684 | Surf Fishing California with Tyler Vanosdell - Mission Bay Fly Fishing, Corbina, Halibut
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 11/25/2024
845 | Feather River Steelhead & NorCal Stillwaters: Lance Gray’s Guide-Level Breakdown
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#845 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Lance Gray gives us a full guide-level breakdown of Northern California — from the Feather River steelhead runs to the stillwaters that shaped generations of Chico anglers. He talks about reading Davis and Almanor, when stillwaters light up, and why steelhead require technical knots, clean leaders, and perfect presentations. Lance also brings us into the heart of the Chico fly-fishing community, where teaching, mentorship, and his Guide School continue to shape new anglers. It’s part NorCal fishing tour, part education...
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844 | Saving Wild Steelhead with Nick Chambers of The Conservation Angler
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#844 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: We sit down with Nick Chambers of The Conservation Angler to talk about the current state of wild steelhead. Nick has spent more than 20 years studying these fish in their home waters, from the Skagit River in Washington to the spring-fed systems of southern Oregon. He has snorkeled over reds, gathered juvenile dispersal data, and followed steelhead migrations across entire watersheds. We dig into what the latest research is showing, why some rivers continue to support strong wild fish while others...
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Kelly Galloup on the Best Streamer Strategies for Giant Trout (CJ's Reel Southern Podcast #8)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
843 Show Notes: Presented by: When Kelly Galloup shows up, you know it’s about to get good. In this episode, Chad sits down with one of the most influential voices in modern streamer fishing for a deep dive into Best Streamer Strategies for Giant Trout, wild eats, and the stories that shaped today’s big-fly game. If you’ve ever thrown a streamer and wondered how the masters make it look easy, this conversation is your front-row seat. Show Notes:
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842 | Deschutes Fly Fishing with Warm Springs Guide - Randy Nathan
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/842 Presented By: , , Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors If you’ve been dreaming about Deschutes fly fishing with less pressure and more solitude, today’s episode is your roadmap. We sit down with Warm Springs tribal member and guide Randy Nathan, owner of the Eagle Crossing Restaurant at the Deschutes River crossing, to talk about what it really takes to fish the reservation side: permits, timing, access, and the flies that consistently get eats. From steelhead season strategies to the famed salmonfly hatch, Randy shows why this...
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The Trout Bum Life with Joe Clark of Trout Yeah Guide Service - Team USA, The Popsicle (Traveled #36)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#841 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, we sit down with Joe Clark of Trout Yeah Guide Service to talk about his trout bum life. Joe has guided everywhere from Steelhead Alley to Pennsylvania spring creeks, and he’s also coached Team USA Youth to three straight World Championship titles. We dig into what it means to read new water with confidence, how to use drift angles instead of heavier flies, and why sensitivity and feel often matter more than the gear you’re holding. Joe also shares stories from Idaho, Montana, and the Kootenays, along with his own...
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840 | Alaska Chinook on the Swing with Larry Richmann - Togiak River Lodge
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
840 Show Notes: Presented by: There’s nothing quite like chasing Alaska Chinook on the Swing. Imagine standing knee-deep in the Togiak, that wild pulse of Alaska running through your boots. The river’s quiet and still... until a chrome-bright Chinook melts your 30-pound tippet like butter. Larry Richmann says it best: “All it takes is one swing.” Our guest today, Larry Richmann, is a Michigan-born guide who splits his year between swinging flies for kings in Alaska and chasing steelhead on the Saint Joe. In this episode, he shares how a self-taught spey caster found his...
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839 | Apache Trout Rivers, Desert Creeks & Carp in the Canals with Ben Smith of AZ Wanderings
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#839 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Ben Smith of Arizona Wanderings walks us across Arizona — from the high-country creeks that hold Apache trout to the canals and reclaimed ponds around Phoenix, where carp and tilapia lurk. He talks native-fish recovery efforts, the best shoulder-season windows for trout, small-stream tactics (long leaders, stealth, and micro presentations), and the surprisingly wide variety of warm- and cold-water opportunities within a few hours of the city. Along the way, Ben shares how he started blogging, why he still ties flies and furled leaders,...
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The Teton Valley Lodge with Brian Berry (Traveled #35)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
838 Show Notes: Presented by: Ever wonder what it’s like to grow up where fly fishing isn’t just a hobby — it’s the family business? Today we’re heading to Eastern Idaho, where the Berry family has spent over a century guiding anglers through the waters of the Teton, Henry’s Fork, and South Fork of the Snake. Our guest, Brian Berry of Teton Valley Lodge, shares the incredible story of how his great-grandfather turned a handful of guided trips in 1919 into one of the oldest operating lodges in the West. Brian takes us deep into the history, craftsmanship, and...
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837 | Central Texas Fly Fishing with Alvin Dedeaux from All Water Guides - Redfish, Guadalupe Bass, Colorado River
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#837 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: In this episode, we dig into Central Texas fly fishing with guide and musician-turned-angler Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides. Alvin shares how his path from the music scene, where Nirvana once opened for his band, led him to become one of the top Orvis-Endorsed outfitters in the country. We dive into the incredible diversity of Texas fly fishing, from Guadalupe bass on the Colorado and Llano Rivers to sight fishing for redfish on the Texas coast. Alvin breaks down when and where to find the best action, what...
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836 | Stillwater Fly Fishing in Alaska with George Krumm
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/836 Presented By: , , and Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Stillwater fly fishing in Alaska is one of the state’s most underrated experiences — and George Krumm, editor of Fish Alaska Magazine, wants to change that. In this episode, George joins to share why Stillwater Fly Fishing in Alaska holds massive potential for trophy trout, and how understanding the lake’s ecosystem can help anglers unlock consistent success throughout the season. From post–ice-out timing and hover-line techniques to identifying scud-rich lakes and...
info_outlineShow Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/684
Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Heated Core, Waters West, Angler's Coffee
Today, we're surf fishing California, home to some of the toughest surf fishing spots in the country. Southern California also boasts one of the largest manmade bays and some of the best weather and fish species around.
Tyler Vanosdell from Mission Bay Fly Fishing takes us from his roots on a cotton farm to becoming a San Diego fly fishing guide. Tyler shares the top three things you need to do before hitting the surf, the best apps to use, and essential tips for casting a full sink line.
Plus, you’ll learn why the strip set is critical and how walking your line can make all the difference.
Show Notes with Tyler Vanosdell on Surf Fishing California.
02:10 - Growing up on a fifth-generation cotton farm in western Arizona, Tyler started fly fishing on the muddy Gila River, catching largemouth bass, catfish, and even carp before it became popular.
03:42 - Tyler spent time in Montana, Utah, Colorado, and even traveled to Mexico and Costa Rica before landing in San Diego. It was a chance offer from a friend needing a roommate that brought him to San Diego, and he's been there for almost 18 years now.
Surf Fishing California: Where to Begin?
05:24 - The first thing Tyler teaches new surf anglers is understanding the conditions. The waves are constant in San Diego, so knowing how to read the waves, tides, and wind is key. Tyler also emphasizes showing beginners the right structure and how to use apps and gear.
Must-Have Apps for Surf Fishing
06:43 - Tyler recommends starting with free apps for tides and wind. For waves, he suggests paying for Surfline, which costs about $10 a month. The cool part? Surfline offers live video feeds of different beaches, letting you scout out fishing spots before heading out.
Surf Fishing Species
07:51 - Tyler talks about the top fish species to target in Southern California.
Corbina - The most popular by far is corbina (or "beans"), which come into shallow waters in the summer to feed on sand crabs.
Halibut - Tyler also loves fishing for halibut, especially the big ones. There are two types of halibut:
Pacific halibut
California halibut
Croakers (like Yellowfin and Spotfin)
Corvina - a toothy fish similar to white sea bass.
Ideal Fishing Conditions and Timing
Tyler explains that fishing in San Diego is possible year-round, but winter is his favorite time. It gets crowded in summer, so Tyler tries to fish early to avoid the crowds.
When it comes to conditions, he looks for low-energy waves, around zero to two feet. For tides, he prefers lower ones, especially around zero to two feet, which helps him find good structures for casting. He also likes light winds, ideally 3 to 5 knots, for a smooth experience.
Tyler encourages anyone interested in surf fishing to give it a try. The conditions might be tough some days, but other times, it feels like everything just falls into place. He believes if he can do it, anyone can.
Gear and Casting Tips for Surf Fishing
18:57 - Tyler talks about the gear he uses for surf fishing. He usually takes one rod, sometimes two, with a backup just in case. He recommends a full sinking line of around 250 grains to handle the strong surf and currents.
He explains how casting with a heavy sinking line takes a bit of practice but it's all about letting the rod do the work. Tyler also suggests using a wider casting stroke and double hauling for distance. Start close, work your way out, and you might even catch fish right in front of you.
24:18 - Tyler says low tide is the best time to spot fish-holding structures like rocks, holes, or steep beaches. These areas give fish a place to feed or wait for prey. Tyler also recommends checking out river mouths, which are great spots because they bring in brackish water full of baitfish that predators love.
29:15 - Tyler sticks to a few key flies like the Clouser and Surfin' Merkin, which are great for catching fish in Southern California. He uses size four hooks with medium dumbbell eyes, and colors like red and white, chartreuse, or olive. Tyler also likes red flies because they're popular in the area.
Chasing Corbina and Other Fish
38:56 - Tyler talks about how fishing for corbina can be a mix of blind casting and sight fishing. Sometimes the fish are right at the water’s edge, and you can literally see their backs and tails. To catch them, you often have to wade out into the water depending on where the structure is.
Mission Bay Fly Fishing
44:11 - Mission Bay is the heart of fly fishing in San Diego. It’s the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S., offering 34 miles of fishable shoreline. You can walk around, cast, and explore different areas, making it super accessible.
One of the coolest things about fishing there is the spotted bay bass. It’s a unique species to the area, and you can catch them year-round. Tyler likes fishing at lower tides with an intermediate sinking line for better results.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/684