Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#942 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/942  Presented by: AVC Rig, TroutRoutes, Stonefly Nets, Drifthook Fly Fishing Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/     Matt Thornton shares the story behind Wilderness Calling and how a simple conversation about conservation funding turned into one of the most ambitious steelhead research projects currently underway. We dig into satellite telemetry, Oregon steelhead fishing, Alaska guiding, and the challenge of understanding fish that spend most of their lives far from shore. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/942   

#941B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/941B Presented By: Gallatin River Lodge A successful Montana fly fishing trip isn't just about choosing the right river—it's about building the right experience. Kathryn Bartlett, General Manager at Gallatin River Lodge, shares how thoughtful planning, flexible scheduling, great guides, and a comfortable home base can transform a fishing vacation into something much bigger. For anglers looking to explore Montana's legendary waters while still enjoying everything the region has to offer, Gallatin River Lodge provides a unique starting point. #941B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/941B

941 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/941 Presented by:  Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Stonefly Nets, Fly Fish with me Utah What does it take to keep producing nine-pound trout year after year? In this episode, we're heading to Henry's Lake with Kevin Skenandore of the Henry's Lake Foundation. Kevin has spent decades fishing these waters and is now helping lead conservation efforts aimed at protecting and improving one of the West's most iconic stillwater fisheries. We talk about the new Feed the Fish program, how volunteers are restoring spawning habitat in tributary streams, and what water temperature and oxygen levels mean for trout survival. Kevin also shares some of his favorite stillwater tactics, including leech and chironomid setups that consistently produce fish on Henry's Lake.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/941

#940 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/940  Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory Phil Rowley and Darren Huntsman share why Henry's Lake remains one of the premier stillwater fisheries in North America. More importantly, they explain how the techniques taught during the Henry's Lake Stillwater School can help anglers improve on lakes everywhere.  Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/940  

#939 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/939 Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Fly Fish with me Utah Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Paul Arden, founder of Sexyloops and one of the most respected fly casting instructors in the world, returns to the podcast to share lessons from more than three decades of teaching anglers how to cast more efficiently. From beginners learning loop control to experienced anglers searching for more distance and accuracy, Paul breaks down the fundamentals that separate average casters from great ones. The conversation covers fly casting plateaus, loop control, back-cast awareness, the 170 cast, double-haul mechanics, fly line selection, and common misconceptions that hold anglers back. Paul also shares practical drills, coaching insights, and why understanding what happens behind you may be the fastest path to improving what happens in front of you. #939 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/939

#938B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/938B Presented By: Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Chris Teas joins Jeff Ditsworth of Pescador on the Fly to share lessons learned from more than five decades of fly fishing around the world. From growing up fishing Wisconsin and Colorado waters to traveling across South America and beyond, Chris explains why experience has taught him to simplify gear, focus on presentation, and stop overcomplicating fly fishing. The conversation covers fly fishing travel mistakes, stolen gear, packable rods, Euro nymphing, guide tactics, and why Chris believes most anglers only need a handful of flies to catch fish almost anywhere. Along the way, he shares stories from Argentina, golf-course peacock bass adventures, and lessons on why fly fishing remains one of the best ways to connect with people and the outdoors. #938B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/938B

938 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/938 Presented by:  Patagonia If tomorrow were your last day on the planet, would you feel like you left enough out on the water? That question sits at the heart of this conversation with Riverhorse Nakadate and his new book, Water Lines. Riverhorse has spent decades exploring marshes, rivers, oceans, surf breaks, and wild places around the world. Today, he shares some of the stories, adventures, and lessons that came from a life spent following water wherever it leads. We're talking about the making of Water Lines, what it was like working with Patagonia to bring the book to life, and the experience of recording the audiobook. We'll also get an update on conservation efforts in the Boundary Waters and hear a few stories from the road along the way. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/938

937B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/937B Presented by:  Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Stonefly Nets Fly fishing Eastern Idaho is all about timing. Hit the river during the right hatch, find the right feeding lane, and a good day can turn into one you'll remember for years. I sat down with Elden Berrett, a longtime eastern Idaho guide, fly designer, and tier who spent more than 25 years guiding on the South Fork Snake, Henry's Fork, Yellowstone waters, Hebgen Lake, and the Teton. We talked about the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo, some of his most productive fly patterns, the famous salmon fly hatch, and what he's learned from decades on some of the best trout water in the West. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/937B

#937 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/937   Presented by: TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/       In this episode, I sat down with Blake Merwin from Gig Harbor Fly Shop to talk about Puget Sound cutthroat fishing, steelhead on the Olympic Peninsula, and the small details that separate productive days from frustrating ones. We dug into beach structure, tide movement, chum fry migrations, topwater opportunities, and why standing still is often the biggest mistake anglers make. Blake has spent decades guiding and exploring these waters. Along the way, he's developed a deep understanding of sea-run cutthroat behavior and how anglers can consistently find fish throughout the year. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/937    

#936 Show Notes https://wetflyswing.com/936 Presented By: TroutRoutes  In this episode, we head to Montana with Mike Pogoda from Rising Trout Fly Fishing to break down how to properly plan a fly-fishing trip in one of the best trout destinations in the West. We dive into choosing between the Madison River, Yellowstone River, and Gallatin River, adapting during low water seasons, and making smarter on-the-go decisions so you're not second guessing once you step into the river.  Mike also shares insights from guiding these rivers every day and how local guides stay connected on river flows, hatches, and fish activity across Montana. Show Notes https://wetflyswing.com/936

935B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/935B Presented by:  Drifthook Fly Fishing  Every angler has heard it before: this fly always works, this is my confidence fly, you have to have this pattern in your box. But when you're standing on the river with hundreds of flies to choose from, how do you know what actually matters? Matt Bernhardt from Drifthook joins us to break down fly selection and share a simpler way to think about choosing flies.  We also talk about what drives good fly selection, why size and silhouette often matter more than exact imitation, and the differences between beginner, intermediate, and advanced approaches to choosing flies.  We'll also hear about the story behind Drifthook, his background in guiding, fly design, fly quality, sourcing materials, and what's next for the brand. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/935B

#935 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/935  Presented by: TroutRoutes, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Fly Fish with me Utah Jani Himanko owns Kellankoski Lodge in central Finland, where anglers target native brown trout, grayling, pike, and other species in a low-pressure river system connected by lakes and rapids. The fishery is known for aggressive trout feeding behavior, migrating baitfish, and a unique streamer technique centered around the surfboard fly. This conversation digs into the technical side of streamer fishing, Finland's trout culture, and how protected private water helped preserve giant native browns in their original range. Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/     Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/935   

  #934 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/934 Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear, Togiak River Lodge, Gallatin River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What does it really take to film fly fishing at the highest level? In this episode, Todd Moen of Catch Magazine joins us to share the story behind some of the most iconic fly fishing films ever created—from steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest to remote destinations across the globe. We dig into Todd's early production days filming for Fly Fishing the World, surviving a plane crash in the Bahamas, and how he eventually built Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual storytelling brands in fly fishing. Todd also explains why steelhead may be the hardest species to film, how music shapes his editing process, and what most people never realize about the amount of work required to capture a single unforgettable fish on camera. #934 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/934

#933 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/933  Presented by: Golden Fly Shop, TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/      Allie Cunningham from Science on the Fly breaks down how anglers can become community scientists by collecting water samples from their local rivers. The project focuses on tracking nutrients, water chemistry, and long-term watershed health while helping everyday anglers better understand what's happening in the places they fish. This conversation also highlights how grassroots conservation can create real change. From polluted wastewater entering Texas rivers to monitoring watersheds in the Amazon, Science on the Fly is helping anglers move from simply caring about rivers to actively protecting them. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/933   

#932B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/932B Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, Tom Petry and Jorden Susewitz of Film The Hunt share their experience at Togiak River Lodge, where a filmmaking project turned into a deep dive into spey fishing, Alaska wilderness, and the people who make the lodge special. What started as a content trip documenting the Larsen family's journey quickly became something more as both Tom and Jorden picked up spey rods for the first time and discovered the addictive pull of swinging flies. We dig into filmmaking in remote locations, learning to cast a two-handed rod, the challenges of capturing outdoor adventures on camera, and why Alaska has a way of changing your perspective. Whether you're interested in spey fishing, storytelling, photography, or simply experiencing wild places, this episode offers a unique look behind the scenes. #932B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/932B

932 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/932 Presented by:  Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho,  FishHound Expeditions, AVC Rig There aren't many anglers left who were there when modern fly fishing was still being figured out. Jim Teeny and Dick Sagara lived through that era, helped shape it, and still have the stories to prove it. In this episode, we dig into the early days of winter steelhead fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest, the birth of the Teeny fly lines, and the people who changed the sport along the way. We also talked about the famous "I spot 'em, I got 'em" philosophy that still sparks conversation today. This one moves from steelhead to tarpon to fly line design and back again, with a bunch of classic stories packed in between. Let's go! Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/932

#931B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/931B In this episode of Hunting with a Fly, Rick Kustich sits down with Vince Tobia of Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters to talk about one of the most overlooked predators in saltwater fly fishing—the barracuda. While many anglers head to the flats focused solely on bonefish, Vince explains why barracuda deserve a spot on every fly angler's radar. From sight-fishing tactics and presentation angles to gear setup and landing fish safely, Vince shares the lessons he's learned from years of chasing these aggressive apex predators across the Bahamas and beyond. #931B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/931B

#931 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/931  Presented by: FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Gallatin River Lodge Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/      Mia Sheppard has spent decades guiding and outfitting across the Pacific Northwest through Little Creek Outfitters. From steelhead rivers like the Deschutes and Grande Ronde to multi-day rafting adventures, she's built a career around rivers, community, and outdoor culture. This episode covers the return of the Sandy River Spey Clave, Dutch oven camp cooking, the changing landscape on the John Day River, and a few classic stories from the river that longtime steelheaders will appreciate. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/931   

930 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/930 Presented by:  Jackson Hole Fly Company, Golden Fly Shop, Fish The Fly Guide Service, TroutRoutes In this episode, our stillwater guru, Phil Rowley, sits down with Chris Callanan from Outcast Sporting Gear to talk about inflatable watercraft for lakes. They dig into float tubes, pontoon boats, frameless boats, anchoring systems, safety, maintenance, storage, and how to choose the right setup for your fishing style.  Chris also shares the history behind Outcast and how portable watercraft evolved from the old donut-style float tubes into today's modern V-hull designs. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/930  

#929 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/929 Presented By: Gallatin River Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What does it really take to film fly fishing at the highest level? In this episode, Todd Moen of Catch Magazine joins us to share the story behind some of the most iconic fly fishing films ever created—from steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest to remote destinations across the globe. We dig into Todd's early production days filming for Fly Fishing the World, surviving a plane crash in the Bahamas, and how he eventually built Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual storytelling brands in fly fishing. Todd also explains why steelhead may be the hardest species to film, how music shapes his editing process, and what most people never realize about the amount of work required to capture a single unforgettable fish on camera. #929 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/929

#928b Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/928b  Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Mike Komara and Michael Bradley are two of the five starters representing Team USA at the upcoming World Fly Fishing Championships in Eastern Idaho. They've spent years refining modern Euro nymphing tactics, and this episode digs into one of the biggest changes in competitive fly fishing over the last decade: the move from traditional sighter systems to fully colored micro leaders. The discussion also covers team strategy, competition preparation, dry-dropper adjustments, minimalist gear systems, and how presentation often matters more than the fly itself. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/928b    

928 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/928 Presented by:  Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, AVC Rig, FishHound Expeditions Today, we're digging into dries and dry dropper fishing beyond the basics with Jason Randall. We talk about better drifts, longer leaders, strike detection, presentation, and the small rigging changes that can completely change how your flies fish on the water. Jason also shares where dry droppers work best, where they fall apart, and a few subtle tricks that help your flies look more natural instead of just floating by. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/928

#927 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/927 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Togiak River Lodge, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Drifthook Fly Fishing Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What happens when a family helps shape the history of drift boats for nearly a century? In this episode, Jeff Helfrich joins us to share stories from the early days of McKenzie River drift boats, how his grandfather Prince Helfrich helped evolve whitewater boat design, and what it's really like navigating technical rivers like the Middle Fork Salmon and Rogue River in wooden boats. We dig into the transition from plank boats to plywood, the origins of the McKenzie-style drift boat, and why certain whitewater rapids still give experienced guides butterflies. Jeff also shares incredible stories from the Frank Church Wilderness, including flash floods that created entirely new rapids overnight, how drift boats handle technical water, and why these wilderness river trips remain some of the most unique fly fishing experiences in the country. #927 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/927

#926b Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/926b  Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Sean McLendon guides out of Montana Fly Fishing near Absarokee, Montana, where anglers can fish everything from technical spring creeks to big freestone rivers like the Yellowstone and Stillwater. His specialty is small water fishing, especially the kind of creeks where stealth and presentation matter more than distance casting. Throughout this conversation, Sean shared practical strategies for approaching selective trout, fishing dry flies on small streams, and covering water efficiently without spooking fish. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/926b      

#926 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/926  Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Gallatin River Lodge Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors     Greg Keenan is back on the podcast to talk all things stillwater fly fishing, from early season ice-off opportunities to advanced presentations for selective trout. Greg guides and teaches on the lakes around British Columbia and has become one of the go-to voices in stillwater education through his schools and YouTube content. This conversation covers everything from reading lake structure and finding productive shoals to fishing chironomids, leeches, and naked line presentations more effectively. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/926      

925 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/925 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Golden Fly Shop,  On DeMark Lodge Today, we take a look back at 50 years of Henry's Fork Anglers with Mike Lawson and some great stories from the early days of fly fishing on the Henry's Fork.  We talk about the rise of fly shops, graphite rods, matching the hatch, famous fly fishing writers, and how Henry's Fork helped shape modern fly fishing as we know it today. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/925

#924 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/924 Presented By: Fly Fish with me Utah, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Some of the best water you'll ever fish is the water most people never reach. In this episode, Christian Pretorius joins us to share stories from a life spent guiding and traveling across some of the wildest fisheries on the planet—from Seychelles GTs and Kamchatka rainbows to giant Golden Dorado deep in the Bolivian jungle. We dig into what makes remote fisheries so special, the tradeoffs between helicopter access and earning it on foot, and why the journey itself often matters just as much as the fish. Christian also shares lessons from decades of global travel, how pressure changes world-class fisheries over time, and why the best trips are ultimately about people, culture, and connection—not just catching fish. #924 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/924

#923 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/923 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors How does one of the largest free-flowing rivers in the United States end up back on the table for major development projects? In this episode, Margaret Stern from the Susitna River Coalition returns to the podcast to share what's happening right now across Alaska's Susitna watershed—from a proposed hydroelectric dam to a massive access road that could permanently change the region. We talk about why the Susitna remains such a unique and accessible wild river system, how local communities are organizing around conservation, and why public comments matter more than most anglers realize. Margaret also shares details on the coalition's river cleanup efforts, citizen science projects, and practical ways anyone—whether you live in Alaska or not—can help protect these fisheries for future generations. #923 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/923

#922 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/922b   Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Dry fly fishing can look simple from the outside. Match the hatch, make a clean cast, and watch the eat. But once you dig into how top competitors approach it, you realize it's not about the fly nearly as much as everything around it. In this episode, I sat down with Devin Olsen and Jack Arnot to break down what they're doing differently, especially with the Spanish dry fly system. This one gets into leader design, casting control, and why simplifying your flies might actually help you catch more fish. If you've ever struggled with drag, picky fish, or missed eats on dries, this one will open your eyes. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/922b    

922 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/922 Presented by:  FishHound Expeditions Today, we're digging into what's happening right now across Alaska, from the fight over West Susitna and Alaska public lands to bycatch, mining, and road development, and why it matters to anyone who cares about wild fish. I sat down with Rachel James and Ryan Astalos from SalmonState, along with Adam Cuthriell of Fishhound Expeditions. We talk about Bristol Bay, the proposed West Susitna Road, trawl bycatch, and how public lands decisions in Alaska ripple across the entire country. This one goes beyond fly fishing. It's about protecting the future of wild fish and the places we all depend on. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/922

#921 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/921 Presented By: On DeMark Lodge, Intrepid Camp Gear, Pescador on the Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Why do some anglers seem to find fish instantly while others struggle all day on the same lake? In this episode, Gareth Jones, sales Director at Airflo Fishing, breaks down Stillwater fly fishing at a level most anglers never reach—from understanding exact sink rates to building repeatable systems that help locate fish quickly. We dig into countdown systems, retrieves, line densities, and how wind, depth, and presentation all work together. Gareth also shares competition-proven tactics for fishing teams of flies, controlling drift with a drogue, and deciding when to fish attractor patterns versus imitative flies. If lakes have ever felt overwhelming or random, this episode gives you a framework to simplify the entire game. #921 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/921

#920b Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/920b  Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club In this episode, I sat down with John Hunt from Moccasin Fly Club to dig into what these trips actually look like. We got into fly fishing Baja liveaboards, chasing trophy roosterfish, and the stuff most people don't think about until it's too late. If Baja has been on your radar, this one gives you a clear picture of what to expect and how to do it right. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/920b     

#920 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/920 Presented By: Togiak River Lodge, Golden Fly Shop, AVC Rig, TroutRoutes Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors What happens when you take fly fishing beyond your home water and start chasing it across the world? In this episode, we sit down with Emilie Björkman and Ted Logart from Loop to talk about Wild Fish, Wild Places, a global series focused on travel, culture, and conservation. They share how the project came together, how they choose destinations, and what they've learned filming in places like Montana, Sweden, Iceland, and New Zealand. We also dig into the real challenges behind the scenes, why conservation issues are often global, and how anglers can take simple steps to make an impact right at home. #920 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/920

919 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/919 Presented by: Golden Fly Shop, TroutRoutes, FishHound Expeditions In this episode, we go inside the minds of world champion fly casters Whitney Gould, Rick Hartman, and Kalyn Hoggard to break down what really separates good from elite. We talk about the World Fly Casting Championships, what it takes to carry 80+ feet of line in the air, and the biggest mistakes most anglers make when trying to cast farther. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/919

#918 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/918 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Togiak River Lodge, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In today's episode of In the Bucket podcast, Brian Niska is joined by Adrienne Comeau and Eric Leininger for a candid conversation on what really drives success in steelhead fishing. What starts with fly choice and presentation quickly shifts into a bigger discussion around uncertainty, experience, and how much control anglers actually have on the water. Eric shares a perspective shaped by years of guiding—that in certain conditions, especially when water temperatures are right, many of the details anglers focus on may not be as critical as they seem. Adrienne adds her experience from the river, highlighting the role of confidence, instinct, and pattern recognition, while also recognizing the randomness that shows up time and time again. Together, they unpack the balance between what we think we know and what remains unpredictable—and why that tension is part of what keeps steelhead fishing so compelling. #918 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/918

917B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/917B Presented by:  Togiak River Lodge Losing fish after a solid grab happens more than people talk about. You feel the eat, the rod loads up, maybe even a head shake, and then it's just gone. Floyd Carter is back to break down what he's been seeing all season, from the Olympic Peninsula to Togiak. They get into what an actual take feels like, when to stay patient, and when it's time to hit it. They also dig into the loop vs drag debate, how small changes might keep fish pinned, and why even experienced anglers are still figuring this out in real time. If you've been losing fish and can't quite figure out why, this one will hit close to home. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/917B

#917 - https://wetflyswing.com/show https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this short solo episode, Dave shares a spring check-in and gives you a look at everything happening behind the scenes at Wet Fly Swing right now. You'll hear about the launch of a new show, Hunting with a Fly with Rick Kustich, plus updates on the growing podcast network including In the Bucket, The Great Lakes Dude, and The Littoral Zone. Dave also breaks down what's coming next with the Fly Fishing Bootcamp this summer and how you can get access to live sessions and replays. He also talks about upcoming hosted trips across North America (with some new saltwater opportunities), what's happening inside the Wet Fly Swing Pro community, and how you can get early access to trips, live sessions, and more. This episode is also your chance to help shape the future of the show. Dave is looking for honest feedback—what you want more of, what's working, and where things can improve. If you've been listening for a while or just getting started, this is a quick way to get up to speed on everything going on—and where things are headed next.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/916b Great Lakes steelhead fly fishing doesn't have to be complicated. In this conversation with Rick Kustich, we dig into a simple, effective approach that's been refined over decades on the water. Rick has spent years chasing steelhead across the region, dialing in what actually works and cutting out what doesn't. This episode breaks down his mindset, his system, and how you can start fishing more confidently right away. If you're looking to simplify your approach and catch more fish without overthinking every detail, this one lays it out clearly.

#916 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/916  Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho   Fishing big bugs isn't just about throwing something large at the bank and hoping for an explosion. What really matters is precision, realism, and getting that fly exactly where it needs to be. In this episode, I sat down with Ken Burkholder to dig into the details that separate a decent drift from one that actually gets eaten. We get into fly design, fishing tight banks, and why small tweaks can make a big difference when fish are locked in. Ken brings decades of experience from the South Fork of the Snake, plus a deep background in fly design with Fulling Mill. This one covers everything from stoneflies to cicadas and a whole lot in between. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/916    

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/915 Presented by: Golden Fly Shop, TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company. A music producer doesn't usually end up building a fly fishing podcast—but that's exactly how Pablo Signori got started. What began as a side project during the pandemic turned into The Newb and the Knower, a show built around learning fly fishing from the ground up. Instead of positioning himself as an expert, Pablo leaned into being a beginner and documented the process in real time. That approach not only shaped the podcast but also opened the door to travel, deeper learning, and a completely new path in fly fishing.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/914b Presented by:   TroutRoutes There's a stretch of the Midwest that a lot of anglers pass right by without ever realizing what's tucked into it. Beneath the farmland and rolling roads of the region sits one of the most underrated trout fisheries in the country. In this episode, John Van Vliet breaks down why the Driftless has become such a special place for anglers who love small streams, spring creeks, and big wild trout. We get into the unique geology of the Driftless, why the region fishes so differently from freestone rivers, and how a creek that looks too small to hold fish can surprise you with a twenty-inch brown. John also shares practical tactics for approaching new water, finding fish faster, and fishing these clear creeks without blowing your chances. This one is packed with useful takeaways whether you're planning your first trip to the Driftless or just want to become a better small stream angler.

914 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/914 Presented by:  AVC Rig, TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge James Frakes and Jackson Birrell break down what they're doing with the Salmonfly Project, a nonprofit focused on tracking aquatic insect populations across the West. They talk about why bugs like salmonflies, stoneflies, and mayflies matter, and how they can show what's really happening in a river. You'll also hear how habitat, water quality, and insect life all connect, and what anglers can do to pay attention and get involved. They also touch on Bug Fest, coming up soon, where you can learn more and connect with the project in person. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/914  

913 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/913 Presented by:    Fly Fish with Me Utah, Togiak River Lodge, Golden Fly Shop We're putting together the Ultimate Leech Guide with Landon Mayer and Phil Rowley. We break down when to use leeches, how to fish them, and why they work so consistently across different lakes. We also dig into presentation tactics, leader setups, and the leech life cycle so you can better understand what fish are keying on. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/913

#912 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/912  Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  In this episode on classic salmon fly tying, I sat down with Marvin Nolte, a guy who's been at the vise since the 1970s and has tied over 2,000 classic Atlantic salmon flies. We get into what it really takes to tie these patterns, why most people don't stick with it, and how a random Christmas gift turned into a decades-long obsession. We also dig into one of the wildest stories in fly tying, the massive Granger collection, and what it says about craftsmanship, patience, and going deep into the details. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/912      

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/911 Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Jackson Hole Fly Company, and Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. Fly fishing travel isn't what it used to be. The easy trips are getting crowded, and the places that still feel untouched take a little more effort to reach. In this episode, we get a real look at what that next level of travel looks like. Will Blair walks through two very different fisheries—the remote flats of the Bahamas and the wild rivers of Kamchatka—and explains how both are evolving right now. This is a full-on fly fishing travel guide, from logistics to species to what actually matters once you get there.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/910B Presented by:  Fly Fish with me Utah Most anglers walk right past good water without even knowing it. In this episode, we're digging into how to find trout and turn refusals into eats with Mike O'Brien. He shares how guides break down a river in the first few minutes and what they look for before making a single cast. We also get into why trout refuse flies that look perfect, and how small changes in your drift and position can turn those refusals into eats. Mike talks about reading trout behavior, spotting high percentage water, and making simple adjustments when things aren't working. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/910B

#910 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/910  Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors    Jonathan Farmer from Midnight Sun Custom Flies shares how this camp blends the comfort of a lodge with the authenticity of a true Alaska steelhead camp. It's built for anglers who want to fish hard, learn more, and experience Alaska in the fall. From swing techniques to river behavior to camp life, this one is packed with insight for anyone chasing chrome. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/910     

#909  Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/909 Sponsors: Grand Teton, AVC Rig, TroutRoutes There's a whole world of trout food drifting beneath the surface that most anglers never fully notice. Tiny insects, short-lived hatches, and subtle movements quietly control how trout feed and where they hold. In this episode, we dig into trout food — not just what they eat, but why it matters. Because once you start noticing bugs, the river starts making a whole lot more sense. Maggie Heumann from Trout Unlimited joins me to break down aquatic entomology in a way that actually connects to your time on the water.

908 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/908 Presented by:  Golden Fly Shop, Fly Fish with me Utah, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Pescador on the Fly Do you remember when intruders took over with big profiles and tons of flash? But what if the real edge is going smaller? In this episode, we're digging into fishing smaller flies for Great Lakes steelhead and salmon, and what happens when you shift from bulk to balance and from heavy push to a more subtle presence. Alex Belonga breaks it down, from Temple Dogs to sparse hair wings, plus how presentation, movement, and fly design all play into getting more eats. 908 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/908  

#907 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/907  Presented by: TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/     What does it take to completely rethink how we carry gear on the water? In this episode, we dig into fly fishing innovation through the story of Fishpond and the mind behind it, Johnny Le Coq. From cassette tape cases to chest packs and carbon fiber nets, this one connects design, function, and purpose in a big way. We get into the early days of Fishpond, how disruption shaped the brand, and why conservation became just as important as the gear itself. Jonny also shares what he's focused on now, including a powerful citizen science movement that's giving anglers a new way to protect the waters they love. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/907      

#906  Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/906 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Visit Idaho, Stonefly Nets, Drifthook Fly Fishing. Fly fishing has always evolved, but some moments change everything. From bamboo to fiberglass to graphite, each shift has redefined how anglers experience the water. In this episode, Larry Kenney shares what it was like to be at the center of one of the most important transitions in fly fishing history—the move to graphite fly rods. Larry, co-founder of Scott Fly Rods, takes us through the early days of rod building, the rise of graphite innovation, and the lessons he's learned from decades in the industry. Along the way, he shares practical advice that challenges how anglers think about gear, casting, and improvement.