Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/801 Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, FishHound Expeditions, Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Today's guest traded trout strains for silk thread vintage hooks, and the history-packed world of classic fly tying never looked back. From his first salmon fly at age 12 to becoming a leading voice in preserving old school craftsmanship, Tony Smith has spent decades chasing the perfect thread wrap. By the end of this episode, you'll know what really defines a classic salmon fly, why wax silk and antique hooks still matter, and how tying flies help Tony navigate OCD social anxiety and come out on the other side. Tony Smith is here to share what it's really like inside the quirky and passionate world of classic salmon fly tying, what the feather thief story got right and wrong, and why sometimes keeping it simple is still the most beautiful thing you can do at the vise. Plus, we're going to find out why reaching out to your fly-tying heroes might be

#800 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/800  Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, Intrepid Camp Gear, Mountain Waters Resort, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        In this episode, we sit down with Robert “Bob” Lindquist of Flies for Fish to talk all about fly fishing the Delaware River. Bob grew up fishing Montauk beaches from a ’55 Willys Jeep, learned to tie flies on common nails, and eventually dedicated his life to guiding and teaching others on one of the most technical tailwaters in the East. We dive into how to read rise forms, why line management can matter more than casting distance, and how a bar merger pattern can outfish a dry fly four-to-one. Bob also shares the truth behind the Delaware’s legendary rainbow trout, his go-to patterns for the river, and why furled leaders and reach casts are game changers in this fishery. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/800    

799 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/799 Presented by:  San Juan Rodworks, Visit Idaho, Jackson Hole Fly Company, TroutRoutes Looking to unlock the secrets of night fishing for brown trout? Imagine swinging mice and streamers under the glow of your headlamp, hooking big browns long after the sun goes down. In this episode, you’ll discover how glow-in-the-dark flies work, why unweighted streamers can turn the bite on, and how to read water by feel, not sight. Frank Landis, a Pennsylvania fly fishing guide, shares his expert insights on stream temperatures, seasonal triggers, the truth behind mouse patterns, and why slowing down is the key to success after dark. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/799  

#798 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/798 In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad brings on his fishing crew — a mix of guides and friends he’s traveled and fished with for years. They share funny and crazy stories from the water, like breaking gear, getting stuck in shallow flats, and even mistaking big bonefish for sharks. The crew talks about the teamwork it takes to fish together, the challenges of different waters like the Louisiana marsh and Florida flats, and how they’ve learned (and laughed) through plenty of mistakes. They also share how to book trips with them, whether it’s tarpon in Florida, redfish in Louisiana, or even fishing in Cuba. It’s a fun, laid-back conversation filled with good laughs, fishing tips, and the bond that comes from years of adventures together. #798 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/798

#797 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/797  Presented by: Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions, San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        If you’ve ever dreamed to fly fish Belize on your terms to chase bonefish and permit, this episode is for you. We’re heading to Ambergris Caye where Mary Alice Hoppe and her husband Chris created Iguana House, a beachfront lodge built with DIY anglers in mind. In this episode, Mary Alice shares what it’s really like to run a fishing lodge, how to plan your trip for tailing permit and migrating tarpon, and why a golf cart might just be your most valuable gear item. We also dive into what to expect on the island, from fishing conditions to local adventures like snorkeling Belize’s incredible reef systems. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/797      

796 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/796 Presented by:  Togiak River Lodge, FishHound Expeditions Would you rather compete at the World Fly Fishing Championships or spend a season guiding on the San Juan River? Today’s guest made that leap from Team USA gold medalist to full-time San Juan River guide. He’s dialing in tiny size 26 midges, handling 40-fish days, and teaching anglers how to hook 20-inch browns on a 6X tippet. By the end of this episode, you’ll learn how to fish the San Juan's tailouts, why ant falls spark some of the river’s best dry fly action, and what it really takes to catch fish year-round on one of America’s most technical tailwaters. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/796

#795 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/795  Presented by: Pescador on the Fly  We head to western Montana with Jake Hensley to talk about Missoula fly fishing. With nearly 20 years of guiding experience, Jake breaks down the essentials of fishing the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Rock Creek - three of Missoula’s most iconic rivers. We cover how to rig for high water, why dry-dropper setups are so effective, and what makes floating Rock Creek such a game-changer. Whether you’re new to the area or planning your tenth trip, Jake’s got real tips to help you fish smarter and enjoy more of what Missoula has to offer. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/795 

#794 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/794  Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Visit Helena, MT, San Juan Rodworks, Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors        In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey into the life of one of steelhead fishing's most influential figures, Lani Waller. Through his brother Jack Waller, we hear untold stories about Lani’s early years, his deep connection to rivers, and the life-changing events that shaped him. From a childhood trauma that led him to the fly rod to the plane crash that forever changed his path, Jack shares what made Lani more than just a great angler. He was a true steward of the sport. If you’ve ever been moved by a cast, a river, or a story, this one’s for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/794       

793 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/793 Presented by:  Jackson Hole Fly Company, Pescador on the Fly, Four Wheel Campers,  Smitty's Fly Box When you think of Alaska, you probably picture places like Bristol Bay or the Kenai Peninsula. But tucked away in southeast Alaska is the Tongass National Forest, a wild, untouched rainforest full of remote streams where you could be the only angler for miles around. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Kevin Main from Tongass on the Fly spends his days guiding fly anglers through some of the most untouched rivers of Southeast Alaska. In this episode, find out why fly patterns matter more than just covering ground in certain times of the year, why tides pretty much run the show up there, what it takes to chase steelhead and sea-run cutthroat in spots only reachable by mothership, and why a Stikine River float might be one of the most underrated trips in Alaska.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/793

#792 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/792  Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors     Join us in one of our biggest episodes as we journey into a world that combines the thrill of the outdoors with a passion for conservation. This episode offers an intriguing dialogue featuring Craig Mathews and Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia Founder and an iconic figure in the outdoor world; unraveling their love for fly fishing, their unique backstories, and their shared principles around the sport and beyond. This is a replay episode from 2023 and also one of our most downloaded episodes so it's great to listen to it again. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/792      

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/791 Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Patagonia, Mountain Waters Resort, Intrepid Camp Gear. Sponsors: Https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors On this episode, we sit down with Wesley Hodges, a decorated military veteran turned premier fly fishing and hunting guide in Virginia. Wesley shares the wild journey that led him from a cane pole in Texas to discovering fly fishing at a Boy Scout camp, to a life-changing decision made in a tiki bar in Ecuador. What followed was the creation of Virginia’s first dedicated fly fishing and hunting lodge—an operation that now runs year-round across some of the most remote and productive water systems in the Eastern U.S. Right now, you'll discover why Virginia may be the "New West" for fly fishing, how to rethink your entire approach to trip planning, and the subtle techniques that make all the difference when targeting trophy Smallmouth bass. Wesley unpacks the essence of crafting full-circle outdoor experiences—one that fuses drift boats, do

#790 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/790 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We're bringing back one of the classics for this special summer re-release — an early episode that quickly became a listener favorite. Originally Episode 13, this conversation with Michigan guide Kevin Feenstra is packed with insights on swinging flies for steelhead on the Muskegon River. Kevin breaks down his approach to fishing year-round, how he reads the water, and what makes the Muskegon such a unique place to chase steelhead. He also shares some of his thoughts on fly patterns, presentation, and how fish respond to changing water temps. If you’re into steelhead, two-hand rods, or just love hearing from someone who truly understands their home water, this one’s worth another listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/790

789 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/789 This summer, we’re diving back into the archives to bring you a classic episode: Episode 334 with the one and only Henry Winkler. Henry, the actor, author, producer, and passionate angler, joins us to talk about fly fishing, his legendary career, and his inspiring life story. We dive into his experience turning down Grease, landing his role on HBO’s Barry, and how he’s thrived while living with dyslexia. Plus, we explore his books, movies, and the surprising ways fly fishing and acting connect. Get ready for a conversation full of heart, humor, and wisdom. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/789  

#788 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/788 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors This summer, we’re bringing back a favorite from the archive—originally released as episode 348, this conversation with Norman Maktima is packed with stillwater insights. Norman, a Team USA fly fishing competitor and guide at High Desert Angler, shared a deep dive into stillwater strategies—from euro-nymphing tactics to lake structure, fly line selection, and subtle boat positioning tips. Whether you're working leeches, chironomids, or just trying to improve your game, Norman brings the technical know-how with a grounded, fishy vibe. We also hear about his Native American heritage and what it was like going from youth team standout to the world competition stage. If you're into stillwaters or want to sharpen your nymph game, this one is worth a second listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/788

#787 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/787  Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club We chat with John Hunt of Moccasin Fly Club to talk about some top travel tips for DIY fly fishing, from organizing your gear to navigating rental car challenges in places like Mexico. We also dive into what makes hosted trips worth it, how to break into saltwater fishing, and what a day in the life looks like at their Colorado and New Mexico lodges. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first out-of-town fishing trip, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you prepare, travel smarter, and enjoy your time on the water.    Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/787      

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/786 Presented By: Fish The Fly, Stonefly Nets, On DeMark Lodge, Visit Idaho.  BoneFishing in Hawaii might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of saltwater adventures, but for Marine veteran Mike Bressler, it's become both a calling and a way of life. In this episode, we head to the island of Oahu to uncover what makes Hawaii’s flats fishery so unique—and so challenging. From bonefish (known locally as ō‘io) to golden trevally, Mike shares what it’s like to guide in one of the Pacific’s toughest but most rewarding destinations. Whether you’re planning a DIY trip or dreaming of landing a 10+ pound bone, his insights are packed with practical value. We talk about everything from how to master casting in Hawaii’s relentless trade winds to how moon phases affect bonefish behavior.  Mike also opens up about building his homegrown “Bone Lodge” for guests, the cultural realities of fishing in local waters, and why he takes veterans out monthly for healing on th

#785B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Jordan Larsen didn’t grow up with a fly rod in hand. In fact, he used to avoid fly shops entirely. But one summer filming anglers in Alaska changed everything. In this episode, we hear how Jordan went from lodge videographer to lodge owner, how spey casting rekindled his passion for fishing, and what it’s really like building a fly fishing program from the ground up—in one of the most remote places on earth. You’ll learn about the challenges of launching a lodge during COVID, lessons from running a multi-style guiding operation, and what it takes to bring a new spey season to life in Alaska’s Togiak River. Expect stories of bear fights, massive king salmon, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep love for the fish and the people. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B

785 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785   Presented by:   Four Wheel Campers, Patagonia, Jackson Hole Fly Company   If you’ve listened to Phil’s two-part series on making sense of Stillwater fly lines, you probably get why this topic is so important. For anyone new to stillwater fly fishing, understanding fly lines, leaders, and tippets can be confusing. But when you’re fishing lakes, knowing your gear options, especially the right fly line, leader, and tippet, is key to success.   Today, Chris Walker from Rio Products joins our Stillwater guru to dive deep into fly lines, leaders, and tippets tailored for stillwater fishing. This episode is packed with solid info to help you get your setup dialed and catch more fish on the lake.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785    

#784 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/784 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Today's guest takes us where technology meets the river. He shared the stage with Bill Gates multiple times, leads the charge in AI, and still finds time to run a guide business in the Sierras. We're heading into California to explore its wide variety of fly fishing, from bays to the beaches, to Baja and high mountain streams chasing golden trout. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with fresh tools and inspiration for planning your next fly fishing adventure. Tim Huckaby, Microsoft executive and guru on AI, is going to walk us through the Sierra Nevadas, what he does there for guiding, he's going to take us into San Diego, all the diversity of species down there, and all the interests that create this amazing life he has going. You'll find out what big species you can find in the bays of California and why the Hoi kayak is a must-hav

#783 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/783  Presented by: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge, Intrepid Camp Gear, Smitty's Fly Box Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors       If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to swing flies for giant rainbows on one of Alaska’s most famous rivers, this episode is for you. We sit down with Jack Mitchell of The Evening Hatch to dig into Kvichak River fly fishing. Jack shares what makes this river so special, how his late-season program came together, and why swinging flies here is unlike anywhere else. You’ll also hear tips for landing these hard-fighting rainbows and how this trip compares to his other fisheries in Washington. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/783