How to Get Rid of Nutria in Oregon
| Sat, 27 November 2021 There is nothing more magnificent than a wild steelhead on the fly but because of poor returns this season fishing for them will be limited. That's no reason, though, to park your fly rods in the garage. The PNW has some alternative species that although are not native, they are a worthy target on a fly rod: carp and smallmouth bass. And they're not going away so we might as well enjoy them. Join my guest Kelsey Rosborough [52:15] from the Orvis Outfitter Team (those knowledgeable folks who answer your technical questions when you call, e-mail, or chat about fishing products) as he tells us where to find these fun fish and how to target them. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and great tips from listeners, including: How can I stop crowding the heads when tying flies? Where does the saying "bright day-bright fly, dark day-dark fly" come from and is there any scientific basis to it? Why do I get left with curly ends when tying a clinch knot? My fly line always gets tangled when walking from one spot to another. How do I fix that? Should I expect spawning striped bass/white bass hybrids in inlets to a lake? Recommendations from a listener in Sweden about how to stay warm when fishing in the winter. How long is too long when playing a fish? What is the right balance between not horsing them in and getting them in quickly? How long does a typical fly last? What do other people do regarding fly-fishing journals? Does Tom keep one? Two tips from a listener on handling wires when tying flies A listener in Australia wonders why he has more success with an Elk Hair Caddis than an X-Caddis Direct download: PNW_Alternative_Species.mp3 |
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| Thu, 18 November 2021 This week my guest is Charlie Robinton [52:00], one of the experts from the Orvis Outfitter team (the people who answer your technical questions when you call, chat, or e-mail). Charlie is an expert in California fishing, and he gives us a grand tour of northern California rivers and what to expect when you plan a fishing trip there. Lots of solid information form a lifelong fly fisher and California native. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions from listeners (as well as a complaint), including: Is there a way to determine what size fly line is best on an unmarked rod at home? What is your advice on fishing stocked-only streams? Can I practice my double haul with the Practi-Caster? A listener takes me to task for saying on a previous podcast that if I were back in the 1880s and had the choice of whether or not to stock brown trout, would I do it? As well as avoiding reds during the spawning season, shouldn't we take care not to step on them throughout the winter? Any advice for fishing for carp in moving water? I forgot my leader and had to fish with just a couple pieces of tippet material, 3X and 5X. What would you have done? How does the time of day and the moon phase affect trout fishing? I am fishing large bass flies and have little back cast room. Any advice? I can't catch fish on beetle imitations. Any advice? What advice do you have for someone who is used to small streams and wants to fish big water? Why don't saltwater guides use nets? Direct download: California_Trout_Fishing.mp3 |
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| Thu, 11 November 2021 This week my guest is Orvis-endorsed guide Erica Nelson [36:12]. Erica gives us tips on how to hire a guide, how to find the right guide, how to manage expectations with a guide, how to tip a guide, and what to do if your guide trip is a disaster. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including: Can I use the 10-foot, 3-weight Recon rod for both Euro nymphing and small-stream trout fishing? What has Tom learned lately? Has he had any "aha" moments? A listener makes the point that the overharvest of menhaden, a valuable forage fish, threatens our saltwater gamefish populations on the Atlantic Coast, and gives a great book recommendation on the topic. A listener asks if he should consider the shorter 8-weight Blackout rod for a wide variety of fishing situations. Thoughts from a listener on the value of native fish populations A suggestion from a listener on two items every fly fisher who goes off the grid should carry I had a rainbow trout nose my fly and slap the fly with its tail six times. Why did the fish do that? Direct download: how_to_find_a_guide.mp3 |
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| Fri, 5 November 2021 Everyone should experience Alaska at least once in their lifetime, and if you are a fly fisher it is a place like no other. But there are different seasons, even during their short summer, and if you have your heart set on a particular species you need to pay attention to the timing of your trip. Reed Teuscher [32:21] is one of 14 people in our Outfitter Group, full-time Orvis experts who handle your fly fishing questions when you e-mail fishing@orvis.com, call 888-709-4732, or when you use the chat on our web site. This team includes guides, past Orvis retail store fishing managers, and other experts. You're not reaching a random call center, you're connecting with experts in the field who understand fly-fishing conditions and tackle. Reed was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, earning his fly fishing stripes chasing trout on Willamette Valley rivers and their tributaries. After relocating to central Oregon, chasing steelhead on the North Umpqua and Deschutes rivers honed his passion for 2-handed rods. Having now been in the fly fishing industry for almost 2 decades, 2 ½ of those with Orvis, he's chased fish around a good portion of the world. Besides working in and running fly shops, he's guided in the Pacific NW, western NY, and Alaska. I n the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions from listeners, including: Is casting a 10-foot, 3-weight Euro nymphing rod with a dry fly different from other fly casting? If I am not very tall, should I consider a longer Euro nymphing rod because I can't wade as deep as some people? How do you measure leaders and tippets? When fishing a dry dropper, what is the percentage of fish caught on the dry as opposed to the dropper? Why does Orvis no longer make one-piece fly rods? What should I do when I see people keeping undersized striped bass? Are bluefish declining? Any thoughts on using tube flies? How do I figure out fly sizes when picking them out of my box? When is the best time to use a blood knot instead of a triple surgeon's? When you only catch small fish in a spot, is it because they are easier to catch or because you are just fishing a spot where there are only small fish? How can I stay off brook trout redds in the fall? When fishing a dry dropper rig in a stream with brook and brown trout, I only catch brookies on the nymph but catch both brown and brook trout on the dry. Why is that? Transcripts of Tom's shows are available 1-2 weeks after a show has been posted You can find them at howtoflifish.orvis.com. Direct download: Your_dream_trip_to_Alaska.mp3 |
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| Thu, 28 October 2021 This week my guest is Steve Ramirez [41:24], author of the book Casting Forward and the upcoming book Casting Onward. Steve is an articulate and passionate writer, and in the podcast we talk about the philosophical and personal aspects of fishing for native species, in his beloved Texas Hill Country and beyond. In the Fly Box, we have some terrific questions this week, including: Can I use my 7'11" 8-weight rod with a 5/6 reel and a 7-weight line? I can hook fish on streamers using a floating line, but when I fish a sinking line I get lots of strikes but no hookup. What am I doing wrong? An angler tells a tale of woe after getting scammed trying to buy a fly rod from an online swap forum. I keep hearing about people catching 20 and 30 fish in an outing. Why can't I do that? You said you throw out all your old nylon tippet after a year. Do I need to do that with heavier mono and old unused leaders as well? I need a heavier rod than my 5-weight for redfish, pike, bass, and carp. Is a 9-foot, 8-weight Recon the right rod? I have trouble casting a 12-weight and need help with my strength. What can I do to make longer casts with this rod? Why is Euro nymphing more effective than fishing the standard way with an indicator and split shot? Is it because you spook fewer fish? Why do people say fly fishing is not like it used to be? I use an 8 1/2 foot 4-weight for brook trout but want to try a lighter rod like a 2-weight or 3-weight. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to a lighter rod? Where on a trout are the taste organs? Direct download: Stteve_Ramirez.mp3 |
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| Thu, 21 October 2021 My guest this week is Peter Jenkins [33:40], longtime striper angler and owner of the Saltwater Edge Fly Shop, outside of newport, Rhode Island. Peter talks about the seven different seasons of striper fishing on the coast, and also about the plight of the striper populations in the Atlantic. It's still an awesome and productive fishery, however we know it could be even better with proper conservation measures. In the Fly Box this week, we have some thought-provoking questions and comments, including: A comment on the lack of small fly shops these days and the bewildering variety of equipment Do I want a Spey rod for shoreline fishing and smaller steelhead rivers? Do you think that trying different fly sizes is something that applies universally Should tiers have more than one fly-tying vise? Since most people fish nymphs these days and they catch more fish than other methods, should we be limiting the number of fish we catch and release> Is there ever a time when you should go a size or two larger on a fly? What feathers should I save from grouse, pheasants, and wild turkey? I lost two large rainbows because I had trouble handling my slack line. What can I do to prevent this? Direct download: Seven_Seasons_of_Streamer_Fishing.mp3 |
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| Fri, 15 October 2021 Leigh H. Perkins, or LHP as he was known, was the driving force behind Orvis from 1965 into the 1990s and was a legendary marketing and outdoorsman. He passed away this summer and I wanted to interview some of his favorite guides and fishing buddies to give people a sense of what he was really like in the field [47:52]. He was fearless, always cheerful, and never had a bad day of fishing no matter what the conditions--a lesson for all of us. I hope you'll enjoy LHP stories from John Kowalski, Lori-Ann Murphy, and Rick Ruoff. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: Which kind of poly leader should I get? How do I keep my hands warm when fly-fishing in the winter? A new fly fisher shares stories of rudeness and kindness on the water I have been fishing a variety of fly patterns on a North Georgia stream, all in size 14, and can't catch any fish. What am I doing wrong? If I am catching whitefish and suckers, am I fishing in the right place? How do I sort out the trout from the whitefish and suckers? Why are the trout that used to eat my black Woolly Bugger still striking at it but not connecting? Can I fish tenkara-style with a standard fly rod? Does Tom have any questions for the listeners? Are species-specific fly lines any good or is it just marketing? I have some hooks that are marked as 2X long with a 2X extended gap. Aren't these just hooks that are one size larger? Direct download: sportsmans_life.mp3 |
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| Thu, 7 October 2021 My guest this week is Daniel Ritz [1:00:58], who recently completed the Master Caster level of the Western Native Trout Challenge. We talk about how he did it, what flies worked, and had a lot of discussion about what actually counts as a subspecies of trout. If you want to view his entire journey, it can be found at www.tu.org/magazine/author/daniel-ritz/ In the Fly Box this week, which was unusually long (either I talked too much or chose too many questions), we have these questions and tips: Why does my line get twisted when I try to shoot line? How do I know if the fly pattern I developed is really something new? What would you recommend for a wing material on bonefish flies? A question on exactly what hook shank measurements like 1X and 2X long mean, and what are they compared to? Does a 10-foot 5 weight Recon have a softer tip or a heftier butt section as compared to shorter rods? Is a 7-weight rod too light for pike fishing? How do fall leaves in the water affect fishing and what should I do? How do I get a non-weighted streamer deeper in the water column? My old floating fly line has a tip that is sinking. Is there any way of fixing this? Do brookies really drop down lower downstream in the fall after spawning? I fish a small high-altitude stream and only catch small trout. Do you think there could be larger trout there? What is a good step up from a cheapo fly-tying vise? How do you gauge your speed on how fast to move in a small stream? How do I catch the large trout in a small, clear stream with slow current? Is it ever appropriate not to tip a guide? A transcript of this podcast will be available in approximately three weeks at howtoflyfish.orvis.com. Direct download: Western_Native_Trout.mp3 |
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| Thu, 30 September 2021 In this week's podcast, my guest is David Brooks [43:45], executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited. With prevailing drought conditions in the western United Sates and increased demand from many users, from agriculture to municipalities to recreational angling, how can we balance the use of water? David explains the difference between the riparian doctrine used mostly in the eastern United Sates, and the prior appropriation doctrine used in western states, and explains how users have come together to apportion water for human use and for keeping enough water in rivers to support healthy trout populations. It's not easy and often contentious but it's a fascinating issue and there is hope that with wise use of water by all stakeholders we can support ranchers, farmers, cities, and healthy trout populations. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and tips, including: Direct download: David_Brooks_on_Saving_Water_for_Trout.mp3 |
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| Thu, 23 September 2021 [This episode was originally posted in April of 2018] This week I have a chat with Amelia Jensen, perhaps the best trout-spotter I have ever seen. I have always thought I was pretty god at seeing trout in the water, but Amelia can see fish I would never have spotted. Learn some of her secrets in this week's podcast—you'll be surprised at how often you can spot trout if you know what you're looking for, even in fast, deep, or slightly off-colored water. In the Fly Box this week we have the following tips and questions: · A tip from a listener on how to carry long pre-rigged fly assemblies · A question about what fly to fish along with a streamer when swinging for spring trout · A question on tips for spotting bonefish · How should I fish the tails of pools? · A listener tip on how to keep your hands warm when fishing · Flashy vs. non-flashy nymphs and where to put them in your nymph rig · A question about why fish get picky after catching a bunch of them from the same run · Why do trout take dry flies when I don't see any rising? · Tips for avoiding spawning rainbow redds Direct download: The_Art_of_Spotting_Trout_with_Amelia_Jensen_1.mp3 |
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| Thu, 16 September 2021 Initially posted on July 28, 2019 This week, my guest is Davy Wotton, who is originally from Wales but now lives and guides on the White River in Arkansas. I get frequent questions about swinging soft hackles and wet flies, a technique that I am not the best at, so I brought in the angler whom I consider the ultimate expert on this kind of fishing. Davy blends the British traditions with American conditions, so he really has the best perspective on this kind of fishing, which can be both challenging and subtle—especially when fish are taking emergers. It's a long podcast, but since I have never done one on this topic, I make up for lost time. And Davy had many interesting points to make. The Fly Box is a bit shorter this week because the main podcast is so long. But we cover some interesting questions, as usual: What can I do to keep my Stimulators floating? When do you fish a nymph and when do you fish a streamer? Can you use weed guards on trout flies? Why am I breaking off so many fish? Do some rod guides work better than others? More on pressure and its effects on fish What is the difference between a freshwater and saltwater rod? How can I see my fly in a fast riffle? How do I know if small streams hold trout? Why do trout bump my flies and why do they come off quickly? Direct download: Ultimate_Wet_Fly_Podcast_1.mp3 |
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| Sat, 11 September 2021 This week my guest is Sascha Clark Danylchuk [1:05:54], executive director of Keepfishwet.org and a fish biologist who has intensively studied the science of releasing fish in a responsible manner. We've talked a lot about trout lately in the podcast, so this one is on recommended release techniques for bass, panfish, pike, bonefish, redfish, and tarpon--plus a little on cold-water releases of trout. In the Fly Box this week, we had an unusually good collection of questions and tips--maybe because I was out of the office for a couple weeks so I had a lot to choose from. Direct download: Species_specific_release_techniques.mp3 |
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| Thu, 19 August 2021 This week's podcast guest is especially exciting to me as he is one of my literary heroes. John McPhee [24:10] is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author (Annals of the Former World), and in his numerous other books he has written about such diverse topics as nuclear energy, the merchant marine, basketball, Alaska, bark canoes, oranges, continental drift, flood control, tennis, farmer's markets, and many other eclectic topics. Whether or not you are interested in a subject, you can be sure you will be when you finish reading one of his books you will be fascinated. John has also been a staff writer for The New Yorker since the 1960s. In our interview, he talks about his two favorite fish to catch on the fly rod--the American shad (which he wrote an entire book about, The Founding Fish), and the chain pickerel, which he did not write a book about but did pen a short essay on in his collection of stories The Patch. (I doubt is anyone in the world who would count those two fish in combination as their favorites--but he is never conventional.) I hope you enjoy the interview as much as I enjoyed talking to him. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips: A reminder from a listener that I wrote an encyclopedia of fly fishing Some great tips from a listener on using tippet rings A question about what constitutes a watershed when concerned about transporting aquatic invasives A suggestion from a listener on ways to offset your carbon footprint when taking fishing trips Which is a better rod for fishing the surf and jetties--a traditional 9-foot 9-weight rod or a two-handed rod? Do you always recommend using a net? A listener calls me on the carpet for my flippant remark about manhandling carp. A great thought from a listener that sometimes taking photos of fish hinders the moment. Direct download: Shad_and_Pickerel_on_the_Fly_with_John_McPhee.mp3 |
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| Thu, 12 August 2021 This week my guest is the great Amelia Jensen [53:09], one of the best trout anglers in the world and also a superb videographer. Our topic is one that is top of mind to a lot of people in the fly-fishing world this summer: how we can continue to fish for trout and get photos of them while minimizing mortality to the fish and reducing handling time. One of the best ways to do this is to take photos of fish (especially trout) without taking them out of the water. This does present challenges but it's not impossible to get a great photo of a trout while water is still running over its gills. Amelia shares the tips she has learned over the years. Lots of questions and tips from listeners in the Fly Box this week, including: How do I clean up the cork grips on my fly rods? Is there any difference in performance with a dry dropper when the nymph is tied to the eye of the dry fly instead of the bend? Is it true that by keeping trout larger than 15 inches we'll make more room for smaller trout in a stream? How do you know when to leave an area or continue fishing it? A great pep talk from an experienced angler on learning fly fishing without a mentor How can I get rid of clumps in my rabbit fur dubbing? How can I catch spooky catfish on a fly rod? Is there any difference between tying dumbbell eyes on top of the shank or under the shank? Some great tips on carp fishing from an experienced carp angler from Germany Is it a good idea to freeze my wading boots to kill aquatic invasives? How can I decide between a vest and a sling bag? Can I fish dry flies with my Euro nymphing line? Do brook trout migrate to get away from warmer water? Where do you use tippet rings? Is it a good idea to build knotted trout leaders with loop-to-loop connections? What should I look for if I am going bonefishing without a guide and I have never fished in salt water before? I am going bonefishing but to date have only fished for trout. What adjustments do I need to make? I need advice on setting the hook on steelhead when swinging Intruders If I bend a small hook in my tying vise, can I put it back into shape without ruining it? Direct download: Amelia_Jensen_on_Better_Fish_Handling_for_Great_Photos.mp3 |
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| Fri, 6 August 2021 This week my guest is Colby Trow [38:08] of Mossy Creek Fly Fishing, one of the best smallmouth bass anglers I know. Colby talks about successful techniques in catching these critters in late summer, when they can be harder to catch than earlier in the season. The good news is that it's one of the best times to catch them on a surface fly like a popper or hair bug, which is always the most fun. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: A listener who makes the point that it's quicker to land trout on light tippets with a Euro rod Can I fish carp flies with an indicator? Are treble hooks more harmful than single point barbless hooks? What do I do when trout take my hopper patterns deep? Should I leave the fly in them? I have trouble catching smallmouths in clear water. Any suggestions? Where do you store your leader between fishing trips? A tip from Sam, fishing manager at Orvis Houston, on catching redfish in dirty water What are the advantages and disadvantages in using a pedestal vise as opposed to a C-clamp? How do I choose which size hair stacker to use? How can I fish size 18-22 nymphs in four feet of fast water? A suggestion for using 7 1/2-foot leaders in small streams in the Driftless Region Can I put a 7-weight sinking line on my 5-weight rod? If I am catching trout in small mountain streams where the water is cold enough, do I need to worry about them moving downstream into warmer temperatures after I release them? How many phone calls and questions do you get per week? When I switch from Euro nymphing to my regular trout rod, I keep breaking off fish. Is this normal? Direct download: Smallmouths_with_Colby_Trow.mp3 |
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| Thu, 29 July 2021 This week my guest is David Coggins [42:24], author of the new book The Optimist, A Case for the Fly Fishing Life. David is a traditionalist and I give him some good-natured ribbing about being an anachronism, but David handles it well and tells some great stories as well. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions and tips from listeners, including: What is the best way to tie a fly for gar and how do I fish for them? Why did I foul hook two trout in a row on dry flies? What kind of rum do you prefer? A great tip from a listener that rubber soles on wading shoes are far preferable to felt in the snow. A tip from a listener that when urban fly fishing, make sure you look behind you as many people don't know you are flinging a hook through the air. Do I need to worry about my rod and reel in a car-top carrier in the hot Georgia sun? A tip from a listener on using heavier nymph hooks on foam dry flies to keep them from tipping over. A listener asks me my preferences in fly-tying vise brands. A listener asks about Orvis' commitment to diversity and climate activism and asks why we don't have a government relations office. A suggestion from a listener for developing self-bailing waders Why did I see a bunch of smallmouth bass jumping out of the water like crazy when there was not an insect hatch? What can I do if I don't like a loop-to-loop connection on my leader? How do I fish a bass popper in a fast-flowing river? How can I get my crayfish pattern deeper? Direct download: The_Optimist_with_Dave_Coggins.mp3 |
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| Fri, 23 July 2021 In our campaign to take pressure off our over-stressed trout rivers during this hot, dry summer I figured a great topic would be how to find carp fishing spots. Not every place that holds carp is conducive to fly fishing, but when you find the right spot, you'll find endlessly fascinating opportunities to catch these often difficult gamefish that will test your drag like no other freshwater fish (besides steelhead and salmon). So I enlisted Dan Frasier [46:00] to talk about how to find the best carp spots, when and where to target them, how to present the fly, and how to determine when a carp has eaten your fly. Carp are tough and resilient and you don't need to worry about hurting them, no matter how warm the water temperature. Next to trout, they're the most interesting fish to chase in fresh water and the closest you'll get to saltwater flats fishing without leaving home. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including: Do certain trout get acclimated to either very high or low temperature regimes? Why do I foul hook a lot of fish when Euro nymphing? Why does my Euro rig break above the tippet ring? A casting tip using the analogy of a tomato on a stick Does Orvis have a secret warehouse full of older discontinued products? How can I keep track of tiny emergers in the surface film? Do you recommend felt soles or rubber with cleats for wading boots? When fishing for panfish, does having an indicator on the leader hinder my presentation when I strip the fly? Why are my surgeon's knots breaking when using 10-pound test for panfish? What is the difference between regular CDC and CDC puffs? Some tips from a listener on traveling with fly-fishing gear Is it OK to hold a fly rod on the blank above the grip when playing a large fish? A tip from a listener on using a lint roller to keep the fly-tying desk clean Is there any reason to put fly dressing on a yarn strike indicator? Will my freshwater reels work OK in salt water? Why do my foam dry flies sometimes land upside-down? Direct download: Save_the_trout_Fish_for_Carp.mp3 |
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| Fri, 16 July 2021 This week we continue our exploration of Trout in Trouble, specifically in Montana. Pat Byorth [52:56], Montana Fish Commissioner [52:56], and I discuss the current decline of brown trout in southwest Montana, what you should do if you fish there during this hot, low-water year, and what the future may hold. He'll give some good advice on being a responsible angler during this tough period. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, comments, and tips, including: Direct download: Are_Montanas_Trout_in_Trouble_With_Pat_Byorth.mp3 |
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| Fri, 9 July 2021 This week I am delighted to have biologist John McMillan back as my guest. John gives us a detailed view on the affect of water temperature on a trout's metabolism, particularly at the upper end of their safe range. In this summer of low flows and high water temperatures nearly everywhere in North America, it's a critical topic. And as usual, John puts his critical eye on how we, as anglers, can mitigate these effects by changing our fishing behavior. John is never without optimism, and I think you'll enjoy his discussion and learn more about trout biology and how we can be more responsible anglers. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners: Direct download: How_does_water_temperature_affect_trout_behavior.mp3 |
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| Thu, 1 July 2021 This week I have no guest interview but a ton of questions waiting in the podcast mailbox so I did an all-Fly Box podcast to catch up on questions. By popular demand, I've started to recommend some books on the podcast. This week I recommend my three favorite books on trout biology and natural history. In the long Fly Box this week, we have these great questions and tips from listeners: Direct download: An_all_Fly-Box_Episode.mp3 |
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| Fri, 11 June 2021 This week, my guest is Carolyn Parker of River Run Outfitters in Branson, Missouri [51:39]. Carolyn is a 20-year veteran of guiding tailwaters and a recipient of the Orvis Endorsed Program's Lifetime Achievement Award. Her specialty is fishing tailwaters, and you'll learn a lot about how to deal with fluctuating water levels and how to fish a river that has mostly midges and crustaceans instead of mayflies and caddisflies. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions and some long-winded answers, including: Direct download: The_Tailwaters_of_Missouri_with_Carolyn_Parker.mp3 |
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| Fri, 4 June 2021 This week my guest is Neville Crabbe of the Atlantic Salmon Federation [39:13]. He tells us the details of a major project to eradicate smallmouth bass from the famous Miramichi River, one of the most productive salmon rivers in the world. We all love smallmouths, but they don't belong in this river system and were introduced by misguided anglers. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: Direct download: Atlantic_Salmon_and_the_Miramichi.mp3 |
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| Thu, 20 May 2021 My guest this week is Phil Rowley [55:20], author of the just-released book The Orvis Guide to Stillwater Trout Fishing and fellow host for The New Fly Fisher TV show. Phil is a stillwater genius and he helps us untangle the confusion around fly lines for fishing in lakes and ponds, and exactly which lines you need. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: Direct download: Unraveling_the_Secrets_of_Stillwater_Fly_LInes.mp3 |
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| Fri, 7 May 2021 This week my guest is George Revel of Lost Coast Outfitters [@50:42], the only fly shop in downtown San Francisco. George is a lifelong fly fisher (he was a tournament caster when he was a teenager) and has intimate knowledge of the best fly-fishing spots in California. Whether you live on the West Coast and are looking for new places to explore, or if you plan a visit to California, this podcast is a must. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including: Direct download: Best_Fly-Fishing_Spots_in_CA_with_George_Revel.mp3 |
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| Fri, 23 April 2021 Overcrowding is an issue on many of our more popular trout streams, and there is no easy solution. This week I join journalist Spencer Durrant [@40:06] to discuss what he sees are solutions to some of the problems, both in finding alternate places to fish and also how to behave if you find yourself on a crowded river. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments: Are all gloves bad for handling fish? Direct download: Orvercrowding_on_Trout_Streams.mp3 |
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| Mon, 19 April 2021 My guest this week is Josh Nugent of Out Fly Fishing Outfitters, an Orvis-endorsed outfitting service and fly shop in Calgary [@52:23]. Josh is a lifelong student of fly fishing and actually did a college-level study on the eye movements of expert fly casters. His findings will open your eyes (no pun intended) to some little tricks that will improve your casting accuracy. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and comments, including: Direct download: Seven_Deadly_Sins_of_Fly_Casting.mp3 |
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| Thu, 1 April 2021 This week, I have a special guest--the world's foremost authority on the life cycle of cicadas and the most knowledgeable person in the world on techniques for fishing this "hatch". I've had a lot of questions on this topic and I've finally found the person who can answer them [32.53]. In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of very interesting questions, including: Direct download: Mastering_the_Ultimate_Hatch.mp3 |
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| Fri, 26 March 2021 My guest this week is Cheech from Fly Fish Food [@36:00], a highly regarded tier and teacher whose videos are popular with serious fly tiers. He's an engaging character who knows fly materials inside and out. We talk fly material substitutions, particularly hook styles, and ramble on all sorts of things related to fly tying. I hope you find it as fun to listen to as I did to record it. In the Fly Box this week we have these questions and comments:
Direct download: Fly_Material_Subsititutions_with_Cheech_Pierce_.mp3 |
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| Thu, 18 March 2021 This week my guest is Havard Stubo [@40:23] of Jazz and Fly Fishing. If you have not enjoyed one of their videos, it's a group of jazz musicians who also love fly fishing and decided to make some videos of their exploits. We think their films are quite entertaining and I think you'll appreciate their dry humor as a welcome respite from what you typically see in fly fishing films. Havard talks about fly fishing in Scandanavia, the relationship between jazz music and fly fishing (and tying) and other offbeat topics. In the Fly Box this week, it seems like we have a spate of basic equipment questions, so unless you need some advice on rod, reel, and line selection you may want to skip right to the interview. Some of the questions include: Direct download: Northern_Norways_Jazz__Fly_FIshing.mp3 |
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| Thu, 11 March 2021 Ever wanted to take a fishing trip to Montana (who doesn't)? For a first trip to the Rockies, generally I suggest people center in the greater Yellowstone area because of the vast amount of public land and great trout streams in that area, which includes portions of Wyoming and Idaho as well as Montana. This week I have enlisted a real expert on that area (not a tourist like me). Joe Moore [@48:55] is a longtime guide and owner of Big Sky Anglers located right in the middle of downtown West Yellowstone. Joe gives us some great tips on timing, tackle, and suggested rivers. Essential knowledge for your post-Covid road trip. Lots of great questions in the Fly Box this week, including: Direct download: Planning_a_Big_Trip_to_Big_Sky_Country_with_Joe_Moore_.mp3 |
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| Fri, 5 March 2021 This week my guest is Henry Cowen [@49:05], author of the new book Fly-Fishing for Freshwater Striped Bass, which is really a complete guide to chasing these great gamefish. They get huge, they often feed in shallow water, and are just about the perfect fish to chase with a fly rod. You'll learn their seasons, how to present your fly, and what tackle and flies you'll need to chase them. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions from listeners, including: Direct download: Freshwater_Stripers_on_the_Fly_with_Henry_Cowen.mp3 |
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| Fri, 26 February 2021 In this week's podcast, we'll visit with the dynamic co-founder and president of Western Rivers Conservancy, Sue Doroff [34:50]. Over the past 30 years, Sue and her small, lean staff have protected nearly 400 miles of rivers with names like the Madison, Hoh, Klamath, and John Day--rivers beloved by fly fishers. If you've ever parked at Three Dollar Bridge on the Madison River, you can than the Western Rivers Conservancy for protecting that stretch of river from development and for maintaining public access. Find out about their unique special sauce and how they do this. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners: Direct download: Sometimes_you_have_to_buy_a_river_to_save_it.mp3 |
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| Sun, 21 February 2021 Swing, hit, and miss--why did you not connect with that fish? Did it just miss your fly? Did you strike too soon? Did you strike too late? Or did the fish refuse your fly even though it looked like a take? Dave Jensen and I [@44:47] discuss how you can (maybe) tell why you didn't connect--and it may not always be your fault. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and tips from listeners, including: Direct download: Why_did_i_miss_that_fish_With_Dave_Jensen.mp3 |
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| Thu, 11 February 2021 When Ernest Hemingway was a kid, he took great pride in catching trout on worms and jerking them out of small streams as quickly as he could. Later in life, he lived near excellent trout fishing in Sun Valley but didn't really like it much. He owned a lot of fly-fishing gear, but it didn't get much use. This week, I interview Hemingway Scholar Paul Hendrickson, author of the terrific book Hemingway's Boat, and we learn some interesting things about the man, including the sad story of why he finally gave up trout fishing for good, and how he influenced how we fight big fish on fly rods today. In the Fly Box this week, we have many interesting questions and tips, including: Direct download: Hemingway_was_a_lousy_fly_fisherman.mp3 |
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| Sat, 6 February 2021 You may not be able to fish without a jacket every day on the Arkansas tailwaters but some day it's a possibility. A nice change at this time of year. I talk with Jamie Rouse of Rouse Fly Fishing [42:53] on what kind of conditions he sees during the winter, what tactics and flies he uses, and how to avoid late-spawning fish. Makes me want to head south. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: Direct download: Winter_Fishing_in_Shirtsleeves_with_Jamie_Rouse_.mp3 |
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| Sat, 30 January 2021 This week, continuing our series of podcasts on winter fly fishing for trout, I interview George Daniel, author and guide. George is also an Orvis ambassador and field tester, and teaches fly fishing at Penn State. As you'll discover, there are many similarities with winter fishing in other parts of the country, along with some flies and techniques a bit more appropriate for the Northeast. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions, including: Direct download: George_Daniel_on_Winter_Fly_Fishing.mp3 |
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| Thu, 21 January 2021 This week my guest is artist Bob White [36:41], a beloved painter of fly-fishing and bird hunting scenes. Bob has illustrated John Gierach's magazine pieces for years and also illustrated the current version of The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide. Bob talks about making a career in the fly-fishing world, how he balances his painting life with his fishing life, tips for budding wildlife artists, and how his art affects his fly tying. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: Direct download: The_Classic_Sporting_Art_of_Bob_White.mp3 |
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| Thu, 14 January 2021 My guest this week is Rachel Leinweber [39:38], general manager of The Angler's Covey fly shop in Colorado Springs. One in a series of podcasts about winter fly-fishing tips, Rachael has some great ones for us, and it's been interesting to see how each guide we've talked to has a slightly different take on effective winter tactics. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips: When fishing large streams, and making casts too long for a roll cast, how do you get your fly out without catching trees and bushes? Direct download: More_Winter_Fishing_Tips_with_Rachael_Leinweber_.mp3 |
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| Fri, 8 January 2021 This week, we're continuing our series on winter fly fishing for trout. I interview Antonio Rodrigues [42:50] manager of Front Range Anglers in Boulder, Colorado, and he has a different take on winter fly fishing, and some different methods. I've found it fascinating to see how each guest approaches this differently and hope you pick up some tips as well. What do you use for a fly box when surf fishing? I have not had good luck with guide trips and want to know what you recommend so I get a better trip next time. Are fly rods built on continuous blanks and then cut into sections, or is each section made separately? And are sections interchangeable from one rod to another? What is the purpose of adding flash to nymph patterns? A tip on using special flies for casting practice. What do I do about fishing places where lots of swimmers have been? Are wire bite guards worth it?Can I tie a 3X tippet to a 3mm tippet ring? Are all Orvis leader lengths built to the same basic taper or are they different? Another suggestion on where to donate flies you don't want. What uses do you have for magnets when fishing? What do I use huge streamer patterns like the Manbearpig for, and how should I fish them? Direct download: Winter_Fishing_Tips_from_Boulder_with_Antonio_Rodrigues.mp3 |
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| Fri, 1 January 2021 This week, it was my great pleasure to interview Nick Lyons, who I consider to be the godfather of modern fly-fishing books. Nick has edited and published books by some of our most famous fly anglers--Lee and Joan Wulff, Lefty Kreh, Dave Whitlock, and Swisher and Richards. He was also my first editor and I have so much to thank him for. Nick tells stories of the early days of fly-fishing books--his successes and failures and his journey through the past half-century of fly fishing. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions, including: Direct download: The_Godfather_of_Modern_Fly-Fishing_Books_Nick_Lyons.mp3 |
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| Thu, 24 December 2020 Continuing our exploration of winter trout fishing techniques, this week my guest is angler and photographer Timbre Pringle [40:08]. You have likely seen photos of Timbre or ones taken by her and her husband Darcy in Orvis catalogs and ads, as well as many of the fly-fishing magazines. She doesn't exactly fish in the far north as she fishes in Alberta, in southern Canada, but for most Americans any place in Canada seems like the far north. Timbre gives her tips for fishing her local river, the Bow, in the winter, but she offers tips that will work during the winter in any trout stream. In the Fly Box this week, listeners share the following questions, comments, and tips: Direct download: Winter_Tips_from_the_Far_Northwith_Timbre_Pringle.mp3 |
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| Fri, 18 December 2020 I've begun a series on winter trout fishing podcasts with various experts around the country. I think it will be interesting to see how their approaches compare, what flies and leaders they use, and how they keep their hands and feet warm. This week's guest is Tim Johnson [38:41], who you probably know more as an artist on Instagram or on the Orvis Artist Collab series of H3 rods. Tim is also a longtime guide and experienced angler and has spent many winter days on his home waters in Utah. He's also one of the best storytellers I know so I think you'll enjoy the interview. In the Fly Box this week, we have a great collection of questions and tips from listeners: Direct download: Winter_Fly-Fishing_Tips_with_Tim_Johnson.mp3 |
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| Thu, 10 December 2020 This week, my guest is Sav Sankaran [47:28], fishing manager at the Orvis store in Asheville. The subject is Late Fall and Winter trout fishing in the Southeast, and although Sav talks about his rivers specifically, there are many good tips for winter fishing anywhere in the world. You may have enjoyed Sav's bluegrass music on a recent Orvis Facebook Live event, and he's also the subject of an Orvis story on his special family holiday gatherings https://www.orvis. Thispodcast is just the beginning of a series I plan on doing on winter fishing throughout North America. With travel still restricted this winter, many of us will need to find fishing close to home, or at least within driving distance. We hope to make those outings more fun and enjoyable by giving you tips to make your time on the water a bit more successful. In the Fly Box this week, we'll explore some great tips and questions from listeners, including: Direct download: Late_Fall_and_Winter_Trout_Fishing_with_Sav_Sankaran.mp3 |
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| Thu, 3 December 2020 This week my guest is the great guide and fly tier Blane Chocklett [39:45]. We talk about his development of innovative fly patterns like the Gummy Minnow and Game Changer, but also about his philosophy of imitating baitfish and how to choose the right streamer depending on conditions. I know you streamer, musky, and saltwater junkies will learn a lot in this one. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: Direct download: Blaine_Chocklett_and_his_Baitfish_.mp3 |
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| Thu, 26 November 2020 Many fly fishers have dreaded the thought of visiting their favorite trout streams after wildfires devasted many areas over the past few years. As threatening as they are to human lives and property, wildfires are not all that bad for trout stream ecosystems, as you'll discover after listening to this week's podcast. Becky Flitcroft [interview at 39:03], a fisheries biologist with the US Forest Service and an expert on disturbances to trout streams, presents some surprising results in the wake of fires. Not only are they not horribly destructive, they are actually beneficial in many cases. Should you visit a trout stream that was in a burned area next year? What will the future look like? Although every stream is different, Becky tells us what to expect over the coming years. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips: I have trouble seeing my dry flies on small streams. What patterns do you recommend, and how can I spot them better? Do you think it's necessary to replace nylon and fluorocarbon leaders each year? Can I extend the length of my 7 1/2 foot leaders to 9 or 12-feet by just adding tippet? Should I use my Clearwater Reel in salt water? Can I use shorter or longer hackles than the traditional length on my dry flies? What techniques would you recommend for fishing after dark during the winter? A good tip on how to practice specific techniques in fly tying. What would be a good rod for both salmon/steelhead rivers and bass lakes? How can I practice my fish-fighting technique in the off-season before I go salmon fishing? Direct download: Wildfires_and_Trout_with_Becky_Flitcroft.mp3 |
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| Wed, 18 November 2020 [This week's podcast is in two sections. This sections contains the interview with Brittany. The listener-questions section, or the Fly Box, is in part one.] This week, I have a very special guest for my interview--Brittany Howard, the frontwoman for the wildly popular band Alabama Shakes, who also has a new (2019) album out, "Jaime", a solo effort that explores a wide range of musical styles. Brittany has performed with Sir Paul McCartney and at the Obama White House, and her albums with the Alabama Shakes have won four Grammy Awards. Her first love is music, but her second love is fishing, and she is a passionate fly fisher. Unlike some celebrities who have taken up fly fishing because it's a "thing", Brittany has the soul of an angler and has been fishing all her life. She ties her own flies, modifies her kayak for fly fishing, and when she is on tour she always prioritizes sneaking away to do some fishing. She's the real deal and a great storyteller, and I know you'll enjoy her tales of fishing on the road and her encounters with gender and racial bias while fly fishing. And as a special treat at the end of the podcast, we've included one of my favorite songs, "Future People." We have some great questions, and some helpful tips from listeners, including: Direct download: Brittany_Howard_part_2.mp3 |
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| Wed, 18 November 2020 [This week's podcast is in two sections. This is the listener-questions section, or the Fly Box. The interview with Brittany Howard is in part two.] This week, I have a very special guest for my interview--Brittany Howard, the frontwoman for the wildly popular band Alabama Shakes, who also has a new (2019) album out, "Jaime", a solo effort that explores a wide range of musical styles. Brittany has performed with Sir Paul McCartney and at the Obama White House, and her albums with the Alabama Shakes have won four Grammy Awards. Her first love is music, but her second love is fishing, and she is a passionate fly fisher. Unlike some celebrities who have taken up fly fishing because it's a "thing", Brittany has the soul of an angler and has been fishing all her life. She ties her own flies, modifies her kayak for fly fishing, and when she is on tour she always prioritizes sneaking away to do some fishing. She's the real deal and a great storyteller, and I know you'll enjoy her tales of fishing on the road and her encounters with gender and racial bias while fly fishing. And as a special treat at the end of the podcast, we've included one of my favorite songs, "Future People." We have some great questions, and some helpful tips from listeners, including: Direct download: Brittany_Howard_part_I.mp3 |
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| Thu, 12 November 2020 In this week's podcast, I interview Jess Westbrook, co-founder of The Mayfly Project. This organization, a winner of an Orvis Breaking Barriers award, brings the joys of fly fishing to foster kids through individual, one-on-one mentorship throughout the country. For obvious reasons their programs have been put on hold for this year (I was looking forward to being a mentor myself last spring), but the organization moves forward, making plans for a time when we can comfortably get together in person. Jess has some heartwarming stories to tell of past successes that will make you smile and feel good about the fly-fishing community. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and I hope my answers are helpful to you. They include: Direct download: The_Mayfly_Project_with_Jess_Westbrook.mp3 |
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| Fri, 6 November 2020 This week I interview Greg Vincent of Grand Bahama Island and co-owner of H2O Bonefishing [40:13]. Greg shares his tips for what distinguishes a great bonefisher from someone who just goes fishing for bonefish and permit. There's a big difference. Greg is the only person I know who has gotten a Super Grand Slam (bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook) in just four casts. He also tells a great story and I am sure you'll thrill to his tales of chasing these fish on the flats. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: I have a random assortment of grouse feathers from a hunter friend. What patterns can I tie with them? If there are only a few good holes in an area, how long should you fish a spot before letting another angler try their luck? I am a new fly fisher and have been fishing just with a tenkara rod and doing OK on panfish but not trout. What is a mistake that new fly fishers often make that prevents them from catching fish? I want to fish the Charles River in Boston and Long Island for saltwater species. What two rods should I get? How should I treat my waders if I move from one state to another? Havaard from Jazz and Fly Fishing wants to fish in Montana next May and wants advice on what town to base his travels out of. And is May a good time to fish in Montana? What leaders and tippets do I need for salmon in the Pacific Northwest? A great idea from a listener on using a streamer as an indicator when dead-drifting a nymph/streamer combo Direct download: Bonefish_and_Permit_Secrets_with_Greg_Vincent.mp3 |
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| Fri, 30 October 2020 This week I have a chat with Jonny King [41:00], one of the most creative and innovative fly tiers I know. Patterns like the Kinky Muddler and Splitsville dry flies come from his creative mind. I am always interested in where the idea for new patterns come from, how they are developed, and how they get evaluated. Join me as we ramble and discuss his creative process. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: Where can I get a copy of your book on Small Stream fly fishing? Direct download: Secrets_of_Fly_Design_with_Jonny_King.mp3 |
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| Fri, 23 October 2020 This week, my interview is with Kip Veith [38:55], Orvis-endorsed guide and author of The Orvis Guide to Musky on the Fly, which has just been released. Fresh from lots of research and in the middle of his season, Kip has some great tips for those of you who want to chase this giant freshwater predator--and fall is known as the best time to chase them with a fly rod. In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of interesting questions and some great tips from listeners, including: I have some flies I tied that I don't like and want to salvage the hooks to use again. What's the best way to do this? With big pike flies, I have trouble getting the fly moving on the first few false casts. How can I do this easier? My floating line is sinking. What can I do to make it float, and if I can't make it better can I use the line for streamer fishing? My yarn indicators won't float. What am I doing wrong? How do you do the Joe Humphreys Bow-and-Arrow Cast?How do I use a BIgEye dry fly as a sliding dropper? I lubricate my clinch knots with Chapstick. Why doesn't the knot hold? My Dad raises chickens. Do you think I can use some of their feathers for fly tying? When do most anglers change their leaders? A tip from a listener on preventing gel floatant from exploding when you change altitude.Can I go from 5X to 7X using a tippet ring? A great tip from a listener on how to politely engage someone on the river who is using poor fish-handling technique. How do you cut Body Wrap when making Game Changers? Direct download: Musky_Time_with_Kip_Veith.mp3 |
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| Fri, 16 October 2020 The issue of freshwater flow through the Everglades is an issue that Orvis has worked on for a number of years as one of our major conservation projects, and we've worked with some strong partners on the ground, like the Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, Now or Neverglades, and Bullsugar/Friends of the Everglades. This week we have a double feature on this national treasure. The first part of the podcast is with scientist Steve Davis of the Everglades Foundation [41:05], who discusses the recent progress and environmental conditions in the Everglades, in times of poor freshwater flow and healthy flows. The second part of the podcast is with Orvis-endorsed guide Jason Sullivan [1:28:17], who spends nearly every day in the Everglades and depends on its health for his livelihood. And yes, don't worry we talk fishing and what it's like fly fishing in the everglades--for tarpon, snook, redfish, and even tailing tripletail! Can a clear fly line be made? Why are cane fly rods so great? If I can legally fish only one fly, how do I get my fly down to the fish when Euro nymphing? How does a full moon affect fishing? If a season for a species is closed, when is it OK to fish for them if I practice catch-and-release? How does intellectual property work with fly patterns? Is it worth it to pay to fish spring creeks? Why can't I sharpen my hooks? Is there any role in whimsy or "bluffing" when picking a fly pattern? Can I use floatant on my Master Splinter fly? Can I use unweighted streamers with a floating line? Direct download: Double_Feature_on_the_Everglades.mp3 |
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| Thu, 8 October 2020 I get frequent questions on targeting introduced Pacific salmon in the Great Lakes region, so I invited an expert [interview starts at 33:13] to give us guidance on where and when to fish for them, tackle to use, and recommended flies. Trent Jackson, fishing manager of Orvis Grand Rapids, is a lifelong Michigan resident and has been fishing for Great Lakes salmon and steelhead his entire life. He gives us a great overview of this fishery, and is a great example of the rich talent we offer in our retail stores. In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of perceptive questions and suggestions from listeners, including: Why do I have trouble hooking trout with a 10-foot, 3-weight rod when using unweighted flies? Can I use the Hydros Salmon/Steelhead line for tightline fishing with a 20-foot leader? If I have both smallmouth and stocked trout in my river this fall, how can I fish for both of them? A listener takes me to task for killing fish for the table by "bashing them in the head with a rock", and gives us the preferred way to kill fish for the table, using a Japanese method called ikejime. If I have a limited budget, should I spend more money on my waders or wading shoes? Why did brook trout inhale my streamer one day and only chase it the next? Once a running fish is on the reel, should I take my fingers off the line? When you talk about a 9-foot leader, is the tippet included in that length? And should I tie a new tippet directly to my leader without modification? Direct download: Catching_Great_Lakes_Pacific_Salmon.mp3 |
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| Fri, 2 October 2020 This week I interview Dr. Aaron Adams [@38:29], chief scientist at Bonefish Tarpon Trust, and he explains some of the science behind proper fish handling techniques. Although we talk primarily about bonefish and tarpon, I learned some surprising facts about the question: "If a fish is hooked deeply, is it better to try to remove the hook or just cut the tippet?" I'm not going to tell you the answer. You'll need to listen to the podcast. Can you suggest few trout flies that are reliable and relevant year-round? Why do I have trouble hooking trout in small mountain streams? What is the proper way to set the drag on a reel before you begin fishing? How much tension is added to your tippet when you have the whole fly line out on a running fish?Why doesn't anyone talk about frogs and toads as trout prey? Why does my Improved Clinch Knot keep failing? Are neat flies more effective than scruffy ones? A suggestion from a listener about using the "wrong" color thread to tie a better fly. Where should I spend most of my budget when assembling a fly-tying setup? A suggestion from a listener about using a bobbin threader to tie a nail knot. Direct download: More_Catch-and-release_Science.mp3 |
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| Sat, 26 September 2020 Stripping Streamers in the Fall, with Butch Wicks I am teaching a friend how to fish nymphs. Should I start him on dry dropper and indicator fishing or Euro nymphing? Will my Trout Poly Leaders work OK for swinging flies for Lake Erie steelhead, or do I also need to get Spey Polyleaders? Why could I not catch fish during a heavy Green Drake spinner fall?I had to cut my fly line. Is there any way to repair it without a bulky connection? What should I keep in mind when tying some steelhead patterns to use on Pacific salmon? A clarification to the podcast on the Clean Water Act from a retired EPA wetland scientist. What to do if you see someone on the water with very poor fish-handling techniques.Is trout spawning temperature of day length dependent, and what behavioral clues should I look for? I saw what I thought were carp feeding on the surface. Do carp feed on top, and if so what do they eat? How do you set the hook when using a two-handed strip for striped bass? When should I use a weighted vs. unweighted fly for striped bass in San Franciso Bay, and what fly line should I use? Direct download: Stripping_Streamers_in_the_Fall_with_Butch_Wicks.mp3 |
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| Fri, 18 September 2020 This week I interview Monte Burke [@44:46], author of the recently released book Lords of the Fly. It's a chronicle of the history of tarpon fishing with a fly rod, and especially the magical period in the late 20th century where huge tarpon and the best fly anglers in the world converged on a little town on the Florida coast. This is truthfully one of the most interesting fly-fishing books I have ever read. Even if you have no interest in tarpon fishing, the story of the personalities, conflicts, and obsession involved in trying to catch a world record tarpon on a fly is one of the most compelling stories in fly-fishing history. Monte talks about his research and the process involved in writing the book. It's a tale of egos and gangsters and heartbreak. How does a new beaver dam affect a trout stream? What is the difference between a 2-weight and a 3-weight Euro nymphing rod? How should one approach a larger river with heavy fishing pressure? How do you suggest handling a fish that has been foul-hooked? If you were to spend two weeks in quarantine in a hotel room, what six fly patterns would you tie? An example of great fishing close to home What do you know about fly fishing for ladyfish? I am taking my father fishing and he does not have much experience. Should I hire a guide or just get him an outfit and take him wade fishing? What are the main differences between Eastern and Western fly fishing? What effect will the wildfires have on trout streams? Can I use UV epoxy to finish the wraps on a rod I am making?Can I dye my own fly tying materials? Direct download: The_Quest_for_the_World_Record_Tarpon_with_Monte_Burke.mp3 |
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| Fri, 11 September 2020 This week, we chat with Bob Irvin [Interview starts at 42:00], president of American Rivers, an organization that does solid work protecting the aquatic resources we all love. Bob and I talk about the Clean Water Act and the Clean Water Rule--what these laws have done for us in the past, how they are currently managed, and threats to their effectiveness. It's not as much fun as talking about trout or steelhead, but it's important stuff to all of us. What kind of water is best for Euronymphing? Can you do it in really slow water for panfish?The booties on my waders are too tight for two pairs of socks. How can I keep my feet warm winter steelheading? I have some streams in my neighborhood that people say used to hold brook trout. How can I find out if they still live there? A suggestion that keeping the index finger on the top of your rod grip helps with sensitivity. What is the best fly line to use when trying to cast the entire line? Can I Spey cast for smallmouth bass? My dad really outfished me using a Rapala. I tried all kinds of streamers but no luck. Is there a fly that is as good as a Rapala? When I wade waist-deep I have trouble with my casting. What can I do to fix this? How can you reconcile our obsession with drag-free drifts and the effectiveness of a swung wet fly? I have a bunch of old fly lines. How can I tell what they are, and how can I mark them? If you have a local stream that you fish often, how long should you rest it between fishing trips? I am fishing for smallmouth and shoal bass during the day in weedy, rocky water. What's the best technique to use? A tip from a listener on a great indicator you can make yourself. Can you clarify the confusion behind the term "dropper"? Direct download: Unraveling_the_Clean_Water_Act_with_Bob_Irvin.mp3 |
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| Thu, 3 September 2020 This week I interview biologist Nicole Watson [interview at 46:56], who has a fascinating job. She is working on developing strains of arctic grayling that will hopefully be able to repopulate some of Michigan's rivers. It's not widely known that prior to the arrival of Europeans to rivers such as the Au Sable and Manistee, the dominant salmonid in rivers in that entire area was not the brook trout, but a unique strain of arctic grayling. Learn about how the population was decimated, what is being done to restore them, and how soon we'll be able to fish for wild grayling in Michigan. Here are some links to websites mentioned in the podcast MI Grayling Initiative website: Iron Fish Distillery- whiskeys to support research: Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund (to donate to research directly): In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips from listeners: What is the best way to remove a small hook from a trout? Direct download: Return_of_the_Grayling_with_Nicole_Watson.mp3 |
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| Fri, 28 August 2020 This week, I interview Captain Joe Mattioli [43:31]i on a place I have always wanted to fish--New York Harbor. Despite having chased striped bass and bluefish with a fly rod for over 40 years, I have never had the pleasure of fishing New York Harbor and I have always wanted to. So join me as I interview Captain Joe and hear stories of this world-class fishery beneath the Statue of Liberty and off Coney Island. I have issues with knots in my leader, especially with streamers and other heavy flies. How do I fix this? I have a 9 ft 5-weight Recon and a starter fly reel I bought a few years ago. Should I buy a new reel to go with my rod? When fishing for bass, if I use a heavier line like a bank shot on my 6-weight rod, how should I adjust my casting style? Are there any trade-offs? I use a double Uni Knot to join tippet, but I can't tie a Blood Knot to save my life. What are the relative strengths of these two knots? I just upgraded my fly-tying vise. What other tools should I upgrade if I want to improve my tying? My tippet keeps breaking when using sink-tip lines. What can I do to prevent this? Would you recommend a Recon 2-weight or 3-weight for fishing small streams plus bluegill fishing with my kids? How many flies do you lose in a day of small stream fishing? Where would you go to catch a trophy brook trout? What should I do with my dry fly when fishing still water? Should I move it or let it sit? What can we do to reduce the trauma to fish when we play them? Direct download: Catching_stripers_below_the_Statue_of_Liberty.mp3 |
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| Fri, 21 August 2020 This week I interview Orvis-endorsed guide Jay Aylward [51:05], a largemough bass fanatic on the fly rod, about how to find and catch them. And not just any largemouth, but trophy bass. Or at least trophies on a fly rod... Fly pattern suggestions for a road trip across Colorado Direct download: Trophy_largemouth_on_the_fly_with_Jay_Aylward.mp3 |
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| Fri, 14 August 2020 [Interview @ 38:40] There are few things more fun in fly fishing than catching bluegills with a popper or nymph. For the most part, once you find them it's easy and un-challenging fishing. But if you want to up your game and chase trophy bluegills, the kind that will put a big bend in a 3-weight rod, you need special techniques. This week Orvis-endorsed guide Kip Vieth shares his passion for big bluegills, and his special techniques for catching them--even in summer heat. I had a big brown trout chase my fly right after a big tumble of branches rolled down the river on top of him. Is this common? What can I do with some grouse feathers I obtained? Does a 7 1/2-foot knotless leader have the same level tippet length as a 9- or 12-footer, or is the tippet length proportional? I started tying my own leaders but had a blood knot break. Should I go back to knotless leaders? Would it be a good idea to tie smaller streamers with a shank and a trailing stinger as opposed to using a longer-shank hook? I have heard that long-shank hooks don't hold fish as well. What are some good rules for keeping your distance on crowded trout streams? I always hook my fly onto one of my guides but recently I had a guide break when I was pulling the rod apart. Is that a bad practice and am I weakening the guides by doing this? When someone says they are fishing a 9-foot or 12-foot leader, does that length include the tippet? I had a Davey Knot break on heavy tippet. Is the Davey Knot weaker in heavier materials? How do I keep the fly line from pulling my leader back inside the guides when making short casts? Direct download: How_to_Catch_Trophy_Bluegills_with_Kip_Veith.mp3 |
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| Fri, 7 August 2020 This week we continue our exploration of small streams with Brian Slusser in California [@37:47] and Brown Hobson of North Carolina [@1:24:38]. Both are experienced guides and love small stream fishing. Even if you don't fish these regions, you'll find plenty of great tips and fly suggestions for your own region. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and also some great additional information from listeners, including: Direct download: Expert_Tips_on_Small_Stream_Fly_Fishing_in_California_and_North_Carolina.mp3 |
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| Fri, 31 July 2020 This week, continuing with my small stream double features programs, I interview Todd Fuchigami of the Ellensburg Angler in Washington [@ 45:48], plus Mel Hayner of Driftless Fly Fishing Company in Minnesota [@1:24:51]. It's been fascinating for me to learn about the similarities, and the differences in small stream techniques throughout the country. Regardless of where you fish, you'll pick up great small stream tips from these two. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and comments: What is your preferred wet-wading outfit, or do you even wade wet at all during the summer? If I need a longer dropper on my dry/dropper rig, should I add the extra length with another section of tippet added to the existing one or should I tie on a whole new dropper? A listener takes me to task and says I should "spend more time on crowded public waters to better answer the fly box questions" What is the best way to fish small streams when they get turbid from a summer rainstorm? A couple book recommendations from a listener on small streams and alpine lakes I normally take both my fly rod and a spinning rod with worms when trout fishing. What do you think of this method? What really matters when I stare into my fly box? What attributes do you look for and how do you rank them? Direct download: Washington_State_and_the_Driftless_Region_of_the_Midwest.mp3 |
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| Fri, 24 July 2020 [Rachel Therkildsen interview 36:25] I have been interviewing guides across the country on their techniques for small-stream trout fishing and I want to get these out sooner rather than later, at the peak of small stream trout season. So this week, we have a special double feature on small trout streams East and West. We have Rachel Therkildsen on fishing high altitude streams (and lakes) in Colorado, and then we move East to hear about small stream brook trout fishing in the Rangeley region of Maine with Brett Damm of Rangeley Region Fly Shop. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions: Is there a good resource for organizing my fly boxes? Are there any podcast episodes on panfish? A suggestion from a listener on wearing a wetsuit when fly fishing. Do you have any tips on how to fish difficult waters? I think carp are eating blueback herring spawn on my local river. Do you have any suggestions on how to catch them? Can I fish emergers upstream? If I take my new Mission rod to Florida to fish deep channels, when should I use a Scandi line and when should I use a Skagit line? Is it OK to carry two rods with different rigs to maximize fishing time? Is it OK to leave my wading boots wet for a day or two. I always dry them but do I need to do it every day? If I plan to use my Euro nymphing rod for more conventional fishing, should I overline the rod? Direct download: Eastern_and_Western_Small_Streams_with_Rachel_Therkildsen_and_Brett_Damm.mp3 |
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| Fri, 17 July 2020 [Interview starts at 37:17] This week, ourpodcast is all about carp. It's a more advanced carppodcast with my buddy Dan Frasier, who is one of the most knowledgeable carp anglers I know. Carp are almost never easy and sometimes they are damn near impossible. But they are a fascinating challenge, and a good fish to chase when you aren't able to travel to more exotic places for big fish--something we all need to concentrate on. I'm going to be doing morepodcasts about fishing close to home--a bunch of small stream tips from various parts of the country, and also on bass and panfish. Stay tuned in the coming months. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and suggestions form listeners:
Direct download: Advanced_Carp_Techniques_with_Dan_Frasier.mp3 |
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| Thu, 9 July 2020 [Interview starts at 41:18] We could all use a little escapism these days, so why not listen to a podcast about adventures in the Amazon? Fly Fisherman Magazine editor and publisher Ross Purnell, in a pre-Covid recorded interview, will thrill you with his adventures with a fly rod in the Amazon, and you will be shocked at how he celebrated the trip. Few of us will be traveling to exotic locations this year, and many of us never will, but it is always enlightening to hear about what fishing is like in a different world. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions:
Direct download: Amazon_Jungle_Fishing_with_Ross_Purnell.mp3 |
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| Fri, 26 June 2020 [Interview starts at 55:00] This week, Joe Hebler of the Blue Quill Angler in Evergreen, Colorado, answers the question "How do I become a fishing guide?" Whether you are graduating from high school or college, or in another career looking to escape daily stresses and an unsatisfying job, Joe gives a great road map on what steps to take to successfully land a job in this competitive field. And if you aren't interested in becoming a guide, Joe also gives some great tips on current fishing conditions on Colorado streams. In the Fly Box this week, we answer some questions, share some tips from a listener, and alert people to a threat on one of Pennsylvania's finest trout streams.
Direct download: How_to_Become_a_Fly-Fishing_Guide_with_Joe_Hebler.mp3 |
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| Fri, 19 June 2020 [Interview starts at 37:18] In the Fly Box this week, we have lots of questions, as usual, including:
Direct download: Rio_Grande_Cutthroat_Trout_of_New_Mexico.mp3 |
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| Fri, 5 June 2020 [Interview starts at 45:51] In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of interesting questions--plus a great e-mail from a listener on how he successfully uses two-handed rods for nymphing in Alaska. Some of the questions this week are:
Direct download: Saltwater_tips_from_San_Francisco_Bay_with_Sarah_Landstrom.mp3 |
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| Fri, 29 May 2020 This week I interview Devin Olsen, who you may know about from competitive fly fishing, but we're not going to talk about competition. Devin walks us through what to look for when you first approach a stream and how to come up with a strategy for a day of fishing. His new book Tactical Fly Fishing is now available but we get a sneak peak on what you'll learn from his book. In the Fly Box this week, we talk about: Moving kids from a spinning rod to a switch rod How to deal with muddy and bloody feathers from a duck-hunting friend How to display fly rods in your house If my jig hooks bend when I get stuck in a snag, should I just bend them back and re-use them? If a 5-weight is considered an all-around rod in graphite, is it the same for fiberglass rods? What is the difference between hen necks and hen capes? A great suggestion for carrying a landing net on a plane Do catastrophic floods ruin trout fishing and the insect life? What length and line size do you recommend for both smallmouth bass and steelhead? Can I catch catfish with a fly rod? How should I organize my bonefish fly boxes? Which grain weight in the Depth Charge lines is best for surf fishing? Direct download: Backcast_Episode_Planning_your_Strategy_on_the_River_with_Devin_Olsen.mp3 |
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| Wed, 13 May 2020 This week I have an interview [starts at 39:52] that was recorded pre-Covid with Peter Bring, long-time Montana guide for Blackfoot River outfitters in Missoula. I always learn new things form every guide I fish with, but I thought Peter had some especially helpful tips on fishing with indicators and dry droppers. Being on the water every day and expected to produce fish in any condition, guides develop efficient, fun, and easy ways to catch fish and have polished their techniques through thousands of hours of helping other anglers become successful. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions
Direct download: Indicator_Fishing_Secrets_from_a_Montana_Guide.mp3 |
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| Thu, 30 April 2020 [Interview starts at 38:46] This week I have the pleasure of interviewing one of my very favorite non-fiction writers, Mark Kurlansky. Author of such award-winning books asCod, Salt, Paper, 1968,andA Continent of Islands,Mark is a tireless journalist who digs into the very essence of anything he does. His new book,Salmon, is his first book that involves sport fishing as well as the natural and economic history of both Atlantic and Pacific salmon. (And he has a book on fly fishing coming out next April). In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions:
Direct download: Talking_salmon_and_other_fish_with_Mark_Kurlansky.mp3 |
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| Sat, 25 April 2020 [Interview starts at 27:44] In the fly box this week, we have these tips and questions:
Direct download: Northern_Montana_Trout_Fishing_with_Tim_Linehan.mp3 |
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| Fri, 10 April 2020 [Interview starts at 37:13] This week I interview Sam Sifton, former Cooking Editor, now Assistant Managing Editor of The New York Times, and an avid fly-rod striped bass angler. It's quite a rambling discussion, from striper fishing on Long Island to the current state of striper populations to the writing of Peter Matthiessen. Along the way, of course we get some fish cooking advice but only for bluefish. Learn why Sam and I don't eat striped bass (and it's more than just about catch-and-release for the sake of the population). In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions:
Direct download: Fishing_for_Stripers_off_Long_Island_with_Sam_Sifton.mp3 |
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| Thu, 2 April 2020 [Interview starts at 38:00] This week I interview Mark Melnyk, host and producer of The New Fly Fisher TV show and the co-producer of The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing Season 2. We tell some stories about what it's like filming a show and share some nasty tricks we played on cameramen over the past year. The Orvis show premieres this week on World Fishing Network, but shows will also premiere for the next 13 weeks every Sunday on The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing You Tube Channel. Season 2 will also appear on PBS and on Amazon Prime later in the year, once we have all the shows completed. In the Fly Box this week, we have a couple good tips from listeners (actually adding information to topics previously discussed on podcasts) including more detail on polarized lenses and why tilting your head helps, and also some additional information on keeping your muscles and joints in shape when fishing. We also have these questions:
Direct download: Behind_the_Scenes_with_Tom_and_Crew.mp3 |
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| Thu, 26 March 2020 [Interview starts at 36:56] Sooner or later, if you fish a lot you WILL develop issues with your elbows or shoulders. And it's not just us old geezers who suffer from these--I often meet much younger anglers with the same problems. Anita Coulton is both a fishing guide for Crosscurrent Guide Service and a physical therapist, so she is intimately familiar with the issues we face, how to help prevent them, and how to fix them when they occur. If you have ever had these problems, or if you just want to know how to keep your upper body in shape for fishing I think you'll benefit from the podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:
Direct download: Keeping_Yourself_Fit_for_Fishing_Season.mp3 |
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| Thu, 19 March 2020 Interview starts at 32:13 We've done a bit with trout Spey on the podcast, but never one specifically on flies for trout Spey. Luckily, Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who produces the best fly tying videos, has become a trout Spey addict and in the podcast he talks about tactics and tying special patterns for Trout Spey. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions:
Direct download: Tim_Flagler_on_Trout_Spey_Techniques_and_Flies.mp3 |
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| Wed, 18 March 2020 Check out Tom's upcoming episode on pre-spawn bass. Direct download: Sneak_Peak-_Orvis_Guide_to_Fly_Fishing_with_Tom_Rosenbauer.mp4 |
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| Thu, 12 March 2020 This week I interview the great George Daniel (interview starts at 48:40) , who you will see soon in the new installments of the Orvis TV show. The show I did with him, on Euro Nymphing basics, should be premiered sometime in May. But until then, George discusses the pros and cons of using straight monofilament vs. and actual fly line for Euro Nymphing—both have their advantages and George gives us some good guidance on their use, as well as other tips on this deadly method of fly fishing borrowed from competition anglers. We also get sidetracked on the future of fly fishing and how both of us view the participation of younger anglers today. In this Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions:
Direct download: Euro_Nymphing_Lines_with_George_Daniel.mp3 |
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| Thu, 27 February 2020 Interview starts at 41:08 In the Fly Box this week, we have the following tips and questions:
Direct download: Secrets_of_the_Salmon_River.mp3 |
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| Thu, 20 February 2020 This week we talk about Project Healing Waters and the amazing things it has done for veterans with both physical and mental issues due to their service. Over 8,000 veterans have been introduced to the healing properties of nature and fly fishing in this program, with hundreds of chapters throughout the country and thousands of volunteers. Todd Desgrosseilliers, decorated Marine veteran and a beneficiary of this program personally, is now the president of Project Healing Waters and he talks frankly about his experiences as a participant and then as an administrator. Learn about the program and how you can get involved, whether you are a veteran in need of healing or as a possible volunteer. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips:
Direct download: Project_Healing_Waters.mp3 |
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| Thu, 13 February 2020 Interview starts at 51:28 This week's podcast is a spirited discussion with Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Professor of Fish Conservation at UMass Amherst, Science Advisor for Keep Fish Wet (www.keepemwet.org) and Research Fellow for Bonefish Tarpon Trust. My question to Andy was about the effectiveness of catch-and-release as a conservation tool, and as always when talking with a scientist it depends on your definitions. Like "What is conservation?" and predictably that varies with a person's values and experiences. I thought it was a thought-provoking conversation and hope you do was well. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:
Direct download: Is_Catch-and-Release_an_Effective_Conservation_Tool.mp3 |
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| Thu, 6 February 2020 Interview segment begins at 43:02 I get regular and frequent questions on the differences between nylon and fluorocarbon tippet—when and where to use them, appropriate knots, special properties, and shelf life. I used to be involved in the development process of tippet and have visit many places where tippet is made. But that was years ago and a lot of progress has been made since my time in product development. So I invited Josh Jenkins, R&D manager at Scientific Anglers, to talk about recent innovations in tippet material. Josh is intimately involved in the development and testing of tippet for both Orvis and Scientific Anglers, and his knowledge is far greater that mine. I think you'll learn some surprising tips on both tippet material construction and knots because I learned a lot in speaking with Josh. The Fly Box this week is a little different. This one was recorded live at The Fly Fishing Show in Edison New Jersey. Rather than telling you what kinds of questions were asked (none of which were prompted or ones I had heard beforehand) I'll let you discover these on your own. You never know what might happen in New Jersey… Direct download: The_Ultimate_Tippet_Podcast_with_Josh_Jenkins.mp3 |
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| Thu, 23 January 2020 Being a camera gear geek, I was delighted to interview Chris Niccolls ( interview starts at 47:16 ) of DP Review TV. (If you are also a camera geek, you probably read DP Review regularly.) Chis is a photography teacher as well as a video star, has worked in camera shops, and currently works in a fly shop in Calgary. In the interview, he gives some fantastic tips on how to take better fish and fishing pictures in both the video and still formats. He also suggests some brands and models of phones, cameras, and drones that he feels are best suited for fishing photography. I know I learned a whole mess of new tricks for taking better fishing pictures, and I am sure you will, too. In the Fly Box, we cover plenty of topics that may help answer questions you have had about fly fishing:
Direct download: From_Phones_to_Drones-_Taking_better_pictures_on_the_water.mp3 |
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| Sat, 18 January 2020 I get frequent requests for suggestions on what fly-fishing literature to read during these long winter nights when you want to enjoy fly fishing but don't want to snuggle up to something lighter. I invited David Van Wie (interview starts at 45:10), author of the recently published bookStoried Waters—subtitled "35 Fabled Fly Fishing Destinations and the Writers and Artists Who Made The Famous"—to share with me his favorite writers and books. It is pretty much an eastern-oriented tour of these books, but don't worry. I have an idea for someone to do a similar podcast on western North America writers on a future podcast so stay tuned. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions from listeners—and one who slapped my hands:
Direct download: Storied_Waters_with_author_David_Van_Wie.mp3 |
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| Thu, 9 January 2020 Tired of crowded trout streams? Looking for a new fish to catch on a fly rod that will give you a tussle and challenge your skills? Look no further than the white bass, which is a common fish in many parts of the US, from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi drainage and has even been introduced into some western lakes. My friend Jim Weatherwax is a white bass fanatic (he also fishes for wipers in the same waters, which are a freshwater sterile hybrid of a white bass and a striped bass) and offers solid advice on where to find these great fish, what tackle to use, and best techniques to catch them. Warmwater fish like this are great ways to spread out the fishing pressure that we all experience from time to time. We have a long fly box this week, with lots of interesting questions and tips from listeners, including:
Direct download: Chasing_White_Bass_with_Jim_Weatherwax.mp3 |
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| Thu, 19 December 2019 This week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Orvis Executive Chairman of the Board, Perk Perkins, who spends a great deal of time chasing fish on saltwater flats and is one of the best technical anglers I know. Perk and I share a fascination for barracuda. They are one of the most exciting fish you can catch on the flats, but are often ignored in favor of bonefish, permit, and tarpon. But cudas offer one of the most explosive strikes in fly fishing, run and jump like maniacs, and are often on the flats when other species are hard to find. You just need to modify your leader and your technique a bit to catch them, and Perk shares some tips on cudas that run contrary to popular conceptions—including the idea that faster is not always better on your retrieve, and that small, slim flies can work as well as bulkier flies designed for barracuda. In the Fly Box this week, we have an assortment of questions and tips shared by listeners, including:
Direct download: Barracuda_With_Perk_Perkins.mp3 |
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| Thu, 28 November 2019 This week I have another podcast with John McMillan, as I have to confess I love talking to John about fishy stuff. His knowledge and enthusiasm and passion are infectious and I think his interviews are always enlightening. This week we talk about The Colors of Trout—can we tell anything from the coloration of trout about their life history? Is there a good way to tell a hatchery form a wild fish? What does it mean when trout carry parr marks into adulthood? How quickly can trout change their coloration? And are the spot patterns on trout like fingerprints? Warning—we come up with more questions than answers and you may as well. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips:
Direct download: Trout_Markings_and_their_Significance_with_John_McMillan.mp3 |
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| Thu, 21 November 2019 There's no such thing as streamer season. That's the rallying cry of Courtney Despos, director of education and guide for Trouts Fly Fishing in Denver. Courtney is a self-professed streamer fanatic and she fishes them all season long, even in the dead of winter when most people are dragging nymphs along the bottom. Courtney shares her tips on winter streamer fishing, showing us how you can be successful fishing these flies all year long—as well as her tips for keeping warm when winter fishing. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual mashup of questions that range all over the place, including:
Direct download: Theres_No_Such_Thing_as_Streamer_Season_With_Courtney_Despos.mp3 |
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| Thu, 7 November 2019 This week I interview one of my fly-fishing heroes, Joe Humphreys. He's been an innovative angler all his life (he was "Euro nymphing" before the Europeans) but even more impressive is his love of life and fly fishing, and his energy on the river in his ninth decade. Joe talks about hot to stay young on the river, how to fish nymphs at night, and about the inspirational new film about his life calledLive The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphrey . It's now available own and rent on the iTunes Store: or Go to www.livethestreamfilm.com to buy the film on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download and more platforms including: Prime Video, Google Play, Vimeo, and Youtube. I highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys the fly-fishing world and its history and traditions—and who wants to learn how to retain the enthusiasm of a 12-year old on the water. Here are the important links: Buy the film on LTS site: www.livethestreamfilm.com Buy/Rent on iTunes: https://apple.co/2Iw0fQj Nomadic Studio: www.thenomadic.com In the Fly Box this week we have many interesting questions and suggestions:
Direct download: Joe_Humphreys_and_the_Fountain_of_Youth.mp3 |
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| Wed, 30 October 2019 This week I had a couple guests lined up but we had to reschedule, and because I have not done a new podcast in a few weeks because of my travel schedule I decided to tell a story. It's from a magazine piece I did a number of years ago for the now-defunct magazine Fly Rod & Reel, and I have been toying with the idea of doing an audio book of my magazine stories over the years so I'm trying this to test the concept. The name of the story is "Creeped Out in Lordville" and it's about all the decisions we have to make in the prime part of the season when fishing is good almost anywhere. It's a departure from the usual podcast format of nuts-and-bolts advice so I hope you enjoy it. And not to fear, there is still a Fly Box section where I do offer advice on simple technique and tackle questions if that's the kind of stuff you're looking for. In the Fly Box this week, we have the questions and suggestions from readers: Some great professional advice on that recurring theme of lower back pain while fly fishing What are the practical benefits of smooth vs. textured lines in the new Orvis Pro Fly Lines? What do competitive anglers do for their own nymphing when not bound by competition rules? How do you fish for brown trout at night? What are times to avoid when trout fishing? Is air temperature, flow, or water temperature the most important consideration for trout fishing when the heat of summer is over? Why did a brown trout swim over to me and rub my ankles? Is there one rod I can use for both Midwest steelhead fishing and musky fishing? A suggestion that Bigeye Hooks have benefits beyond just easier threading Why does my nymph rig break at the surgeon's knot instead of the clinch knot connection to the fly? What's the best feather for palmering wet flies? What are some "go to" patterns for Euro nymphing? After I catch a fish, should I stay in the same pool or move on? Direct download: Creeped_out_in_Lordville.mp3 |
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| Fri, 11 October 2019 In today's podcast my guest is Shawn Combs, head of Orvis Rod & Tackle product development and Orvis rod and reel designer. The topic is "16 Things I Wish I Knew About Trout Spey Before I Started". If you have been thinking about trying to swing wet flies or small streamers for trout with a two-handed rod, also known as "Micro Spey", this will be a valuable lesson for you. These are light two-handed rods, in line sizes 3 and 4, designed for covering larger waters. It's especially effective in the fall, when trout are getting aggressive as the move into winter and brown and brook trout are migrating to their spawning grounds. It's a fun and for many of us a new way to fish for trout. In the Fly Box this week, here are some of the questions and suggestions from listeners: How can I tell if my waders are leaking or if I am just sweating inside them? Direct download: 16_Things_I_Wish_I_Knew_About_Trout_Spey_Before_I_Started_with_Shawn_Combs_.mp3 |
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| Thu, 3 October 2019 This week my guest is noted steelhead angler and scientist John McMillen of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. John's topic is The Secret Life of Steelhead, and his fascinating discussion of why they do what they do (and the challenges they face) held me in absolute fascination. I am sure you'll feel the same. Besides being a lifelong steelhead angler (John was a tester on our new Mission Series of two-handed rods), john has spent hundreds of days snorkeling steelhead rivers observing them, and at one time he was fishing about 345 days a year. John has worked professionally for the US Forest Service, the Hoh Indian Tribe, the Wild Salmon Center, and recently for NOAA on the Elwha dam removal project. Despite his lifetime of studying the life history and ecology of steelhead, John remains an optimist on the future of steelhead and it gives us hope that someone who understands them so well feels they have a chance of survival. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and suggestions from listeners: How to clean waders with vodka! A tip on a simple tool for tying nail knots A suggestion for a quick change rig for catching barracuda when fishing for bonefish and permit Why am I having trouble hooking brown trout on terrestrials? What waders do you recommend for someone starting out? What safety precautions do you take on the water? When you first get to the river, how do you decide which nymphing technique to use? What regular fly line size works on the Practicaster? Is there a good way to mark large smallmouth bass so I can see if I am catching the same ones? Silver saltwater hooks don't work well for me when I fish Clousers in salt water. Why? I have a box of old leaders that are between five and 20 years old. Should I use them? Can I fish for steelhead in Lake Ontario tributaries with a 9-foot 8-weight rod? Why do I see so many scarred fish in a particular river? What other presentations should I use in high, dirty water when streamers don't work? Direct download: The_Secret_Life_of_Steelhead_with_John_McMillen.mp3 |
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| Thu, 26 September 2019 This week, my guest is Orvis COO Simon Perkins, a lifelong fly fisher with 8 years of full-time guiding experience prior to working for Orvis. The subject is "Seek the Inside", getting detailed about reading the water in a place that many anglers ignore—and one of the best places to find trout. Learn how to find these inside places and how to fish them from a highly experienced guide and fly fisher—and a great story teller. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips: How do I keep my fine scissors sharp? What should I avoid cutting with them? I have an 8 ½ foot 5 weight Encounter rod and need something bigger as well. What weight rod should I think of for my next one? A great tip on how to relieve lower back pain when fishing all day. Why don't we have wild rainbow trout in more streams if they are so easy to grow in a hatchery? What is causing my leader to twist when fishing with a dry dropper? What are some good fly patterns to tie for panfish, ones that are easy for a beginner to tie? What would cause a large brown trout to suddenly dart erratically in all directions and then return to the same spot? What can I do to keep the tip of my floating line from sinking? Why am I having so much trouble making short casts on small streams? Is a 5-weight rod too small for bass? Can Antron be used as a parachute post material? Why do the wings on my poly wing spinners sweep back along the body and how can I fix it? How would you approach an unknown stream if you only had a few hours to fish? Direct download: Seek_the_Inside_Reading_the_Water_with_Simon_Perkins.mp3 |
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| Thu, 19 September 2019 This week's podcast is called "Secrets of Lake Erie Steelhead Tributaries" and my guest expert is Alberto Rey, a longtime Orvis-Endorsed Guide and is also Distinguished Professor for Research and Creative Activity in the State University of New York system. He is a fine artist who specializes in Cuban-influenced scenes and such esoteric subjects as steelhead and extinct birds. Alberto also does some fine work with a youth fly-fishing program. Despite all his interests and activities days on the river with him are surrounded by an aura of calm and he's a wonderful person to share a day with on the river. In the podcast he gives us tips on seasons, fly patterns, techniques, and tackle needed to chase steelhead in the eastern portion of Steelhead Alley—although steelhead anglers will learn tips they can use on smaller rivers anywhere steelhead are found. In the Fly Box this week we tackle the usual array of both advanced and basic questions including: What retrieve should I use when saltwater fly fishing? I tried it in Greece and didn't catch anything. Can I use Poly Leaders for both steelhead in Oregon and saltwater species in California on my single-handed rod? A great tip from a listener on how to use bobber stoppers to make an adjustable dry/dropper rig. If I want to extend the butt on my leader, how do I know what size to use? How do I modify my hook-setting technique on downstream dry flies? Why do some brook trout carry parr marks throughout their life? What do you recommend for targeting perch in France? How do you tell a male from a female brown trout? Direct download: Secrets_of_Lake_Erie_Steelhead_Tributaries_with_Alberto_Rey.mp3 |
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| Thu, 22 August 2019 I frequently get questions about Stillwater trout fishing, and although I love it I am not very good at it. So I enlisted one of the best Stillwater teachers I know, Phil Rowley, and asked him to discuss something more advanced that relates to Stillwater trout fishing. The result is a very detailed discussion of fishing nymphs, especially midge imitations, on a very long leader. With this technique you can fish surprisingly deep—if you are patient! In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: Is there any value in underlining a fly rod? How do I get foul odors out of my waders? How do I target stripers and smallmouth when the water is over 70 degrees and trout are also present? What is your go-to technique in a trout stream if you don't see anything feeding? If you could only select one sequence, would you pick odd or even sizes of fly rods? My lower back is killing me after a long day of fishing. What can I do to alleviate this problem? How do I approach a stretch of river with deep pools and virtually no current? How can I teach my friends to recognize a strike to a nymph? Is it safe to bring the line/leader connection inside my rod guides? I am going to the Yellowstone area. Is it worth it to hire a guide? Direct download: Advanced_Stillwater_Techniques_with_Phil_Rowley.mp3 |
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| Thu, 15 August 2019 Secrets of catching sipping trout with Dave Perkins This week I interview Dave Perkins, Orvis Vice Chairman and one of the best technical anglers I know. Dave loves geeky challenges and is an expert at catching those picky large trout that lay up against the banks and sip small flies—ones that most anglers don't even notice. In the Fly Box this week we have the following questions: Can I use a Bimini Twist knot to attach my leader to my fly line? Why does a trout that is sipping quietly suddenly attack my dry fly? Is there a way to land large trout in a small stream without a net? A tip on using split ring pliers for removing split shot. How do you choose where to go fishing when there are so many options? What books did you use when starting out, and where do you get your information these days? How do I avoid foul hooking fish when dry dropper fishing with a nymph on a short dropper Which is better, a fiberglass or bamboo rod? Is there a way to connect a tarpon or cuda fly directly to my bonefish fly? I have heard it can be done with a loop. How do I know how fast to set the hook on rising trout? Is it ethical to target bass on spawning beds? Direct download: Secrets_of_Catching_Sipping_Trout_with_Dave_Perkins.mp3 |
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| Thu, 8 August 2019 This week the main topic of the podcast is the issue of etiquette on our more crowded trout streams, in particular the conflicts that have arisen due to the popularity of fishing from drift boats and the issues that have developed both with boat and wade anglers. My guest is Wade Fellin, Montana native, lifelong fishing guide, and lodge owner. Wade gives some examples of recent poor etiquette he's seen on his home river, the Big Hole, and how these kinds of conflicts can be avoided. We also explore some ways that clients as well as guides can help mitigate these issues. In the Fly Box this week, as usual we have some interesting questions (and tips) that I hope will be of interest to everyone. Some of the topics we explore are: What do you think of flies with spinner blades in front of them? Are Tenkara rods good in small brushy streams? Should I be worried about fishing in a lightning storm with my graphite rod? What are your thoughts about orientation on articulated hooks? What can I do about CDC getting slicked back on my flies? Is swinging flies for smallmouths a valid tactic? Can I swing wet flies with my level competition line? What can I do about red dye running from materials on my flies? Is it OK to use a level leader when surf and jetty fishing? What can we do about fish in heavily fished areas getting mangled mouths? Can I catch catfish on a fly? I have heard people say they catch trout with 80-foot casts? What is a practical casting distance? Direct download: Drift_Boat_Etiquette_with_Wade_Fellin.mp3 |
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| Thu, 1 August 2019 This week, back by popular demand is Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions, who is one of the best fly-tying teachers around and also produces the best tying videos on the Internet (like our One-Minute Fly Tying Tips, available on Orvisnews.com or in the Orvis Learning Center.) Tim and I talk about great new patterns and old patterns that should be resurrected, as well as taking old patterns and incorporating modern materials into them. We also discuss that state of fly-tying today, which is probably more exciting than at any other time in history because of the great interchange of ideas in places like Instagram and You Tube. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and suggestions:
Direct download: Fly_Patterns_Old_and_New_with_Tim_Flagler.mp3 |
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| Sun, 28 July 2019 This week my guest is Davy Wotton, originally from Wales but who now lives and guides on the White River in Arkansas. I get frequent questions about swinging soft hackles and wet flies, and honestly I am not the best at this technique so I brought in who I consider the ultimate expert on this kind of fishing. Davy blends the British traditions with American conditions so he really has the best perspective on this kind of fishing, which can be both challenging and subtle—especially when fish are taking emergers. It's a LONG podcast, but since I have never done one on this topic I make up for lost time. And Davy had many interesting points to make. The Fly Box is a bit shorter this week because the main podcast is so long. But we cover some interesting questions as usual: What can I do to keep my Stimulators floating? When do you fish a nymph and when do you fish a streamer? Can you use weed guards on trout flies? Why am I breaking off so many fish? Do some rod guides work better than others? More on pressure and its effects on fish What is the difference between a freshwater and saltwater rod? How can I see my fly in a fast riffle? How do I know if small streams hold trout? Why do trout bump my flies and why do they come off quickly? Direct download: Ultimate_Wet_Fly_Podcast.mp3 |
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Kelsey Rosborough on Alternatives to steelhead in the Pacific Northwest How to Get Rid of Nutria in Oregon
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