Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

825 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/825 This episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast brings together two seasoned Arkansas guides, Morgan Guss of Diamond State Fly Co. and Matt Millner of Rising River Guides. They'll walk us through the White River’s changing seasons and the strategies that keep anglers successful year-round.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/825

#824 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/824   Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/patagonia  In this episode, we sit down with legendary fly angler Craig Mathews to explore their new book Pheasant Tail Simplicity. Craig shares why fewer flies, better observation, and thoughtful presentation often lead to more success on the water. From fishing caddis hatches to choosing the right dry fly, this conversation is full of practical tips and timeless wisdom for anglers of all skill levels. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/824      

#823 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/823 Presented By: TroutRoutes Erik Johnson of TroutRoutes (now part of OnX) returns to share how digital mapping is transforming trout fishing across the country. He walks us through new features like integrated OnX cartography, live stream gauges, offline maps, custom markers, and Android/iOS upgrades Erik also talks about trout lakes, stream classifications, and how anglers can use TroutRoutes for everything from blue-lining in the Driftless to planning multi-day backcountry trips. Along the way, he shares insights on safety, boats and rowing, fly shop shoutouts, and what it’s like to grow from a 5-person startup into part of a 400+ employee mapping powerhouse. #823 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/823

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/822 Presented By: Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors From shoulder surgery rehab to 10 guiding seasons across Rock Creek, the Blackfoot, and the Big Hole, Montana guide and photographer Drew Baker shares how he turned days on the oars into a career behind the lens. In this episode, Drew shows why the best Montana fly fishing photography tips aren’t about megapixels—they’re about telling a real story on the water. You’ll learn how to capture authentic moments (not just grip-and-grins), build a simple kit that travels well, and plan your shots so you protect fish and still come home with wall-worthy images. We also dig into summer strategy across Montana, when to pivot rivers, and the underrated power of the point-and-shoot in your waders. Show Notes with Drew Baker on Fly Fishing Photography 02:57 - Drew shared how photography became his focus, noting that breaking into the hunting industry was easier than fly fishing since many fishing content cr

821 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/821 Presented by:   Pescador on the Fly, TroutRoutes, Four Wheel Campers,  Drifthook Fly Fishing  Big browns don’t always fall for big flies. Sometimes the secret is going smaller. On today’s episode, we’re digging into the world of fishing micro streamers with Brian from Trout Tornado. Brian shares how downsizing can unlock the biggest fish in the system, why two-fly rigs shine during the minnow hatch, and the loop knot trick that makes streamers swim like they’re alive. We’ll also get into reading water, knowing when browns are staging, and how to fish them right.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/821  

#820 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/820  Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Smitty's Fly Box, Intrepid Camp Gear, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors         Mike Bachkosky has spent more than fifty years on the Delaware River, watching hatches, studying rise forms, and learning every detail of this legendary fishery. As a signature fly tyer for Umpqua and a dedicated dry fly angler, Mike brings deep knowledge of sulphur hatches, rise form reading, and the history of classic patterns like the Haystack and the Unusual. In this episode, he shares his simple one-minute fly approach, why presentation often matters more than pattern, and his personal philosophy on dry fly design. We also discuss his work with the Delaware River Labradors and how dogs and trout have shaped his life on the water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/820   

#819 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/819 Presented By: Visit Idaho, Smitty's Fly Box, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Kelly Reaume, co-founder of Backcountry Skinz, takes us inside the story of how a garage idea turned into a company that’s reshaping how anglers wade. From breathable neoprene leggings to waterproof socks and lightweight pack-raft setups, Kelly explains why Skinz are becoming a go-to for float trips, alpine lakes, and backcountry anglers who don’t want the bulk of waders. We hear how the first 2 mm prototype gave way to a 1.5 mm design, why guides and DIY anglers alike are using them, and how he and his brother built the brand during COVID. The episode drifts through product strategy, pack-raft stories, marketing lessons, and the pride of keeping things personal as they expand into new markets. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/819

818B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818B Presented by:   Togiak River Lodge For most of us, the spark that leads to fly fishing is a fish, a mentor, or maybe a trip. For Aaron Berg, it was a fire. When his house burned down, it forced a choice: keep welding or go all-in on guiding. In this episode, Aaron shares how that turning point led him from fixing boats at Togiak River Lodge to running them, what he’s learned chasing kings and silvers in Alaska, and how spey casting reshaped the way he fishes back home in Washington.  If you’ve ever wondered how passion turns into purpose—or how swinging a fly can shift the way you see fishing—this one’s for you.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818B    

#818 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/818 Presented By: Waters West In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, we’re joined by Trevor Covich and Ed Fuhrken of Waters West Fly Fishing Outfitters. Both are long-time stewards of Pacific Northwest steelhead, guiding anglers while battling issues like habitat loss, hatchery impacts, and river access. They talk about what it’s like behind the fly shop counter: the tension between preserving wild runs and serving a growing demand for steelhead experiences. You’ll hear stories about closures, managing stock versus wild fish, and how trout tactics don’t always translate to steelhead crisis zones. Trevor and Ed also reveal the subtle art of timing your swings, staying wet when it counts, and treating every steelhead encounter like it matters—not just for you, but for the rivers downstream. Along the way, you’ll pick up practical advice: what fly anglers can do to reduce mortality, how to engage with managers and neighbors about river health, and why education and

#817 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817  Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort, San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Fish The Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        Fly fishing Northern California means stepping into rivers rich with history and wild steelhead, and the Trinity River is one of the crown jewels. Tom Mahan of Swingwater Fly Fishing has built his career on these waters, chasing steelhead the classic way—on the swing. In this episode, Tom talks about why he loves transitional seasons, how grease line presentations and custom furled leaders move fish in clear water, and why the Lower Trinity feels like a “mini BC” when the fall fog sets in. If you’re curious about targeting spooky steelhead in light flows, this is a must-listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/817    

#816 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/816 Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes, Intrepid Camp Gear Sponsors: http://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Cuba has long carried a sense of mystery for travelers, and when you put a fly rod in your hand, that mystery only deepens. In this episode, Jon Covich talks about chasing bonefish, tarpon, and permit on the Cuban flats, the realities of travel restrictions, and how the culture of the island is just as important as the fish. Jon shares what it’s like to guide and host trips through World Fly LLC, why South America deserves more attention from anglers, and the practical lessons you need before booking a saltwater trip. The conversation drifts between history, people, gear, and stories that remind us why fishing new water is about far more than checking a species off a list. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/816

815 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/815 Presented by:  FishHound Expeditions, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge Steelhead fishing on the Skeena has become a new backcountry for Riley Leboe. After years chasing podiums as a professional skier, he discovered a different rhythm on the water. One that carried the same adrenaline and spirit of exploration, but with a reward that felt deeper. From his first chum salmon in Squamish to documenting Skeena Spey Lodge with Brian Niska, Riley has followed the pull of steelhead north. On today’s episode, we trace his journey from filming ski lines to capturing the drama of swinging flies, and why the chase for steelhead keeps calling him back. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/815  

#814 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814   Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        On this episode, we’re heading to one of the most iconic steelhead destinations in the world—the Skeena River. Brian Niska, owner of Skeena Spey Riverside Wilderness & Lodge, talks all about Skeena steelhead fishing. Brian shares what makes the Skeena so unique, how the steelhead season is shaping up this year, and why having John McMillan and Jeff Liskay at the lodge is such a big deal. We also get into tips for adjusting your approach based on river conditions and how to get the most out of your steelhead trip. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/814   

#813 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/813 In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad Johnson sits down with Colorado guide, fly designer, and author Landon Mayer to dig deep into the art of hunting trophy trout. Landon shares how leeches became the centerpiece of his fly box, recounting the day a broken Slumpbuster pattern forever changed the way he approached big fish. The two swap stories about fishing together, the lessons passed down from mentors like Dave Whitlock, and the subtle craft of teaching casting fundamentals that can make or break a day on the water. From Colorado stillwaters to Arkansas tailwaters, Landon explains how leech patterns double as damsels, baitfish, or crayfish depending on how they’re fished — a versatile key for turning followers into eaters. Chad adds his own Ozark perspective, highlighting the region’s emerging sulfur hatch and how local anglers are discovering a brand-new dry-fly game for giant browns. Together, they dig into small-stream tactics, big-river strateg

812 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/812 Presented by: Visit Idaho  Today we’re hanging out with Norman Maktima: world champ fly angler, guide, and all-around fishy guy. Norman grew up in Pueblo tradition, fished his way onto the international stage, and knows how small details can make a huge difference. In this episode, he shares tips on reading water, watching for subtle changes in water levels, and selecting flies that work well in both competition and everyday fishing. We also get into how to stay sharp when every single cast might be the one. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/812  

#811 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/811   Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Mountain Waters Resort, Four Wheel Campers, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        If you’ve ever wondered about the rare trout swimming in North America’s wildest waters, this episode is for you. Today, we chat with Gary Marston of Native Trout Fly Fishing, a lifelong angler on a mission to find and photograph every native trout species across the country. From high alpine lakes to remote desert creeks, Gary shares what it takes to chase these fish, why protecting their habitat matters, and how photography and storytelling can help us all care a little more. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/811      

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/810 Presented By: TroutRoutes Cameron Mortenson is back on the podcast as he walks us through the quiet revival of fiberglass rods, why glass still connects you to the line, and how a lifetime of tinkering with rods turned into a giant, searchable blog that helps anglers choose gear and find water. We talk about the TroutRoutes mapping app on a big Driftless trip, five practical questions to ask before you buy a fiberglass rod, travel-packing rules for bringing a quiver, and the joy of slowing down to feel the rod load again. It’s practical, curious, and full of those gear-and-travel moments anglers love. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/810

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/809 Saltwater Fly Fishing is more than just chasing fish—it’s about immersing yourself in incredible locations, learning new techniques, and building lifelong connections. Today’s episode takes us deep into the marshes of Louisiana and beyond, exploring the magic of redfish, permit, and tarpon with a focus on both adventure and community. Our guest, John Hunt of Moccasin Fly Club, has built one of the most unique travel-minded fly fishing communities in the world. From hosted trips and conservation efforts to unforgettable cultural experiences, John shares how the journey is just as important as the fish. By the end, you’ll know when to chase bull reds, why the Double Haul Tournament is different, and how it can change the way you see travel. Show Notes with John Hunt on Saltwater Fly Fishing 01:17 - John Hunt shares fishing reports from Colorado and New Mexico, plus how his lodges adapt to summer heat and the upcoming hunting season. 02:20 - Insight into the upcoming Doubl

806 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/808 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Patagonia, Togiak River Lodge What makes an angler who’s fished around the world still pick the ankle-deep Bahamas flats fishing? For Bruce Chard, the answer is bonefish. In this episode, Bruce shares why they’re his favorite species, what makes South Andros so special, and how to handle quick-fire shots in windy conditions. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/808  

#807 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/807   Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        In this episode, Jeff Liskay, your “Great Lakes Dude”, dives deep into the skunked angler's survival guide. From steelhead slumps to blown-out lake days, Jeff shares how he adjusts on the fly, learns from tough conditions, and finds success even when the odds are stacked against him. This episode was inspired by real conversations at the boat ramp with anglers wondering what to do after getting skunked. Jeff’s answer? Start solving the puzzle. Whether you’re struggling with fly selection, pressure, or just can’t seem to find fish, this episode is packed with tactical tips and hard-earned wisdom from 250 days a year on the water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/807