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
879 | Alaska Trout Nymphing with Orion Good of Fishhound Expeditions
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#879 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, I’m joined by Orion Good, a Fishhound Expeditions guide who’s quietly dialing in what actually works when the salmon don’t show and the bead bite disappears. We dig into nymphing in Alaska trout nymphing, why the Duracell fly keeps producing when nothing else does, and how Orion locates fish in constantly changing systems. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay effective in Alaska when conditions shift, this one’s packed with real-world guide insight. Show Notes:
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878 | Brook Trout Fishing in Newfoundland with Les Wentzell of Mountain Waters Resort
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#878b Show Notes: Presented by: When people think about Newfoundland fly fishing, Atlantic salmon usually steal the spotlight. But tucked into the same rivers and lakes are some of the hardest-fighting brook trout you’ll ever see, including sea-run fish pushing three to five pounds. In this episode, I sat down with Les Wentzell to walk through brook trout fishing. We dug into timing, locations, flies, wind tactics, and why a simple dead-drift can outfish flashy presentations. If you’re heading to Newfoundland for salmon, this episode opens the door to a second...
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878 | How Fly Rods Are Really Designed: Inside St. Croix with Zack Dalton
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
878 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Today, we’re digging into how fly rods are really designed. Not the marketing side, but what really goes into the design, the testing, and why some rods last for decades while others fall apart. Zac Dalton from St. Croix Rods is on the podcast today, and he walks us through how fly rods are designed from the ground up. We talk about rod action and why faster is not always better, what durability really means for anglers who fish hard, and how different actions change the way a rod fishes and casts. We also get into...
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877 | Fly Fishing the Surf with Frank Vargas - Corbina, Surf Perch, Leopard Sharks
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#877 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Fly fishing in Southern California looks nothing like a mountain river—and that’s exactly why it works. In this episode, Frank Vargas breaks down how surf fly fishing actually functions, from reading tides and beach structure to understanding how species like perch, corbina, and leopard sharks use shallow water to feed and travel. Frank shares how incoming and negative tides reveal feeding lanes, why anglers often walk past productive water, and how sight fishing in the surf can feel more like targeting carp than blind casting waves....
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876 | How to Build an Adventure Vehicle with Matt Dunkerly of AVC Rig
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#876 Show Notes: Presented by: Most adventure rigs look great online. Fewer are built for real miles, real weather, and those long fishing days that end well after dark. In this episode, I sit down with Matt Dunkerly to talk about building camper vans that actually work for anglers. Matt runs Adventure Vehicle Concepts, and his approach is refreshingly practical. This isn’t about Instagram builds or overcomplicating things. It’s about access, simplicity, and designing a rig that helps you fish more without getting in your own way. If you’ve been thinking about a van for fly...
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Streamer Season in the Ozarks with Chad Johnson (CJ's Reel Southern Podcast #10)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Presented by: Streamer season is officially here in the Ozarks, and this one is all about slowing things down and fishing with intention. January kicks off the most aggressive window of the year, especially for big browns and smallmouth, and today Chad Johnson is digging deep into how they approach it. He walks us through why post-spawn is such a key window for them, how aggression bites drive streamer eats, and why presentation matters more than fly choice. If you fish the Ozarks (or any tailwater with changing flows) this is one you’ll want to bookmark. Show Notes:
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875 | Phil Monahan on Simplifying Fly Fishing for Beginners
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/875 Sponsors: and Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Fly fishing doesn’t fall apart because it’s too hard. It falls apart because there’s too much going on at once. Too many rods, too many flies, too many opinions, and not enough clarity about what actually matters on day one. In this episode, I sat down with Phil Monahan to strip fly fishing back to its essentials. Phil’s spent decades teaching, writing, guiding, and answering the same beginner questions over and over. His takeaway is simple. Most new anglers don’t fail because...
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874 | How Grundéns Turned Commercial Fishing Survival Gear into Fly Fishing Essentials
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/874 Sponsors: , , and Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Most fly fishing gear is built for comfort. Some of it is built for performance. But very little of it is built with the assumption that conditions can turn from “kinda crappy” to “this could go bad” in a hurry. That’s where Grundéns comes in. In this episode, I sat down with Justin Waters, who’s right in the middle of translating nearly 100 years of commercial fishing toughness into gear that guides, steelheaders, and fly anglers lean on when the weather goes...
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873 | Fly Fishing Entomology Made Simple with Sawyer Finley
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
873 Show Notes: Presented by: This episode breaks entomology down into something you can actually use. Sawyer Finley, guide at Grand Teton Fly Fishing, explains how insects live, move, and emerge—and how trout respond to that reality, not just to textbook hatches. The focus is on observation, timing, and availability, not memorization. Show Notes:
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872 | Fly Fishing Patagonia with Nicolas Rivero of Guides Patagonia
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#872 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, I sat down with Nicolas Rivero to dig into fly fishing Patagonia. We covered the two-basin setup in Patagonia, the famous Limay River, giant brook trout in mountain lakes, and what a full April trip with Moccasin Fly Club looks like on the water. If you’re curious about swinging flies for migratory trout, fishing both lakes and rivers in one week, or planning your first Patagonia trip, this one’s packed. 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