Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/530 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Picture an eager eight-year-old, fishing rod in hand, standing by a South Dakota pond. That was Sam, embarking on a journey that would lead to a lifelong passion for fly fishing. Now, we invite you to come along as my guest Sam shares fishing tales and tips, from the peaceful corners of Eastern Idaho to the sturdy boats of Miller Drift Boats. Our episode navigates the tranquil world of fly fishing, discussing the pursuit of quiet spots away from the crowds and the unique experiences Eastern Idaho offers. Our conversation flows into an exploration of drift boating, examining models like the Hyde Pro Series and the Montana Skiff, and discussing the durability of different materials and designs. We also share essential safety tips for drift boating, emphasizing the importance of wearing life jackets and proper anchor use. Our chat takes a detour into the local scene of Henry's Fork and the charm of the local fly shop, Jimmy's Fly Fish Food. Sam shares his personal experiences with drift boating and dives into the necessity of safety on the river, rounding off our episode. Come join us on this angling adventure, filled with stories, laughter, and invaluable tips for both newbies and seasoned fly fishers. Episode Chapters - Miller Drift Boats (0:00:05) - Fly Fishing and Miller Drift Boats Sam began fly fishing at age 8, learning to catch bluegill and watching bass eat them, and later in college discovered the art of fly fishing and caught fish after fish. (0:09:06) - Fishing Trips and Finding Quiet Spots Enjoy fly fishing, helping guests find peaceful rivers away from crowds, and sharing the joys of nature. (0:12:40) - Fishing in Eastern Idaho and Durability Miller Drift Boats and Hyde's unique boats discussed for extra effort fly fishing spots. (0:22:15) - Types of Boats and Safety Considerations Leg locks, aluminum vs. fiberglass, safety, and finding the best spot for fly fishing. (0:34:13) - Drift Boat Rowing and Safety Tips Prioritize safety when drift boating; row away from danger, avoid fast water and big rocks, and consider restrictions on teaching and guiding. (0:38:06) - Life Jackets and Anchors We discuss life jackets, anchors, NRS Matique Inflatable life jackets, and Tornado Anchors for fly fishing safety. (0:41:15) - Boat and Fishing Recommendations in East Idaho We discuss fishing opportunities on Henry's Fork, Jimmy's Fly Fish Food, Hyde Pro Series XL, Montana Skiff, and safety. (0:54:21) - Music, Podcasts, and Boat Talk Sam and I discussed river safety, boats, life jackets, anchors, and fly fishing on Henry's Fork. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/530

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/480 Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Get ready for an epic adventure at the Lodge At Palisades Creek on the South Fork of the Snake River! Justin's got an awesome story to tell—from chef to fly fishing guide to running the lodge. We find out how they won the Orvis Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year and how Orvis has supported them along the way. We explore the river's stunning five sections, each stretchin' about 12 miles. We dive into the wild world of Yellowstone cutthroat and those rowdy rainbows, causing a stir in Idaho with bounties on their heads! We've got the lowdown on the Salmon fly, Goldenstone, and Caddis fly hatches—nature's showtime! Justin also shares valuable tips for all the DIY anglers out there and discusses the importance of river etiquette. Plus, a crazy story involving Dick Cheney's bodyguards and a sketchy civilian that came so close to a river shootout! Show Notes with Justin Hays on Lodge At Palisades Creek 03:00 - Justin tells the story of how he transitioned from being a chef to being a fly fishing guide to managing a lodge. 06:50 - Justin talks about how partnering with Orvis has provided so much support to them in every aspect along the way. 08:20 - We talk about Yellowstone cutthroat decreasing in numbers and the rainbows increasing, almost being considered invasive. As a result, the Idaho Fishing Game made it legal to catch and kill rainbows, making it a controversial topic in Idaho. IFG even put a bounty on rainbows. 12:50 - We are coming to the Southfork in Fall for Euro Nymphing School with Pete Erickson. 20:20 - We had an episode about the Henry's Fork Foundation with Brandon Hoffner at WFS 414. 23:15 - Trivia: Henry's Fork was originally called the North Fork. 27:40 - They divide the river into 5 sections. Each section is roughly 12 miles long. The 1st section has 5 access points. The 2nd and 3rd sections are the Canyon sections - Justin talks about the amazing campsites in these sections and how amazing it is to fish there. The 4th section begins in the town of Ririe. Read about these sections in detail here. 35:45 - You can visit MillerDriftBoats.com to rent a raft or a drift boat. 36:15 - Stonefly hatch lasts about 2 weeks. Justin talks about the Goldenstone hatch. In the summer they have a hopper season which ends in August. He also noted the Mutant Stonefly hatch - stoneflies that can't fly. And then they have some Dunns as September progresses. 41:50 - "The trick to the Salmon fly thing is throwing a large dry fly on 2x underneath a bush or a tree and twitching out and try to mimic the real lifecycle of an adult Salmonfly...", Justin explains in detail. 46:20 - Perdigons has been a game-changer for them in the last 2 years. 48:20 - Caddis fly hatch starts in mid-October. 48:55 - Pro tip for DIY anglers: "This river empties at 5 pm. You can have that river to yourself at 5 pm and it doesn't get dark until 10 pm." 52:30 - Justin is turning 55 this year. He started fishing in the Snake River when he was about 19 years old. 55:45 - We talk about river etiquette. 1:00:50 - Justin talks about how they won Orvis Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year. 1:06:55 - We noted that video by The New Fly Fisher highlighting the Lodge At Palisades Creek. Scroll down to watch the trailer. 👇🏻 1:07:20 - Their outfitting team mainly uses ClackaCraft Drift Boats. Justin talks about how they customized their boats and their great features. 1:11:30 - Justin recommends a 9-foot 6-wt rod. 1:13:13 - Justin noted a few restaurants and places around the area that has good food. 1:14:45 - Justin talks about Dick Cheney who's also a passionate fly angler. He tells a crazy story of when Dick's bodyguard suspected a civilian of being a threat and almost got shot. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/480

#909  Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/909 Sponsors: Grand Teton, AVC Rig, TroutRoutes There's a whole world of trout food drifting beneath the surface that most anglers never fully notice. Tiny insects, short-lived hatches, and subtle movements quietly control how trout feed and where they hold. In this episode, we dig into trout food — not just what they eat, but why it matters. Because once you start noticing bugs, the river starts making a whole lot more sense. Maggie Heumann from Trout Unlimited joins me to break down aquatic entomology in a way that actually connects to your time on the water.

908 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/908 Presented by:  Golden Fly Shop, Fly Fish with me Utah, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Pescador on the Fly Do you remember when intruders took over with big profiles and tons of flash? But what if the real edge is going smaller? In this episode, we're digging into fishing smaller flies for Great Lakes steelhead and salmon, and what happens when you shift from bulk to balance and from heavy push to a more subtle presence. Alex Belonga breaks it down, from Temple Dogs to sparse hair wings, plus how presentation, movement, and fly design all play into getting more eats. 908 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/908  

#907 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/907  Presented by: TroutRoutes, Jackson Hole Fly Company Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/     What does it take to completely rethink how we carry gear on the water? In this episode, we dig into fly fishing innovation through the story of Fishpond and the mind behind it, Johnny Le Coq. From cassette tape cases to chest packs and carbon fiber nets, this one connects design, function, and purpose in a big way. We get into the early days of Fishpond, how disruption shaped the brand, and why conservation became just as important as the gear itself. Jonny also shares what he's focused on now, including a powerful citizen science movement that's giving anglers a new way to protect the waters they love. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/907      

#906  Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/906 Presented By: FishHound Expeditions, Visit Idaho, Stonefly Nets, Drifthook Fly Fishing. Fly fishing has always evolved, but some moments change everything. From bamboo to fiberglass to graphite, each shift has redefined how anglers experience the water. In this episode, Larry Kenney shares what it was like to be at the center of one of the most important transitions in fly fishing history—the move to graphite fly rods. Larry, co-founder of Scott Fly Rods, takes us through the early days of rod building, the rise of graphite innovation, and the lessons he's learned from decades in the industry. Along the way, he shares practical advice that challenges how anglers think about gear, casting, and improvement.

#904 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/904  Presented by: On DeMark Lodge We dig into what's happening on the Upper Missouri right now, from macroinvertebrate data to water management challenges. This episode with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) connects the dots between science, fishing, and long-term river health. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/904      

903 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/903 Presented by:  On DeMark Lodge In this episode, Craig and Warren break down what really matters when you're fishing the Missouri during peak dry fly season. We get into fishing the Trico hatch, how timing and rhythm often beat perfect fly choice, and what anglers miss when targeting rising fish. You'll also hear about the Missouri River Dry Fly School at On DeMark Lodge. Find out what you can expect on the water, and how to apply the techniques you'll learn there anywhere you fish. 903 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/903  

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/902 Presented By: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Mountain Waters Resort. Steelhead fishing rewards patience, repetition, and time on the water. In this episode, Dax Messett shares practical winter steelhead fishing tips on reading water, fishing near tidewater, choosing the right setup, and making better swings on coastal rivers. We also get into the lower Rogue, the Klamath, leader strength, tide influence, and how to land fish cleanly without a net.

#901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901b   Presented by: Montana Fly Fishing Lodge In this episode, Chase walks through Montana spring creek fly fishing — from the Yellowstone and Stillwater to spring creeks and the Shoshone. We dig into double-nymph rigs, streamer strategies, dry-dropper setups, and how fall fishing in Montana changes the whole game. If you're planning a Montana trip or just want to fish smarter on big western rivers, this one is packed with ideas. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901b      

901 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/901  Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Pescador on the Fly, Togiak River Lodge, Toyota Prairies In this episode, I sit down with Jim McLennan to explore Bow River fly fishing across generations. We talk about the shift from classic dry fly fishing to streamer fishing, increased boat traffic, and the challenges of managing a well-known tailwater fishery in Alberta. We also get into key hatches like golden stones, how dam operations impact river conditions, and how fly fishing techniques have evolved on the Bow River. Jim shares stories about legends like Lefty Kreh and Gary LaFontaine, along with insights from his books, including Blue Ribbon Bow.

Watch the full video:  https://wetflyswing.com/salmonflyproject Take the Angler Survey:  https://salmonflyproject.org/survey/ Support the Salmonfly Project:  https://salmonflyproject.org/donate/ In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of fly fishing: entomology, or the study of aquatic insects, and how it directly connects to success on the water. James Frakes and Jackson Birrell from the Salmonfly Project break this topic down in a way that makes it approachable, practical, and actually useful for anglers at any level. Instead of overwhelming you with scientific jargon or Latin names, they focus on what matters most: understanding bugs well enough to make better decisions when fish are feeding. Right from the start, the conversation shifts the way you think about "matching the hatch." It's not just about picking the right fly—it's about understanding timing, behavior, and movement. When you start thinking not only like a fish, but also like the bug, everything begins to click. Why Bugs Matter More Than You Think One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that bugs are not just "fish food" they are the foundation of the entire river ecosystem. Aquatic insects: Feed trout and drive feeding behavior Support birds and other wildlife Help clean and maintain healthy rivers Act as early warning signs for water quality In fact, over 70% of freshwater species are insects, which puts into perspective just how important they are. The guys emphasize that it's not just about having a lot of bugs it's about diversity. Different species hatch at different times, creating consistent feeding opportunities for trout throughout the year. Without that diversity, fishing becomes less predictable and often less productive.   The Big 3: Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies To simplify things, they focus on the three major insect groups every angler should understand: 1. Mayflies These are the classic "dry fly" bugs most anglers think of. They have a unique lifecycle that includes multiple fishable stages: Nymph Emerger Dun (adult) Spinner (final stage) Because mayflies take a long time to emerge and sit in the surface film, trout feed on them gently those classic sipping rises. A key insight:  Mayflies are often most vulnerable during emergence, making emerger and cripple patterns incredibly effective. 2. Stoneflies Stoneflies behave very differently. Instead of emerging mid-river, they: Crawl to the banks Hatch out of the water Return to lay eggs by skittering or "splatting" on the surface This creates a completely different feeding response from trout:  More aggressive, splashy eats One of the most surprising takeaways: During big hatches like salmonflies, fish may already be completely full from eating nymphs That's why sometimes fish ignore giant dry flies even when bugs are everywhere 3. Caddisflies Caddis are fast, active, and incredibly abundant. Their lifecycle includes: Larva Pupa (fast-rising stage) Adult (moth-like) Unlike mayflies, caddis emerge quickly and don't sit long on the surface. This leads to:  Faster, more aggressive trout feeding (the classic "caddis rise") A big takeaway here: Fishing wet flies or pupae is often more effective than dry flies during caddis activity Understanding Behavior Over Identification One of the most important themes in this episode is that you don't need to memorize every bug species. Instead, focus on: What type of bug it is (mayfly, stonefly, caddis) Where it lives (bottom, rocks, banks) How it moves (slow drift vs fast swim vs skitter) When it emerges If you understand those basics, you can:  Anticipate feeding behavior instead of reacting to it Hatch Timing and Strategy The episode also dives into how hatches actually happen and how to fish them. Key concepts: Hatches are driven by water temperature and seasonal timing Spinner falls are driven by air temperature Bugs emerge in predictable windows (morning, midday, evening) Some practical strategies: Fish nymphs before the hatch begins Switch to emergers right before activity Match surface patterns only when fish are clearly feeding up top They also highlight how: Cloudy, humid weather often improves mayfly fishing Sunny afternoons can be better for stoneflies Evening and even nighttime can be prime for caddis Real Science Meets Real Fishing What makes this episode stand out is how the Salmonfly Project connects science directly to angling. Their work includes: Studying insect populations Tracking environmental changes Running angler-driven data collection They explain how insects act as "canaries in the coal mine"s howing early signs of river health changes before fish populations decline. This ties into a bigger message:  Understanding bugs makes you not just a better angler—but a better steward of the river The Wild Side of Bugs This episode also mixes in some unforgettable (and slightly crazy) insights: Caddis larvae build underwater nets and fight over territory Some stoneflies live underground and show up in people's wells Mayflies have been around longer than dinosaurs Certain bugs can literally "chirp" underwater to compete These moments highlight something important:  There's an entire world happening beneath your feet that most anglers never see The Big Takeaway If there's one idea to walk away with, it's this: You don't need to know everything about bugs—  you just need to understand enough to predict what's happening. When you: Recognize the type of insect Understand its behavior Match your presentation accordingly You move from guessing…  to fishing with purpose. Final Thoughts This conversation is a reminder that fly fishing isn't just about casting or gear it's about awareness. The anglers who consistently find success aren't always using the fanciest flies—they're the ones paying attention to: What's happening in the water What stage the bugs are in How trout are responding And once you start seeing the river through that lens, everything changes.

899 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/899 Presented by: Patagonia, San Juan Rodworks, Intrepid Camp Gear Henry's Lake fly fishing has a reputation that stretches across North America. Big trout, shallow water, legendary hatches, and a history filled with anglers chasing trophy fish. In this episode, Phil Rowley sits down with Idaho native Darren Huntsman, a lifelong angler who has spent decades learning the nuances of this famous stillwater. Darren grew up fishing nearby rivers and lakes, eventually falling in love with Henry's Lake for the same reason many anglers do—the chance to chase truly big trout in a bug-rich, shallow lake that fishes differently from almost anywhere else.

Show Notes: Https://wetflyswing.com/898B Sponsor: San Juan Rodworks Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing in New Mexico offers an incredible range of water that many anglers overlook. From tiny mountain creeks hiding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the famous San Juan River tailwater, the state delivers everything from technical dry fly fishing to big trout below dams. In this episode, I sat down with Trisha Valdez to talk about growing up around the Mora River, how she found fly fishing later in life, and why local rivers often shape us more than destination trips. Trisha also shares the story behind New Mexico Lady Anglers, the community she founded to help more women get comfortable with fly fishing. We get into small-stream fishing, the San Juan River, conservation challenges, and several New Mexico trout streams worth adding to your list.

Watch the Video:  http://wetflyswing.com/steelheadbootcamp Sponsors:  https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/ In this episode, Jeff Liskay breaks down the core ideas behind successful swung-fly steelhead fishing and why so many anglers struggle with it. Instead of focusing on gear or the perfect fly, Jeff explains that success starts with understanding where steelhead actually hold in a river. He shares lessons from decades of chasing steelhead across the Great Lakes, West Coast, and beyond, emphasizing how reading water, identifying structure, and recognizing current changes are the real keys to finding fish. Anglers need to think like hunters, targeting individual holding spots and learning to interpret the subtle clues the river gives about where steelhead are likely resting or traveling. Jeff also dives into the mechanics of presentation—how casting angle, sink tips, fly depth, and swing speed determine whether your fly actually enters a steelhead's "strike window." Small adjustments in rod position, mending, and step-down pacing can keep the fly in the right zone longer and dramatically increase the odds of a grab. Throughout the masterclass, he explains how to evaluate conditions, execute a thoughtful swing, and adjust based on what the river and fish are telling you. The result is a practical framework that helps anglers move beyond random casting and start fishing each run with purpose and confidence.

897 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/897 Presented by:  Togiak River Lodge, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  In this episode, we dig into the science of a perfect fly cast with legendary casting instructor Ed Jaworowski. We talk about rod loading, loop control, timing, and the small mechanics that make a cast efficient and accurate. Ed also shares how he learned alongside Lefty Kreh, and why mastering these details can keep anglers improving for decades. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/897  

Show Notes: https://www.wetflyswing.com/896 Sponsors: Yellowstone Teton Territory - Visit Idaho  Some fly tying skills come quickly. Others only show up after thousands of flies, years behind the vise, and a lot of mistakes along the way. Proportions, thread control, and material handling are things you really can't shortcut. In this episode, I sat down with Dave Allison to talk about fly tying travel, the expo circuit across the West, and the patterns he loves tying when people sit down across the table. We also dug into the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo, one of the best tying events in the country. Dave shared some great insights into dry flies, Quigley patterns, Wally Wings, the Found Link, and the small tricks that make a big difference when you're tying or fishing these flies.

895 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/895 Presented by:  Fly Fish with me Utah, Drifthook Fly Fishing, TroutRoutes Picture this. You're in Colorado with mountains in every direction, and the South Platte running just across the road. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher from Mountain River Lodge. We talk about how this place began as a historic motor lodge and how they've upgraded it into a true base camp for anglers, hikers, hunters, and groups exploring some of the best water in the state. We also dig into the Dream Stream, Mueller State Park, shoulder seasons, and why fall in Colorado is hard to beat.  This is the home base for our upcoming Landon Mayer trip, and we still have a couple of spots open. If you're interested, send me an email and put "Landon Mayer" in the subject line, and I'll get you the details.   Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/895  

#894 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/894  Presented by: AVC Rig, Montana Fly Fishing Lodge, Fish The Fly, Patagonia Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/    Long Island fly fishing isn't the first thing most people think of when they picture New York. Traffic, skyline, beaches maybe. But tucked behind all that is a network of spring creeks, salt marshes, kettle ponds, and over a thousand miles of shoreline that most anglers never see. In this episode, I sat down with Paul McCain, owner of River Bay Outfitters — the only dedicated fly shop on Long Island. Paul's been building community, guiding anglers, and chasing everything from native brook trout to stripers for decades. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/894     

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/893B Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing doesn't fall apart because it's too difficult. It falls apart because most anglers treat it like random casting instead of controlled hunting. Too many flies. Too many casts. Not enough intention. In this first episode of Hunting with a Fly, I sat down with Joe to break fly fishing down to its core principle: approach it like a hunter. Read water like terrain. Move with purpose. Cast only when it matters. Joe's message is simple. The anglers who consistently catch fish aren't guessing — they're stalking, positioning, and presenting with intention.