Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#953 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/955Presented by: Drifthook, Golden Fly Shop, TroutRoutes, Montana Fly Fishing LodgeFew people have moved between the worlds of literature, fly fishing, film, and Western culture with a front-row seat to all of them.In this episode, Dave sits down with Tom McGuane to talk about a lifetime of chasing fish, telling stories, and following his curiosity wherever it led. From tarpon in the Florida Keys to decades spent fishing the Dean River, Tom shares the experiences that shaped both his writing and his life.We covered steelhead, Atlantic salmon, Spey casting, literature, Hollywood, Jimmy Buffett, Jeff Bridges, and what it feels like to keep chasing fish after decades on the water. If you've ever wondered what a lifetime devoted to fly fishing looks like, this episode is a master class.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/955

#954 Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/954Presented By: Blue Bonefish Lodge, Pescador on the FlyFor many fly anglers, a trip to Belize means one thing—finally experiencing the thrill of chasing Bonefish across crystal-clear flats. But once you're standing on the bow of a skiff, you'll quickly realize that Bonefish are only part of the story.In this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast, Chris shares what it was like to fish the Belize flats for the first time. From landing his first Bonefish to taking shots at Tarpon and Permit, the trip became an unforgettable introduction to the world of saltwater fly fishing.954 Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/954

#953 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/953Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Fly Fish with me Utah, Togiak River Lodge, FishHound ExpeditionsA good fish finder won't catch trout for you, but it will help you understand the underwater world in ways that simply weren't possible a few years ago. In this episode, Wade Van Pelt and Phil Rowley dig into fish finder mounts, portable sonar systems, and how today's technology makes it easier than ever to use your electronics no matter what watercraft you fish from.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/953

#952 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/952 Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Jackson Hole Fly Company, On DeMark LodgeSponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors Will Godfrey has lived through nearly every major era of modern fly fishing. Along the way he built successful fly shops, guided legendary outdoor writers, traveled the world chasing trout and steelhead, and helped promote catch-and-release long before it became standard practice. This conversation is packed with stories that connect today's anglers to the people and places that built our sport.Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/952

#951 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/951 Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, AVC Rig, Patagonia Fly fishing in Texas offers anglers much more than bass and trout. In this episode, Mitch Kemp shares why rivers like the Brazos, Devils, and Pecos have become must-visit destinations for anglers looking to target carp, gar, and other warmwater species. Along the way, Mitch talks about building Fatty's on the Fly, planning overnight river trips, and the small adjustments that lead to more success on the water. Whether you're new to fly fishing in Texas or planning your next adventure, this episode is full of practical tips and memorable stories. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/951

#950B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/950B Presented by: FishHound Expeditions Nate Cathcart leads research focused on Pacific lamprey across Alaska, working with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and partners to map habitat, understand migration patterns, and fill major knowledge gaps about this ancient fish. We also talk about how local communities, conservation groups, and anglers are helping collect data that could shape future management efforts. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/950B

950 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/950 Presented by: Fly Fish with me Utah, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho Lake fly fishing is a different game. Finding trout in a river is one thing, but finding them in a thousand acres of open water is a whole different game. Cody Burgdorff and Devin Olsen of Team USA joined the show to talk about lake fly fishing, one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of competitive fly fishing. They broke down how they approach a brand new lake, how they work through the water column from shallow to deep, and how they systematically find trout when they have zero information to start with. They also got into the gear, lines, and leader setups they lean on most when the competition is on the line. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/950

949 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/949 Presented by: TroutRoutes, Golden Fly Shop, Toyota Prairies, Toyota Pacific Some of the biggest changes in life don't come with a plan. They happen after an injury, a setback, or a moment that forces you to look for a new purpose. In this episode, we're joined by Dana Lattery of Fly Fishing Bow River Outfitters, who shares how leaving professional hockey eventually led him to one of North America's great trout rivers. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/949

948 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/948 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Golden Fly Shop, Fly Fish with me Utah, TroutRoutes In this episode, Connor shares the history of Thomas & Thomas, explains what gives a fly rod its "soul," and offers practical tips for choosing the right rod for trout, stripers, Atlantic salmon, pike, and more. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/948

#947B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/947b Presented by: Togiak River Lodge Jordan Larsen joins us to share the behind-the-scenes story of Togiak River Lodge, one of the most remote fishing destinations in Bristol Bay. We talk about Chinook fishing, spey programs, conservation, mentorship, filmmaking, and the unlikely road that led Jordan and his brother Zack to ownership during one of the most uncertain periods in modern history. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/947b

947 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/947 Presented by: TroutRoutes, Gallatin River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Toyota Prairies, Toyota Pacific You can learn a lot about a person by looking in their cooler at the end of a fishing trip. In this episode, we're digging into Cast and Iron Camp Cooking and British Columbia Fly Fishing with Teddy Cosco. Teddy is a steelhead angler, university professor, camp cook, and someone who has spent years exploring rivers across British Columbia, the Yukon, and beyond. We get into steelhead fishing, Spey casting, camp cooking, and why some of the best memories from a trip happen back at camp after the rods are put away. Teddy shares his system for preparing meals before a trip, cooking over the fire, and making life on the river a whole lot easier. If you love steelhead, good food, and the stories that come from time spent outdoors, you're going to enjoy this one. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/947

#946 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/946 Presented By: TroutRoutes, AVC Rig, Jackson Hole Fly Company 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. #946 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/946

#945 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/945 Presented By: AVC Rig, TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Drew Evans of House of Fly returns to the podcast to share why carp may be one of the most underrated gamefish in fly fishing—and why they offer some of the best preparation for chasing bonefish, redfish, and other saltwater species. Drawing from years of experience fishing Idaho's rivers and traveling to the flats, Drew explains how sight fishing for carp builds the casting, presentation, and fish-spotting skills that translate almost anywhere in the world. The conversation also explores choosing the right fly line, matching rods to your casting style, improving the double haul, and planning bucket-list steelhead trips into Idaho's remote Sheep Ranch. Along the way, Drew shares practical tips for reading carp behavior, building confidence on the flats, and discovering new fisheries when trout season slows down. #945 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/945

#944B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/944B Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory Paul Bowen has spent over 50 years fly fishing and tying flies throughout eastern Idaho. From the South Fork of the Snake to Henrys Lake, Hebgen Lake, and a variety of lesser-known reservoirs, he's developed a reputation for effective stillwater patterns and thoughtful fly design. This conversation covers his favorite lake tactics, fly modifications, and the long-running Eastern Idaho Fly Tying Expo. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/944B

944 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/944 Presented by: Blue Bonefish Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, AVC Rig Some rivers don't reward bigger boats. They reward smarter access. Water Master Rafts have built a reputation for helping anglers reach water that bigger boats often can't. In this episode, Rich Stuber joins me to share the story behind the company, how he went from employee to owner, and why portability has become such a big part of the way many anglers fish today. We get into what makes Water Master boats different, from their unique design and welded construction to rowing, fins, stability, and fishing rivers solo. Rich also shares some insights from his home waters in Montana, including the Bitterroot River, Salmonfly season, and a few surprises showing up in the fishery these days. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/944

#943 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/943 Presented By: On DeMark Lodge, Pescador on the Fly, Togiak River Lodge, Jackson Hole Fly Company In this episode, Davy Wotton discusses why many anglers are missing fish before their flies even land. While most anglers focus on casting farther, Davy argues that shorter, more controlled casts in traditional wet fly fishing often result in better presentations and more fish caught. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/943

#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