683 | Fly Fishing the Missouri River with Craig DeMark - Big Trout, On DeMark Lodge
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 11/22/2024
897 | The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast with Ed Jaworowski
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
897 Show Notes: Presented by: , , 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:
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Fly Tying Travel with Dave Allison at the East Idaho Fly Tying Expo(Traveled #41)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Sponsors: 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...
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895 | Mountain River Lodge with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
895 Show Notes: Presented by: , , 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...
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894 | Long Island Fly Fishing with Paul McCain of River Bay Outfitters
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#894 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , 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....
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Hunting with a Fly #1 | Fly Fishing Like a Hunter with Joe Goodspeed
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: 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...
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893 | The Fly Fishing Bootcamp: Streamers, Euro Nymphing, Spey and more
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Join the Bootcamp at: https://wetflyswing.com/bootcamp In this episode, we break down the full lineup of the Fly Fishing Bootcamp, a 12-session, multi-day event designed to cover the complete range of modern fly fishing skills. From fly casting mechanics with Kalyn Hoggard and Marty McVey, to steelhead strategy with Jeff Liskay, dry fly precision with Bob Lindquist, modern nymphing with Norman Maktima, trout fly tying with Mike O’Brien, two-handed casting with Jeff Putnam, bass tactics with Brian DeLoach, entomology with The Salmonfly Project, streamer strategy with James Garrettson,...
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892 | Rainy’s Flies: Innovation, Foam Flies, and the Business of Fly Tying with Jesse Riding
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#892 Show Notes: Sponsors: Most anglers never think about where their flies actually come from or how an idea turns into something hanging on a fly shop wall. In this episode, Jesse Riding of Rainy’s Flies takes us behind the scenes of commercial fly tying—from a small home operation started by his mother to one of the largest fly production companies in the world. We dig into how flies are designed, how patterns move into large-scale production, and why materials like foam changed modern fly fishing forever. Jesse also shares insights on fly design royalties, innovation ethics, and what...
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Choosing the Right Fly Rod with Gary Davis of San Juan Rod Works
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Sponsors: Gary founded San Juan Rod Works in 2020 out of his garage. Today, he’s moved into a dedicated showroom and education space in Rio Rancho, New Mexico — built around community, casting, and conservation. This episode walks through how to actually choose a fly rod without overcomplicating it — starting with species, then flies, then casting style.
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891 | Southern Oregon Steelhead Fishing with James Sampsel of Humble Heron Fly Fishing
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#891 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: Steelhead don’t wait around long on the southern Oregon coast. They move with fresh water, travel tight to edges, and disappear as quickly as they show up. If you’re thinking about Southern Oregon steelhead fishing, timing and water conditions matter more than hero casts. In this episode, I sat down with James Sampsel of Humble Heron Fly Fishing to talk about winter steelhead on short coastal rivers, fall fish on the middle Rogue, and why Chinook on the swing isn’t always the plan. James lives in Port Orford,...
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890 | John Shewey on the History and Evolution of Spey Flies
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
890 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , If you’ve ever swung a fly for steelhead and wondered where that pattern really came from, this one goes deep. In this episode, we dig into the history and evolution of Spey flies with John Shewey. Show Notes:
info_outlineShow Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/683
Presented By: On DeMark Lodge
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/demark
In this episode, we're joined by Craig DeMark of On DeMark Lodge to guide us through the intricacies of fly fishing the Missouri River. You'll discover expert tips on navigating downstream fishing, strategies for handling pressured waters, and the crucial elements of achieving the perfect drift.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Craig's insights will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your fishing experience on the Missouri River. Plus, you'll get his top casting tip and learn what to do when you hook that elusive trophy trout.
Join us as we unravel the secrets of the Big Mo with Craig DeMark—your gateway to mastering the art of fly fishing in Montana's majestic waters.
Episode Chapters with Craig DeMark on Fly Fishing the Missouri River
3:02 - Craig shares his journey into fly fishing and the establishment of On DeMark Lodge. He taught himself to fish, starting with lakes and gradually moving to streams. Originally from the auto repair industry, he eventually transitioned to fly fishing.
7:43 - We talk about the Missouri River. Craig explains that the river originates from the confluence of the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Madison rivers at Three Forks, located south of their area. He also notes that they fish on the stretch below the Holter Dam down to the town of Cascade, a 40-mile stretch known for its diversity and clear waters due to the reservoirs storing cold water.
10:56 - Craig discusses their lodge, a small, family-run lodge located between Great Falls and Helena, Montana, providing convenient access to the Missouri River. They offer a personalized experience with Craig as a guide and his wife and son assisting in operations. The lodge provides easy access to fishing spots, with launch points within a 10 to 30-minute drive.
13:57 - Their fishing trips span from April to October. Craig explains that although the season has ended, the favorable weather could have allowed fishing into November. April begins with variable weather, offering both sunny and cold, rainy days, but it features excellent fishing with minimal crowds. The fishing season wraps up with blue wing olives and October caddis. Craig highlights the abundance of dry fly fishing opportunities throughout the season, expressing gratitude for the rich fishing environment they enjoy.
17:16 - Craig discusses fly fishing techniques on the Missouri River, emphasizing the excitement of tricos fishing, where timing and the right drift are crucial as fish rise to eat small flies like size 18s or 20s. He notes that while the river is known for technical fishing with small dry flies, there are also opportunities to use larger flies like hoppers in sizes 6 and 8 for a few months. Craig prefers using a single dry fly for a better drift but acknowledges that a dry dropper setup can be effective.
19:14 - We get into the use of dry flies during a PMD (Pale Morning Dun) hatch. Craig explains that during such hatches, fish move to shallow gravel bars, sometimes in waters as shallow as a foot deep. Anglers often anchor on these bars, either wading or fishing from the boat. He notes that it's common to find a spot rich with fish and spend several hours there without needing to move much.
21:03 - We talk about fishing for caddis flies, which are prevalent during the June to July summer period and continue into the fall with species like the tan caddis and big October caddis. Craig mentions they had a successful caddis season and describes different methods for fishing them, such as using corn fed caddis and X-caddis flies.
22:46 - Craig advises that newcomers to the area should look for rising fish during hatch seasons, emphasizing that smaller rises often indicate larger fish. He also stresses that achieving a good drift is more crucial than the choice of fly pattern. To achieve a dead drift, he recommends positioning above the fish and utilizing a reach cast technique.
25:18 - We ask his fishing setup, focusing on using 5wt rods for dry flies, with a preference for rods with softer tips. Craig explains they use 9 to 12-foot leaders ending in a five or even four-weight tippet to prevent fish from breaking off. He emphasizes the importance of balancing pressure when reeling in fish, advising anglers to let the fish run to avoid breaking the line. Craig mentions the advantage of being in a drift boat, which allows them to chase the fish downstream if necessary, ensuring a better chance of successfully landing it.
28:09 - We dig into the best times and conditions for dry fly fishing. Craig highlights that the timing depends on what anglers want to experience. Trico hatches are challenging due to the number of rising fish, but the PMD hatch is considered easier, as early-season fish are less picky. For those who prefer not to use nymphs, August offers a great opportunity to fish single dry flies without worrying about weeds.
31:09 - Craig walks us through their daily routine at their lodge.
32:48 - We talk about the involvement of Craig's family in the lodge. Craig shares that both of his sons started fishing at a young age, initially using spinning rods before naturally progressing to fly fishing. His younger son developed a passion for fishing and began guiding at 18 or 19. The other son contributes on the technical side, helping with their website.
34:49 - We discuss the pressure on the Missouri River. Craig explains that while the river does experience pressure, especially during busy times like June and July, its large size allows anglers to spread out, minimizing the impact of crowded conditions. Craig suggests strategies to avoid pressure, such as fishing at different times of the day or choosing less crowded stretches.
42:43 - Craig emphasizes the importance of mastering the reach cast technique for successful dry fly fishing. He advises anglers to fish downstream to avoid spooking fish and ensure the fly drifts naturally, as drag can deter fish from biting.
In the gear section, we discuss the advantages of skiff boats, particularly the ClackaCraft HeadHunter, for their lightweight design and ease of rowing in flat, swift-moving waters. Skiffs are praised for their low profile, which makes them easy to get in and out of, especially for older guests.
47:01 - We ask Craig what his essential gear is for fishing trips. He emphasizes the importance of having a long-handled fish net, especially on the river, for effectively landing fish. He also mentions his Yeti gearbox, which is crucial for holding all his fishing essentials, such as fly boxes, tippet, and floatant.
50:07 - Craig talks about the similarities and differences between the cities of Great Falls and Helena, Montana. Craig advises travelers to check flight rates to decide which airport to fly into, as both cities are equally accessible. He emphasizes the convenience of their lodge's location, being remote enough to avoid city life yet close enough for easy access to urban amenities.
51:47 - Craig emphasizes that the Missouri River consistently meets the high expectations people have when fishing in Montana, offering memorable experiences each day, whether through the sight of fish, a missed opportunity, or a successful catch. He notes that the river provides numerous large fish, making it common to encounter 18-inch fish, which are considered significant in other locations.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/683