron Fly Fishing to talk about winter steelhead on short coastal rivers, fall fish on the middle Rogue, and why Chinook on the swing isn't always the plan. James lives in Port Orford, guides year-round, and sees these rivers change daily. We covered storm timing, travel lanes, lighter sink tips, fall "Novembers," and even plein air painting between steelhead sessions. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/891         

  890 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/890 Presented by:  Togiak River Lodge, Golden Fly Shop, On DeMark Lodge, Toyota Pacific If you've ever swung a fly for steelhead and wondered where that pattern really came from, this one goes deep. In this episode, we dig into the history and evolution of Spey flies with John Shewey.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/890  

#889 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/889    Presented by: Togiak River Lodge Tim Sands is a fisheries management biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, focused on the Nushagak and Togiak districts of Bristol Bay. His primary job is managing commercial salmon fisheries — mostly sockeye — while also protecting Chinook, chum, pink, and coho moving through the system. We covered how sonar counts guide daily decisions, what happens when too many salmon return, and why king salmon are struggling statewide. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/889        

885 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/888 Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge I sat down with Bart Lombardo from Panfish On The Fly to talk about bluegill, pumpkinseed, crappie, perch, and all the warmwater species that are often overlooked. We dig into why these fish are some of the best teachers in fly fishing, how they flatten the learning curve for new anglers, and why experienced anglers keep coming back to them.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/888  

#887 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/887 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Not every trout river fishes the same, and eastern Idaho might be one of the best places to see that firsthand. In this Traveled episode, we head back to Teton Valley Lodge with Brian Berry to explore how the South Fork Snake, Henry's Fork, and the Teton River each bring a completely different challenge depending on flows, seasons, and how you approach the water from a drift boat. Brian walks us through how fishing changes throughout the year—from winter nymphing and streamer tactics to the explosive Mother's Day caddis hatch and summer dry-dropper fishing. We dig into boat positioning, reading subtle holding water on technical rivers like the Henry's Fork, and why staying flexible with river choices is often the key to a successful trip in eastern Idaho. #887 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/887

#886 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/886    Presented by: TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/  Some people fall into fly fishing. Others get pulled in hard and never really come back out. Tim Arsenault fits squarely in that second camp. From skipping school to chase salmon, to designing some of the most thoughtfully tuned Spey lines on the water, Tim's journey is all about curiosity, obsession, and learning how things really work. In this episode, we dig deep into Spey casting techniques, steelhead rivers, line design, and what happens when you stop accepting off-the-shelf answers. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/886       

885 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/885 Presented by:  Fly Fish with me Utah, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes For more than a century, bamboo fly rods have been built from the same bamboo. It was accepted as tradition, rarely questioned, and almost never tested. Peer Doering-Arjes decided to test it. Instead of relying on history or feel, he approached bamboo like a scientific problem. He traveled through Vietnam and China, worked with botanists and universities, and ran controlled tests on hundreds of bamboo samples. He measured strength, flexibility, and durability the same way engineers test modern materials. What he found led to a different bamboo species that is lighter, easier to work with, and especially interesting for modern and two-handed bamboo rods.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/885

#884 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/884 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, TroutRoutes Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Progress in fly fishing often happens when you stop treating techniques as separate lanes and start combining them. In this episode, Brian DeLoach shares the hybrid system he's developed by blending Euro nymphing principles with heavy jig-style streamer fishing to efficiently target predatory fish. Brian explains why stout leaders and heavier rods protect fish during the fight, why drift matters more than tippet visibility, and how changing retrieves—including dead drifts, jig motions, and active strips—can trigger aggressive eats. If you've ever wondered how to fish streamers more efficiently without sacrificing control, this episode gives you a complete system to try. #884 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/884

#883 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/883   Presented by: Patagonia If you've ever wondered why some anglers seem to always be in the right spot at the right time, this episode digs straight into that idea. In this conversation with Simon Chu, we talk about New Zealand fly fishing, spring creeks in Montana, and why slowing down and walking often reveal what boat fishing hides. Simon spends his seasons split between hemispheres, guiding and testing gear in some of the most demanding conditions on the planet. We get into Patagonia waders, sight fishing big browns, and the mindset shift that comes from hunting individual fish instead of covering water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/883    

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/882 Sponsors: Fly Fish with me Utah, TroutRoutes, and On DeMark Lodge. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing has a way of making simple problems feel complicated. Your cast feels off, the presentation isn't doing what you want, and suddenly you're blaming everything in your hand. In this episode, we dig into understanding fly line design with Zach McKnight from Cortland Line, and it's one of those conversations that can instantly clear the fog. Not by piling on more jargon, but by getting back to the one connection that quietly drives everything: rod to line to fly. We also get into a little company history, why Cortland is working hard to be "the Cortland your grandpa remembers," and where fluorocarbon actually makes a difference when the water is clear and the fish are spooky.

882 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/882 Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, AVC Rig, Togiak River Lodge, TroutRoutes What if the hardest fly fishing in the world is not about numbers, but about patience, restraint, and waiting all day for one real chance? That is the game today's guest lives in. Rick Kustich is back on the podcast. Rick has spent decades chasing some of the toughest fish on the planet, from Great Lakes steelhead and giant muskie to Atlantic salmon and windswept rivers in Patagonia.  He breaks down why strategy matters more than repetition, how small adjustments change everything, and what it really takes to fish at the highest level.    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/882

#881 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/881 Presented By: San Juan Rodworks, Fly Fish with me Utah, FishHound Expeditions Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Stillwater fly fishing rewards anglers who focus on presentation, depth, and efficiency rather than constantly changing flies. In this episode, Phil Rowley sits down with England's Howard Croston — former world champion, longtime England team member, Hardy product developer, and Fulling Mill fly designer — to unpack the tactical decisions that consistently put trout in the net. From reading unfamiliar lakes and understanding stocked fish behavior to leader diameter, drift control, and eliminating "myths" about fly color, Howard explains how competition fishing sharpens efficiency and forces anglers to focus only on what truly matters. The result is a practical, systems-based approach any stillwater angler can apply immediately. #881 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/881

#880 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/880 Presented By: San Juan Rodworks , On DeMark Lodge, Toyota Canada Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors There's a point in fly fishing where casting stops being the hard part, and decision-making takes over. In this episode, Dave Stewart is joined by Nick Elcheson from Scott Lake Lodge to break down sight fishing Northern Pike in shallow water, where patience, positioning, and timing matter more than power. Nick explains why fly fishing for pike is essentially freshwater flats fishing, how seasonal water temperature controls fish location, and why waiting for the right fish often leads to better outcomes than covering water. You'll learn how small decisions near the boat affect success, how to approach shallow bays, and what separates a missed opportunity from a clean eat when targeting big pike. #880 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/880

#879 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/879      Presented by: FishHound Expeditions  In this episode, I'm joined by Orion Good, a Fishhound Expeditions guide who's quietly dialing in what actually works when the salmon don't show and the bead bite disappears. We dig into nymphing in Alaska trout nymphing, why the Duracell fly keeps producing when nothing else does, and how Orion locates fish in constantly changing systems. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/879     

#879 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/879     Presented by: FishHound Expeditions  In this episode, I'm joined by Orion Good, a Fishhound Expeditions guide who's quietly dialing in what actually works when the salmon don't show and the bead bite disappears. We dig into nymphing in Alaska trout nymphing, why the Duracell fly keeps producing when nothing else does, and how Orion locates fish in constantly changing systems. If you've ever wondered how to stay effective in Alaska when conditions shift, this one's packed with real-world guide insight. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/879      

#878b Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/878b       Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort When people think about Newfoundland fly fishing, Atlantic salmon usually steal the spotlight. But tucked into the same rivers and lakes are some of the hardest-fighting brook trout you'll ever see, including sea-run fish pushing three to five pounds. In this episode, I sat down with Les Wentzell to walk through brook trout fishing. We dug into timing, locations, flies, wind tactics, and why a simple dead-drift can outfish flashy presentations. If you're heading to Newfoundland for salmon, this episode opens the door to a second fishery that's right under your feet. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/878b        

878 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/878 Presented by:  Smitty's Fly Box, Intrepid Camp Gear, Stonefly Nets,  Togiak River Lodge   Today, we're digging into how fly rods are really designed. Not the marketing side, but what really goes into the design, the testing, and why some rods last for decades while others fall apart. Zac Dalton from St. Croix Rods is on the podcast today, and he walks us through how fly rods are designed from the ground up.    We talk about rod action and why faster is not always better, what durability really means for anglers who fish hard, and how different actions change the way a rod fishes and casts. We also get into cork, handles, and we even touch on the conventional side toward the end.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/878

#877 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/877 Presented By: San Juan Rodworks, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly, TroutRoutes Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing in Southern California looks nothing like a mountain river—and that's exactly why it works. In this episode, Frank Vargas breaks down how surf fly fishing actually functions, from reading tides and beach structure to understanding how species like perch, corbina, and leopard sharks use shallow water to feed and travel. Frank shares how incoming and negative tides reveal feeding lanes, why anglers often walk past productive water, and how sight fishing in the surf can feel more like targeting carp than blind casting waves. This conversation covers gear, etiquette, safety, and why slowing down and learning to see the beach is the key to success in one of the most overlooked fly fisheries in the country. #877 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/877

#876 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/876   Presented by: AVC Rig Most adventure rigs look great online. Fewer are built for real miles, real weather, and those long fishing days that end well after dark. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Dunkerly to talk about building camper vans that actually work for anglers. Matt runs Adventure Vehicle Concepts, and his approach is refreshingly practical. This isn't about Instagram builds or overcomplicating things. It's about access, simplicity, and designing a rig that helps you fish more without getting in your own way. If you've been thinking about a van for fly fishing trips, road travel, or long weekends chasing water, this episode will help you avoid the most common mistakes before you ever pick up a tool. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/876     

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/875B Presented by: wetflyswing.com/sponsors Streamer season is officially here in the Ozarks, and this one is all about slowing things down and fishing with intention. January kicks off the most aggressive window of the year, especially for big browns and smallmouth, and today Chad Johnson is digging deep into how they approach it. He walks us through why post-spawn is such a key window for them, how aggression bites drive streamer eats, and why presentation matters more than fly choice.   If you fish the Ozarks (or any tailwater with changing flows) this is one you'll want to bookmark. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/875B

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/875 Sponsors: Togiak River Lodge and On DeMark Lodge Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing doesn't fall apart because it's too hard. It falls apart because there's too much going on at once. Too many rods, too many flies, too many opinions, and not enough clarity about what actually matters on day one. In this episode, I sat down with Phil Monahan to strip fly fishing back to its essentials. Phil's spent decades teaching, writing, guiding, and answering the same beginner questions over and over. His takeaway is simple. Most new anglers don't fail because they lack skill. They stall because they're overloaded with choices. Phil's new book, The Orvis QuickStart Guide to Fly Fishing, is all about cutting through that noise and helping people catch their first fish faster.  

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/874 Sponsors: Intrepid Camp Gear, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, and Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Most fly fishing gear is built for comfort. Some of it is built for performance. But very little of it is built with the assumption that conditions can turn from "kinda crappy" to "this could go bad" in a hurry. That's where Grundéns comes in. In this episode, I sat down with Justin Waters, who's right in the middle of translating nearly 100 years of commercial fishing toughness into gear that guides, steelheaders, and fly anglers lean on when the weather goes sideways. We dug into why durability beats "features," what guides actually do to destroy gear, and how the best product ideas still come from the hardest fishing jobs on Earth.

873 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/873 Presented by:  Grand Teton Fly Fishing This episode breaks entomology down into something you can actually use. Sawyer Finley, guide at Grand Teton Fly Fishing, explains how insects live, move, and emerge—and how trout respond to that reality, not just to textbook hatches. The focus is on observation, timing, and availability, not memorization.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/873  

#872 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/872     Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club In this episode, I sat down with Nicolas Rivero to dig into fly fishing Patagonia. We covered the two-basin setup in Patagonia, the famous Limay River, giant brook trout in mountain lakes, and what a full April trip with Moccasin Fly Club looks like on the water. If you're curious about swinging flies for migratory trout, fishing both lakes and rivers in one week, or planning your first Patagonia trip, this one's packed. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/872       

#871 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/871 Presented By: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Big Montana rivers can feel overwhelming, even for experienced anglers. In this episode, Alex from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge breaks down how he approaches iconic waters like the Yellowstone, Bighorn, and Stillwater Rivers—and why many anglers struggle to find consistency on large freestone systems. It's a practical conversation focused on simplifying decisions, reading water effectively, and understanding what really matters on big rivers. We dig into fly fishing tactics like dry-dropper setups, nymphing adjustments, and streamer opportunities, along with how Alex adapts throughout the day as conditions change. Along the way, Dave also shares details on the Montana Fly Fishing Trip and Gear Giveaway, giving listeners a chance to turn these lessons into a real-world experience on Montana water. #871 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/871

870 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/870 Presented by:  Jackson Hole Fly Company,  Fish The Fly, AVC Rig, Drifthook Fly Fishing Somewhere deep in the Ozarks, Missouri splits in two. One side is farmland and highways. The other is the Eleven Point River, where everything goes quiet. No houses. No roads. Just cold, spring-fed water sliding through Mark Twain National Forest and miles of wild trout water where you can float for hours without seeing anyone. In this episode, we dig into fly fishing the Eleven Point River and the surrounding Ozark streams with Justin Spencer. We talk about his indicator jig system, why movement matters more than anything, when the fishing is best, and how trout and smallmouth behave through the seasons. We also cover Missouri's trout parks, blue ribbon water, and how to plan a trip that actually fits the river.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/870

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/869 Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Blooming olives were popping. Trout were rising everywhere. And Eric Johnson was sitting in a drift boat on the Missouri River, staring at one of those dry fly days you don't forget. What makes this episode different is that Eric isn't a guide, brand rep, or longtime lodge regular. He's the actual winner of our On DeMark Dry Fly Giveaway, and this conversation is a full behind-the-scenes look at what happens when someone really does win one of these trips. From the prize pack to the lodge vibe to the reach cast lessons and tiny flies fooling big rainbows, this is the whole picture, straight from the angler who lived it.

#868 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/868       Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors     Fly tying doesn't start at the vise. It starts standing midstream, watching bugs drift past your boots and paying attention to what trout actually eat. That idea runs through everything in this conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Davie McPhail, one of the most influential fly tyers of our time. Davie grew up fishing Scottish rivers and lochs, learning fly tying the hard way. By watching insects, experimenting with materials, and tying flies that had to work. We dig into traditional spiders, modern synthetics, proportions, durability, and why restraint at the vise still matters more than fancy materials. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/868     

#867 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/867 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  This episode of Traveled comes straight from the floor of the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo, where anglers gathered to share patterns, techniques, and the kind of conversations that only happen when tiers and fishermen slow down and talk shop. Scott Sanchez joins us to break down one of the most important — and misunderstood — feeding windows in fly fishing: the emerger stage. We dig into how trout feed in the surface film, how to read rise forms correctly, and why classic wet flies and soft hackles remain so effective when fish aren't fully committing to dries. It's a thoughtful, observation-driven discussion inspired by time spent at the vise and on the water, and a reminder that good fishing starts with paying attention. #867 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/867

863 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/866 Presented by:   Togiak River Lodge Today's story bridges two very different worlds: the tight banks and icy tributaries of the Great Lakes, and the raw, tidal power of Western Alaska. Bailey Adamavich learned to fish where forty-foot casts matter and low water forces precision, then carried that foundation straight into blown-out rivers, chrome-bright kings, and some of the most intense Chinook grabs you can imagine. Bailey was our guide on the Togiak River, and we talked through one of my best days ever swinging for king salmon. We also dig into how Great Lakes tactics translate to Alaska, why simple flies still win, and what it really feels like to guide a full Alaskan season. If you're curious about Chinook on the swing, Midwest steelhead and browns, or the leap from small water to truly big rivers, this one's for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/866  

#865b Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/865b      Presented by: Fish The Fly Jason Balogh is back from Fish the Fly Guide Service to recap his season around Jackson Hole and break down how he introduces new anglers to fly fishing. We cover beginner-friendly gear, dry dropper setups, casting basics, and how to read water on big Western rivers like the Snake. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/865b  

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/865 Sponsors: Togiak River Lodge, Smitty's Fly Box, and Jackson Hole Fly Company. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Last month on the Madison, I watched a perfect example of why Trout Spey exists. Wind ripping. Skinny water. A high bank behind us. Indicator rigs are getting ripped out of the drift the second they touch down. One angler finally stepped out of the rut, grabbed an 11-foot two-hander, and swung flies through water that had shut everyone else down. He wasn't being heroic. He was listening to what the river was asking for. That moment frames this episode with Nick Conklin. We dig into Trout Spey setup, casting fundamentals, and why indicator fishing, high sticking, and swinging are all equal tools. The difference is knowing when to use each and being willing to adapt when conditions get ugly.

#864 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/864 Presented By: Drifthook Fly Fishing, San Juan Rodworks, On DeMark Lodge, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Stillwater trout don't always eat because they're hungry — and that's where many anglers get stuck. In this solo episode of the Littoral Zone Podcast, Phil Rowley breaks down the power of attraction and explains why trout often strike flies for reasons that have nothing to do with feeding. When matching the hatch fails, attractor patterns can trigger responses rooted in curiosity, aggression, and territorial instinct. Drawing from decades of stillwater experience, Phil explores when and why attractor flies work, how to fish them responsibly, and which patterns consistently provoke strikes from otherwise inactive trout. From blobs and boobies to FABs, worms, and exaggerated chironomids, this episode reframes how anglers should think about fly choice, presentation, and trout behavior in lakes. #864 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/864

863 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/863 Presented by:  Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho    If you're trying to figure out where you can find giant stoneflies in July, chase technical midge eaters in March, and explore private spring creeks, all while staying in a five-star lodge that's not priced like Jackson Hole, this episode shows you exactly where that place exists. Today we're heading into Swan Valley, right in the heart of one of the most epic fishing zones in the West, with John and Liz Douville, owners of River Retreat Lodge. We dig into how they ended up buying a lodge in the middle of COVID, why March might actually be one of the best fishing months of the year, and how this area quietly sits at the crossroads of the South Fork, spring creeks, big wildlife, and wide-open country.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/863

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/862 Sponsors: TroutRoutes, Fish The Fly, and Smitty's Fly Box. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors There's a certain kind of fly fishing knowledge you don't get from a quick scroll or a gear review. You get it from someone who's been there when the "new" stuff was being invented, watched it cycle back around, and saved the paper trail along the way. That's what this conversation with Jim Adams felt like: a walk through the hidden world of fly-fishing collectibles, rare books, and the history behind the gear we all obsess over. Jim's story starts way back in 1943, tying his first fly at nine years old, and stretches through Florida Keys tarpon on bamboo, world travel, Alaska salmon research, and a lifetime of collecting and selling some of the rarest angling books and tackle out there. If you've ever wondered what makes a bamboo rod truly collectible, why some reels hit five figures, or how fly fishing keeps reinventing itself, this one's for you.

#861 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/861 Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Grant Woolridge carries one of the most influential river-boating legacies in the West. As the great-grandson of Glen Woolridge, Grant grew up around the Rogue River and the early innovations that made modern jet boating possible. In this episode, he shares stories passed down through generations—stories that shaped how anglers and boaters access wild rivers today. We dig into early wooden boats, the evolution of jet technology, and why Wooldridge Boats continues to balance innovation with durability and safety. From historic runs through Blossom Bar to modern materials testing, this conversation is about respecting river history while building boats for the future.  #861 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/861

860 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/860 Presented by:  Intrepid Camp Gear, Togiak River Lodge, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Patagonia   Today, I sat down with Marcus Bohlin of Nam Products to talk through the things Scandinavian anglers think about differently. Rod length. True line weight. Leader diameter. Presentation. We get into why a 14-foot 7-weight can actually feel easier to fish on rivers like the Deschutes, how Baltic salmon behave compared to Atlantic salmon and steelhead, and why Sweden keeps coming up as a place more anglers should be paying attention to. We also dig into Nám's leaders, why six-piece two-hand rods make more sense than most people expect, and how line choice matters less in some situations and more in others. This one reshaped how I think about modern spey gear and where it really comes from.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/860

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/859 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, San Juan Rodworks, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Tellis Katsogiannos has spent decades at the highest level of fly casting, earning world champion titles while helping shape how modern anglers think about efficiency, control, and simplicity. In this episode, Tellis shares how competitive casting sharpened his understanding of techniques, and how those lessons translate directly to real fishing situations. We also head to Sweden and Atlantic salmon water, where Scandi systems and Spey-style thinking demand precision over power. From line design at Guideline to teaching anglers how to improve without overthinking, this conversation connects elite casting, salmon culture, and innovation into one clear framework for better fly fishing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/859

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/858 Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing has a way of pulling you back when you need it most. And for Mike O'Brien, those quiet hours on the water turned into a full-on career shift, from financial services to guiding full-time in Utah. In this episode, we dig into what makes Utah such a sleeper fly fishing destination, why the Provo River is a legit year-round option, and the small tweaks that can turn a slow day into a "how is this even legal" kind of day. We also break down Mike's go-to winter and shoulder-season setup: the bounce rig. If you've ever felt like you're "doing everything right" but the trout still aren't eating, Mike lays out exactly where to look, what to adjust, and how to slow things down enough to get the takes.

#858 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/858        Presented by: Patagonia, Four Wheel Campers, Togiak River Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors    Josiah shares how subsistence fishing, military service, and conservation work brought him back home to build Bucks and Bones — a guiding program grounded in Hawaiian tradition, ecological responsibility, and world-class sight-fishing for big Hawaiian bonefish. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/858      

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/857 Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Most anglers think they know Montana trout fishing until they stumble into the rivers nobody's talking about. No shuttle lines. No shoulder-to-shoulder boats. No mid-summer hoot owl closures shutting things down. Just cold water spilling off nearly 13,000-foot peaks and trout that still behave like trout. That's exactly what we're digging into on this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast. I sat down with Lincoln Power of Montana Fly Fishing Lodge to talk about a pocket of Montana that still fishes like the old days. Freestones, spring creeks, migrating browns and rainbows, and a lodge experience that goes way beyond the water. If you've ever wondered what Montana looked like before the crowds, this one's for you.

856 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/856B Presented by:  Pescador on the Fly A fly rod that disappears in your pack but still fishes like your everyday rod sounds like a stretch. In this episode, we dig into why that idea actually works and why more anglers are turning to six-piece rods for travel, backup, and even daily use. Jeff Ditsworth, founder of Pescador on the Fly, joins the show to break down how he rebuilt his rod lineup from the ground up. We talk about better blanks, tighter tolerances, and a new factory producing six-piece rods that feel just as smooth as a four-piece.  Jeff also shares stories from a recent trip to Austria, chasing wild brown trout in alpine creeks with a local guide who also happens to be the fish police. If you travel with a carry-on, hike into water, or want a backup rod that doesn't feel like a compromise, this episode shows how six-piece fly rods fit into real fishing—from home waters to fly fishing in Austria.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/856B

 #856 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/856 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Togiak River Lodge, Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Steve Woit has spent years hunting down the stories behind fly-fishing's most influential figures — including Mary Orvis Marbury, whose Victorian-era writing documented flies and tiers before the modern industry existed. In this episode, Steve walks us through the research discipline behind Fly Fishing Treasures, his deep dive into letters, catalogs, photographs, and tackle provenance that reveal how anglers built a culture long before we arrived. This conversation isn't about nostalgia — it's about protecting memory. Steve shows how writing, archiving, and conservation fundraising through donated tackle help safeguard fisheries and preserve the names and innovations that shaped our sport. #856 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/856

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/855B Duane Hada joins Chad Johnson for a thoughtful conversation on what actually creates trophy trout fisheries—and why stocking alone isn't the answer. Duane breaks down the importance of catch-and-release regulations, managing pressure, and letting fish live long enough to reach their full potential. Drawing from rivers like the White River and the San Juan, he explains how conservation-first thinking shapes not only fish size, but the long-term health of entire fisheries. Beyond fishing, Duane opens up about his life as an artist and how creativity, patience, and observation carry over from the studio to the river. He talks about seeing fisheries as living "gardens," the influence of Dave Whitlock on both his conservation mindset and artistic outlook, and why mentorship—on the water and off—matters just as much as catching fish. This episode is about legacy, restraint, and approaching both art and angling with intention. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/855B

#855 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/855      Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, On DeMark Lodge, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors   If you've ever stood knee-deep in a Western river wondering whether a trout spey rod might change your whole approach, this conversation with Howard Cole will get your wheels turning. Howard's spent a lifetime shaping flies, shaping cast loops, and shaping anglers at JD High Country Outfitters — and he brings a river-smart perspective on everything from trout spey dry flies to yellow sally emergers. Trout spey tips show up often in this episode, and they sneak into almost every story he tells from the Snake to the South Fork. By the end of this episode, you'll probably be digging through your fly box looking for your own emerger patterns — or maybe even picking up a short spey rod for the next drift. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/855 

854 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/854 Presented by:  Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Intrepid Camp Gear,  On DeMark Lodge, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Today, we're sitting down with someone who has lived two deep lives, one on the PGA Tour and one on the flats of South Texas. Phil Blackmar spent years competing against the best golfers in the world, studying pressure, tempo, and how to stay calm when everything speeds up. Now he brings that same understanding to fly fishing, especially sight fishing for redfish and trout.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/854  

853 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/853b       Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/smittys  Steve Smith breaks down the fundamentals of top trout flies, fly tying materials, and the patterns that continue to produce everywhere. We also get into how Smitty's Fly Box evolved, how he approaches local hatches, and why mastering proportions might be the most important part of tying a durable fly. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/853b    

#853 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/853 Presented By: TroutRoutes, Smitty's Fly Box, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors James Garrettson of About Trout takes us deep into the San Juan tailwater—well beyond the Instagram version—to show what really makes this river a world-class streamer fishery. He breaks down how big trout behave in frog water, why depth and stalls matter more than speed, and how his team consistently targets fish over 30 inches. James shares the story behind a true San Juan giant, talks streamer setups, flow windows, guide etiquette, and why he spends every free day exploring the same river he's guided for a decade. If you've ever wondered how to fish deep, slow, technical water for outsized browns, this episode is the blueprint. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/853

851 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/851 Presented by: FishHound Expeditions  For the last ten years, today's guest has been fly fishing the Alaska road system and guiding the south central river, Lower Willow, Upper Willow, the Canyon water, and Montana Creek. He's one of the guides behind our recent Alaskan hosted trip and has a head full of stories that only come from rowing in a place where anything can happen. In this episode, you'll hear what it was like from Will's seat on the sticks during our trip, why the bite shifted every day, how he chooses between bugs, beads, and buggers, and plenty of stories from the river.  Will breaks down how to actively jig, swing, and animate the Duracell and other flies while nymphing, and how they get trout, grayling, and even salmon to eat.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/851  

#850B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/850B Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear Sloan Hiatt, Manager at Intrepid Camp Gear, breaks down how his team designs rooftop tents and aluminum cargo boxes built for anglers, skiers, and backcountry travelers. He shares why Intrepid manufactures everything themselves instead of white-labeling, how they solved common space and durability problems, and what makes their gear stand out in the overlanding world. We also get the story of Sloan's late-night bear encounter from a rooftop tent, plus a deep dive into his restored Land Cruisers, diesel swaps, and the 4x4 community that keeps these classic rigs alive. Whether you're camping, fishing, or chasing winter road trips, Sloan brings a builder's perspective shaped by miles of real-world use. 850B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/850B