Podcasts about Fly tying

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Jason Taylor — a Philadelphia-area fly tier, Tier's Row fixture at the Edison show and regular contributor to Masters of the Fly — for a wide-ranging conversation about fly tying philosophy, natural materials and the tradition of innovation rooted in Bob Popovics' work. On this fly fishing podcast episode, Taylor traces his journey from a 2008 Belize honeymoon that ignited his passion for the sport, to the early-2010s online forums — particularly Stripers Online — that connected him with a formative community of Northeast saltwater tiers including Popovics and David Nelson. Taylor shares the philosophy that drives every session at the vise: every feature in a fly must serve a purpose, and materials should be used as sparingly as possible to achieve it. The conversation digs into the enduring versatility of the hollow fleye platform — what Taylor calls "the Christmas tree" — its adaptability across materials and applications, and his own innovations including an ostrich herl hollow fleye variant and a Surf Candy adaptation with embedded foam for neutral buoyancy when targeting false albacore in calm, glassy conditions. Taylor also offers detailed guidance on selecting and handling bucktail and ostrich herl, shares tying tips rarely covered elsewhere, and takes listeners through the exotic and vintage natural materials currently occupying his tying bench.Key TakeawaysHow to apply Bob Popovics' "Christmas tree" principle to hollow fleye design — preserving the core profile shape while freely adapting materials, proportions and techniques.Why using less material than you think you need almost always produces a more castable, livelier fly.How to select bucktail for hollow fleyes by identifying soft, kinky fiber pulled from the middle half to two-thirds of the tail for the most predictable flare under thread pressure.Why a neutrally buoyant fly presentation — using embedded foam under a hard body paired with an intermediate line — consistently outperforms standard Surf Candy patterns when false albacore become selective in calm, flat-water conditions.How to stabilize thread wraps using brushable cyanoacrylate applied directly to the thread before making final wraps rather than to the hook or materials.Why grading ostrich herl by length, taper and barb density — rather than just overall plume size — is critical to achieving consistent movement in large saltwater patterns.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe episode centers on hollow fleye construction — specifically the bucktail collar technique Bob Popovics developed and Taylor has refined over more than a decade, including his personal adaptation of palmering ostrich herl down a mono or shank base to create a mobile, feather-forward variant. Taylor details his Surf Candy–based neutral buoyancy modification, incorporating foam beneath the hard body to maintain a suspending presentation throughout the retrieve — not just the first few strips — which he argues better matches the behavior of bait sitting still in calm, low-turbulence water when paired with an intermediate fly line. He also covers his evolution of the Semper Fli, replacing time-consuming palmered feather fronts with commercially available fly tying brushes for consistent, production-speed results without sacrificing profile. On the tools and materials side, Taylor explains his preference for monofilament thread for virtually all saltwater work (with gel-spun for mounting eyes), walks through his grading process for both bucktail and ostrich herl, and advocates for brushable cyanoacrylate applied to the thread to more durably secure the final wraps. He references Regal as his favored vise, Tuffleye (a blue-light–cured resin with origins in dental applications) as his preferred coating for albie and Surf Candy patterns, and monofilament as the default thread for nearly all non-dry fly work.Locations & SpeciesTaylor's saltwater fishing world centers on the Northeast coast — New Jersey beaches and jetty structure where he targets false albacore (albies) and striped bass. The neutral-buoyancy Surf Candy modification he developed addresses a specific condition: calm, glassy water where bait is suspended neutrally in the water column rather than being pushed and darting erratically, a situation that allows albies to scrutinize flies far more critically than in ripping current. The foam-infused body paired with an intermediate line creates the illusion of naturally suspended bait being dragged just below the surface — a presentation Taylor describes as reliably effective when albies appear finicky. Jetty fishing accounts for heavy fly loss in his program, which directly influences his bench work: efficient, repeatable tying at high quality is not just an aesthetic goal but a practical one.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the "Christmas tree" principle and why has the hollow fleye remained relevant for decades?Taylor borrows this framing directly from Bob Popovics: the hollow fleye's core construction — bucktail tied in parallel to the shank and then pushed back on itself in a reverse tie to form an umbrella shape — creates a foundational profile that can be dressed up or stripped down infinitely. In its simplest form it ties in under five minutes and catches fish for anything; at the other extreme it accommodates exotic feather work, articulations and brush-based enhancements while retaining the original profile logic. Taylor's own ostrich herl variant illustrates how elastic the platform is: by palmering ostrich around a mono or shank base — orienting the material perpendicular to the base rather than parallel — he achieved a different movement profile while staying true enough to the Christmas tree shape that Popovics immediately recognized the technique as sound. That openness to adaptation was always the point: a baseline any tier could take and make their own.How do you select bucktail for hollow fleyes?Look for fibers that are soft, slightly kinky or wavy rather than pin-straight, and of medium hollowness. Taylor recommends pulling material from the middle half to two-thirds of the tail, where hair has enough hollow structure to flare predictably but enough density to stay controlled. He warns that the softest, most hollow base fibers can be too erratic for general hollow collar work and are better reserved for specific profile applications near the front of a fly.Why do false albacore seem to go finicky in calm, flat water?Taylor's answer is that this behavior isn't true selectivity — it's a physics mismatch. In ripping current or choppy conditions, bait is pushed around and moves erratically; a fly stripped through that same water fits right in. In flat, glassy conditions, suspended bait is genuinely neutrally buoyant and barely moving, and albies can see that a standard fly doesn't replicate that suspension. His foam-infused body maintains the neutrally buoyant presentation throughout the retrieve rather than sinking progressively as trapped air escapes, which he argues is the key to the pattern's effectiveness in those conditions.How should brushable cyanoacrylate be used correctly at the vise?The standard approach — applying glue directly to the hook shank or finished materials — can stiffen fibers and make delicate collars unpredictable. Taylor applies brushable super glue to the thread itself, just before making final securing wraps, which locks the thread without affecting material movement or positioning. This is especially useful when controlling sparse bucktail or fine feathers where a traditional coat would ruin the texture and action of a finished collar.Why does kinky or wavy bucktail produce a better hollow fleye than straight bucktail?Taylor explains that kinky, wavy bucktail creates an illusion of greater bulk and size than the amount of material actually on the hook warrants. Just as straightening curly hair reveals how much longer it truly is, the kinks and curves in wavy bucktail compress into a shorter measured length — meaning the fibers occupy more visual space on the hook than pin-straight hair of the same count would. For hollow fleyes, where the goal is achieving profile and the illusion of size with the least possible material, that optical magnification effect is a direct advantage. Straight bucktail, by contrast, gives you exactly what it is and nothing more.SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.Related ContentS6, Ep 144: The Chocklett Factory: Conservation, New Products and a Legacy RememberedS8, Ep 14: Crafting Connections: Blane Chocklett on Fly Design and Conservation at Tie FestS6, Ep 91: Predator Flies and Sparkle Boats: Steve Maldonado's JourneyS7, Ep 66: Tales of a...

Episode OverviewThe Butcher Shop goes deep on one of the Great Lakes predator fly world's most distinctive patterns in this conversation with Eli Berant, the Michigan-based fly designer and founder of Great Lakes Fly. Eli is the creator of the Optimus Swine — a reverse foam head-embedded, side-kicking musky streamer that has been turning heads and producing fish since around 2009. In this episode, host Marvin Cash walks Eli through the full arc of the pattern: the lake musky problem it was designed to solve, the unconventional decision to reverse a foam popper head to create a slower fall and a pronounced glide-bait wiggle, the material choices that define the fly's profile and movement and the step-by-step construction logic from spinner bait hook to laser dub head.The conversation covers the full Swine family — the original 8–9 inch version on a 6/0 Mustad, the scaled-down Swine Junior for river smallmouth and stripers, the fettuccine-foam Pot Belly Swine for subsurface river applications, and the articulated Maximus Swine and Maximus Swine Junior, which remain something of a "secret menu" offering. Eli also addresses color selection by region — from olive-and-pink for fired-up Tennessee muskies to the Wisconsin-proven Willen's Villain black-white-yellow combo and his own favorite Mardi Gras pattern — and breaks down his preferred line and leader systems for lake musky versus river smallmouth applications. Throughout, the discussion grounds fly design theory in direct, tactical fishing application.Key TakeawaysHow reversing a foam popper head toward the rear of the hook creates a slower fall rate and induces the Optimus Swine's distinctive side-to-side glide-bait action.Why proportionality in bucktail application — specifically how much material per section and how many sections — is the most common failure point for tiers attempting the Swine for the first time.How to tune the Pot Belly Swine's fettuccine foam piece by removing individual strips to achieve neutral balance and proper swim orientation before fishing.Why a jerk-strip retrieve with a sinking line (350–450 grain tip) is the preferred delivery system for lake musky, allowing the sink tip to hold depth while the fly kicks side to side on each pull.When to dial back retrieve aggression and employ a stutter-strip or extended pause with the Swine Junior, particularly during cold-water conditions when bass are holding and waiting.Why sharing newly discovered synthetic fly tying materials openly — rather than hoarding them — is essential to keeping those materials in production and available to the broader tying community.Techniques & Gear CoveredThe Optimus Swine is designed around a jerk-strip retrieve that drives its foam-induced side-to-side action, and Eli breaks down exactly how to execute it — stripping two feet with the line hand in alternating pulls, roughly like ripping a bag open. For lake musky, he runs a 10-weight with a 350–450 grain sinking tip, paired with a short 3–4 foot leader from loop to fly — a butt section of 40-pound to wire, finished with cross-lock snaps for fast fly changes. River smallmouth and striper applications drop to a 7- or 8-weight with a 200–350 grain tip depending on conditions. Construction-specific details are substantial: Mustad 32608 spinner bait hook (6/0 for the original), Rainy's Mini Me medium foam popper head reversed and goop-set with silicone adhesive, synthetic yak hair blended with flash for the tail, grizzly saddle feathers as flanks, Magnum Flashabou, everyday bucktail applied in top-and-bottom sections, laser dub for the head, and 1/2-inch eyes pressed and held in a two-touch goop cure process. Anadromous Fly Company tungsten carbide scissors get a specific callout as Eli's go-to cutting tool for heavy production tying.Locations & SpeciesThe Optimus Swine was developed specifically for lake musky, with Lake Saint Clair in Michigan serving as the primary proving ground — a relatively snag-free fishery that allows anglers to fish sinking lines freely across the water column. The pattern's documented multi-species versatility extends to Great Lakes migratory species, pike, lake trout, stripers on the East Coast and river smallmouth, including Eli's personal use of the Swine Junior on Lake Saint Clair for targeting large smallmouth by eliminating the smaller fish. Color selection is explicitly regional in the episode: olive-and-pink for fired-up Tennessee fish, pink-and-chartreuse or the Willen's Villain black-white-yellow for Wisconsin tannic water, and Mardi Gras (pink, chartreuse, black head) as a broadly effective pattern.FAQ / Key Questions AnsweredHow does the reversed foam popper head make the Optimus Swine swim differently than other musky flies?Positioning the foam head toward the rear of the hook — rather than at the front — reduces the fly's sink rate compared to a traditional epoxy-head pattern and shifts the center of buoyancy rearward. This causes the fly to kick side to side with a pronounced glide-bait cadence on a jerk-strip retrieve, rather than simply pushing water or diving. The effect is amplified when fishing a sinking tip, which holds the running line low and forces the rear of the fly to tip upward and roll on each strip.What are the most common mistakes tiers make when tying the Optimus Swine?Eli identifies two primary failure points: applying bucktail in clumps that are too large, which destroys proportionality, and using too much laser dub in the head, which throws the silhouette out of balance. The fix for bucktail is learning to feel the correct bundle size — roughly the width of a toothpick at the pinch, the width of a popsicle stick at the ends — and building five top-and-bottom sections before reaching the laser dub head on the original Swine. Managing the laser dub means stacking it, pulling off loose fibers and removing material rather than adding more.How do you tune the Pot Belly Swine to swim correctly for river applications?Because the Pot Belly Swine uses fettuccine foam strips in place of the reversed popper head, Eli ties in more foam strips than needed — six to eight — and tells buyers they may need to remove one to four strips to get the fly to balance and swim true. The goal is first to eliminate any spin or tilt, then to dial in the side-to-side action. This is the same principle as Barry Reynolds's flash philosophy applied to buoyancy: put in more than you need because you can always remove it, but you can't add it once the fly is finished.What line and leader setup does Eli prefer for lake musky with the Optimus Swine?For open lake musky fishing on snag-light water, Eli runs a 10-weight with a Scientific Anglers sinking tip in the 350–450 grain range, specifically preferring striper-style lines with a long 26–28 foot tip section. Leaders are intentionally short — 3–4 feet total from loop to fly — built with a 2-foot 40-pound butt section going straight to wire, then a cross-lock snap at the fly. The short leader keeps the fly in the sink tip's depth zone and maximizes the kicking action on the jerk-strip retrieve.How should retrieve style change when downsizing to the Swine Junior for smallmouth or stripers?Moving to the smaller patterns calls for a less aggressive retrieve cadence overall, but Eli emphasizes breaking out of monotonous repetition — consciously varying the retrieve is as important as the base technique. Key adjustments include a stutter-strip (half-length pulls done twice in quick succession) and extended pauses, which become particularly effective in cold water when bass are holding and watching the fly. The foam piece in all Swine variants allows the fly to hang suspended during a pause without sinking, which is the primary trigger for following fish.SponsorsThanks to TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use ARTFLY20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.Related ContentS1, Ep 2: The T-Bone: A Deep Dive with Blane Chocklett - The Butcher ShopBONUS: Shack Nasties and the Drunk & Disorderly: A Winter Chat with Tommy LynchBONUS: Crafting The Nut Job: A Deep Dive with Brendan RuchBONUS: A Deep Dive into the Swingin' D: Techniques and Tips with Mike SchultzS6, Ep 124: Fly Tying with Chase SmithConnect with Our GuestFollow Eli on Instagram.Follow the...

On this episode folks... we have a look at the uprising of the fly jig, and what observations we as non jig head fly tyers can take away from the success of this thing that is sweeping the Murray Cod and Barramundi scene. We know you are going to want to have your say... let those thoughts fly in the comments, we are keen to gauge how this sits with you.  We also for the second time explain why for the past 4-5 years why you havent seen Bucktails like we used to, and why it is so expensive now.   Who likes skiff renovations ? If you do.. we talk about an Instagram boat build page that diarises the whole process We also raise the idea of a "don't piss on us and tell us its raining" Fly tying page  that is dedicated to Fly Tying for Fly fishing. We need your help and participation.. seriously.  This show is proudly presented by Power Pole, Beast Brushes, Kettafly, Nervous Water and Flats Craft 

I have been meaning to get Charlie Craven [37:41] of Charlie's Fly Box in Denver on the podcast for quite some time and we finally connected. Charlie talks about what new materials and tools excite him and also how to approach the topic of assembling essential materials for the beginning fly tier. We also explore some other topics as only a couple of geeky fly tiers can when given the chance. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including: I have been using a clear floating line for sight fishing for striped bass but noticed the fish sometimes shy away from the fly. Do you think this is because the clear line reflects too much sunlight? A tip from a listener on another way of taking fishing photos without risking losing your valuable smartphone in the water. My leader lands in a pile when I am casting. But you say that sometimes you want your leader to land in loose coils. Is it too much to expect my leader to fully straighten? Advice from bamboo rod guru Shawn Brillon on cleaning cork grips. I was using mouse flies at night and got strikes but could not connect. What did I do wrong? Is it true that you can shine a red flashlight at night to see your fly because the fish won't notice it? Is it worth it to go from a mid-priced fly-tying vise to a really expensive one? What do you get in a $500 vise? What is your take on using non-standard, "buggy" variations on standard fly proportions? Is the Double Davy Knot stronger than an Improved Clinch Knot?

In this episode of Southeastern Fly, we sit down on the banks of the Elk River in Tennessee and talk about something every fly angler eventually spends time doing during the winter months: tying flies. After spending time recently tying at Little River Outfitters and working through a few patterns at the vise, we decided to walk through some practical fly tying thoughts that can help both beginners and experienced tiers improve their flies.Rather than focusing on a single pattern, we discuss general principles that apply across the board. From thread control and material selection to building better dry flies, nymphs, and streamers, the conversation centers around small adjustments that can make a big difference in how your flies look, hold up, and ultimately fish. A big takeaway from this discussion is that nothing in fly tying is absolute. There are many different ways to approach tying, and improvement usually comes from experimenting, refining your technique, and learning what works best for you at the vise and on the water.Key Highlights:Thread Control Matters: Consistent tension and flat thread wraps help prevent materials from spinning and create a clean foundation for the fly.Less Material Is Often Better: Sparse flies tend to look more natural in the water and often fish better than overdressed patterns.Building a Clean Thread Base: A smooth underbody allows materials like chenille, ribbing, and wire to lay evenly and improve the overall appearance of the fly.Dry Fly Balance and Proportion: Proper tail length, correct hackle size, and avoiding crowding the hook eye all help a dry fly float and fish the way it should.Strategic Weighting for Nymphs: Adjusting where and how much weight is added can change how a fly sinks and fishes in different water conditions.Reinforcing with Ribbing: Counter-wrapping wire over delicate materials improves durability and helps flies last through more fish.Movement Over Bulk in Streamers: Choosing materials that breathe and pulse in the water can create more realistic action than simply adding more material.Using Flash Carefully: A few strands can suggest the flash of baitfish without overpowering the pattern.Resources:Visit southeasternfly.comSign up for our newsletterProduced by NOVA

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.

It is with great pleasure that we present Nick Benik on episode 209 of the Intermediate Line Podcast. Nick is a an exceptional fly tyer who hails from Denver Colorado and who's artistic finishes and quality fly / fishing photography often outshines the fact that Nick is primarily a functionally exceptionally tyer as well. On this show, we really wanted to break down that first impression of great photos and friendly personality and talk and out what Fly Tying is to Nick. In a broad sense, we cover how he see's himself positioned as a fly tyer, and what he see's and admires in other fly tyers around the world. This show is a great insight into just one our modern times "best to to do it". We also kick off the show addressing one of the most asked questions that Nick gets, and that is... "how do I make my images look like yours?". Well.. you cant in just the time it takes to listen to this show, but there are some great photography tips for both flies and fishing that can be done with just your phone, or DSLR/ Mirrorless camera. Another great episode to strap yourself into the vice for and get inspired.  This show presented to you by - Kettafly, Beast Brushes, Power Pole, Nervous water and Flats Craft

#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

Is fly tying worth the cost and the hassle? Sure, you can tie up specific, custom flies, but wouldn't it just be cheaper to buy flies instead? Well, maybe, but we shouldn't really worry about economics here, because if fly fishing were based on good financial decisions, none of us would be doing it.  Instead, you shoudl think about the on-the-water benefits you'll get from tying your own flies. You WILL become a better angler by tying. The question utlimately comes down to how much you want to improve. This week on Untangled, you'll learn how and why fly tying can improve your skills.  You'll also learn about:  How to tell if a new fly rod is the right one for you The different characertistics to look for when buying fly rods The value of swinging flies at the end of your drift, and the role soft hackles have in fly fishing Why Spencer never uses split shot on dry-dropper rigs, and avoids it as much as possible anywhere else LINKS FROM THE SHOW Browse the VFC Tying Packs - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Beginner Fly Tying Masterclass - WATCH IT NOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Articulate Fly, host Marvin Cash sits down with Tim Flagler to explore his lesser-known culinary journey and preview his extensive 2026 hosted travel schedule. While most fly fishers recognize Tim from his renowned tying videos and work at Tightline Productions, this conversation reveals his parallel passion for cooking and food that parallels his fly tying expertise. The discussion traces Tim's evolution from childhood family meals at the Jersey Shore through his mother's and grandmother's influence to his current fascination with Asian cooking techniques, particularly Japanese, Chinese and Thai cuisine. Tim shares cooking philosophy centered on sourcing quality ingredients, constant tasting during preparation and proper knife skills while detailing his upcoming 2026 adventures including golden dorado fishing on Argentina's Ibera Marsh, trophy brown trout on the Limay River, northern pike and bull trout in British Columbia's Northern Rockies and steelhead on Lake Erie. The conversation also touches on Tim's ongoing fly tying innovations focused on creating mottled, natural-looking patterns that better imitate the mottled appearance of living aquatic insects.Key TakeawaysHow Tim's family food traditions at the Jersey Shore mirror the collaborative, process-driven approach he brings to fly tying and teachingWhy sourcing the best possible ingredients and tasting constantly throughout preparation are the two most critical elements of successful cookingHow to book Tim's 2026 hosted trips to Argentina for golden dorado and trophy brown trout, British Columbia for northern pike and bull trout or Lake Erie for winter steelheadHow Tim is incorporating mottled, multi-colored patterns in his fly designs to better imitate the natural mottled appearance of living aquatic insects that signals protein to feeding troutTechniques & Gear CoveredTim discusses his ongoing fly tying evolution focused on creating mottled appearances in patterns rather than solid single colors, based on close observation and video documentation of living aquatic macroinvertebrates. He explains how blotches of different colors signal life and protein to feeding fish, making these techniques potentially more effective than traditional solid-colored flies. The conversation touches on trout spey casting as one of Tim's seminar topics at upcoming Fly Fishing Shows. Tim also draws parallels between cooking and fly tying, emphasizing that both crafts require quality materials, proper tools (sharp knives in cooking, quality hackle and partridge in tying) and understanding fundamental techniques before attempting complex work.Locations & SpeciesTim's 2026 hosted travel schedule spans diverse fisheries across multiple continents targeting various species. In Argentina, he hosts trips to the Ibera Marsh for golden dorado, classic Patagonia rivers including the Chimehuin, Collon Cura and Limay for trout, and a six-day camping float on the Limay River targeting trophy brown trout. His North American destinations include Spruce Creek in Pennsylvania, the Kootenai River in northwest Montana for rainbows,...

#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     

Send us a textEpisode 313 - James Gilbraith - Fishing Plans, Social Media, Fly Tying and LifeWe've had this nice little tradition going of me speaking with Boo just before Christmas and whether he'll get through it OK.I thought it might be nice to see if he came through the other side OK and what he is planning for this fishing year.We also discuss the season that has passed, social media and the realities of book writing.Boo's view of life is wonderful, one that will make you laugh out loud when you hear.As ever, we wander down some interesting worm holes in the conversation!

Fly tying is more popular than ever. With the prevalence of high quality materials and excellent videos showing how to build flies, more fly anglers choose to tie their own patterns than ever before.All of us at Troutbitten have been tying our own flies from the beginning, so we each have preferences for the tools we use. That's what this podcast episode is all about. We discuss the essentials, like vise, scissors and a bobbin, along with some other tools and gear that each of us considers invaluable for tying materials to a hook. The tools come first. And the quality of those tools can either help or hinder the process.This conversation is a lot of fun. My friends, Bill Dell, Dr. Trevor Smith, Austin Dando, Josh Darling and Matt Grobe join me. ResourcesPODCAST: Troutbitten | Fly Tying and the Complete Angler - S5,Ep2READ: Troutbitten | Category | The Troutbitten Fly BoxVisitTroutbitten WebsiteTroutbitten InstagramTroutbitten YouTubeTroutbitten FacebookThanks to TroutRoutes:Use the code TROUTBITTEN for 20% off your membership athttps://maps.troutroutes.com Thanks to SkwalaUse the code, TROUTBITTEN10 for 10% off your order athttps://skwalafishing.com/

Discover the Spiral Spook: Innovation in Topwater Fly FishingJoin Marvin Cash on The Butcher Shop fly fishing podcast as he interviews Chase Smith, inventor of the innovative Spiral Spook fly pattern. Chase bridges conventional and fly fishing by adapting the classic walk-the-dog action into a deadly topwater fly for bass and other predator species.Expert Design Insights from Chase SmithChase shares his journey from conventional fishing to creating one of fly fishing's most unique topwater patterns. Learn how he solved critical design challenges including weight distribution, foam construction and hook positioning to achieve authentic spook action on a fly rod.What You'll LearnDiscover the precise retrieve technique required for walking the fly—short, sharp strips just three inches long with rod tip on the water. Chase reveals why leader material matters, explaining why soft monofilament outperforms fluorocarbon and stiff materials. Get the complete leader formula: 2 feet of 50-pound to 2 feet of 35-40 pound, finishing with 2 feet of 20-pound soft mono.Advanced Tying TechniquesChase breaks down the complete construction process, from embedding weights in foam bodies to creating the signature spiral wrap. Learn about material selection including EVA foam, Gorilla Glue clear coating and wide-gap offset hooks that dramatically improved hookup ratios. Understand the precision required—weight placement within millimeters affects the entire action.Topwater Strategies for Predator SpeciesGet Chase's preferred setup: 55-millimeter bone-colored spooks on 6-7 weight rods with floating lines with aggressive tapers. Discover why smaller sizes catch more fish and how to adapt the pattern for varying conditions. Chase shares his 90% commitment to bone color and explains the strategic advantage of downsizing.Master the Walk-the-Dog RetrieveThe most common mistake anglers make is stripping too long. Chase emphasizes the critical importance of short, sharp strips—just a wrist flick of three inches. Learn how to initiate the walk with fast strips then vary tempo for different actions. Understand why loop knots are essential and how tippet diameter affects glide.Ready to add this deadly topwater pattern to your predator fly arsenal? Tune in for Chase's expert insights on creating and fishing one of fly fishing's most innovative surface patterns.SponsorsThanks to Schultz Outfitters, TroutRoutes and OnX Fish Midwest for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.Related ContentS6, Ep 124 - Fly Tying with Chase SmithBONUS - Tying the Circus Peanut: Streamer Secrets and Fishing Strategies with Russ MaddinS6, Ep 101 - The Chocklett Factory: Fly Fishing Travels, Conservation and New VenturesS4, Ep 4 - Matt O'Neal of Savage...

It's been a while since we've recorded a podcast. In this episode we just recap of how our Summer went and what's been going on in the shop. We also talke about some of the trips we went on. If you want to see Cheech wipe out on his scooter then head on over to youtube and watch it there. 

If you've spent most of your time fishing on small streams, making the jump to fishing bigger rivers can be intimidating. Where do you cast? Where are the fish holding? And do they still eat the same flies they do in small streams? This week on Untangled, we'll answer all those questions, and more, as you learn the 5 key tips for fishing big rivers.  You'll also learn about:  Why you can't use a 7 or 8-weight rod for small stream fishing with dry flies How to keep fish from getting off when you're using barbless hooks How to use woolly buggers underneath indicators to mimic crawdads, leeches, and other common fish food  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

After a long day of fishing, when the trout refused EVERY fly you threw at them, how often have you gone home and looked up some information about the best flies to use during a certain time of year? And when you've done that, have you ever thought, "Well, this is all interesting, but how much does it apply to MY local river?" Well, the short answer is, probably a lot. The longer answer is that as you learn to identify bug trends and aquatic insects, you'll dramatically level up your fly fishing skills.  So, this week on Untangled, we're breaking down fly selection into its basic parts, so you can learn how to pick the right fly the next time you're on the water.  You'll also learn about:  Why tapered leaders are the ideal choice for nymphing Why you might start out a day catching fish, only to quickly stop catching them for the rest of your time on the water The impact that cloud cover has on fly selection and fly color choices  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT   

How do you become a "great" fly angler? And what makes an angler "great" anyways? In this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer and Alex chat about the one trait all the best anglers they know have in common, and how you can set realistic goals to help you achieve your own level of greatness in fly fishing.  You'll also learn about:  How to cast flies in the wind Whether the color of clothes you wear on the water impacts how many fish you catch How to plan fishing trips to places you've never been, and when you have a limited time to go fishing LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Find New Places to Fly Fish - WATCH IT NOW

Us fly anglers share A TON of things: new fly patterns, casting techniques, wing sauce recipes. But we're pretty guarded when it comes to our favorite fishing holes. And why is that? Why is there so much secrecy around where we go fishing? Well, it's not just because we're keeping all the fish for ourselves. There's actually quite a few good reasons to keep fishing spots a secret, the most important of which might just be the adventures you can have while discovering new water on your own.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn how keeping fishing secrets can benefit both anglers AND fish. You'll also learn about:  Pre-tying rigs before getting to the river, to cut down on rigging time Why you go from consistently catching fish in one spot, to catching no fish, even if you're using the same flies How to teach your spouse/significant other to fly fish LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT  VIDEO - Find New Places to Fly Fish - WATCH IT NOW

You don't need to overhaul your fly box for fall fishing. Some of the patterns you used all summer won't work anymore (hoppers and stoneflies fall off the menu during fall) but you likely have everything you need right in your box. Just a few bugs are on the menu during fall, which makes matching the hatch a breeze! This week on Untangled, I'll share the 10 patterns I never leave the house without when I'm fishing in the fall.  You'll also learn about:  My personal expecatations for a day on the river How to cast your fly rod when using a strike indicator  What kind of fish can you catch on a 5-weight rod? Is it enough for use in big rivers, chasing bigger fish?  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VFC Fly 3-Packs - CHECK THEM OUT

If you're consistently struggling to catch fish, you're probably trying to figure out why. Are your casts bad? Poor fly selection? Are the planets just aligned against you? While all that CAN have an impact, you're often struggling to put fish in the net because of one problem: you're not focusing on the fundamentals.  In this week's episode of Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the three basics of fly fishing -- casting, fly selection, and presentation -- and why you need to focus on those when nothing else seems to be working.  You'll also learn about:  Casting single dry flies, and setting up rigs for single dry fly fishing How much tippet to use when setting up multi-fly rigs  What to do when you don't catch fish from water that looks PERFECT LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

While everyone else is obsessing over pumpkin spice and college football, YOU'RE out on the water, because you know fall is one of the best times of the year for fly fishing!  And if you didn't know that? Well, this week's episode of Untangled has you covered. Fall is one of the best times to bust out the dry fly rods, target big fish on small bugs, and hunt for that new personal best. You just need to know how to overcome some of the hurdles that this season will throw at you. Today's episode walks you through 4 tips for successful fall fly fishing.  You'll also learn about:  Tips for seeing small dry flies in low-light conditions Why some fish seem to eat any dry fly, no matter what's actually hatching How to ensure your fly cast has the proper timing to create tight, accurate loops  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

So, you've picked out a fly, made a cast, and hooked a fish -- now what? Is there a mantra you can chant to help you land the trout? Some spell to calm your nerves?  It's honestly not that complicated. Fighting and landing fish on a fly rod requires some understanding of how to use your rod and reel to their full extent. Once you figure that out, you'll have A LOT fewer stories about the big one that got away!  This week on Untangled, you'll learn all you need to know about fighting and landing fish on a fly rod.  You'll also learn about:  How to deal with drag on your dry-dropper rigs, and how to improve your presentation with them How to rig up your nymphs in a double-nymph or dry-dropper-dropper rig What to look for in a guided fly fishing trip when you're a beginner angler  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE

Do you need a million flies in every fly box? What about a $1,000 fly rod, or those bougie waders you keep seeing ads for? Will any of this actually HELP you catch more fish? The short answer is no. Fly fishing is A LOT simpler than it often appears, and you DON'T need a pile of the latest and greatest gear to catch more fish.  This week on Untangled, we're busting 5 of the most popular gear myths, so you can focus on what really matters: putting flies in front of fish, and making them look real.  You'll also learn about:  How the diet of big and small fish is different How to cast multi-fly rigs Some tips for fighting and landing big trout in rivers LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Gear Checklist - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT

The elk hair caddis is one of the world's most famous dry flies. It floats high, it's easy to see, and trout all across the globe LOVE this pattern. But did you know there's more to it than just dead-drifting it through likely-looking water? The elk hair caddis one of the most versatile flies in the sport, but it doesn't get used that way.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn how to use the elk hair caddis to catch more fish, along with the history behind how, when, and why this fly was developed.  You'll also learn about:  Where trout move to when water warms up during the summer How to decide what flies should be in your day-trip boxes, and to downsize your fly collection to only what you need How to detect the subtle bites from wary trout  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Best Trout Flies - CHECK IT OUT  

Every angler I've ever met has questions about fly fishing. Whether they're a seasoned vet, or a brand-new beginner, we all want to learn and grow in this sport. And the best part about having these questions is that you never know when you'll learn something -- some nugget of wisdom -- that'll completely change how you approach fly fishing.  This week's episode of Untangled might just be that moment for you. This show is ALL Q&A, with a bunch of questions from anglers all over the country. From barbless hooks, fixing broken fly rods, and fighting fish, to dealing with crowded rivers, I bet you're about to learn something that'll make a difference on the water.  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Fighting and Landing Fish - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Fly Fish Pocket Water - CHECK IT OUT

THIS is the moment you've been waiting for all year long! Fish are about to start BLOWING UP dry flies, like those flies just asked their sister to the prom!  It's terrestrial season, when bugs like grasshoppers, ants, and cicadas are available to the fish. And if you play your cards right, you have a great chance of catching a HUGE fish on a dry fly.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about terrestrials. From tips to fishing them, to our favorite patterns, you'll end the show ready to put your new personal best in the net!  You'll also learn about:  Troubleshooting your way through fish refusing your dry flies, even when you're using an exact match for bugs you see on the water Why the in-line tandem rig is the best way to set up your dry-droppers Whether the direction of your hook set matters when fishing for trout  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - 3 Packs of VFC Flies - CHECK THEM OUT

How do you know what fly to use, and when to use it? Well, a lot of that knowledge comes from time on the water, and it depends on when and where you're fishing, since a lot of insects are only active at certain times of the year. But there is one fly that'll catch fish year-round, from the dead of winter, to the height of summer: the midge!  Midges are one of the main groups of aquatic insects that form the majority of a fish's diet. This week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through everything you need to know about these bugs. From their appearance, to their lifecycle, and how to fish them, you'll end this show ready to take advantage of midges.  You'll also learn about:  How to time it so that you're on the water for an epic, unforgettable hatch Tips for fishing small, brushy streams with a lot of depth changes How to gain confidence in your wading skills  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE GEAR - 3 Packs of VFC Flies - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Beginner's First Time Fly Fishing - CHECK IT OUT  

You've found a podcast where we talk about big game hunting around the West and around the world, but . . . today we are talking about steelhead fishing and tying flies for steelhead and salmon. The origin of the Skunk steelhead fly has been shrouded in mystery. Till now. We have uncovered the origin of the Skunk steelhead fly and we believe it can be rightly attributed to one Rollin Dexter who tied the fly for the Eel River steelhead and then showed it to Jim Pray who showed it to Zane Grey. And stick around at the end of the episode for a public service we perform with a dramatic reading of a Craigslist Missed Connections courtesy Chris Sulak. We also need to discuss a recent mountain lion eyewitness report. From New York City. If you want to support free speech and good hunting content on the Information Superhighway, look for our coffee and books and wildlife forage blends at https://www.garylewisoutdoors.com/Shop/This episode is sponsored by West Coast Floats, of Philomath, Oregon, made in the USA since 1982 for steelhead and salmon fishermen. Visit https://westcoastfloats.com/Our TV sponsors include: Nosler, Camp Chef, Warne Scope Mounts, Carson, ProCure Bait Scents, Sullivan Glove Company, The Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce, Madras Ford, Bailey Seed and Smartz.Watch select episodes of Frontier Unlimited on our network of affiliates around the U.S. or click https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gary+lewis+outdoors+frontier+unlimited

What do you do when you're out on the water, and you run into a fish you don't want to forget? Whether it's a HUGE trout, or just a giant for that stream, or maybe the prettiest brookie you've ever caught, is there any decent way to get good pictures of it when you're all alone?  This week on Untangled, Spencer walks you through the 4 steps he takes to get great fish pics, so you can keep the memories alive -- and show off a bit to your friends and family.  You'll also learn about:  Proper fish handling techniques for catch and release fishing How to take the jump from beginner to intermediate angler Why the first few feet of your fly line might quit floating The pros/cons of expensive waders The pros/cons of felt vs rubber wading boots LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Rigs & Knots Pocket Guide - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE RESOURCE - How to Handle Fish for Catch-And-Release - CHECK IT OUT RESOURCE - Keep Fish Wet - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Beginner's First Time Fly Fishing Crash Course - WATCH NOW

It's the middle of summer, and you've finally finished up enough work or chores that you can run off to the river for a bit, and do some fishing. But when you pull up, you realize you haven't fished since before spring runoff, and your fly boxes are full of tiny little dry flies and nymphs.  That doesn't seem like a problem — but it is! The bugs hatching during summer are different from what was coming off in spring, and these summer fish will be keyed in on big insects that look like they belong in Jurassic Park. Your great day of summer fishing starts to look a bit dim.  This week on Untangled, we'll brighten that picture up by sharing a list of must-have summer fly patterns. These flies will help you put fish in the net all summer long. You'll also learn about:  How to effectively fish rivers as they change year-round (going from high with spring runoff, to the low flows of late fall)  Fishing with nymphs and streamers from a raft or drift boat The best way to keep your dry flies floating  Sharpening fly hooks, and whether this is a tactic that'll make a difference for you  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the FREE Finding Fish eBook - CHECK IT OUT  

Do you often find yourself stuck deciding between throwing dry flies, or tossing nymphs? Well, you don't have to be! The dry-dropper rig lets you fish BOTH at once, allowing you to cover two parts of the water column in a single cast.  A dry-dropper is one of the most effective ways to catch trout and bass in rivers and lakes, and it's what most of us here at Team VFC use, too. This week on Untangled, Spencer will take you through how to set up this rig, some of its pros and cons, and the flies he likes to use for it.  You'll also learn about:  How long to spend at a hole before moving on and fishing new water Tips for casting streamers and getting distance with those larger, heavier flies Some thoughts on setting up nymph rigs  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Rigs & Knots Pocekt Guide for FREE - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Dry-Dropper Setup - WATCH HERE VIDEO - Nymph Rig Setup - WATCH HERE  

How often do you walk by water that you think is too fast to hold fish? Would you be surprised if I told you that the water you THINK isn't all that great, is some of the best water on the entire river?  In this week's episode of Untangled, you'll learn all about how to fish the pockets within that faster water. From identifying pocket water, to understanding why fish hold there, to a few tips for effectively catching fish from it, you'll end this show ready to tackle even more of your favorite rivers!  You'll also learn about:  Techniques for adding distance to your cast Whether your leader length matters on small, brush-choked streams Whether fish eat mosquitoes, and if so, how to handle that situation  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the Right Fly eBook for FREE - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE Get the VFC Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Cast a Fly Rod - WATCH NOW VIDEO - How We Fish: Spring Fly Fishing - WATCH NOW  

#774 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/774 Presented By: San Juan Rodworks, Stonefly Nets, Pescador on the Fly, Intrepid Camp Gear Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Brian Wise, streamer fanatic fly tyer, and the guy behind fly fishing the Ozarks, joins us today to share some of his hard-earned lessons that he's picked up from guiding and fishing Missouri's famed trout water. You'll find out why weightless streamers might be your new best friend. How slack kills a good presentation and what fly design really matters when chasing big browns. Plus, Brian's gonna walk us through the rules of streamer fishing. Spoiler alert, there's only one... and why the 10-pound trout can still live and hang out in 10 inches of water. We're heading to the Ozarks with Brian Wise of Fly Fishing The Ozarks. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/774

What do you do when you run into a fish that just refuses EVERYTHING you throw at it? You get a bunch of good drifts, you assume you're using the right fly, but the fish just ignores your bugs, and acts like you're not even there. What's the next step in a situation like that? Well, this week on Untangled, Spencer Durrant walks you through the steps he uses to troubleshoot those days on the water that go beyond getting skunked. They feel like the fish took your dignity! And if you want to avoid that, you'll need to hear the three steps he shares in today's show.  In the show's Q&A section, you'll also learn about:  How to pick the right fly rod for carp and pike fishing How to pick the right fly rod for fishing on small streams Why the 9' 5-weight is such a versatile fly rod How to tell emergers, cripples, and "regular" dry flies apart without memorizing the names of patterns  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - The Right Fly Formula - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - Shop the Fly Flinger - CHECK IT OUT  

There's no such thing as a "magic fly" that works 100% of the time. BUT - the Adams dry fly might be the closest we'll ever get to that kind of silver bullet.  So, what is it about the Adams that makes this fly so effective? It's been around for over 100 yeaers, and anglers today love it as much as they did back in 1922.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn all about how the Adams was developed, how it's changed over the years, and why it's still such an effective fly.  You'll also learn about:  What makes a fly rod good for throwing dry flies How to tie flies so that your materials stay on the top of the hook Whether your flies need to be "Instagram-perfect" in order for fish to eat them  LINKS FROM THE SHOW   Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE STORY - History of the Adams - CHECK IT OUT GEAR - The VFC Fly Collections - CHECK THEM OUT VIDEO - Right Fly Formula - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - Fly Rod Action Explained - CHECK IT OUT VIDEO - How to Use the Pinch Wrap - CHECK IT OUT

There's one bug that fish will eat that completely changes how you approach and fish a river. Stoneflies -- one of the major aquatic insect species alongside caddis, mayflies, and midges -- are an integral part of a fish's diet, but they're hugely important from around June through August.  This week on Untangled, you'll learn everything you need to know about stoneflies: where and when they hatch, how to fish 'em, and our favorite patterns here at VFC. You'll be ready to make the most of this incredible hatch!  You'll also learn about:  How to prepare for traveling to fish places you've never been to before Why VFC exists and our goals at this company  How to pick the right guide for whatever trip you want to take Tips for tying your own dry fly leaders  The differences between jigged and regular nymphs  LINKS FROM THE SHOW Get the FREE Year-Round Hatch Chart - CHECK IT OUT Join the VFC Online Community - CHECK IT OUT QUESTIONS FOR THE SHOW - SUBMIT HERE #LIVEREELLIFE MOMENT - SUBMIT HERE VIDEO - Stoneflies 101 Fly Selection Masterclass - WATCH NOW  

# 765 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/765 Presented by:  Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, San Juan Rodworks  Did you know the Feather Thief story actually connects back to today's guest? Spencer Seim is a New Mexico fly fishing guide and classic fly tyer whose deep knowledge and love for traditional patterns helped shape the story behind The Feather Thief. We get into his take on that whole crazy story, what it meant for the tying world, and what stood out most to him from the book.   Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/765

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

In this episode of The Butcher Shop, host Marvin Cash sits down with Russ Maddin at the vise for a lively discussion about the iconic Circus Peanut. As Russ ties this innovative pattern, he shares the fascinating backstory behind its creation in the early 2000s, highlighting the guiding challenges that inspired its design. Listeners will learn about the unique two-hook construction that helps keep fish hooked longer, a game-changer for streamer fishing enthusiasts.Russ dives deep into his approach to streamer fishing, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques based on water conditions and fish behavior. He offers valuable insights into fly selection, including his favorite materials and setups for different scenarios. The conversation also touches on the evolution of fly lines and how advancements in technology have changed the way anglers present their flies.Throughout the episode, Russ shares practical tips for retrieving the Circus Peanut effectively, including the importance of varying cadence and keeping the line straight. He also discusses common mistakes that novice tiers make and how to avoid them, ensuring that listeners walk away with actionable advice to improve their tying game.This episode is a treasure trove of information for fly anglers looking to refine their skills and learn more about one of the most versatile streamer patterns in the sport.Thanks to Schultz Outfitters and TroutRoutes for sponsoring this episode. Use artfly20 to get 20% off of your TroutRoutes Pro membership.All Things Social MediaFollow Russ on Instagram.Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.Support the ShowShop on AmazonBecome a Patreon PatronSubscribe to the PodcastSubscribe to the podcast in the podcatcher of your choice.Advertise on the PodcastIs our community a good fit for your brand? Advertise with us.In the Industry and Need Help Getting Unstuck?Check out our consulting options!Helpful Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction01:56 The Circus Peanut's Origin Story05:01 Influences Behind the Design09:45 The Purpose of the Circus Peanut24:00 Modern Materials for Tying28:05 Favorite Hook and Bead Combinations45:05 The Importance of Line Selection48:48 Matching the Biomass57:06 Techniques for Retrieving the Peanut1:11:32 New Developments in Fly Tying

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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