Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#771 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/771 Presented by:  TroutRoutes, Intrepid Camp Gear, Fish The Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company   In this follow-up episode, Phil Rowley is back with Jerry McBride, one of the key people who helped create the Balanced Flies. He's here to break down exactly how he fishes these flies on Stillwater lakes.  If you’ve ever tied on a balanced leech and wondered, “Now what?”, this episode is packed with all the gear, presentation tips, and little-known tricks you need to get dialed in.   Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/771

#770 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/770    Presented by: San Juan Rodworks  In this episode, we’re joined by Gary Davis, the founder of San Juan Rodworks. Gary shares his unique journey from the golf course to the world of fly rods. We dive into how his background in golf and a passion for music influence his approach to fly rod design. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler looking for an upgrade, Gary breaks down the importance of rod action, offers tips for beginners, and explains why quality matters more than price. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/770     

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/769 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad covers early summer fly fishing in the Ozarks. He starts with a quick June fishing report, highlighting the transition from caddis to sulfurs on the White and Norfolk Rivers, and why high water during a sulfur hatch can make for surprisingly good dry fly action. Chad also touches on the opportunities for smallmouth bass and carp fishing during May and June, especially in the creeks and tributaries in the region. We hear Chad’s philosophy of trophy fishing—not just chasing giants, but understanding what a “trophy” means in each fishery. He shares insights into his dying minnow technique, a game-changing approach to streamer fishing that relies on vertical jigging and triggering strikes on the fall. Packed with storytelling, honest reflections, and practical takeaways, this episode is a guide to fishing smarter, respecting your local waters, and having a better mindset for troph

#768:  Wet Fly Swing Pro here:  https://wetflyswing.com/pro I share the updated pan for Wet Fly Swing Pro, the membership community for this podcast.  If you click the link above and enter your name and email, I'll follow up with you on the next steps and to learn more. Wet Fly Swing Pro will connect you to like minded anglers, some will become life long friends.  It will also connect you with Dave during Q and A Calls and experts who have been on the podcast.  Get started here:  https://wetflyswing.com/pro

#767B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767B Presented by:  Visit Idaho   The Women's Fly Fishing World Championship is coming to the U.S. for the first time, and it’s happening in Island Park, Idaho. In this episode, we’re joined by Team USA's women's team president, Melissa Smith, who'll give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to compete on Stillwaters.  Melissa will share tips for tackling a new lake, from doing your homework before a trip to figuring out what’s working once you’re on the water. If you’re looking to get better at Stillwater fishing, this one’s packed with practical tips to help you get dialed in.   Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/767B

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767 Presented By: TroutRoutes, Stonefly Nets, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Today, we sit down with UK fly fishing legend Peter Cockwill for a wide-ranging chat on small stillwaters, chalk streams, and the decades-long friendship with our friend Jim Teeny. Peter shares his origin story insights into stocking trout with simple flies and why you shouldn't overlook that shallow downwind bank when fish and still waters. We've even got a backcountry story. This one is jam-packed with wisdom, humor, and lots of old stories. Peter Cockwill returns with more insight from the stillwater side of the fly fishing world. We dive into fishing clearwater with minimal flies, using the wind to your advantage, and how to fish without a boat on stillwaters.    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767

754 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/766 Presented By: Fish The Fly, Pescador on the Fly, Waters West, Drifthook Fly Fishing California is one of the most populous states in the US and one of the most diverse places to fly fish. From the base of the Sierra Nevadas to the Pacific Coast, steelhead in the North, carp on the flats, and saltwater opportunities in Southern California. It's just about all here. Today you're gonna get an inside look at where to fish and what to expect straight from a guy who reps some of the top brands in fly fishing and helps design gear you're probably using right now. Matt Callies, product designer at Loon Outdoors fly tyer and longtime fly fishing rep joins us to share some of his go-to tips from years in the game. You're gonna hear which Loon product tops the charts these days and has for a while, what new gear is turning heads, and what life on the road as a rep really looks like. Plus, Matt's going to break down one liter he always carries. And why building your own might n

# 765 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/765 Presented by:  Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, San Juan Rodworks  Did you know the Feather Thief story actually connects back to today’s guest? Spencer Seim is a New Mexico fly fishing guide and classic fly tyer whose deep knowledge and love for traditional patterns helped shape the story behind The Feather Thief. We get into his take on that whole crazy story, what it meant for the tying world, and what stood out most to him from the book.   Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/765

#763 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/763 Presented by:  TroutRoutes, Fish The Fly, Stonefly Nets, On DeMark Lodge When you hear “urban fly fishing,” what comes to mind? Trash? Pollution? Or carp? But today’s guest is here to flip that idea on its head. He’s a full-time guide who chases fish in the heart of Arizona, exploring canals, lakes, and small streams right in the city.  By the end of this episode, you’ll see carp in a whole new light and pick up some solid tips to help you fish with more confidence in your own local waters.   Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/763

#762 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/762  Presented by: On DeMark Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, Drifthook Fly Fishing Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors      Kirk Wallace Johnson, author of The Feather Thief, joins us to share the wild tale of a world-class fly tyer who broke into a British museum and stole nearly 300 rare bird specimens—all to tie classic salmon flies. We explore the strange subculture behind the heist, the science lost with those birds, and how a flute-playing prodigy nearly got away with it. This conversation digs into conservation, obsession, and the ethical line between passion and crime. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/762 

#761 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/761 Presented by:  Yellowstone Teton Territory, Mountain Waters Resort, Smitty's Fly Box,  Togiak River Lodge Caleb Andrews of Tails of the Tides is here to help you make the most of your trip if you plan on fly fishing for redfish in South Carolina. We’re talking perfect trip timing, his go-to fly materials, how scent actually plays into hookups, and even what to look for when you're creeping across those oyster flats. If you’ve ever dreamed of sight-fishing redfish in a truly wild place, this episode is for you.   Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/761  

#760B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/760B Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club Today's story started with a pair of forgotten wading boots, a group chat, and a long hike into Cheesman Canyon... with only a pair of moccasins! Hear how this mishap not only turned into a fun story to tell around a campfire but also sparked the idea for a company that’s now helping anglers plan better trips, save money, and fish more often. In this episode, you'll learn how to stretch your travel budget, pick the right guides, and build unforgettable trips that fit any style or wallet. John Hunt, founder of Moccasin Fly Club, is here to help us understand how to find trips on a budget, what makes a great fly fishing guide, and why some of the best adventures are still DIY. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/760B

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/760 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, Smitty's Fly Box, FishHound Expeditions, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors One of the most iconic fish you'll see across social media is the peacock bass - massive, vibrant, and found deep in some of the most remote jungle waters on the planet. Today, we're heading into one of those places, Baku Lodge in Colombia. They're the local indigenous community, welcomes you like family, and you'll hear firsthand from three people on the ground and on the water of what it's really like to chase giant peacocks in untamed waters. Today, Andres, Jason, and Nick are gonna take us deep into the Colombian jungle to show us what it's really like to target these giant peacock bass, some up to 25 pounds. Along the way, you're going to learn why Colombia is much safer to travel to than most people think, and how this adventure is surprisingly affordable. We're gonna talk about that today - a full week at this lodge, a price we talk

#759 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/759  Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Fish The Fly, FishHound Expeditions, Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors    In this episode, we sit down with Jerry Kustich—bamboo rod builder, author, and one of the pioneers of Great Lakes steelhead fly fishing. From his off-the-grid cabin days in Idaho to building rods with legends like Tom Morgan at Winston and starting Sweetgrass Rods, Jerry takes us on a soulful journey through decades of fly fishing evolution. You'll hear about his early fishing adventures, the rise of the Great Lakes fishery, his passion for writing, and the powerful stories behind the rods, rivers, and people that shaped his life. If you love stories that go deeper than just catching fish, this one's for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/759 

#758 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/758 Presented by:  TroutRoutes, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory, On DeMark Lodge Alex Xenie Hall — legendary Colorado fly fishing guide, steelhead nut, and self-proclaimed trout bum — takes us deep into his world, from the Upper San Juan to the far end of the Babine River. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/758

#757 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/757   Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Yellowstone Teton Territory, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors      What would you do if your wading boot slips, your ankle snaps, and you're stranded miles from help—in the cold, wet, and dark? In this episode, we bring on Brett Stoffel from OutdoorSafe.com, a survival expert with deep roots in military and search-and-rescue training. Brett breaks down the top survival tips for anglers, the three most important items to carry with you on every fishing trip, why most people get survival wrong, and how you can be prepared without packing your entire garage. If you’ve ever wondered whether that shiny space blanket actually works (spoiler: it probably doesn’t), this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/757   

#756 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/756 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Fish The Fly, On DeMark Lodge, Mountain Waters Resort Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Would you guide steelhead anglers through Washington's wild rivers, then hop on a flight to Gabon or French Polynesia to chase something completely different—all while pushing the fly fishing industry to care more and do better? Today we're joined by Dave McCoy, Patagonia Fly Fish ambassador and owner of Emerald Water Anglers. Dave breaks down the real state of steelhead conservation, the overlooked opportunities in warmwater fly fishing, and why swinging flies is more than a method—it’s a mindset. He shares the story of helping launch Patagonia’s Fly Fish social presence, his conversations with Yvon Chouinard, and why guiding should include deeper dialogue—yes, even about politics. You’ll also hear about his global travel program, from sea-run cutthroat in Seattle to tarpon in rivers and bonefish in the Bahamas. Plus, Dave explains

#755 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/755  Presented by: Pescador on the Fly If you’ve ever tried to sneak in a little fly fishing on a business trip or family vacation, this episode is for you. Jeff Ditsworth of Pescador on the Fly shares his fly fishing travel hacks from 25+ years of experience. We dive into how to pack light, avoid common gear mistakes, and make the most of those bonus fishing hours. Jeff also gives us the lowdown on his G6 packable rod and why he always brings at least two rods on every trip. Whether you’re headed to Montana or Mexico, you’ll walk away with simple tricks to fish more and stress less. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/755 

#754 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/754 Presented By: Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box, TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In today's show, we're gonna be expanding our discussion topics beyond the traditional scope of In the Bucket. Since we started the show, we've spent a lot of time talking about space-specific ideas like casting improvement, gear selection, and what to do when a steelhead grabs your fly. In this episode, we've got Will Rice, Jason Rolfe, and Travis Bader joining us. These guys are journalists, outdoor educators, and travel experts. Surely we'll get into steelhead as we do, but today we talk about fly fishing, travel adventure in general, personal safety on the water, and dig into a fly fishing mystery or two. Let's get into it... Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/754