The Wadeoutthere Fly Fishing Podcast

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Peter Stitcher, from Littleton, Colorado. Peter fell in love with fishing at age four in Knoxville, Tennessee. His teacher introduced him to tying flies in 5th grade to help keep him focussed and calm during school. His education went on from there to degrees in theology, counseling, and finally aquatic biology. When Peter realized he spent all his free time on the water chasing trout, he finally recognized his future lay in fly fishing. Peter moved to Colorado, initially to manage private water, but soon discovered he wanted his own way to enjoy the connectedness he found on the river. He started his own fly shop out of his home, with the support of his wife and family. After nine and a half years, Peter moved his shop to a traditional space, opening Ascent Fly Fishing Fly Shop, where as an aquatic biologist, Peter finds joy in simplifying entomology for fly anglers. We discuss the Colorado River, fishing emerges throughout the water column, lifecycles of PMD and Caddis flies, and Peter shares his thoughts on how the river is a place of abundance for trout and people. To learn more about Peter and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: AscentFlyFishing.com READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Why We Take Our Children Fly Fishing LISTEN: WOT PODCAST EP. 144 | Mentorship and Sight Fishing with Landon Mayer Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Dave McCoy, from Seattle, Washington. Dave grew up in Oregon, in a family of fly fishers. From both parents, to grandparents, to great uncles. Fly fishing was not just family vacations, it was a way of life. After fishing the storied watersheds of his home state, Dave left home for Colorado, where he worked as a ski race coach. In need of a summer job, Dave put his knowledge of the river and rowing to use as a fly fishing guide. While guiding, Dave discovered photography as a way to share memories with clients and enhance their experience. In 1999 Dave moved to Seattle and started Emerald Waters Anglers, a guide service and fly shop committed to the principles of sustainability and welcomeness that Dave carried with him from his initial experiences in Colorado. We discuss storytelling your day on the water through five thoughtful photographs and tactics for reading water and catching sea run cutthroat from the beaches of the Puget Sound. To learn more about Dave and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: Emeraldwateranglers.com READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Fish With Them READ: WADEOUTTHERE | We All Have Home Water READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Don't Keep Score READ: WADEOUTTHERE | Why We Take Our Children Fly Fishing Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jason McReynolds from Jonesborough, Tennessee. Jason began fly fishing in East Tennessee during the late nineties. When his wife, who also enjoyed fly fishing, was seriously injured in a car accident, the couple began fishing streamers almost exclusively, because the larger flies and larger weighted rods was therapeutic for his wife Christy’s recovery. They fell in love with streamer fishing, and since they were going fishing so much already, they opened their own guide service, Flying Soho. We discuss the South Holston River, adapting fly lines to water types while streamer fishing, and handling and releasing trophy size fish safely. To learn more about Jason and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: Flyingsoho.com Instagram: @flyingsoho Facebook: Flyingsoho Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jon Ray from Traverse City, Michigan. Jon grew up riding his bike to the river and fishing conventional tackle until he witnessed his first caddis hatch and fly fisherman. He’s been fly fishing ever since, although he continues to incorporate and appreciate the knowledge and tactics of his conventional fishing peers. Jon is a guide for Mangled Fly Guide service and has been guiding in Northern Michigan for over twenty years. We discuss how understanding how fish see the world can help us tie and fish better flies, tactics for trout and steelhead on the Manistee River, and teaching the art of angling. To learn more about Jon and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: Mangledfly.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Jon Easdon, from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jon grew up in Colorado fishing with his father, who took him to a fly shop when he became fascinated with fly fishing as a boy. Jon has been fly fishing his entire life since then, and now guides in that same fly shop, Anglers Covey. There, he continues to follow his passion on the water and off the water, welcoming new folks to the sport he loves. We discuss presentation while nymphing, the South Platte River, as well as fishing and tying midges. Jon also shares how finding sobriety saved his life and his relationship with the river. And why he truly believes there are “No bad days” in fly fishing. To learn more about Jon and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: Instagram: @hookset_flyfishing Anglerscovey.com Reelinginserenity.com Umpqua.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Alice Owsley, from West Yellowstone, Montana. Growing up in Ohio, Alice learned to fly fish the same year she learned how to ski. She moved out west at the age of twenty two after falling in love with the mountains of Wyoming and became a ski instructor and a guide who was always focussed on saying yes to opportunities to teach and grow. Now, Alice is a fly fishing guide and outfitter in Yellowstone National Park and on the Madison River. We discuss techniques Alice has picked up for teaching newcomers to fly fishing, deciding where and how to fish in Yellowstone, and sight fishing tactics for trout above and below the surface. To learn more about Alice and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following link: Riversideanglers.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part Two of our discussion with Matt Grajewski from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Matt grew up hunting and fishing on his local lakes and on trips to his family’s cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his parents and three siblings. It was in the UP, that he learned to fish for steelhead, and fell in love with river fishing for trout. But as Matt grew older he began to appreciate the challenges of inland lake fishing more and more. In particular he found a passion for streamer fishing and muskies. Developing new tactics and helping to form a community of passionate anglers that shared his desire to catch the fish he dubs “Rule Breakers.” Matt also began to dive deep into fly tying and fly design, and sells his flies through his website Adaptivefly.com. In Part 2 of our conversation we discuss designing and presenting streamers with action. To learn more about Matt and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following link: Adaptivefly.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our discussion with Matt Grajewski from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Matt grew up hunting and fishing on his local lakes and on trips to his family’s cabin in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with his parents and four siblings. It was in the UP, that he learned to fish for steelhead, and fell in love with river fishing for trout. But as Matt grew older he began to appreciate the challenges of inland lake fishing more and more. In particular he found a passion for streamer fishing and muskies. Developing new tactics and helping to form a community of passionate anglers that shared his desire to catch the fish he dubs “Rule Breakers.” Matt also began to dive deep into fly tying and fly design, and sells his flies through his website Adaptivefly.com. In Part 1 of our conversation we discuss breaking down inland lake musky habitat. To learn more about Matt and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following link: Adaptivefly.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Dana Lattery from Calgary, Alberta. Dana grew up hunting and fishing with his father, where he learned to appreciate the journey over the reward, after many cold and arduous trips into the mountains. When Dana’s dream of continuing to play professional hockey was abruptly cut short due to injury, he found solace in his new ability to go back on the hunting trips that brought him so much joy early in life. Dana’s passion for the outdoors drew him into becoming hunting guide and eventually he transitioned into guiding fly fishing on the Bow River full time. We discuss different approaches to fishing the Bow River in different seasons, going back to the simplicity of fly fishing and our own intuition, and the stories Dana shares through his podcast, Fly Fishing Saves Lives. To learn more about Dana and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following link: Flyfishingbowriver.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Tim Landwehr from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Tim grew up fly fishing as a young person in Wisconsin for smallmouth and trout. After college Tim quit a job that left him unfulfilled and unhappy, and moved to Montana where he started instructing casting and guiding. Tim eventually moved back to Wisconsin with his wife and opened the fly shop, Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company. Over the years the shop has shifted its focus from trout to smallmouth. Tim continues to guide and instruct, and has published a book entitled Smallmouth, Modern Fly Fishing Methods, Tactics, and Techniques. We discuss common trends Tim sees in beginner casters, Smallmouth Tactics, letting go of your “trout brain”, and a special reason to skip school to go fishing. To learn more about Tim and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: Tightlinesflyshop.com Smallmouth. Modern Fly Fishing Methods, Tactics, and Techniques. Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Larry Paradis from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Larry grew up in Connecticut and was introduced to the outdoors through his local hunting and fishing club. There he began tying and later fly fishing. After September 11th, Larry joined the Air Force and was stationed in Alaska where he continued his passion for fly fishing in the legendary trophy salmon and trout streams of his youth. Larry brought fly fishing and fly tying with him throughout his Air Force career on deployments and temporary duties whenever possible. He later joined the Air National Guard in Oklahoma City to pursue his dream of becoming a TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) and JTAC (Joint Terminal Attack Controller), responsible for coordinating with attack aircraft for clearance of fires in combat. While in Oklahoma, Larry discovered carp fishing and became a part time guide fishing his local waters and the Illinois River. We discuss how Larry managed to fly fish in some very unexpected locations while serving in the Air Force, carp fishing, and planning for fly fishing trips. To learn more about Larry and the topics we discussed in this episode, or to schedule a guided trip, check out the following links: Instagram: @dougiep_flies NativeWatersOutfitters.com Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part 2 of our conversation with Brad Hansen, from Helena, Montana. Brad grew up in Utah and fell in love with the feeling of fighting big fish as a child fishing for lake rainbows with his cousins. He started fly fishing while attending college at Utah State and later moved to Montana and began guiding on the Missouri River. We discuss how to break down big water into digestable pieces, tactics for fishing the Missouri River, and Brad tells several stories of how and why his perspective around guiding and fishing has changed over the years. We also swap stories about what makes Slough Creek in Yellowstone Park a special fishery for both of us. Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Brad Hansen from Helena, Montana. Brad grew up in Utah and fell in love with the feeling of fighting big fish as a child fishing for lake rainbows with his cousins. He started fly fishing while attending college at Utah State and later moved to Montana and began guiding on the Missouri River. We discuss how to break down big water into digestable pieces, tactics for fishing the Missouri River, and Brad also tells several stories of how and why his perspective around guiding and fishing has changed over the years. To learn more about Brad or schedule a guided trip, check out the following outfitter links: Crosscurrents Fly Shop Montana Fishing Outfitters Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Nick Conklin from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nick grew up fishing lakes and rivers around his family’s place in Upper Michigan. At eight years old he decided to, in his words, “get serious about fly fishing.” He told his parents when he grew up, he wanted to be a fisherman and write books. He’s doing it. Nick is a fly fishing author who has been published in numerous magazines. He is also currently working on his first book, which provides tactics and techniques for fly fishing pressured waters, and is due for release in December of 2024. Nick is a regular at the fly fishing shows and is a product manager for TFO. We discuss the ins and outs of your first fly rod, the Pere Marquette River, and fishing pressured water. To learn more about Nick and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: TFORods.com Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Adam Bowe from Dillon, Montana. Adam grew up in Florida and was introduced to fly fishing for saltwater species and later bass. When his family moved to Montana, he began fly fishing on the Big Hole River and small mountain creeks that surrounded the property that his family eventually restored and transformed intoThe Silverbow Club; a guest ranch for fly fishing and other outdoor activities. Adam now fly fishes every chance he gets while running the business of hosting guests in the lodge and cabins. We discuss small stream fishing in the mountains surrounding the Big Hole River. To learn more about Adam and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: Silverbowclub.com Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Russ Maddin from Traverse City, Michigan. Russ grew up fly fishing and fly tying as a child in Southern Michigan. His first job was in a fly shop as a teenager. At eighteen he had his guide license in Northern Michigan, where he also attended college and continued to fly fish. Russ grew his love for streamer fishing in his home state and has created many well known fly designs. We discuss opening up your focal point while fly fishing and fishing different streamers and lines for different flows and temperatures, as well as presentation techniques for giving your streamer the appropriate action. To learn more about Russ and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: Instagram: @russmaddin Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Rick Hafele, from Salem, Oregon. Rick grew up on a farm, with a fascination for the outdoors and his surroundings, including bugs. He began fly fishing in Missouri at the age of twelve, and fell in love with the trout he caught in the Ozarks. When the time for college came, Rick headed west and to Western Washington and later Oregon State where he earned a masters degree in aquatic entomology. He is the author of several fly fishing books, including The Complete Book of Western Hatches, which he co-authored with Dave Hughes. We discuss how understanding the stages of life of aquatic insects can help you catch fish, the timeline of fishing a hatch, and some of Ricks favorite flies for fishing around his home waters in Oregon. To learn more about Rick and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: RickHafele.com Anatomy of a Trout Stream Video Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part Two of our conversation with Dylan Tomine, from Washington State. Dylan was one of those children who always loved fish and fishing. He developed a love of steelhead at an early age and has spent most of his life fly fishing. He is a passionate angler, Patagonia ambassador, conservationist, and writer. His books include Headwaters: The Adventures, Obsession and Evolution of a Fly Fisherman, and Closer to the Ground: An Outdoor Family’s Year on the Water, in the Woods and at the Table. Dylan was a producer of the film Artifishal and played an important role in the films Damnation, and Chrome. We discuss steelhead tactics on the Olympic Peninsula, including reading water, presentation, and fighting fish. We also talk about steelhead conservation and the challenges facing these fish. To learn more about Dylan and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: Dylan Tomine.com Find Dylan's Book, Headwaters, here... Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere for Part One of our conversation with Dylan Tomine, from Washington State. Dylan was one of those children who always loved fish and fishing. He developed a love of steelhead at an early age and has spent most of his life fly fishing. He is a passionate angler, Patagonia ambassador, conservationist, and writer. His books include Headwaters: The Adventures, Obsession and Evolution of a Fly Fisherman, and Closer to the Ground: An Outdoor Family’s Year on the Water, in the Woods and at the Table. Dylan was a producer of the film Artifishal and played an important role in the films Damnation and Chrome. We discuss Dylan’s writing and his book Headwaters, as well as humility in fishing. In Part Two of our conversation we will dive into Dylan’s thoughts on steelhead tactics and conservation. To learn more about Dylan and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: Dylan Tomine.com Find Dylan's Book, Headwaters, here... Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason

In this episode we WadeOutThere with Thi Nguyen, from Salt Lake City, Utah. As long as Thi can remember he has had a love of all kinds of games. Thi was raised in California, studied philosophy in school, and moved to Utah to work as a philosophy professor at the University of Utah. He started fly fishing to help counteract some of the negative aspects of the new remote teaching environment that arose during the pandemic, and fell in love with the sport and its congruence with his work in the philosophy of games. He is the author of the book, Games: Agency as Art. This episode is a deep dive into the philosophy of fly fishing. We discuss why we play the game of fly fishing, how fly fishing can be an infinite game, and a little bit about Thi’s experience learning to fish on the Provo River. To learn more about Thi and the topics we discussed in this episode, check out the following links: Twitter: @add_hawk Thi's website: Objectionable.net Games: Agency as Art Show notes + MORE Newsletter Sign-Up View Jason's Artwork Thanks for listening. VR- Jason