Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#845 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/845 Presented By: TroutRoutes, FishHound Expeditions, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Lance Gray gives us a full guide-level breakdown of Northern California — from the Feather River steelhead runs to the stillwaters that shaped generations of Chico anglers. He talks about reading Davis and Almanor, when stillwaters light up, and why steelhead require technical knots, clean leaders, and perfect presentations. Lance also brings us into the heart of the Chico fly-fishing community, where teaching, mentorship, and his Guide School continue to shape new anglers. It's part NorCal fishing tour, part education deep-dive, and part love letter to the waters that raised him. #845 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/845

#844 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/844 Presented by: Intrepid Camp Gear, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We sit down with Nick Chambers of The Conservation Angler to talk about the current state of wild steelhead. Nick has spent more than 20 years studying these fish in their home waters, from the Skagit River in Washington to the spring-fed systems of southern Oregon. He has snorkeled over reds, gathered juvenile dispersal data, and followed steelhead migrations across entire watersheds. We dig into what the latest research is showing, why some rivers continue to support strong wild fish while others decline, and how early life history plays a major role in long-term survival. Nick also shares the surprising connection between steelhead and Atlantic salmon, and what it means for future management and conservation efforts. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/844

843 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/843 Presented by: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors When Kelly Galloup shows up, you know it's about to get good. In this episode, Chad sits down with one of the most influential voices in modern streamer fishing for a deep dive into Best Streamer Strategies for Giant Trout, wild eats, and the stories that shaped today's big-fly game. If you've ever thrown a streamer and wondered how the masters make it look easy, this conversation is your front-row seat. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/843

Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/842 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho, Intrepid Camp Gear, Mountain Waters Resort. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors If you've been dreaming about Deschutes fly fishing with less pressure and more solitude, today's episode is your roadmap. We sit down with Warm Springs tribal member and guide Randy Nathan, owner of the Eagle Crossing Restaurant at the Deschutes River crossing, to talk about what it really takes to fish the reservation side: permits, timing, access, and the flies that consistently get eats. From steelhead season strategies to the famed salmonfly hatch, Randy shows why this river is one of the best classrooms in the world for anglers of every level. You'll hear how Randy learned from pioneering Warm Springs guide Al Bagley, why he launched Native Adventures, and how he's teaching the next generation to do it right. We also cover rebounding steelhead numbers, how the Pelton dam "mixing" changed bugs and temps, and Randy's favorite trout and steelhead patterns (including his secret "Tiger Chubby"). If Deschutes River trout fishing or winter steelhead on the swing is on your list, this one's for you.

#841 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/841 Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho In this episode, we sit down with Joe Clark of Trout Yeah Guide Service to talk about his trout bum life. Joe has guided everywhere from Steelhead Alley to Pennsylvania spring creeks, and he's also coached Team USA Youth to three straight World Championship titles. We dig into what it means to read new water with confidence, how to use drift angles instead of heavier flies, and why sensitivity and feel often matter more than the gear you're holding. Joe also shares stories from Idaho, Montana, and the Kootenays, along with his own experiences living the trout bum lifestyle one creek and one van trip at a time. If you're interested in becoming a more thoughtful angler and slowing down enough to see what the river is telling you, this episode has a lot to offer. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/841

840 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/840 Presented by: Togiak River Lodge There's nothing quite like chasing Alaska Chinook on the Swing. Imagine standing knee-deep in the Togiak, that wild pulse of Alaska running through your boots. The river's quiet and still... until a chrome-bright Chinook melts your 30-pound tippet like butter. Larry Richmann says it best: "All it takes is one swing." Our guest today, Larry Richmann, is a Michigan-born guide who splits his year between swinging flies for kings in Alaska and chasing steelhead on the Saint Joe. In this episode, he shares how a self-taught spey caster found his home in Bristol Bay and why the Togiak remains one of the last true swing rivers for Chinook. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/840

#839 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/839 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Smitty's Fly Box, Mountain Waters Resort, Jackson Hole Fly Company Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Ben Smith of Arizona Wanderings walks us across Arizona — from the high-country creeks that hold Apache trout to the canals and reclaimed ponds around Phoenix, where carp and tilapia lurk. He talks native-fish recovery efforts, the best shoulder-season windows for trout, small-stream tactics (long leaders, stealth, and micro presentations), and the surprisingly wide variety of warm- and cold-water opportunities within a few hours of the city. Along the way, Ben shares how he started blogging, why he still ties flies and furled leaders, and how junior angler programs are getting kids bitten by the fishing bug. #839 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/839

838 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/838 Presented by: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho Ever wonder what it's like to grow up where fly fishing isn't just a hobby — it's the family business? Today we're heading to Eastern Idaho, where the Berry family has spent over a century guiding anglers through the waters of the Teton, Henry's Fork, and South Fork of the Snake. Our guest, Brian Berry of Teton Valley Lodge, shares the incredible story of how his great-grandfather turned a handful of guided trips in 1919 into one of the oldest operating lodges in the West. Brian takes us deep into the history, craftsmanship, and conservation that have defined his family's life on the river — from wooden boats and stagecoach travelers to modern-day drift boats and the rebirth of wild trout in the Teton River. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/838

#837 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/837 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Fish The Fly, TroutRoutes, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we dig into Central Texas fly fishing with guide and musician-turned-angler Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides. Alvin shares how his path from the music scene, where Nirvana once opened for his band, led him to become one of the top Orvis-Endorsed outfitters in the country. We dive into the incredible diversity of Texas fly fishing, from Guadalupe bass on the Colorado and Llano Rivers to sight fishing for redfish on the Texas coast. Alvin breaks down when and where to find the best action, what makes Central Texas such a special place to fish, and how fly fishing here blends both fresh and saltwater adventures like nowhere else. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/837

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/836 Presented By: Togiak River Lodge, Fish The Fly, and Montana Fly Fishing Lodge. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Stillwater fly fishing in Alaska is one of the state's most underrated experiences — and George Krumm, editor of Fish Alaska Magazine, wants to change that. In this episode, George joins to share why Stillwater Fly Fishing in Alaska holds massive potential for trophy trout, and how understanding the lake's ecosystem can help anglers unlock consistent success throughout the season. From post–ice-out timing and hover-line techniques to identifying scud-rich lakes and choosing the right presentation depth, George breaks down the essential strategies that make Alaska's stillwaters so rewarding. You'll also hear how local anglers can use stocking data, structure maps, and a little patience to find fish that rival the best rivers in the state — without leaving the road system.

835 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/835 Presented by: Visit Idaho Nelson Ishiyama, owner of Henry's Fork Lodge, has spent over 50 years studying trout, bugs, and water, from the casting ponds of Golden Gate Park to the legendary pools of the Henry's Fork. In this episode, Nelson shares how the lodge came to life with the help of a world-class architect and why he believes service and conservation should always be at the heart of a great fly fishing experience. We also talk about: Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/835

#834 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/834 Presented By: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Intrepid Camp Gear, Stonefly Nets, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Kyle Glass (Trout Trap Flies) walks us through the strange, rewarding world of night mousing and trophy brown trout. He explains why big browns often feed at night, how tiny mouse imitations (the "Minnie Mouse") can out-fish giant patterns, and why glow tabs and glow lines are mainly tools for the angler—not bait for the fish. Kyle also breaks down his typical gear (6-wt setups, 9-ft rods, Maxima leaders), the logistics of night guiding on the White River, and how to present mice for the highest conversion rates (dead drifts with fast retrieves and deliberate pauses). #834 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/834

#833 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/833 Presented by: Smitty's Fly Box, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fresh off hosting our Steelhead School at the Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness & Lodge, Jeff walks us through what makes the Skeena River such a magnetic place for traveling anglers. We dig into the small details that make the biggest difference, like how shorter sink tips can unlock big water, why swing speed and fly angle matter more than you think, and how Great Lakes techniques translate perfectly to the wild rivers of BC. Whether you’re new to two-handed casting or have been chasing chrome for years, you’ll find plenty of tips and stories to level up your next swing. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/833

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/832 Presented By: Visit Idaho Mike Komara walks us through the mindset of a competitor — and how that mindset makes you a better everyday angler. From hand-me-down rods in Pittsburgh to medals with Team USA, Mike explains why simplicity wins: a single-fly approach, smart microleader setups, and a handful of adaptable rods. We talk translating spring-creek precision to big western rivers, reading water and bugs the moment you step out of the car, and the small technical moves (tuck casts, inverted drifts, matching bottom speed) that turn drifts into fish. It’s part practical how-to, part origin story, and a reminder that good fishing usually comes from thinking less about gear and more about the water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/832

831B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/831B Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club John Hunt of Moccasin Fly Club is back, and this time he'll walk us through two upcoming saltwater programs: the Double Haul Tournament in Xcalak, Mexico, and the Baja Blast in El Sargento, Baja California Sur. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/831B

#831 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/831 Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, Togiak River Lodge, Fish The Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We're diving into Newfoundland fly fishing with Kastine Coleman, a professional fly fishing guide, certified casting instructor, and leader of the Salmon Preservation Association for the Waters of Newfoundland and Labrador (SPAWN). She’s also a board member with the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS) and has spent years balancing life on the water with hands-on conservation. In this episode, Kastine shares how she’s helping protect salmon runs through fish ladders, counters, and habitat restoration projects. We also dig into what it’s like to guide across more than twenty salmon rivers in Newfoundland, her approach to teaching fly casting, and why late June is her favorite time to chase Atlantic salmon. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/831

Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/830 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Few fishing experiences compare to the thrill of pursuing Atlantic salmon on a fly rod. In this episode, Calvin Tull shares his passion for Atlantic salmon fly fishing and the art of Spey casting, offering a glimpse into the patience, precision, and technique that define this timeless pursuit. From scenic rivers to unforgettable encounters on the water, Calvin reflects on the lessons learned through years of fishing adventures and the subtle details that turn a good cast into a great one. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just beginning your fly fishing journey, you’ll find inspiration and practical insights in this conversation. 02:47 – He talks about how he transitioned from conventional gear to using fly rods and why that change completely reshaped his fishing journey. 05:28 – He recalls the moment he realized the power of the swing while learning to chase shad, describing how it sparked his obsession with fly fishing. Fly fishing Photo Provided by - Calvin Tull 07:54 – He shares memories of his early mentors and how their patience and instruction helped him refine his casting and reading-the-water skills. Watch How to Read The Water here. 10:36 – He discusses the excitement of planning his first major salmon trip and the nerves that came with trying something entirely new. 13:12 – He explains how preparation—fly selection, line setup, and practice—can make or break a trip before you ever step into the river. Rifle Hitch Atlantic Salmon Tubes Photo Provided by Calvin Tull 15:47 – He tells a story about catching his first Atlantic salmon and the pure adrenaline that came with landing that unforgettable fish. Atlantic Salmon photo Provided by Calvin Tull 18:34 – He laughs about the challenges of learning Spey casting and how it took dozens of tangled lines before things finally started to click. Watch a 7-minute Spey Fishing Lesson for you! Click it here 21:05 – He opens up about the mistakes most new anglers make and how trial and error taught him lessons no book could ever explain. 24:02 – He shares his favorite types of flies, explaining why he prefers simple, durable patterns that hold up against powerful fish. An assortment of expertly tied streamer flies, perfect for targeting Atlantic salmon in fly fishing 26:48 – He reflects on fishing local Pennsylvania waters, explaining how each season brings new species and fresh challenges to chase. 29:37 – He talks about how patience and rhythm matter more than technique when you’re learning to feel the water’s flow. 32:10 – He recalls one of his toughest fishing days when nothing went right—and how those experiences often teach more than perfect ones. Fly fishing in a pristine river surrounded by scenic wilderness — an unforgettable outdoor experience. 38:09 – He opens up about the community aspect of fishing and the importance of sharing stories, tips, and time on the water with others. 41:03 – He explains the subtle connection between casting and mindfulness, saying both require focus, timing, and presence. Tips on How to Focus and See More Fish - Click here! 43:57 – He shares his love for exploring new rivers and the excitement of not knowing what each cast might bring. 46:44 – He gives practical advice to beginners—keep your gear simple, watch the water, and don’t rush the process. 49:22 – He tells a story about mentoring a young angler and how seeing others grow reignited his own passion for teaching. 52:15 – He reflects on how fishing has evolved for him—from catching fish to appreciating the journey, nature, and the friendships built along the way. stunning Coho salmon freshly landed during a fly fishing adventure 52:15 – He reflects on how fishing has evolved for him—from catching fish to appreciating the journey, nature, and the friendships built along the way. 55:03 – He wraps up by sharing what keeps him...

#829 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/829 Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, TroutRoutes, Visit Idaho, FishHound Expeditions Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, host Jeff Liskay and Dave Whitey Evans takes us into Bulkley River Fly Fishing. They dive into stories from the Bulkley River system, talk about what makes this water so special for steelhead, and share what life is like running a world-class fishing lodge in British Columbia. With Dave’s humor and deep experience, this episode is a mix of laughs, wisdom, and a genuine love for fishing and community. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/829

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/828 Presented By: Smitty's Fly Box, Four Wheel Campers, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Evan Griggs, founder of Fishing For All, walks us through Minnesota’s surprising, varied fisheries — from tight spring-fed trout creeks to the big, free-flowing Saint Croix and the Mississippi in the Twin Cities. He explains why smallmouth migrate up to 80–100 miles each season, how guide days look (drift boats, 8-wts, mice and popper windows), and why locals are seeing epic multi-species opportunities — muskie, pike, carp, native sunfish, and big smallmouth. Evan mixes practical trip planning, conservation wins (catch-and-release protections), and stories about teaching new anglers and building a guiding business that shows people how close great fishing can be. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/828

827 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/827 Presented by: Visit Idaho, Fish The Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Patagonia Ever wonder why some anglers swear by tube flies or why that little hitch on the surface can make a salmon go wild? Today, we’re hanging out with Jesper Fohrmann, the creative mind behind Fishmadman and one of the most passionate salmon anglers out there. Jesper’s spent decades chasing Atlantic salmon and sea trout across Denmark, Norway, and the UK, perfecting flies and techniques that have earned a cult following from Scandinavia to Newfoundland. We dig into why tube flies can outfish hooks, what makes the riffle hitch so deadly in cold water, and how Jesper approaches leaders, rods, and presentation. Plus, we talk about his favorite patterns, the Scandinavian underhand style, and how all of it connects to steelhead fishing around the world. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/827