Welcome to the 2024 State of the Truckee River with Travis Hawks, NDOW. We recognize that we took a bit of a break since our last podcast episode, the 2020 State of the Truckee and we wanted to kick things back off where we left off, at the 2024 State of the Truckee River installment.As you will hear in this episode. The Truckee River is fantastic shape with survey results suggesting that the river is better than it has ever by measured before. Travis' belief that the abundant winters combined with water management has contributed to the best survey results ever. He even suggests that multiple 30" brown trout exist in the Truckee River.Settle in and get ready for an in-depth conversation on all things Truckee River with Travis Hawks.For complete show notes and information/data we discussed during this recording please follow this link to the show notes.EP059: 2024 State of the Truckee River with Travis Hawks (show notes)
Welcome to season 6 of the Reno Fly Shop Podcast. We felt it fitting to start it off with the 2020 State of the Truckee River with Travis Hawks from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. This is our 6th State of the Truckee episode presenting the results of the NDOW annual sampling of the Truckee River fishery. We started these recordings (2016) in the middle of a multi year drought and as you will hear in this recording the Truckee River has made a miraculous recovery. Fish populations and composition in many locations are as good or better than ever sampled. As Travis presents, Mother Nature had a great hand in this recovery. We have been fortunate to have several average to above average winters in a row and natural runoff with reservoir releases have kept water in the river almost year around. Travis with a Truckee River Brown Trout In this year’s recording we were able to cover the 2020 sampling results rather quickly and thoroughly, which left us some time to discuss general topics of the condition in the Truckee River watershed. We dive into many topics. One being, the recent episode on this podcast that covered the USFWS efforts to recover/restore the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout into the Truckee River. Travis gets the opportunity to present his opinions on these topics and respond to several of the possible management scenarios that were presented in that episode. I have provided a button to listen to that episode here if you haven’t had the chance. EP056: Helen Neville and Mary Peacock – LCT Recovery – Challenges and Opportunities It is important to note that while Travis and I discuss our opinions of several management scenarios that were presented in Episode 56. These opinions reflect only the approach and management strategies presented for the Truckee River watershed. Management scenarios that might be challenging or problematic in a river the size of the Truckee are appropriate and can be very effective in other watersheds. We hope that care and responsible review be given to those and all fishery management options. Travis sampling the success of adaptive management strategies on the Truckee River Show Notes and Data: Salmonid Fish/Mile Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5 Average 2020 138.1 426.2 875 372 452.83 2019 1509.3 526.2 1017.75 2018 22.5 224.1 607.8 170.4 256.2 2017 5.8 75.8 78.4 86.5 61.7 2016 60.8 97.7 27.9 204.0 97.6 2013 121.0 429.0 969.8 767.9 572.0 2012 130.7 373.7 1450.3 1162.2 779.2 TRUCKEE RIVER Wild Rainbow Trout Distribution 2020 by Zone Total Rainbow Wild Rainbow Percent Wild Percent Juvenile of Wild Zone 2 21 21 100.0% 9.5% Zone 3 77 77 100.0% 31.2% Zone 4 99 98 99.0% 30.6% Zone 5 89 71 79.8% 22.5% All Zones 286 267 93.4% 27.0% EP053: Travis Hawks – 2019 State of the Truckee River EP047: Travis Hawks – 2018 State of the Truckee River EP037: Travis Hawks – 2017 State of the Truckee River EP026: Travis Hawks – 2016 State of the Truckee River Want our next Podcast, Blog Post and Fishing Report delivered to your Inbox? I agree to have my personal information transfered to MailChimp ( more information ) Finally, in celebration of starting our sixth season of the Reno Fly Shop Podcast and in a way to show our appreciation to all of the listeners we have offered a coupon code for listeners of this podcast. For on month in our online store enter HAWKS2020 at checkout and receive 10% off anything that you purchase. This will only be good for month or until we release our next episode. So have fun and we hope you enjoy these episodes.
Christmas (Kiritimati) Island has been considered one of the best flats fishing locations since it was first explored in the 1970s. It has allowed countless anglers to cut their teeth fly fishing for bonefish, trevally and triggerfish. The chance to visit this destination once is on every anglers bucket list. Imagine having the chance to fish Christmas Island, not only once, but every year for the last 20 years. And not just for a week but the entire month of January. Sound impossible? Let me introduce you to one of the nicest guys to walk the flats of Christmas Island, Rob Ramsay. Rob began fly fishing Christmas Island in the 1990s and once he wrapped his head around the fishery and the quirks that make it truly unique he began organizing trips for his friends and family. As the word quickly spread through immediate group the sphere of anglers began to increase and soon Rob had the month of January planned out. THE ULTIMATE ATOLL – Dylan Rose, Fly Water Travel Every trip that arrives into Cassidy International Airport has a person that is assigned as the host. The host typically facilitates guests preparation for the trip, their arrival and smooths wrinkles as they move through the week. The ability of a host to do this well once is commendable. To do this for 4 weeks in a row is unbelievable. To do this every year for almost years earns the unique designation of SuperHost. Click here for more info on our April 14-21, 2021 trip to Christmas Island In today’s world it is common to have the sentiment of “been there, done that” and move onto the next adventure. I find Rob’s stories and appreciation of Christmas Island so authentic that I could listen to them for hours. From his first trip and then through the years Rob allowed Christmas Island and the great people that live there touch him deeply. You will hear Rob download some amazing nuggets of info and experiences of why he has earned and wears the moniker of SuperHost. Rob recaps the history of fly fishing on Christmas Island, his own personal experiences and how he is still pushing the boundaries of what anglers experience on his trips. Rob shares his experiences of success and failure and we get to discuss some of the common myths and narratives surrounding Christmas Island and what it takes to chase the fish there with a fly rod. Having hosted trips over the past 5 years I thought I was developing a pretty good understanding of the destination. At the end of our conversation not only did I realize I, excitingly, have a long way to go to understanding Christmas Island. But this recording made me as excited to visit as I was before my very first trip. I hope you get stoked on this great saltwater destination and think hard about visiting for your first time or revisiting one of the most unique saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world. I hope you enjoy SHOW NOTES: April 14-21, 2021 Christmas Island trip hosted by Jim Litchfield and the Reno Fly Shop Tide Info for Christmas Island (spend some time with this to dial in your dates) Rob’s Bio: Born into a fishy family in the East San Francisco Bay area. Outings to family in Nevada City/Grass Valley included fishing the many forks of the Yuba River. My Grandparent visits included Clear Lake bass excursions and a Great Uncle had a cabin in the Santa Cruz Mountains that was awesome for winter steelhead on the San Lorenzo River. Keenly supported by my Father and family. I was hooked. All of this late 50’s early 60’s exposure provided a firm foundation for my love of this sport. I spent the late 60’s and early 70’s going to college in Southern Oregon and tried to talk my fiance into getting married at an old fish hatchery in the Ft. Klamath area. We ended up at Lake Tahoe. Destination travel fishing started in the early 80’s to Alaska . Late 80’s through current times added saltwater venues to most of the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and the Gulf side, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Seychelles atolls, St. Brandon’s atoll in Mauritius and my favorite Christmas Island. Alaska’s March-Oct fishing season has had me as a resident since completing my cabin in 2008. Santa Cruz Mountains and Bishop is my residence in late Fall through Winter. Small late Fall stream fishing for resident browns and Goldens can be epic . San Lorenzo River kicks into gear Dec1. Christmas Island is all of January. Feb is prep time for Alaska. ……………….repeat. New and vintage fiberglass rods have been added to my freshwater excursions over the past few years and have added another twist to this sport for me.
Dr. Helen Neville, Senior Scientist with Trout Unlimited, and Dr. Mary Peacock, professor of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, have been instrumental in the efforts to protect and recover the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout to its historic range. While both specialize in the genetic sequencing of LCT, Helen’s and Mary’s research have differed in that their recent focus has been on the stream form and lake form, respectively. Much of our conversation focuses on the Truckee River watershed and the complex issues that must be considered in the recovery of the LCT in a significantly altered landscape. This recording covers some challenging topics that are difficult to unpack. One thing that is agreed upon is that humans have significantly altered the landscape within the Truckee River watershed from its headwaters in the Sierra Nevada to the terminus in Pyramid Lake. Altered to a degree that is not recoverable. These issues are tough, complex and, at times, emotionally charged. We discuss several of the issues and some of the management scenarios the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are considering for the Truckee River. While nothing has been formally proposed or planned for implementation it is important that we stay informed and involved in the process to contribute to what the Truckee River will look like in the future. Enjoy this very informative conversation with Helen and Mary. Dr. Helen Neville, PhD., has been with Trout Unlimited since 2006, mostly recently as TU’s Senior Scientist. She received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Brown University, a Master’s degree in Ecology, Behavior and Evolution from the University of California, San Diego, and her Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno. She specializes in applying genetic tools to improve our understanding of the ecology and conservation needs of salmon and trout. She fell in love with Lahontan cutthroat trout when she had a wonderful opportunity to study them in the Marys River in eastern NV for her dissertation two decades ago, and has since maintained a focus on providing science to inform the conservation of this amazing trout. Dr. Mary Peacock, PhD., is a Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her field of research is Conservation Biology specifically Conservation Genetics primarily on desert fishes, but students and she also work on pikas, plants and amphibians. Conservation Genetics uses molecular genetic markers and techniques to identify and track individuals across space and time and examines the impact of human land use on persistence and viability of wild populations. Mary has a large research program on the federally listed Lahontan cutthroat trout that she has been working on since 1995. Her laboratory is involved in the genetic monitoring of wild populations as well as the Pilot Peak strain that is currently being raised at the USFWS Lahontan National Fish Hatchery. The Pilot Peak strain was native to Pyramid Lake and Lake Tahoe prior to the loss of these populations in the 1940s, but was rediscovered and brought into hatchery production for restoration into its historic lake habitat. Show Notes: Historic maximum limit of Lake Lahontan Lahontan Cutthroat Trout (sources USFWS) Research by Helen Neville and Mary Peacock The Lahontan Basin Evolutionary Lineage of Cutthroat Trout Return of a giant: DNA from archival museum samples helps to identify a unique cutthroat trout lineage formerly thought to be extinct Monitoring Demographic and Genetic Responses of a Threatened Inland Trout to Habitat Reconnection [optinform]
"The biggest surprise for the new carp angler is that carp don't always live in ugly places." - John Bartlett, @johnmontanacarp 16 years ago, John Bartlett started to chase carp on the fly… As a lifelong trout angler, John grew up using light rods and fine tippet around Montana and the Pacific Northwest but as things began to evolve in his life he had to adapt if he was going to get to fly fish. He began to explore and establish an option for fly fishing closer to home to allow spending time with his growing family. Today, he still chases the occasional trout and goes on annual trips to the Louisiana coast for red fish and black drum, but the fishery he found close to home 16 years ago occupies the majority of his fly fishing adventures. Check out our article on Tips and Tricks for Carp on the Fly (by clicking the image) As you will hear John explain, carp at first simply satisfied the craving of catching fish on a fly, but as John became more experienced and adept at finding larger fish he began to truly appreciate the challenge, nuance and the details of what it takes to catch a trophy carp on a fly rod. John’s willingness to share this experience has led to a strong reputation in the Carp community and a social media presence. In this recording John shares some of this hard earned experience, as well as, his 4 rules to catch carp on the fly. John's The Hybrid Fly Pattern He takes the time to explain how carp’s adaptability to habitat and their environment have allowed for a vast global distribution are why carp are now one of the most popular game fish in the world. He believes that there is likely a carp within a mile of where most listeners are enjoying this episode. And from this experience John shares that where there is a carp there is a carp to be caught. When not chasing carp you might find John playing pickleball with his wife and enjoying time with family around his home state of Oregon. I hope you have some fun with this informative conversation with one of the most experienced carp fly fisherman out there. Show Notes: Finding John on Instagram @johnmontanacarp John's 4 Rules for Carp on the Fly Know the local carp forage. Don't cast until you can see their head. You have to make the carp move to your fly. To catch more carp, cast less often. European carp fishing techniques in America Wiki - Carp Fishing Fly Fishing for Carp in Lake Michigan Fly Fishing for Carp on the Columbia River, Oregon
Today’s podcast episode is one that I have thought about doing for a while. It finally came down to the 1,000th time I heard shop staff stress to a customer how important a fly line is to overall casting performance that I went ahead and recorded this episode with Brad Befus, the president of Scientific Anglers. If you have spent any time here in the shop you will undoubtedly heard us stress the importance of considering the line when purchasing a new rod/reel setup. It is the component part that most likely is the least expensive in the whole rig and/but will have the greatest single impact on overall performance. Everyday shop staff stress to customers the importance of understanding what and where you will fish most often and steer you to a fly line that will fit the most likely scenarios and your intended purpose. Temperature, casting styles, fly size and weight all play into the selection and as you will hear from Brad in this episode it is easy and important to arrive at the right line for your needs. This conversation starts with getting to know Brad’s background and history and then quickly gets into the nuts and bolts of what makes a fly line perform and how listeners can better understand how they will impact your cast. A highlight for me in this recording is when Brad breaks down each component part of a fly line’s geometry and how it contributes to overall casting performance. Brad Befus has been flyfishing and fly tying for more than 35 years. He has spent his life in the fly fishing industry as a fly shop employee/owner, destination host, fly tyer, author, most recently as a manufacturer’s Sales Director for nearly two decades. He is an accomplished freshwater and saltwater angler who holds several I.G.F.A. flyrod world records and has fished many destinations worldwide. Brad is an innovative fly tier with many of his patterns being produced and sold by Umpqua Feather Merchants through their “Fly Designer Program”. His flies have appeared in books and articles, as well as the University of Idaho Prichards Art Gallery and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. Brad is the co-author of “Carp on the Fly” a flyrodders guide to carp and “Basic Techniques for Successful Fly Tying”. He has contributed articles and images to many of the flyfishing periodicals. Brad currently resides in Midland, Michigan with his wife Lisa and their four children where he is the President of Scientific Anglers.
"It is amazing how the Truckee River has responded since 2015 in its recovery from damaging drought. Now in 2019 we are at or near top conditions ever recorded." -Travis Hawks, Senior Fishery Biologist, NDOW Five years ago Travis Hawks and I got together to catch up and discuss how the Truckee River was faring in the middle of one of the worst droughts ever witnessed. Travis and I have known each other for years and as a result we could be candid and open about what Travis observed during NDOW’s annual Fall biological sampling. In 2015 Travis’ data demonstrated that there were entire sections of the Truckee River seemingly devoid of fish. For that matter, there was a good part of 2015 when there were entire sections Truckee River that were devoid of WATER… That conversation wasn’t very upbeat. Coincidentally, 2015 was also the year that I started this podcast and while our chat was less than cheery it was really good information and I felt it would make a good episode. Never quite knowing how content will be recei ved, I was surprised by the response. Feedback was completely opposite of the data that year. People listened, shared, cared and gave us feedback. This response reinforced, to Travis and I, that we were not alone in being concerned for this great fishery and that many of us collectively wished for the end to the drought. Fortuitously that was the bottom of the barrel in terms of the drought and it started the Truckee River’s recovery to what is now probably the best biologic condition every measured. So here we are in 2019, recording our fifth State of the Truckee River and the Truckee River couldn’t be more different than it was in 2015. Sections that in 2015 were devoid of fish have over 1,000 fish per mile and an amazing population of wild trout in self sustaining populations. So while not quite yet a tradition Travis and I do look forward to recording these episodes each year. I hope that you have had the chance to listen to the previous ones and can celebrate the condition our beloved Truckee River is in right now. In today’s episode, like previous episodes, Travis covers the Truckee River reach-by-reach and reviews the results of the NDOW Fall biologic surveys. This covers the Truckee River from the California/Nevada state line downstream to the reservation boundary. As I have shared in previous episodes with Travis, I really appreciate Travis’ time and effort to prepare and share this information. I am not sure there is another wildlife agency that is so transparent and forthcoming with their collected data. I believe this transparency reinforces that NDOW cares and is taking proactive steps to manage, protect and enhance the Truckee River and it’s fishery. So settle in and get ready for a great episode, jam packed with data and discussion on our great Truckee River. 2019-2020 Nevada Fishing Regulations Nevada Dept. of Wildlife Volunteer Opportunities Previous episodes of the State of the Truckee River with Travis Hawks 2015 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST 2016 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST 2017 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST 2018 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST
"When creating GOOD content you can not plan too much” -Gilbert Rowley Hey everyone, welcome to the Reno Fly Shop Podcast. I am excited to bring you these episodes to keep you informed on what is happening in the fly fishing world and to introduce you to the people that are creating positive impacts and steering it forward. While fly fishing is romantically interative and experiential. Most of our world is digital from this audio podcast to email to YouTube and much of the information we get about fly fishing when we aren’t on the water is from this digital world. We have the opportunity like never before to consume information and content (good and bad) like we are drinking from a firehose. That is why I jumped at the opportunity to sit down with today’s guest, Gilbert Rowley. Gilbert’s entry into fly fishing followed a somewhat traditional trajectory. Angler, competitive angler and guide. Along this path, like many of us, Gilbert began to take pictures to document his experiences. The same camera that he used for pictures he began to record video. These videos went from days on the water to YouTube tying tutorials. As his interest and skills developed Gilbert expanded his focus and now, I believe, is one of the leaders in creation of fly fishing videos content we get to enjoy. His portfolio expanded into to full feature length instructional videos, Modern Nymphing and Modern Nymphing Elevated, that have literally changed the game for many of us and opened our eyes to the tactics and techniques of European style nymphing Gilbert, ever busy, hasn’t stopped there. He is an annual contributor to the IF4 world tour and is the co-director/creator/talent for the super fun Buffet Series on YouTube. You will hear Gilbert’s perspective on what he feel goes into good and great video content. He gives us amateurs an idea on how to plan, create and shoot good video for social media and online platforms. He also shares the responsibility he feels to protect, conserve and have sensitivity for the places, wildlife and people he includes in his productions. I took a lot away from our conversation together. I hope you enjoy this discussion with Gilbert Rowley. Show Notes: Here are links to the different edits/films Gilbert and I spoke about quite a bit. Bio: Gilbert Rowley is a professional filmmaker that specializes in the fly fishing industry, and is the owner of Capture Adventure Media. Among his accomplishments in film production include five official selections into the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (2016 through 2019), and the recent critically acclaimed instructional films Modern Nymphing and Modern Nymphing Elevated. Last year his conservation-minded adventure film Confluentus won “Best Freshwater Fishing Video” in the 2018 Drake Magazine Fly Fishing Video Awards. Additionally in 2018 & 2019 Gilbert worked as the Director of Photography for Fly Fusion Magazine while continuing to grow his own production company. Capture Adventure Media has continued to find success in the outdoor industry and has done work for many of the industries largest companies and personalities. Outside of filmmaking Gilbert graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelors Degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Science, and has continued to promote conservation and wise stewardship practices with his various films and fishing adventures. In addition to this adventurous lifestyle, his most cherished time comes while being with his wife and four children.
I feel the most grounded and at the most peace when I am on the water.” -Capt. Chuck Ragan I am excited to bring you today's guest, Chuck Ragan. It was difficult to find time to sit with Chuck due to his very busy schedule as a fly fishing guide and professional musician. As we tried to put this episode together we traded many phone and text messages. It was always fun to find out where he was at the time and the spots varied from Europe, Asia to all over the U.S as he was touring with his band Hot Water Music. We didn’t give up and when we did get together to record this episode Chuck was comfortably sitting on his front porch in Grass Valley, California with his family nearby. Chuck spends a lot of time guiding anglers on Central Valley rivers, lakes and reservoirs and the California Delta. In these fisheries he will chase bass, striper, shad, trout and steelhead. When not on the water Chuck is out touring with his band Hot Water Music currently celebrating their 25th anniversary world tour. In this episode we cover Chuck’s background in fly fishing, music and how he spends his time both on and off of the water. You will become acutely aware of is interest and commitment to Cast Hope a non-profit organization that puts kids on the water fly fishing with guides all over the state of California. I hope you enjoy this episode. Show Notes: Chuck Ragan Fly Fishing: Chuck’s guide service focuses on Sacramento Valley Rivers, lakes and reservoirs in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Range and The California Delta chasing bass, striper, shad, trout and steelhead. Contact him today at crflyfishing@gmail.com Cast Hope: Cast Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization looking to provide kids with the gift of the outdoors. As an organization it is our desire to bring kids and mentors together outside through the sport of fly fishing. California Bass Union: CBU is a collaboration of Guides and Anglers working together to Develop, Share, and Grow fly fishing for bass species year-round in the State of California.
We are excited to introduce you to today’s episode which is the first installment of a new series we are presenting in partnership with Fly Water Travel. We will feature a new destination every few months for the next year. During each episode we will present information and exciting details about fly fishing destinations around the world by chatting with the guides and outfitters that make these trips possible. We will introduce you to world famous destinations in freshwater and saltwater, domestic and international. We hope to pull back the curtain by sitting with the colorful people that make these fly fishing destinations possible for all of us. I hope you enjoy and take some time to check out the show notes at renoflyshop.com and learn about more about these amazing destinations. Today’s guests are David and Dillon Renton that make up half of the Renton River Adventures. Renton River Adventures is a family run, fly-fishing outfitter based out of Bend, Oregon. David and Debbie Renton, along with their sons Dillon and Knut, make up the team and work together throughout the year to provide you many different fly-fishing opportunities and destinations. In this episode I got to chat with David and Dillon about their history of living, fly fishing and guiding the Deschutes River. You will hear their passion and appreciation in the voices and stories of this famous river. They breakdown the seasons on the lower Deschutes. Where they describe how you can chase rainbow trout all summer starting with huge Salmonflies on the surface in May and June, into July when summer hatches make great trout fishing throughout the long warm days. In mid July the anadromous summer Steelhead begin to move into the system from the Columbia River and swinging flies with two handers can provide absolutely life changing experiences with a fly rod. Click here to Find more about Booking a float trip with the Renton’s this summer on the Lower Deschutes River Combine great fishing with first class camping and the chance to sleep under starry summer skies and you have the chance to make lifelong memories. I hope you enjoy this conversation with David and Dillon Renton and take a hard look at your calendar and find a time to book a Deschutes River trip this summer. There is a link in today’s show notes that will help you find out more information about floating the Deschutes with David and Dillon. Follow the link to a great summer trip on the lower Deschutes with the Renton Family. Click here to Find more about Booking a float trip with the Renton’s this summer on the Lower Deschutes River Ways to contact David and Dillon Renton and the Renton River Adventures Facebook: Renton River Adventures Instagram: Dillon and David Renton Website: Renton River Adventures To book a trip this summer: Lower Deschutes River Float Trips Renton River Adventures operates fly-fishing float trips on the Lower Deschutes under a special use permit issued by the BLM.
Look before you step. Look before you fish.” – Landon Mayer, Mastering the Short Game Today's guest, Landon Mayer, like many successful people, is many things all at once. He is a guide, an author, fly designer, he is a film maker, and a loving committed husband and parent. And like many successful people this hectic schedule fuels his desire to create than to consume. He doesn’t have to move about the country presenting and instructing at shows and to clubs on fly fishing and fly tying. Nor does he have to travel around the world to create a new instructional video, magazine article or book for us to enjoy. But we are lucky and better anglers because he does. It helps that Landon is gifted with what seems like an endless energy source and a burning curiosity to make himself and everyone around him better at what they are doing. One of Landon’s recent projects was to create a video for novice and expert fly anglers called Mastering the Short Game. This video pulls back the curtain on years of his experience guiding clients and fly fishing around the world. Landon strongly believes that the majority of trout that you will catch will be within 20’ of you. And with the right approach and tactics you will begin to put more numbers and bigger fish into the net. Landon and his team have put together amazing content and information for us to appreciate this successful approach. You will begin to understand things that you might have been exposed to but lacked the context of fully grasping. This video will break these concepts down in a way that you will most likely, like many of us, want to watch over and over. In this episode Landon and I are able to breakdown many of the topics that he presents in Mastering the Short Game and how these can work on some your local water. We also get to discuss his perspective on Pyramid Lake and why he feels it is such and amazing opportunity to catch a trophy trout. As always please leave any comments or questions you have on our social media platforms. We will read and respond to every one of them. Show Notes: Purchase your own copy of the video Mastering the Short Game from renoflyshop.com by clicking this link Contact info or ways to follow Landon: Email: landonmayerflyfishing.com Website: Landon Mayer Fly Fishing . com Instagram: @landonmayerflyfishing Facebook: Landon Mayer Another of Landon’s recent projects that we discuss is the book The Hunt for Giant Trout: 25 Best Places to Catch a Trophy. Pick up your copy here.
Can a fish change an anglers life? In December 2012, in a Louisiana swamp, a Redfish changed Meredith McCord’s. That day, Meredith broke an IGFA World Record for 16 pound tippet, with landing a 32.6 pound Redfish (Red Drum). What Meredith didn’t fully comprehend at the time was that this fish would be the start of her being thrown into the fly fishing world as an television celebrity, iconic angler, adventurer and world record pursuer. That fish was the first of what has now become over 160 world records and counting. Meredith’s world record pursuits have taken her around the world and established her as an ambassador of fly fishing. Her contribution to fly fishing has not stopped at world records. She has hosted television shows with Lefty Kreh and Tom Brokaw. She has brought guests to international destinations around the globe and has become an ambassador to some of the largest manufactures in fly fishing today. And through all of this she hasn’t lost a bit of her enthusiasm and appreciation of fly fishing. During this episode you can hear her excitement and pure joy to what she gets to do. Her pursuit of world records has not been an isolated selfish pursuit for self promotion but an opportunity to grow within the sport and within herself to become a better angler and better person. During this recording Meredith shares how she physically, mentally and technically prepares to catch a world record and how best to document the catch to submit to IGFA for consideration as a new world record. She discusses “soft records” and how she thinks some of the records at Pyramid Lake are ripe for picking off and she is looking forward to giving it a go herself at Pyramid Lake. I hope you enjoy this wide ranging discussion with Meredith McCord. Show Notes: International Game Fish Association IGFA World Records Rules IGFA Fly Fishing specific information rules A list of IGFA World Records for Cutthroat trout Here is an instructional video on how to tie up your own IGFA leader Contact info for Meredith McCord www.meredithmccord.com Meredith’s email address Meredith on Instagram Meredith on Facebook
"In 2018 the USFWS stocked 36,000 LCT and NDOW stocked 5,000 Rainbow Trout. Of the 747 sampled salmonids in the 2018 Fall Survey only 6 were hatchery trout." -Travis Hawks, Fishery Biologist, Nevada Department of Wildlife It is amazing that this is the 4th annual episode of the State of the Truckee River with NDOW Fishery Biologist, Travis Hawks. As you will hear in today's episode the Truckee River has made quite a recovery from those years following prolonged drought and now things are looking much better than Travis shared in our first couple of episodes. In today's episode, like previous episodes, Travis covers the Truckee River reach-by-reach and reviews the results of the NDOW Fall biologic surveys. This covers the Truckee River from the California/Nevada state boundary downstream to the reservation boundary. You will hear Travis discuss the river's response far exceeding his expectations with the concentrations and distribution of all the different salmonid species. Brown Trout were the stars of the 2018 class with an amazing jump in total populations. Travis believes this is in large part due to great Fall water conditions the last two years. As I have shared in previous episodes with Travis I can't express enough my appreciation for his time and effort to prepare and share this information. I am not sure there is another wildlife agency that is so transparent and forthcoming with their information. What this means for us is that we can be assured that NDOW cares and is taking proactive steps to manage, protect and enhance the Truckee River and it's fishery. So settle in and get ready for a great episode, jam packed with data and discussion on our great Truckee River. 2015 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST 2016 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST 2017 STATE OF THE TRUCKEE RIVER PODCAST
"Fly presentation trumps fly selection everytime" - Phil Rowley Get ready for our first Reno Fly Shop Podcast Classic. A couple of years ago I recorded and released an episode with Canadian stillwater expert Phil Rowley. I had the chance to chat with Phil about the history of balanced flies and his contribution to the evolution of one of the fly patterns that has turned a new page in fly fishing stillwaters. Additionally Phil shares how to fish Booby flies and when and why he thinks these are such a killer pattern. You will hear Phil share how he most often sets up his leader rigs and then generously offer up the leader formula that he has fine tuned to fishing stillwaters under an indicator, without an indicator and the really creative formula "the Washing Line" setup. These leaders can be used for Chironomids, Balanced flies and Booby Flies (even in combination). The Balanced Leech and Booby Fly weren't developed at Pyramid Lake but since their introductions there a few years ago they have been two of the most popular and effective patterns for huge Lahonton Cutthroat Trout. These are consistently two of the most popular Pyramid Lake patterns every year at the Reno Fly Shop. As we discuss in this podcast the Balanced Leech's effectiveness is that it can be delivered and held right in the strike zone for cruising trout. Add in some (often present) wind chop and waves to create movement under an indicator and you are offering a fly that the fish simply can't ignore. If you end up fishing a balanced fly in a multi fly rig we suggest that the balanced leech be at the terminal end of the leader. This will allow the fly to suspend in the intended horizontal position. The Booby Fly is a UK stillwater pattern that really has to be fished to be appreciated. Best described as an attractor pattern it certainly doesn't look like any naturally occurring in nature. But honestly who cares when this fly works so well. We have the widest selection of Booby Fly variations available anywhere at the Reno Fly Shop. Check out all of the available Booby Flies in our online store. Make a point of visiting or following Phil on-line at, www.flycraftangling.com or www.stillwaterflyfishingstore.com and through his social media channels, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
"The ocean is in my DNA and sets the rhythm of my life." -Conway Bowman Today’s guest, Captain Conway Bowman, can best be described as a Waterman. A person whose life is heavily influenced and actually defined by water and watery environments. He fly fishes, surfs, spearfishes, body surfs and let's his life be defined by the rhythm of the ocean. Conway grew up in San Diego, California and was enjoying the outdoors with his father and family at a very young age. His family would vacation in central Idaho and that is where Conway was first exposed to fly fishing. Young Conway brought that experience back to San Diego and being far from any trout fishery focussed his attention on the ocean which was just outside his backdoor. This attention to the Ocean and flyfishing began to define who and what Conway is. About 20 years ago he was able to focus his lifelong interests in the Ocean and fly fishing into chasing Mako Shark on the fly. Now, 20 years later he is still chasing Mako, guiding and putting clients on the largest fish they have ever caught and in this process often changing their lives. I had the chance to fish with Conway in July 2018 and it was unlike any fly fishing exerience I have had before. I believe fly fishing for Mako Shark with Conway can best be desribed as being Mellow and Intense at the same time. Our day fishing with Conway was just three of us on the water in his 24 foot bay boat and surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean. Time went by as we drifted in current and spread the chum slick which acted as a dinner bell for the Ocean life. As we settled in we saw blue whale, sea birds, jellyfish, Bonita and Yellowfin Tuna, alone, well worth the effort to be on the water. However, soon the shark show up and we got ready to have our shot. Things at this point for us were still on the Mellow side of the scale. Conway's demeanor and personality suggested that we didn’'t need to rush or move fast while picking up the 14 weight fly rod and casting what looked like a feathery wet sock at a 100 pound Mako Shark. Not until the Mako circled, charged, dove and then ambushed the fly from below did the scale quickly tip to Intense . And then it got really intense really fast. Mako Shark are known for going absolutely berzerk when hooked and it is not uncommon to have them jump 10, 20 even 30 feet out of the water. This is not a jump out of the water and flop onto their side sort of behavior. This is the launching out of water like a ballistic missile then flipping head over tail before landing. In today's episode Conway and I get to recap our day fishing together and dive much deeper into what makes Conway tick. How he describes himself as having the Ocean be part of his DNA and that the rhythm of it defines the rhythm of his life. We also discuss Mako Shark and what makes them a unique fish at-large and what makes them special to chase on a fly rod. I hope you enjoy. Contacting Conway Bowman: Conway's website: www.conwaybowman.com Conway on Instagram Conway on Facebook
"Once you can commit to learning the stillwater game it can be as rewarding as learning any other type of fly fishing technique. Plus you can often find water uncrowded with great fly fishing conditions." -Devin Olsen As promised during Episode 41. We sat down again with Devin Olsen and this time got the chance to dive into some topics that might be out of the range of what you think of when you think of Devin. Specifically fly fishing lakes and stillwater. Devin Olsen - source: tacticalflyfisher.com While Devin, might best be known for his popular films Modern Nymphing -Euro Inspired Techniques and Modern Nymphing - Elevated where he and his partner Lance Egan breakdown european style nymphing techniques on moving water. Devin also fishes lakes and stillwaters with passion and enthusiasm that I surprised me. During this recording I found it interesting that when Devin is out on his own he will choose to fish a lake before moving water. This is largely driven by the challenge fly fishing lake provides but also because of uncrowded water and really big fish. Like many of us Devin didn't start out fly fishing lakes but began to spend more time on stillwater through his exposure and desire to do well at fly fishing competitions. As his experience grew he began to grow and learn many of the nuances of effectively fly fishing lakes. This appreciatiation and confidence developed into where he now spends as much time, if not more, on stillwater as moving water. High Alpine Lakes are a great alternative to crowded summer rivers Lakes and reservoirs are just about everywhere and during late Summer and into Fall they offer great alternatives to crowded rivers and streams. It was great to hear many of the great tactics Devin has developed are so translatable to others waters. As you will hear Devin express over and over. If you commit to developing stillwater experience and tactics you will most likely begin to appreciate and often prefer the many facets of flyfishing lakes. Devin's committment pays off. source: tacticalflyfisher.com Devin covers both Loch and Bankside styles and how he is approaches them differently. Devin strongly believes suggestive fly patterns are consistently more effective than imitative patterns and that the Humungous is a great fly to search unfamiliar waters. Humongous Fly Pattern This pattern that has very similar to characteristics to a pattern that was developed by a great regional fly fisher, Jay Fair. The Wiggle Tail has caught many eastern sierra trout. Jay Fair's Wiggle Tail At the time of this recording Devin was preparing for representing the USA at the Fly Fishing World Championships in Trentino Italy. The lake portion of this competition will be Cornisello Lake. As Devin explains this will be a very important part of the competition and where he hopes Team USA will make theie presence known. It is limited to a bankside venue and Devin shares what might be his best approach to a lake he has not been able to find too much about. Cornisello Lake, Italy Contact info for Devin Olsen Devin's email : info@tacticalflyfisher.com Instagram: @tacticalflyfisher Facebook: @tacticalflyfisher and @DevinOlsen Website: www.tacticalflyfisher.com Music generously provided by: Frog and Toad - frogandtoadmusic.com Song: Fullers Crossing off of the self-titled album Frog and Toad - Brad Jones wrote this song about a log toll bridge over the Truckee River built by Charles Fuller, in 1859. The bridge's location eventually became a community hub and commercial center for the surrounding area. The City of Reno was founded around the bridge's location in 1868.
"Work hard, have humility and appreciate what you learn." -Jeff Currier Golden Maseer, India Jeff Currier has been fly fishing the world for over forty years. Jeff's adventures to more than sixty countries on six continents has resulted in more than 400 species of fish caught on a fly. This is an amazing feat by any standard and one that would be tough to match unless one would be willing to dedicate their life to fly fishing and adventure travel as Jeff has. How does he do it? Rather simple if you listen closely to Jeff. Bring a sense of humor, enthusiasm, humility and plenty of curiousity and the rest will fall into place. Golden Dorado, Tsimane, Bolivia Along the way, Jeff has been in the fly fishing industry for over thirty years. He began behind the counter at a fly shop in Jackson, Wyoming. He has taught the basics of fly fishing and guided anglers all over the Yellowstone area and throughout the world in both fresh and saltwater. He is presently on the Professional Advisory Staff for R.L Winston Rod Co., Bauer Reels, Simms Fishing Products, Scientific Anglers, Costa, Yeti, Kate's Real Food, and Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures. Jeff has met thousands of anglers from novice to advanced. His greatest joy is to help folks catch fish by supplying simple advice. Wyoming Brown Trout Show Notes: Jeff shared that St. Brandon's Atoll is the antipode of his hometown, Victor Idaho. Do you know where your hometowns antipode is? Check out antipodesmap.com Jeff's Yellow Permit from St. Brandon's Jeff's article on Self Promotion (source: JeffCurrier.com) Nile Perch (source: jeffcurrier.com) Nile Perch, Lake Nasser Egypt, April 2007 Scientific Anglers Titan Taper SA has designed the Wavelength Titan for when you have an all-encompassing need to throw big flies for big fish. Loads quickly and delivers the biggest flies to the furthest targets Excellent turnover due to short, powerful head and short front taper Ideal line for boat or wade fishing Textured surface shoots further and with less memory For temperate climates Braided multifilament core SA Titan Taper geometry Music generously provided by: Frog and Toad frogandtoadmusic.com Song: Fullers Crossing off of the self-titled album Frog and Toad - Brad Jones wrote this song about a log toll bridge over the Truckee River built by Charles Fuller, in 1859. The bridge's location eventually became a community hub and commercial center for the surrounding area. The City of Reno was founded around the bridge's location in 1868. The Reno Fly Shop is less that 1/2 mile from the bridge's original location.
"I love the fact that I can go out and learn something new each and every time on the water" -Ernie Gulley Today's guest is a stillwater icon of the eastern Sierra and a master of Crowley Lake. Ernie Gulley has been fishing and now guiding Crowley Lake for many many years. His enthusiasm, committment and generosity to share his knowledge and tradecraft is unique and refreshing in a popular fishery like Crowley Lake. We cover everything from the seasonal changes of Crowley to the trouts food source and how he has applied his vast knowledge of that fishery to other stillwaters like Pyramid Lake and Lake Davis. source: http://stevenojai.tripod.com/crowley.htm Ernie was born in southern California, and started fishing with his Dad as soon as he could walk. At age seven, Ernie and his family moved to New Orleans where he learned how to fish Lake Pontchartrain for speckled trout and other saltwater species. Later he moved back to SoCal and began fishing Lake Crowley, Bridgeport Reservoir and many lakes in Utah, Idaho and Nevada. (Ernie currently resides in Riverside with his wife Shannon and their two children, Logan, age 13 and Aidan, age 10.) Ernie and his wife In 1997, Ernie’s curiosity about fly fishing began and a true love affair was born. This love affair blossomed and he never looked back. Ernie was mentored by Bob Slamal, one of Ernie’s legends in the fly fishing industry, and he also joined many local fly fishing clubs to learn as much as he could about fly fishing. In 2007, Ernie won the “Double Haul in the Fall” tournament at Lake Crowley, now his home waters for guiding; this is where he has won both individual and team division titles. Happy Client and a Rainbow Ernie is currently a professional fly fishing guide in southern California and the eastern Sierra and is known as one of the Sierra’s premier stillwater guides. Even when he is finished guiding for the day, you will find him back out on the water until sunset, always exploring, testing, observing, analyzing and putting in the extra time and effort to master his craft. His philosophy is simple: you can always learn something new every time you are on the water. Happy Client and a Cutthroat Ernie is a “Pro Ambassador” for the Hardy Fly Fishing Company and the Cortland Line Company, among others. He takes great pride in sharing his knowledge of fly fishing and his great passion is teaching stillwater fly fishing tactics. You can learn more about Ernie and his guiding by going to: Website: www.erniegulley.com Instagram: @erniegulleyflyfishing Twitter: @erniegulley Facebook: Ernie Gulley and Ernie Gulley Fly Fishing Guide Service Email: erniegulleyflyfishing@aol.com Show Notes: This is episode is packed full of information that Ernie generously shares. As we covered in the episode Ernie was willing to share his leader setups that he uses with his clients and from paid speaking engagements around the western U.S. Please take a look and if you are interested enough to download for your use please thank Ernie directly and let him know where you picked up these diagrams. Knowing the life cycle of the insects you use while fly fishing is not only enjoyable but can help you make a choice on fly, location and depth to fish. Here is a great graphic outlining the life cycle of Chironomid (midge). Music generously provided by: Frog and Toad - frogandtoadmusic.com Song: Fullers Crossing off of the self-titled album Frog and Toad - Brad Jones wrote this song about a log toll bridge over the Truckee River built by Charles Fuller, in 1859. The bridge's location eventually became a community hub and commercial center for the surrounding area. The City of Reno was founded around the bridge's location in 1868.
"To really understand Euro Style Nymphing the angler has to dive in and believe it will work." -Devin Olsen After a bit of a break it is exciting to be back in the saddle and putting out podcast episodes for your enjoyment. During this break we have been very busy around the shop supporting many of your adventures on the water and working on some new and exciting projects that we will get to announce soon. Here at the Reno Fly Shop we have fully embraced the technical approach of European Style Nymphing (ESN) for fly fishing our local rivers. It is an amazing techique that really allows us to have a level of sensitivity with our flies that we haven't been able to find with other techniques. Plus advancements and availability of good quality gear that before often had to be chased down from European sources is making it that much more enjoyable and accessible. We are also really lucky that experts in ESN are willing to share their experience, knowledge and passion to better understand the many variables and nuances of this effective technique. In today's episode I had the chance to sit down with Devin Olsen. Devin is the co-producer and co-host of Modern Nymphing, Elevated the much anticipated sequel to the very popular movie Modern Nymphing, European Inspired Techniques. Devin also runs tacticalflyfisher.com which has become an important source of ESN inspired gear and equipment for the competitive angler. Devin, much like his partner and previous podcast guest Lance Egan (Episode 27), shares information without hesitation. In this recording we get to really dig into the weeds on many of the tactics and techniques I have wondered about. Plus through this wide ranging conversation we cover reading water, hiding from trout using natural features, fly selection, when and when not to use it added weight, and squeezing the most fish out of each section of water. We covered so much ground and spent so much time working through details we lost track of time. Not wanting to make these episodes too long. I asked and Devin generously agreed to come back for a second episode later this summer. Devin will squeeze us in between his summer guide season, U.S. Team Trials and hopefully representing the U.S.A at the next World Championship in Trentino, Italy on the Sarca and Noce Rivers and Cornisello Lake. I hope you enjoy this wide ranging conversation with Devin and take a moment to check us out on Facebook at the Reno Fly Shop Podcast Group. There you will find more discussions of this and other episodes. In the group later this summer I will open the opportunity for you to submit questions to Devin and or myself prior getting back together so we can get them answered while recording the next episode. Please check it out and provide any feedback or questions in the Facebook group. SHOW NOTES Devin's blog post ROD LENGTH AND REACH: A TRIGONOMETRY PERSPECTIVE from tacticalflyfisher.com DVDs of Modern Nymphing, European Inspired Techniques are available in the shop now and DVD copies of Modern Nymphing - Elevated will be available soon. Both are available digitally on Vimeo with these links Modern Nymphing -European Inspired Techniques Modern Nymphing - Elevated ESN inspired episodes on the Reno Fly Shop Podcast EP018: George Daniel - Dynamic Nymphing Techniques, Approach and Equipment EP027: Lance Egan - European Style Nymphing, The Rainbow Warrior and Modern Nymphing EP036: George Daniel - Stream Tactics, Techniques and Blanding Styles to Catch More Trout Modern Nymphing Elevated - Beyond the Basics from Capture Adventure Media on Vimeo. Producers of the Modern Nymphing film series: Devin Olsen Lance Egan Gilber Rowley
"I get a special satisfaction out of creating a fly, fishing it and finding out it works really well." -Ken Morrish Today’s guest, Ken Morrish, has wored within the fly fishing industry for the past 30 years and has contributed more than we might ever fully undestand. Kenny has designed many functional and effective fly patterns for trout and steelhead and his photographic contributions have inspired not only fly fisherman but non anglers as well. Kenny started out as guide in Alaska, Oregon, and California and has, quite simply, done it all. He has taught fly fishing, managed fly shops, and is widely known as a fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants. He has come up with patterns like the Morrish Hopper, the Morrish Mouse and the Anato-May amongst many others. Kenny’s writing and photography has appeared in magazines like Outside, Fly Fisherman, Fly Rod and Reel and Northwest Fly Fishing and many other popular publications. Ken’s images have also appeared in dozens of books including Lani Waller’s A Steelheader’s Way. In 1999 Ken started Fly Water Travel, a fly fishing travel company specializing in international angling destinations. Ken runs the company with his business partner Brian Gies and serves as their, primary photographer and catalog copywriter. Ken is also a dedicated environmentalist who primary focus is on the cold water fisheries of the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Ken lives in Ashland Oregon with his wife Mia and his children Max and Lilli. Show Notes: Kenny's flies we discussed on the episode. Morrish Hopper Morrish Mouse v1.0 Morrish Pick Pocket Morrish Anato-May Reno Fly Shop's hosted trip to Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Kiribati - April 16-25, 2018 Call for more details or send an email to jim@renoflyshop.com Bonefish from Kiritimati Links to more information about the trip: Fly Fishing Christmas Island with Fly Water Travel Great article on Fly Fishing Christmas Island from Dylan Rose, Fly Water Travel Reno Fly Shop's hosted trip to Agua Negra, Tsimane, Bolivia - September 9-16 Call for more details or send an email to jim@renoflyshop.com Golden Dorado Links to more information on the trip: Tsimane Lodge Web Page Fly Fishing Tsimane, Bolivia - an article by Ken Morrish 2016 Tsimane Brochure Tsimane Bolivia