Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/902 Presented By: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Mountain Waters Resort. Steelhead fishing rewards patience, repetition, and time on the water. In this episode, Dax Messett shares practical winter steelhead fishing tips on reading water, fishing near tidewater, choosing the right setup, and making better swings on coastal rivers. We also get into the lower Rogue, the Klamath, leader strength, tide influence, and how to land fish cleanly without a net.

#901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901b   Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge In this episode, Chase walks through Montana spring creek fly fishing — from the Yellowstone and Stillwater to spring creeks and the Shoshone. We dig into double-nymph rigs, streamer strategies, dry-dropper setups, and how fall fishing in Montana changes the whole game. If you're planning a Montana trip or just want to fish smarter on big western rivers, this one is packed with ideas. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901b      

901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901  Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Togiak River Lodge, Toyota Prairies In this episode, I sit down with Jim McLennan to explore Bow River fly fishing across generations. We talk about the shift from classic dry fly fishing to streamer fishing, increased boat traffic, and the challenges of managing a well-known tailwater fishery in Alberta. We also get into key hatches like golden stones, how dam operations impact river conditions, and how fly fishing techniques have evolved on the Bow River. Jim shares stories about legends like Lefty Kreh and Gary LaFontaine, along with insights from his books, including Blue Ribbon Bow.

Watch the full video:  https://wetflyswing.com/salmonflyproject Take the Angler Survey:  https://salmonflyproject.org/survey/ Support the Salmonfly Project:  https://salmonflyproject.org/donate/ In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of fly fishing: entomology, or the study of aquatic insects, and how it directly connects to success on the water. James Frakes and Jackson Birrell from the Salmonfly Project break this topic down in a way that makes it approachable, practical, and actually useful for anglers at any level. Instead of overwhelming you with scientific jargon or Latin names, they focus on what matters most: understanding bugs well enough to make better decisions when fish are feeding. Right from the start, the conversation shifts the way you think about "matching the hatch." It's not just about picking the right fly—it's about understanding timing, behavior, and movement. When you start thinking not only like a fish, but also like the bug, everything begins to click. Why Bugs Matter More Than You Think One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that bugs are not just "fish food" they are the foundation of the entire river ecosystem. Aquatic insects: Feed trout and drive feeding behavior Support birds and other wildlife Help clean and maintain healthy rivers Act as early warning signs for water quality In fact, over 70% of freshwater species are insects, which puts into perspective just how important they are. The guys emphasize that it's not just about having a lot of bugs it's about diversity. Different species hatch at different times, creating consistent feeding opportunities for trout throughout the year. Without that diversity, fishing becomes less predictable and often less productive.   The Big 3: Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies To simplify things, they focus on the three major insect groups every angler should understand: 1. Mayflies These are the classic "dry fly" bugs most anglers think of. They have a unique lifecycle that includes multiple fishable stages: Nymph Emerger Dun (adult) Spinner (final stage) Because mayflies take a long time to emerge and sit in the surface film, trout feed on them gently those classic sipping rises. A key insight:  Mayflies are often most vulnerable during emergence, making emerger and cripple patterns incredibly effective. 2. Stoneflies Stoneflies behave very differently. Instead of emerging mid-river, they: Crawl to the banks Hatch out of the water Return to lay eggs by skittering or "splatting" on the surface This creates a completely different feeding response from trout:  More aggressive, splashy eats One of the most surprising takeaways: During big hatches like salmonflies, fish may already be completely full from eating nymphs That's why sometimes fish ignore giant dry flies even when bugs are everywhere 3. Caddisflies Caddis are fast, active, and incredibly abundant. Their lifecycle includes: Larva Pupa (fast-rising stage) Adult (moth-like) Unlike mayflies, caddis emerge quickly and don't sit long on the surface. This leads to:  Faster, more aggressive trout feeding (the classic "caddis rise") A big takeaway here: Fishing wet flies or pupae is often more effective than dry flies during caddis activity Understanding Behavior Over Identification One of the most important themes in this episode is that you don't need to memorize every bug species. Instead, focus on: What type of bug it is (mayfly, stonefly, caddis) Where it lives (bottom, rocks, banks) How it moves (slow drift vs fast swim vs skitter) When it emerges If you understand those basics, you can:  Anticipate feeding behavior instead of reacting to it Hatch Timing and Strategy The episode also dives into how hatches actually happen and how to fish them. Key concepts: Hatches are driven by water temperature and seasonal timing Spinner falls are driven by air temperature Bugs emerge in predictable windows (morning, midday, evening) Some practical strategies: Fish nymphs before the hatch begins Switch to emergers right before activity Match surface patterns only when fish are clearly feeding up top They also highlight how: Cloudy, humid weather often improves mayfly fishing Sunny afternoons can be better for stoneflies Evening and even nighttime can be prime for caddis Real Science Meets Real Fishing What makes this episode stand out is how the Salmonfly Project connects science directly to angling. Their work includes: Studying insect populations Tracking environmental changes Running angler-driven data collection They explain how insects act as "canaries in the coal mine"s howing early signs of river health changes before fish populations decline. This ties into a bigger message:  Understanding bugs makes you not just a better angler—but a better steward of the river The Wild Side of Bugs This episode also mixes in some unforgettable (and slightly crazy) insights: Caddis larvae build underwater nets and fight over territory Some stoneflies live underground and show up in people's wells Mayflies have been around longer than dinosaurs Certain bugs can literally "chirp" underwater to compete These moments highlight something important:  There's an entire world happening beneath your feet that most anglers never see The Big Takeaway If there's one idea to walk away with, it's this: You don't need to know everything about bugs—  you just need to understand enough to predict what's happening. When you: Recognize the type of insect Understand its behavior Match your presentation accordingly You move from guessing…  to fishing with purpose. Final Thoughts This conversation is a reminder that fly fishing isn't just about casting or gear it's about awareness. The anglers who consistently find success aren't always using the fanciest flies—they're the ones paying attention to: What's happening in the water What stage the bugs are in How trout are responding And once you start seeing the river through that lens, everything changes.

899 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/899 Presented by: Patagonia, San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear Henry's Lake fly fishing has a reputation that stretches across North America. Big trout, shallow water, legendary hatches, and a history filled with anglers chasing trophy fish. In this episode, Phil Rowley sits down with Idaho native Darren Huntsman, a lifelong angler who has spent decades learning the nuances of this famous stillwater. Darren grew up fishing nearby rivers and lakes, eventually falling in love with Henry's Lake for the same reason many anglers do—the chance to chase truly big trout in a bug-rich, shallow lake that fishes differently from almost anywhere else.

Show Notes: Https://wetflyswing.com/898B Sponsor: San Juan Rodworks Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing in New Mexico offers an incredible range of water that many anglers overlook. From tiny mountain creeks hiding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the famous San Juan River tailwater, the state delivers everything from technical dry fly fishing to big trout below dams. In this episode, I sat down with Trisha Valdez to talk about growing up around the Mora River, how she found fly fishing later in life, and why local rivers often shape us more than destination trips. Trisha also shares the story behind New Mexico Lady Anglers, the community she founded to help more women get comfortable with fly fishing. We get into small-stream fishing, the San Juan River, conservation challenges, and several New Mexico trout streams worth adding to your list.

Watch the Video:  http://wetflyswing.com/steelheadbootcamp Sponsors:  https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/ In this episode, Jeff Liskay breaks down the core ideas behind successful swung-fly steelhead fishing and why so many anglers struggle with it. Instead of focusing on gear or the perfect fly, Jeff explains that success starts with understanding where steelhead actually hold in a river. He shares lessons from decades of chasing steelhead across the Great Lakes, West Coast, and beyond, emphasizing how reading water, identifying structure, and recognizing current changes are the real keys to finding fish. Anglers need to think like hunters, targeting individual holding spots and learning to interpret the subtle clues the river gives about where steelhead are likely resting or traveling. Jeff also dives into the mechanics of presentation—how casting angle, sink tips, fly depth, and swing speed determine whether your fly actually enters a steelhead's "strike window." Small adjustments in rod position, mending, and step-down pacing can keep the fly in the right zone longer and dramatically increase the odds of a grab. Throughout the masterclass, he explains how to evaluate conditions, execute a thoughtful swing, and adjust based on what the river and fish are telling you. The result is a practical framework that helps anglers move beyond random casting and start fishing each run with purpose and confidence.

897 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/897 Presented by:  Togiak River Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  In this episode, we dig into the science of a perfect fly cast with legendary casting instructor Ed Jaworowski. We talk about rod loading, loop control, timing, and the small mechanics that make a cast efficient and accurate. Ed also shares how he learned alongside Lefty Kreh, and why mastering these details can keep anglers improving for decades. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/897  

Show Notes: https://wetfyswing.com/896 Sponsors: wetflyswing.com/visitidaho Some fly tying skills come quickly. Others only show up after thousands of flies, years behind the vise, and a lot of mistakes along the way. Proportions, thread control, and material handling are things you really can't shortcut. In this episode, I sat down with Dave Allison to talk about fly tying travel, the expo circuit across the West, and the patterns he loves tying when people sit down across the table. We also dug into the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo, one of the best tying events in the country. Dave shared some great insights into dry flies, Quigley patterns, Wally Wings, the Found Link, and the small tricks that make a big difference when you're tying or fishing these flies.

895 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/895 Presented by:  Fly Fish with me Utah, Drifthook Fly Fishing, TroutRoutes Picture this. You're in Colorado with mountains in every direction, and the South Platte running just across the road. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher from Mountain River Lodge. We talk about how this place began as a historic motor lodge and how they've upgraded it into a true base camp for anglers, hikers, hunters, and groups exploring some of the best water in the state. We also dig into the Dream Stream, Mueller State Park, shoulder seasons, and why fall in Colorado is hard to beat.  This is the home base for our upcoming Landon Mayer trip, and we still have a couple of spots open. If you're interested, send me an email and put "Landon Mayer" in the subject line, and I'll get you the details.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/895  

#894 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/894  Presented by: AVC Rig, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Fish The Fly, Patagonia Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/    Long Island fly fishing isn't the first thing most people think of when they picture New York. Traffic, skyline, beaches maybe. But tucked behind all that is a network of spring creeks, salt marshes, kettle ponds, and over a thousand miles of shoreline that most anglers never see. In this episode, I sat down with Paul McCain, owner of River Bay Outfitters — the only dedicated fly shop on Long Island. Paul's been building community, guiding anglers, and chasing everything from native brook trout to stripers for decades. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/894     

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/893B Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing doesn't fall apart because it's too difficult. It falls apart because most anglers treat it like random casting instead of controlled hunting. Too many flies. Too many casts. Not enough intention. In this first episode of Hunting with a Fly, I sat down with Joe to break fly fishing down to its core principle: approach it like a hunter. Read water like terrain. Move with purpose. Cast only when it matters. Joe's message is simple. The anglers who consistently catch fish aren't guessing — they're stalking, positioning, and presenting with intention.

Join the Bootcamp at:
https://wetflyswing.com/bootcamp In this episode, we break down the full lineup of the Fly Fishing Bootcamp, a 12-session, multi-day event designed to cover the complete range of modern fly fishing skills. From fly casting mechanics with Kalyn Hoggard and Marty McVey, to steelhead strategy with Jeff Liskay, dry fly precision with Bob Lindquist, modern nymphing with Norman Maktima, trout fly tying with Mike O'Brien, two-handed casting with Jeff Putnam, bass tactics with Brian DeLoach, entomology with The Salmonfly Project, streamer strategy with James Garrettson, stillwater systems with Phil Rowley, fly tying mastery with Davie McPhail, and panfish tactics with Bart Lombardo.   This episode walks through what each instructor brings to the table, why these skills matter together as a complete system, and how you can join live to be part of the conversation. If you're looking for structure, clarity, and a full-spectrum approach to the season ahead, this is where it starts.  

#892 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/892 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Most anglers never think about where their flies actually come from or how an idea turns into something hanging on a fly shop wall. In this episode, Jesse Riding of Rainy's Flies takes us behind the scenes of commercial fly tying—from a small home operation started by his mother to one of the largest fly production companies in the world. We dig into how flies are designed, how patterns move into large-scale production, and why materials like foam changed modern fly fishing forever. Jesse also shares insights on fly design royalties, innovation ethics, and what really determines quality when flies are tied across the globe. #892 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/892

Show Notes: https://wetfyswing.com/891b Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Gary founded San Juan Rod Works in 2020 out of his garage. Today, he's moved into a dedicated showroom and education space in Rio Rancho, New Mexico — built around community, casting, and conservation. This episode walks through how to actually choose a fly rod without overcomplicating it — starting with species, then flies, then casting style.

#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