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  • In the Bucket #15 | Steelhead on the Dry with Adrian Cortes & Richard Harrington – Classic Flies, Painting

    In the Bucket #15 | Steelhead on the Dry with Adrian Cortes & Richard Harrington – Classic Flies, Painting
    2025/03/05

    #727 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/727

    Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Heated Core

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    What is it about steelhead that makes them so addictive to chase? Is it the perfect swing, the surface take, or the mystery of where they’ll show up next? For those who pursue them, it’s more than fishing—it’s a way of life. Time to get in the bucket...

    Today, we’re joined by Adrian Cortes & Richard Harrington, two passionate steelhead anglers, to dive into the art of dry fly steelheading, the traditions of fly tying, and the deeper meaning behind chasing these fish. We talk about bamboo rods, classic patterns, and why swinging flies for steelhead is as much about mindset as it is about technique. Plus, we explore mentorship in fly fishing, river etiquette, and how the culture of steelheading continues to evolve. If you love the history, artistry, and thrill of chasing steelhead, this one’s for you.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/727
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    2 時間 32 分
  • 726 | Guideline Fly Fishing Max Kantor - Choosing a Spey Line, Kola Peninsula, Steelhead

    726 | Guideline Fly Fishing Max Kantor - Choosing a Spey Line, Kola Peninsula, Steelhead
    2025/03/03

    #726 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/726

    Presented By: Waters West, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Pescador on the Fly

    Do you know where the most remote and unattainable Fly Fishing Destination is for Spey. Today's guest Max Kantor, from Guideline Fly Fishing, will share the tips on fishing these storied waters so you have more skills for your home water.

    Max Kantor from Guideline USA is here to take us into one of the largest fly fishing brands in Europe. We find out how he fishes for Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead and some of the differences between the two. And we travel around the world to the other best places to catch pacific salmon and steelhead. Click play below if you want to listen to the podcast with Max!

    03:18 - Max talks about his first connection to Guideline and the story of how it all came to be.

    The Guideline Elevation Fly Rod Series.


    05:20 - The Ponoi River in Russia is a famous hard to reach river know for the greatest Atlantic Salmon fishing in the world. Max describes how he guided there and what makes it so unique.

    05:52 - The Ponoi is an amazing natural reserve and you can find out more information on booking a trip at the Fly Shop here.

    07:26 - We discuss the location of the Kola Peninsula in Russia in relation to other countries in the region.

    09:26 - Our guest describes some on the life history of Atlantic Salmon. Here's some information on A. Salmon life histories.

    16:00 - Max describes the perfect line for salmon and notes the Airflo FIST line as a good early season fly line.

    17:37 - We talk about the Guideline Classic Scandi Body fly line. This is a good all around scandi for atlantic salmon.

    21:49 - For Norway, a longer 14' rod is common but guys also use shorter and longer spey rods from 13 to 15 feet.

    24:26 - We discuss the longer rods and how spey casting is different with the big stick. Take a look at the video below that gives a few tips on casting the longer rods.

    26:20 - Max describes the ULS Scandi line that works great for single handed spey. This is a great option for smaller rivers or where a two handed rod is not needed.


    31:15 - Dave asks about Togiak River Lodge and what would be the best rod for chinook salmon. The Classic Scandi Body line with the appropriate T tip is the right combination.

    31:43 - The Four Density line by Guideline is also good for big king salmon. This line is simiilar to the Airflo FIST line.

    32:34 - The biggest tip on mending for atlantic salmon is to use a downstream mend, which speeds up the fly. A. Salmon love a fast swung fly.


    32:44 - Max loves tube flies vs shanks. Jonathan Farmer was on the Wet Fly Swing Pro Webinar series and showed us how to tie a tube and a shank in this video.

    37:38 - The Fast Full Flex is the best rod for Togiak King Salmon. As the name notes, it bends all the way down into the cork and works great for casting heavy intruder fly patterns for big salmon.

    42:40 - We discuss the history of Guideline and the founder Leif stavmo.


    46:00 - We discuss the difference between scandi and skagit lines and how to choose one. Skagitmaster describes the differences in this video here.

    47:32 - The Guideline NT 11 trout series is a premium fly rod but comes in at a $600 price point which is a big savings over other premium rods. The NT 11 won the Yellowstone Shootout this year.

    49:11 - We highlight the Guideline Sonic NGx wader which is super durable and has the front zipper which Max loves.

    55:00 - We talk striper fishing and how dedicated people are in the Northeast part of the USA. Max says the take of a striper is very similar to a take of an atlantic salmon!

    57:02 - We talk about Togiak River Lodge who is our travel spotlight for this episode!

    1:03:47 - Big tips for Atlantic Salmon: Don't set the hook to soon. Just use the rolly polly retreive where you can speed up your swing. And also avoid the upstream mend if working down a run. #3 - Try to be consistent with your fishing and the swing.


    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/726
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    1 時間 12 分
  • Traveled #25 | The Golden Triangle of Fly Fishing with Lindsay Szofran - Team USA, Yellowstone Teton Territory

    Traveled #25 | The Golden Triangle of Fly Fishing with Lindsay Szofran - Team USA, Yellowstone Teton Territory
    2025/03/01

    Traveled #25 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/725B

    Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory

    What makes the Golden Triangle one of the most sought-after fly fishing destinations for anglers? With legendary rivers like the Henry’s Fork, the Yellowstone, and the Snake, this region spans Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—offering some of the best trout fishing on the planet.

    Today, we’re heading out to the Golden Triangle of fly fishing with Lindsay Szofran—Team USA angler, guide, and world championship competitor—to dig into fishing the Yellowstone region, nymphing tactics, and how to prepare for a world-class fly fishing competition. Lindsay shares her go-to strategies for fishing the longest undammed river in the U.S., the best times to hit these waters, and how she approaches trout spey for both competition and fun. Plus, we get an inside look at Team USA’s preparation for the upcoming Fly Fishing World Championships happening right here in the US this year. If you’ve ever wanted to fish the heart of the West, this is your chance to learn from one of the best!
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Littoral Zone #15 | Seasons of a Lake with Brian Chan and Phil Rowley

    Littoral Zone #15 | Seasons of a Lake with Brian Chan and Phil Rowley
    2025/02/28

    #725 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/725

    Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, FishHound Expeditions, Heated Core

    In part one of How Lakes Work, Brian and Phil explained lake classification and the key zones we should focus on. In part two, we’ll explore how lakes change throughout the seasons. Brian will break down what happens each season, how it impacts fish behavior, and where you should be fishing. Understanding these will help you know where to fish and when.

    The Seasons of a Lake: How They Impact Fishing

    Fall

    06:15 - As temperatures drop, lakes go through fall turnover. This happens when surface water cools to match the temperature of deeper water. Wind aids in mixing the lake from top to bottom, spreading oxygen. The mixing stirs up debris and gases like methane. This makes conditions less ideal for fish.

    Fall happens in three stages: early, mid, and late. As the water gets colder, fish move into shallower areas to feed.

    In early fall, they stay in deeper water (15 -18 feet).

    By mid-fall, they move up to 10-12 feet.

    In late fall, they’re in the shallows (5 -7 feet).

    https://www.youtube.com/live/pid95BqAhwY?si=i2Lb2in7OPFebdj1

    How Often Do Lakes Turn Over?

    Lake turnover only occurs in the fall and spring, when water temperatures even out from top to bottom. But not all lakes turn over. Sometimes, lakes look murky for other reasons, like the wind stirring up sediment or the rain washing in dirty water. Brian says shallow lakes mix all year and never fully stratify.

    Winter

    14:04 - In winter, oxygen levels drop upward from the bottom of the lake due to anaerobic decomposition occurring at the bottom. All the plants that grew during the open water season start dying since they can’t photosynthesize. As they decay, they use up oxygen from the water.

    What causes winter kill?

    17:08 - Winter kill could happen early, mid-winter, or even days before the ice comes off. As winter goes on, the oxygen-poor zone in the lake keeps growing until it reaches just below the ice. When there's not enough oxygen left, fish suffocate and die.

    Some lakes lose 100% of their fish, while others have partial kills where bigger fish die first. In some cases, fish survive by finding oxygen-rich spots, like areas with underground springs.

    Lake Aeration

    19:52 - Aeration is a tool to try to prevent a winter kill, but it is not a hundred percent guarantee of bringing a lake through. To aerate a lake, it needs to be at least 25 to 30 feet in depth. There are different types of aeration:

    Surface-mounted aerators are the simplest type with a submersible pump hanging under a float. The pump is two to three feet below the surface, and the propeller is pulling water up to the surface and then spraying it up, so there's an exchange of oxygen that's being brought up.

    Surface aerators are relatively inexpensive but don't always guarantee the lake will be saved.

    Another typical aeration technology is to pump air from a compressor on land through some rubber hose to a diffuser anchored below a big float. The air from the hose is pushed through a micro-pored ceramic diffuser. As the tiny bubbles rise, they create a current and add oxygen to the water.

    Aeration is more of a last-resort effort to slow down lakes' natural aging process, known as eutrophication.

    Spring

    26:26 - When the ice melts off a lake, the water doesn’t mix right away. The top layer is colder, while the deeper water is warmer because of plant decay over winter. Fish stay near the surface, just like they did under the ice.

    The surface warms over the next few weeks until it matches the bottom temperature. Then, a strong wind can mix everything up in a process called spring turnover.

    Summer

    34:55 - In summer, lakes form a barrier called the thermocline. This is where warm water meets cold water, usually around 5 to 8 meters deep. Wind can’t mix the water below it, so oxygen levels drop in deeper areas. Trouts stay just above the thermocline, where the water is cool and has enough oxygen.



    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/725
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    1 時間
  • 724 | Streamer Fishing for Trout with Tommy Lynch - Fish Whisperer, Pere Marquette River, Small Creek

    724 | Streamer Fishing for Trout with Tommy Lynch - Fish Whisperer, Pere Marquette River, Small Creek
    2025/02/26
    #724 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/724 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Streamer fishing for trout is all about movement, and few people understand it better than Tommy Lynch. In this episode, Tommy breaks down his four-step framework for fishing streamers, explains the difference between suicide fish and would-be predators, and shares why most anglers aren’t getting the full potential out of their sink tips. If you’re looking to up your game on big browns in small creeks, this episode is packed with tips you won’t want to miss. Episode Chapters with Tommy Lynch on Streamer Fishing for Trout How to Fish Streamers Like a Jerkbait for Big Browns Streamer fishing isn’t just about casting and stripping. It’s about making your fly move like a wounded baitfish—something trout can’t resist. Tommy explains that the best way to do this is by mimicking the action of a jerkbait, specifically the black and gold No. 13 Rapala, which has been deadly on brown trout for years. Four Key Techniques for Streamer Action: Down Swat - A true jerkbait-style movement where you “swat” the fly through the water to make it dart and dig before swimming out.Straight Strip - A steady retrieve with small breaks in rhythm, mimicking an injured baitfish.Proper Placement – You want the fly close enough for the trout to see and react but not so close that it spooks them.Reading the Fish – Watch for slight movements—if a trout shifts left or right, it’s game on. The Two Types of Trout: Suicide Fish vs. Would-be Predators When streamer fishing, Tommy breaks down trout into two categories: suicide fish and would-be predators. Understanding these can help you dial in your approach. Suicide Fish These trout sit tight against structure, waiting to ambush anything that moves. They don’t need much convincing—just proof of life. A quick down swat and pause can be enough to trigger a strike. Key to this is using slack to let your sink tip actually sink. Just casting and waiting won’t cut it. You need to shake out line or reach toward the fly to help it drop. Would-Be Predators These fish aren’t actively hunting but can be triggered into striking. They often hang in slower water, watching for an easy meal. A straight strip in the middle of the retrieve keeps their interest, but the real trick is slowing down near the end. That pause can be enough to flip a passive trout into attack mode. Whether you’re targeting an aggressive fish or coaxing a hesitant one, understanding their behavior is key. And remember—just because you bought a sink tip doesn’t mean it’s sinking. Use it right, or you’re just dragging it through the water. Essential Streamers for Trout Fishing When it comes to streamers, Tommy keeps a variety on hand. From classic muddler minnows to modern swim flies, each has a purpose. Go-To Patterns Muddler Minnow – A timeless fly, perfect for imitating minnows, especially during fry season.Sex Dungeon – A bigger, articulated fly that moves aggressively in the water.Blane's Game Changer – A segmented fly with a lifelike swimming action, great in slow water.Great Lakes Deceiver – A swim fly with a broad, gliding motion, ideal for provoking strikes. Matching the hatch is key. Some days, trout want small minnows on a five-weight. Other days, they’ll chase down a big meal. Adjusting your presentation—whether it’s a slow jerk or a fast retrieve—can make all the difference. Small Stream Brown Trout: Stealth and Strategy Fishing small creeks for brown trout is a whole different game. Tight water, overhanging trees, and spooky fish make for a serious challenge. But the reward? Lots of fish and zero crowds. Key Tactics for Small Creeks Stealth is everything – Move slowly and blend in. Stand still, and trout may swim right up to you.Cast upstream – This keeps your fly in the trout’s line of sight while reducing drag.Short leaders work – A 6- to 7-foot leader helps control the fly without excess slack.Walk far, fish hard – Many of these waters require hiking in. The more effort, the fewer people you’ll see. Michigan’s small streams are packed with wild brown trout, and many are rarely fished. If you’re willing to put in the miles, you’ll find fish that are aggressive, unpressured, and ready to eat. Finding Big Browns in Tiny Creeks Small creeks may be tight, but they hold more fish than you’d think—including some big browns. The trick is knowing where to look. What to Look For Heavy structure – Undercut banks, log jams, and tag alder thickets create safe zones for trout. Hidden water – Spots that seem impossible to fish often hold the best fish. Naive trout – Less pressure means more aggressive fish willing to hit a well-placed fly. Fishing these small creeks is an adventure. You’ll crawl through brush, jump logs, and make tight casts. But the reward? Wild trout in untouched water. And sometimes, a true ...
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    1 時間 27 分
  • 723 | Guiding in the Catskills with John Francis - Trout Town Flies, New York Fly Fishing, Dry Fly Fishing

    723 | Guiding in the Catskills with John Francis - Trout Town Flies, New York Fly Fishing, Dry Fly Fishing
    2025/02/24

    #723 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/723

    Presented By: TroutRoutes, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Pescador on the Fly, Yellowstone Teton Territory

    Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

    What makes the Catskills one of the most legendary fly fishing destinations in the US? With historic rivers like the East and West Branch of the Delaware, the Beaver Kill, and the Willowemoc, this region is the birthplace of American dry fly fishing—and it still offers some of the best trout waters in the country today.

    In this episode, John Francis of Trout Town Flies—local guide and new drift boat owner—takes us through the seasons of the Catskills, sharing his best strategies for winter nymphing, midge fishing, and adjusting your setup for cold-water trout. Plus, we’re diving into Bug Week, one of the most exciting times of the year for dry fly fishing, and how to time your trip for the best action. If you’ve ever wanted to fish the birthplace of American fly fishing, this is your chance to learn from a local. Let’s get into it!

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/723
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    1 時間 5 分
  • 722 | Fishing for the Snake River Cutthroat with Josh Gallivan - Grand Teton Fly Fishing

    722 | Fishing for the Snake River Cutthroat with Josh Gallivan - Grand Teton Fly Fishing
    2025/02/21

    #722 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/722

    Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing

    Josh Gallivan, head guide at Grand Teton Fly Fishing, is here to share his expertise on the streams and lakes around the Grand Teton area. He’ll talk about how he started at the Jack Dennis Fly Shop, share some great stories, and dive into his techniques for sight fishing snake river cutthroat and fishing stillwater lakes. Plus, he’ll tell us about an incredible mothership trip that’s not to be missed.

    About Josh Gallivan


    Josh’s fly fishing journey started in high school when he got a job at the Jack Dennis Outdoor Shop in Jackson. While working there, he met fantastic people like Jeff Currier and Scott Sanchez.

    He remembers watching the guides come in after their long days on the river, sunburned but happy. That’s when he realized he wanted to be a guide, not just work in the shop. After three years, he switched to guiding, and it’s become his true passion.

    Check out our podcast episode with Jack Dennis!

    Episode Chapters with Josh Gallivan on Fishing Snake River Cutthroat


    Spring fishing kicks off when temperatures hit around 40–45°F. That might not seem warm, but after a long winter, the fish get active. The best action happens from noon to 4 p.m. when the sun warms things up. The challenge is that boat ramps can still be buried under snow.

    How Do You Know When the River “Pops”?
    Look for Blue Winged Olive mayflies starting to hatch.
    If you see trout rising to sip bugs off the surface, it’s game on.
    If a spot looks fishy but you don’t see any heads, move on—it’s all about sight fishing.
    What Fly Should You Use?
    A size 16 Comparadun with a sparse tie works excellently. Pair it with a 10-foot, 5X leader. The Snake River Cutthroats aren’t too picky, but a soft landing fly helps.
    Snake River Cutthroat
    While some tributaries don’t open until April, the Snake River stays open year-round. Fish move out of the smaller streams and into the river in winter. You can still fish here without a boat and catch Snake River Cutthroat. A 20-inch Snake River Cutthroat is considered big because these fish grow slowly due to the long winters and short summers.

    In the summer, Jackson Hole gets packed with tourists. It’s exciting but can be a bit crazy with traffic. For guides like Josh, it’s a chance to teach people about the environment and the fragile river ecosystem.

    What Makes Snake River Cutthroat Unique?
    The Snake River cutthroat is one of several native cutthroat species in the West, with others like the Yellowstone and Colorado River cutthroats nearby. What’s unique about this fishery is that you won’t find native trout in many places. Jackson Hole is a lucky area with thriving native cutthroat populations.

    For those interested, there’s even a Wyoming Cutt-Slam challenge where you can try to catch all four cutthroat species in the state.


    Hosted Trips
    26:28—Josh has traveled the world on fishing trips with his clients. Some places he’s been to include Greenland, Cuba, Belize, and Mexico. One of his favorite trips was to Cuba, where the tarpon fishing was incredible.

    Josh talks about his time on a mothership during his Cuba trip. The boat was huge, with 10 rooms and three stories. It was super comfortable, and the crew took great care of everyone.

    After fishing, they’d get ice-cold towels, rum punch, and delicious appetizers. The best part? The boat was only 5 minutes away from the fishing grounds. They’d relax on the top deck at night, watching tarpon roll in the sunset.


    31:09 – Josh has also been to the remote Anaa Atoll near Tahiti, one of his favorite places. The fishing is incredible, with bonefish, giant trevally, snapper, and sharks. But what truly stands out is the culture. The locals treat visitors like family.

    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/722
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    54 分
  • Mastering the Swing: 14 Pro Tips for Chinook Fly Fishing in Alaska

    Mastering the Swing: 14 Pro Tips for Chinook Fly Fishing in Alaska
    2025/02/19

    Save your Spot for the Togiak Spey Trip: https://wetflyswing.com/alaska

    Enter the Giveaway here: https://wetflyswing.com/giveaway

    In this episode, Dave goes solo to share the top 14 tips from past Spey episodes for Chinook Salmon. You will discover how to hook up with more salmon on the swing this year!
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    15 分