Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

851 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/851 Presented by: FishHound Expeditions For the last ten years, today's guest has been fly fishing the Alaska road system and guiding the south central river, Lower Willow, Upper Willow, the Canyon water, and Montana Creek. He's one of the guides behind our recent Alaskan hosted trip and has a head full of stories that only come from rowing in a place where anything can happen. In this episode, you'll hear what it was like from Will's seat on the sticks during our trip, why the bite shifted every day, how he chooses between bugs, beads, and buggers, and plenty of stories from the river. Will breaks down how to actively jig, swing, and animate the Duracell and other flies while nymphing, and how they get trout, grayling, and even salmon to eat. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/851

#850B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/850B Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear Sloan Hiatt, Manager at Intrepid Camp Gear, breaks down how his team designs rooftop tents and aluminum cargo boxes built for anglers, skiers, and backcountry travelers. He shares why Intrepid manufactures everything themselves instead of white-labeling, how they solved common space and durability problems, and what makes their gear stand out in the overlanding world. We also get the story of Sloan's late-night bear encounter from a rooftop tent, plus a deep dive into his restored Land Cruisers, diesel swaps, and the 4x4 community that keeps these classic rigs alive. Whether you're camping, fishing, or chasing winter road trips, Sloan brings a builder's perspective shaped by miles of real-world use. 850B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/850B

#850 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/850 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Four Wheel Campers, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors When you spend enough time around steelhead guides, you start to notice something: the truly fishy ones never stop learning. That's exactly the vibe I get every time I'm on the river with Pat Beahen. The guy reads water like it's printed in large font, and he's got this river-smart intensity that makes you believe a fish could grab at any second. This episode pulls together decades of Pat's life chasing steelhead across BC — from Whistler beginnings to long seasons on the Bulkley and the Dean. If you're a Great Lakes angler looking to level up your swung-fly game, this one's packed with insight. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/850

849 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/849 Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Fish The Fly Some stories follow you your whole life, and John MacLean grew up inside one of the most meaningful ones ever tied to fly fishing. In this episode, we look past the nostalgia and into the real heart of A River Runs Through It — the family, the grief, the responsibility, and the loss that shaped his father's writing. John is a journalist and author of Home Waters, and the son of Norman MacLean. He's spent decades tracing the real events behind the book and the movie — the slow rise of the original printing, the truth of Paul's murder, the guilt Norman carried, and how writing became the only way to make sense of it all. This episode also follows John's own work, from fire investigations to his next book, marking fifty years of A River Runs Through It. There's a lot here — family history, Montana stories, film moments, and the deeper current that still pulls at John today. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/849

#848 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/848 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho Chris Smith takes us inside the world of Team USA Fly Fishing, breaking down the systems, strategies, and Euro nymphing methods that have elevated American competitive angling over the last decade. From his first accidental competition in 2009 to mentoring youth anglers and preparing for the Idaho World Championships, Chris shares how confidence flies, rod-angle depth control, beat management, and communication across teams fuel the "medal mentality." He explains the difference between French and Spanish presentations, how Team USA refined its intel-sharing model, and why volunteers at Worlds get front-row seats to world-class fishing. Whether you're learning Euro nymphing for trout or want to understand how top anglers think under pressure, this is a rare look behind the curtain of elite competition. #848 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/848

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/847B Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort. Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Atlantic Canada is home to some of the most storied salmon rivers in the world—and to one of the quiet powerhouses working behind the scenes to protect them. In this episode of the Wet Fly Swing Podcast, host Dave talks with Charline McCoy, executive director of the Foundation for Conservation of Atlantic Salmon (FCAS), about how a tiny team is helping safeguard Canada's wild Atlantic salmon across five provinces. From replacing culverts and removing old dams to planting riparian trees and funding climate-focused research, Charline walks us through how FCAS has supported hundreds of conservation projects—and helped open up nearly 199 million square meters of salmon habitat. You'll also hear how warming rivers, shifting flows, and invasive species are changing the game for salmon, and why collaboration between governments, scientists, anglers, and local watershed groups has never been more important.

#847 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/847 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Mountain Waters Resort, Togiak River Lodge, Smitty's Fly Box Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Marc Bale spent more than thirty years inside one of fly fishing's most influential companies. In this episode, he walks us through Far Bank history, the early Sage days, the rise of Rio, the Redington years, and the philosophies that kept everything from collapsing under its own growth. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/847

In this episode, we sit down with Erik Johnsen from TroutRoutes to walk through exactly how to use e-scouting to find new water, avoid crowds, and plan better fly fishing days. We share the screen and break down real examples, including how to locate access points, restoration zones, river gauges, and overlooked stretches that often hold unpressured fish. What You'll Learn How to read Trout Routes river color coding (Class 1, Class 2, Blue Ribbon, Gold Medal water) How to use public land overlays to find legal access Why restoration sites often hold better fish The map layers that matter most when e-scouting (Roads, Satellite, 3D Topo) The River Miles tool and how to use it for walk-and-wade planning Why your best water is often not the famous water How Trout Routes keeps your custom markers & notes private Mentioned in This Video Try Trout Routes → https://troutroutes.com Follow Trout Routes → @troutroutes Listen to more episodes → https://wetflyswing.com

846 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/846 Presented by: Patagonia If you've ever stood in a cold river and trusted your waders with your whole day, you know how much depends on them. This week, we unpack the story behind the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders, how they're built, why they matter, and what Patagonia is doing to make them better for both anglers and the planet. Kate Hadeka and Nick Blixt join us to talk about how these waders are built, why they last, and what Patagonia is doing to make gear that's easier to repair, better for the planet, and still made for hard days on the water. We dig into the shift away from forever chemicals, how repairable panels actually work, and why durability is one of the biggest wins for conservation. If you're curious what makes these waders different or where Patagonia is headed next, this conversation has plenty to chew on. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/846

#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