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697 | Fly Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless with PJ Smith

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Release Date: 12/25/2024

730 | Saving Wild Salmon with Rick Williams – Snake River Dams, Managed Extinction, Steelhead Conservation show art 730 | Saving Wild Salmon with Rick Williams – Snake River Dams, Managed Extinction, Steelhead Conservation

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#730 Show Notes:  Presented By: , , , Sponsors:  What if we could bring back wild salmon and steelhead to the rivers where they once thrived? With historic runs in the Columbia and Snake Rivers plummeting, it's time to ask—what can we do to reverse the damage? Today, we chat with Rick Williams, fisheries biologist, master fly casting instructor, and co-author of Managed Extinction, a follow-up to the groundbreaking book Salmon Without Rivers. Rick breaks down the four Snake River dams, the barriers to fish recovery, and what needs to happen to restore wild salmon and steelhead...

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729 | Stillwater Fly Fishing Myths Debunked with Denny Rickards show art 729 | Stillwater Fly Fishing Myths Debunked with Denny Rickards

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#729 Show Notes:  Presented By: , ,       Stillwater fishing has always been close to my heart, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and misconceptions. I’m excited to have Denny Rickards on today’s episode because we'll debunk some stillwater fly fishing myths.  Denny is one of the most knowledgeable stillwater anglers out there, and he’s here to share his step-by-step approach to finding big fish in lakes. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a solid framework for what to do (and what not to do) when fishing stillwaters. You're in...

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Great Lakes Dude #11: Great Lakes Fishing & Conservation with D'Arcy Egan and Jeff Liskay show art Great Lakes Dude #11: Great Lakes Fishing & Conservation with D'Arcy Egan and Jeff Liskay

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#728 Show Notes:    Sponsors:    In this episode, Jeff Liskay, aka the “Great Lakes Dude,” is joined by longtime outdoor writer D’Arcy Egan. With over 50 years of experience covering fishing and conservation in Ohio, D’Arcy shares his knowledge of Lake Erie’s transformation, the steelhead boom, and the history of fishery management in the region. From early days fishing for perch to breaking conservation stories, this episode is packed with insights into one of the most underrated fisheries in the country. Episode Chapters with D'Arcy Egan and Jeff Liskay on...

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In the Bucket #15 | Steelhead on the Dry with Adrian Cortes & Richard Harrington – Classic Flies, Painting show art In the Bucket #15 | Steelhead on the Dry with Adrian Cortes & Richard Harrington – Classic Flies, Painting

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#727 Show Notes: Presented By: , Sponsors: What is it about steelhead that makes them so addictive to chase? Is it the perfect swing, the surface take, or the mystery of where they’ll show up next? For those who pursue them, it’s more than fishing—it’s a way of life. Time to get in the bucket... Today, we’re joined by Adrian Cortes & Richard Harrington, two passionate steelhead anglers, to dive into the art of dry fly steelheading, the traditions of fly tying, and the deeper meaning behind chasing these fish. We talk about bamboo rods, classic patterns, and why swinging flies...

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726 | Guideline Fly Fishing Max Kantor - Choosing a Spey Line, Kola Peninsula, Steelhead show art 726 | Guideline Fly Fishing Max Kantor - Choosing a Spey Line, Kola Peninsula, Steelhead

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#726 Show Notes:  Presented By: , , Do you know where the most remote and unattainable Fly Fishing Destination is for Spey.  Today's guest Max Kantor, from Guideline Fly Fishing, will share the tips on fishing these storied waters so you have more skills for your home water. Max Kantor from Guideline USA is here to take us into one of the largest fly fishing brands in Europe.  We find out how he fishes for Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead and some of the differences between the two.  And we travel around the world to the other best places to catch pacific salmon and steelhead....

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Traveled #25 | The Golden Triangle of Fly Fishing with Lindsay Szofran  - Team USA, Yellowstone Teton Territory show art Traveled #25 | The Golden Triangle of Fly Fishing with Lindsay Szofran - Team USA, Yellowstone Teton Territory

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Traveled #25 Show Notes:  Presented By: What makes the Golden Triangle one of the most sought-after fly fishing destinations for anglers? With legendary rivers like the Henry’s Fork, the Yellowstone, and the Snake, this region spans Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—offering some of the best trout fishing on the planet. Today, we’re heading out to the Golden Triangle of fly fishing with Lindsay Szofran—Team USA angler, guide, and world championship competitor—to dig into fishing the Yellowstone region, nymphing tactics, and how to prepare for a world-class fly fishing competition....

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Littoral Zone #15 | Seasons of a Lake with Brian Chan and Phil Rowley show art Littoral Zone #15 | Seasons of a Lake with Brian Chan and Phil Rowley

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#725 Show Notes:  Presented By:   , ,  In part one of How Lakes Work, Brian and Phil explained lake classification and the key zones we should focus on. In part two, we’ll explore how lakes change throughout the seasons. Brian will break down what happens each season, how it impacts fish behavior, and where you should be fishing. Understanding these will help you know where to fish and when.   The Seasons of a Lake: How They Impact Fishing Fall  06:15 - As temperatures drop, lakes go through fall turnover. This happens when surface water cools to match the...

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724 | Streamer Fishing for Trout with Tommy Lynch - Fish Whisperer, Pere Marquette River, Small Creek show art 724 | Streamer Fishing for Trout with Tommy Lynch - Fish Whisperer, Pere Marquette River, Small Creek

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#724 Show Notes:   Presented by: Sponsors:   Streamer fishing for trout is all about movement, and few people understand it better than Tommy Lynch. In this episode, Tommy breaks down his four-step framework for fishing streamers, explains the difference between suicide fish and would-be predators, and shares why most anglers aren’t getting the full potential out of their sink tips. If you’re looking to up your game on big browns in small creeks, this episode is packed with tips you won’t want to miss. Episode Chapters with Tommy Lynch on Streamer Fishing for Trout How to...

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723 | Guiding in the Catskills with John Francis - Trout Town Flies, New York Fly Fishing, Dry Fly Fishing show art 723 | Guiding in the Catskills with John Francis - Trout Town Flies, New York Fly Fishing, Dry Fly Fishing

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#723 Show Notes:  Presented By: , , , Sponsors: What makes the Catskills one of the most legendary fly fishing destinations in the US? With historic rivers like the East and West Branch of the Delaware, the Beaver Kill, and the Willowemoc, this region is the birthplace of American dry fly fishing—and it still offers some of the best trout waters in the country today. In this episode, John Francis of Trout Town Flies—local guide and new drift boat owner—takes us through the seasons of the Catskills, sharing his best strategies for winter nymphing, midge fishing, and adjusting your...

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722 | Fishing for the Snake River Cutthroat with Josh Gallivan - Grand Teton Fly Fishing show art 722 | Fishing for the Snake River Cutthroat with Josh Gallivan - Grand Teton Fly Fishing

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#722 Show Notes: Presented By:   Josh Gallivan, head guide at Grand Teton Fly Fishing, is here to share his expertise on the streams and lakes around the Grand Teton area. He’ll talk about how he started at the Jack Dennis Fly Shop, share some great stories, and dive into his techniques for sight fishing snake river cutthroat and fishing stillwater lakes. Plus, he’ll tell us about an incredible mothership trip that’s not to be missed. About Josh Gallivan Josh’s fly fishing journey started in high school when he got a job at the Jack Dennis Outdoor Shop in Jackson. While...

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More Episodes
 
 
Fly fishing spring creeks can be super challenging—the fish are spooky, the water conditions aren't always perfect, and sometimes it's hard to present a fly just right. But today, PJ Smith—Driftless guide and Spring Creek expert—is here to share his secrets.
 
He’s here to share how to find fish in winter, nighttime, and all year. You’ll learn how to sneak up on spooky trout, the best way to position yourself, and whether to cast upstream or downstream.
Plus, you will find out when fishing is not fishing and when not fishing is fishing.
 
Show Notes with PJ Smith on Fly Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless.
 
04:23 - Trout Season in the Driftless wraps up in October to give the fish a break for spawning, and it's a chance for anglers to go deer hunting. January marks the start of a new season, where fishing gets tricky with cold, clear water. 
 
PJ says sunny days are your best bet, and being sneaky is key.
 
https://vimeo.com/311013412
 
Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless in Winter
 
Fishing the Driftless in the winter is much different than September. The water is colder and gin clear, which can make fish more sluggish. But if you’re patient and sneaky, winter fishing can be great. Here’s what to expect:
 
  • Look for warm, sunny days to get the best fishing.
  • Be stealthy.
  • Small black stoneflies will start hatching; you might even spot them in the snow!
  • You can still catch fish on dry flies.
  • Nymphing with small patterns works well.
 
How to Sneak Up on Spooky Trout
 
 13:12 -  PJ shares some tricks for sneaking up on fish in the winter. He likes to keep a low profile by avoiding high banks and staying in the water. Here are some tips:
 
  • Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in.
  • Stay quiet and avoid loud movements.
  • If you scare the fish, give them a few minutes to settle before trying again.
  •  What’s the Best Setup for Driftless Streams? 
14:16 - PJ shares his simple setup for fishing Driftless streams. He typically uses a dry-dropper rig with a dry fly like a Hippie Stomper or Stimulator and a nymph below. 
 
He keeps his leader system simple with a 7.5-foot leader, using 3X or 4X for easy casting. He ties the dry fly directly to the leader and attaches the dropper to the hook.  
 
What Fish Are in the Driftless and How Big Do They Get?
 
The native brook trout is pretty small in the Driftless, with a 15-inch one considered a big catch. Most brook trout are around 9 to 10 inches. Brown trout, however, are much larger and can grow over 20 inches. Anglers used to catch 30-inch browns, but they’re harder to find these days. 
 
Nighttime Fishing 
 
20:29 - Night fishing can be pretty fun, but it has challenges. The water may be too deep, and some drop-offs can be dangerous, so it's important to know the area well. You'll need a good headlamp with a red or green light, a spare one, and a small flashlight for safety. 
 
Always let someone know where you're fishing, especially when heading out at night.
 
How Do You Fish Streamers at Night?
 
26:06 -  PJ says he casts his fly across the pool and lets it swing downstream. The goal is to mimic something like a mouse or frog trying to escape. Sometimes, depending on how the fish react, he’ll add a little twitch to the fly to make it more tempting.
 
If bats are out, it’s time to rip the fly through the water. Brown trout will even eat bats if they fall in. The key is adjusting your technique based on how the fish bite that night.
 
How Do You Make the Perfect Cast in Tight Spots?
 
Practice is the key when making the perfect cast in tight spots. You don’t need long casts—just a solid 20-footer with pinpoint accuracy. 
 
Focus on hitting small targets like seams, holding water, or spots near rocks and vegetation. Roll casting is your best friend in the Driftless, even more than a back cast. Learn sidearm and roll cast to handle tricky spots under trees and around obstructions.
 
What Flies Should You Tie for the Driftless?
 
PJ shares his go-to flies for fishing in the Driftless area. These patterns work year-round, especially in winter:
 
  1. Pink Squirrel 
  2. Rubber Leg Stimulator
  3. Hippie Stompers 
  4. Elk Hair Caddis 
  5. Blue-Winged Olives 
  6. Tricos
  7. Griffith's Gnat
  8. Bead Head Nymphs & Leech Patterns
  9. Jiggy Nymph Streamer
 
PJ’s top advice for winter fishing is to be patient and have fun. Not every day is about catching fish. Even guides get skunked sometimes! Use those moments to learn.
 
As PJ puts it, “When is fishing not fishing, and when is not fishing, fishing?” Something to think about next time you’re out there!