In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Bennett Kittleson, a 5 Rivers student whose time with the CU Fly Fishing Club has opened the door to a role with Flylords. Bennett talks about what drew him into the industry, the excitement of capturing authentic fly-fishing moments online, and the places he hopes the sport will take him next. His enthusiasm for community, storytelling, and chasing new water makes this a fun look at someone building a life around the outdoors. • Flylords internship and social media • CU Boulder Fly Fishing Club • Dry fly fishing • Colorado fly fishing • Outdoor career paths • International fly fishing aspirations
Craig Mathews has done it all - guide, author, conservationist, and one of the most respected names in modern fly fishing. Founder of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone and author of Pheasant Tail Nymph: Simplicity for the Modern Fly Fisher, Craig has built a life around clean waters and honest fly design. In this episode, we dive into his latest book, some of his trout fishing techniques, and many of his past story's from his journey!
At the 2025 Western Rendezvous, we were joined by Jason Faerman and Lincoln Key from Yakoda Supply, a proud supporter of Trout Unlimited’s 5 Rivers program. Yakoda was fired up to join the podcast and share their story! From Funky P Flies to their signature purple hip packs, Yakoda continues to stand out by doing things differently. Tune in to hear how Yakoda was born, what the name means, and how Jason and Lincoln are inspiring others to give back and keep fly fishing creative, intentional, and just a little bit funky.
Tyler is the current president of the University of Wyoming Fly Fishing Club and a lifelong lover of the great outdoors. His main passion lies in studying and protecting the lands we all cherish and recreate on. In this episode, Tyler walks us through his master’s research on biodegradable fishing products and how they fit into the fly fishing world. From durability and popularity to awareness and adoption, Tyler dove deep to explore whether and how fishing line can or should be changed for the better.
Colby Acuff is one of country music’s most inspiring new voices, breaking through with a style defined by passionate and honest songwriting. He blends his love for the outdoors with the soul of country music—whether it’s fly fishing on a quiet stream or duck hunting at sunrise, Colby’s songs create the perfect soundtrack for anyone who feels at home outside. His latest project, the YouTube series Fin and Feather, takes that connection even further. Traveling across the country, Colby shines a light on guides and natural resources that often go overlooked, celebrating not just the fish or the birds, but the people and places that make the outdoors so meaningful. Catch Colby on tour HERE Watch Fin and Feather HERE
At the 2025 western rendezvous, around 85 college students went to the Yampa river to plant trees! Listen in to learn about the event, tree planting, and some awesome conservation happening in northern Colorado!
The annual TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassadors Summit is, simply put, the greatest event a college angler can attend. This past August, eight club leaders from across the country gathered on the Wind River Reservation to celebrate the core values of 5 Rivers: community, conservation, and fly fishing. 5 rivers coordinator, and past Emerging host, Cliff Watson joins in this episode to fill us in on all the details from the 2025 summit, and share some more exciting news for the upcoming semester including merch, rendezvouses, and fundraising opportunities!
In this episode we sit down with Johann, executive director of the Indifly Foundation. Our conversation explores the incredible people, places, and potential impact that community-driven conservation holds for the world. While Johann’s work spans globally, we focused on the Wind River Reservation project and the TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassadors Summit. Please spend some time researching Indifly and consider supporting them at the links below: Indifly Instagram More!
Joe Gugino has been making his way in the fly fishing world for years. From serving on Trout Unlimited’s headwaters board to his time as Costa Sunglasses’ Community & Conservation partnership Manager, Joe’s passion for connection and sustainability runs deep. Now, he's onto his next big chapter with the launch of Agave Co, a mission-driven creative agency he co-founded alongside longtime collaborators Hannah Trotter and Matt Shilling. Together, this all-star team is helping brands in the fishing and outdoor industries align with values that matter—conservation, authenticity, and community. In this episode of Emerging, Joe gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Agave Co.’s work with clients like Colby Acuff, whose new YouTube series Fin and Feather brings storytelling and fly fishing together, and Los Locos, whose Marlin Fly Project redefines conservation-based travel. Tune in for honest reflections, good stories, and some behind the scenes stories of how these projects arise. If you’re heading to Boston and want to hook into some striped bass (or stripaahhs, as Joe would say), he also runs Fish Boston—the #1 striper charter out of Boston Harbor. Whether you are in the city Joe will come pick you up to fish. Whether at the airport, casino, or downtown, Joe's got you covered!
Cheech needs no introduction within the fly fishing community. He's a teacher, fly shop owner, personality, and great dude. We caught up at the Denver Fly Fishing Show and had a great little chat, tune it for his great fishing advise!
Kurt Upham has been mentoring host Joe Tardif for years now in all things outdoors. He's a master of ticks and mosquitos along with the dangers that come with being in the woods with them. In this episode we go over how to stay safe and knowledgeable about the dangerous critters crawling around you! In between the ticks and mosquitoes enjoy some hunting memories we've shared along the way.
From the medical industry to a fly fishing lodge, the crew at 4 Corners Lodge brings true passion to everything they do. Marvin, Arturo, and Chuck are committed to offering a unique, responsible, and stewardly experience for both their guests and the land. With offerings like tagging teams, safari-style fly fishing expeditions, and world class dining, this is more than just a lodge. It is an adventure. If you’re looking to fish Costa Rica, there is no better place to start! Instagram: @4cornerscr Website: https://4cornerscostarica.com/
Joshua and Samantha Schwartz have built a unique fly fishing experience that’s different from most. Using their passion and past experiences, the two have settled into this business and work every day to perfect their craft. Samantha runs the back-of-house operations, while Josh uses his kitchen and fishing to run the front and satisfy every guest that walks in the door. Tune in to hear about the Travel Creel product, some destination fishing tips and tricks, Josh’s French Laundry secrets, and how the couple blends hospitality, adventure, and culinary skill into every trip. Plus, don’t miss an exclusive discount only available to Emerging listeners. Find travel Creel Website: https://www.travelcreel.com/ Instagram: @Travelcreel
In this short episode, we sit down with Son Tao a true master of fly tying whose intricate work and dedication have earned him a devoted following across social media. Son shares his journey from passionate hobbyist to respected leader in the fly-tying community. He also offers valuable insights on staying confident and creative as an artist, plus a few of his favorite tips and tricks to elevate your own craft.
Joe Fitzgerald is a recent 5 Rivers alum who's had a packed year post-grad, traveling across North America filming and photographing some of the best fishing the continent has to offer. Most recently, he's been on the road with the Fly Fishing Film Tour as a content creator, documenting their long haul from stop to stop. Before that, Joe was busy working on a film called "The Kids Are Alright," which highlights the TU Costa 5 Rivers Ambassador Summit and the next generation of anglers and conservationists. In this episode, we catch up with Joe about everything he's been up to, reflect on lessons learned, and brainstorm some ideas for the future of Emerging. Also, we announce the winner of the Costa sunglasses giveaway — tune in to see if it’s you.
Made by angles, for anglers. Born in a fishing cabin in Iceland, Himbrimi Gin was first crafted to keep cold hands warm on the river. Now available in multiple countries, Himbrimi remains true to its roots donating 5% of all profits to nature conservation efforts in Iceland as "a gesture of gratitude". Once you’ve got a bottle in hand, take a look at the label decorated with trout, flies, and the iconic loon. Listen in to hear about the distillery process, the fly fishing connection, and more! Find Himbrimi here
What began as simple, raw fishing clips with “Dad” has grown into a full blown lifestyle for the Iorg family. Now traveling the country with professional filmmakers, they’re taking fly fishing to the next level- blending adventure, family, and cinematic storytelling. In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Eli, Axel, and Isla to talk fly fishing, filmmaking, and what it means to live life the way it should be. This was their first podcast appearance so there was a lot to talk about. Eli shared stories of his past fishing in Alabama, Isla shared with us how she catches all her HUGE brown trout, and Axel chimed in with some behind-the-scenes knowledge from their YouTube videos. Listen in to get a inside look at one of the most genuine and fishy family in America Instagram Youtube Family Business Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible.
In this episode of Emerging, we sit down with Ellen Bogucki—5 Rivers Club President, former Fish for Change participant, and now intern. Ellen shares powerful stories from her time with Fish for Change, an organization dedicated to uniting youth from around the world through fly fishing, conservation, and community. From unforgettable moments on the water to the lessons learned about leadership and connection, this episode explores how one program can change lives for year and years. Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible.
In this short episode of Emerging we check in with an old friend Parker Cahill who has recently dove into a new endeavor with trout unlimited. Parker Cahill is a true TU success story. From growing up in a local Trout Unlimited chapter to becoming a leader in the CSU 5 Rivers club, he’s now making an impact as a project manager in Steamboat Springs. In this short episode, we dive into Parker’s journey, his love for the outdoors, and how he landed his current role.
The mission of Casting for Recovery is to support women who have been affected by breast cancer. CFR hosts wellness retreats centered around fly fishing to help women connect with each other, with nature, and with themselves—through shared experiences that promote healing and recovery. For the second year in a row, TU Costa 5 Rivers has partnered with CFR to raise thousands of dollars in support of this mission. This episode explores some of those efforts and includes a personal perspective from CFR alumna Kara Armano. Kara Armano is a great example of what Casting for Recovery is all about. She first joined as a participant and now helps lead retreats and raise money for programs on Colorado’s Western Slope. She went through breast cancer treatment during the tough isolation of the COVID years, and the experience of connecting with others through fly fishing made a lasting impact. Her story shows just how powerful these retreats can be—for healing, for community, and for moving forward. Giving challenge! https://givebutter.com/MDGC Thank you to Trout Unlimited and Costa Sunglasses for making the Emerging Podcast and the TU Costa 5 Rivers program possible.