702 | Inside the Skeena Spey School with Brian Niska and Jeff Liskay
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 01/06/2025
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 patterns,...
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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: https://wetflyswing.com/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: https://wetflyswing.com/890 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:
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889 | Bristol Bay Salmon Management with Tim Sands of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#889 Show Notes: Presented by: Tim Sands is a fisheries management biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, focused on the Nushagak and Togiak districts of Bristol Bay. His primary job is managing commercial salmon fisheries — mostly sockeye — while also protecting Chinook, chum, pink, and coho moving through the system. We covered how sonar counts guide daily decisions, what happens when too many salmon return, and why king salmon are struggling statewide. Show Notes:
info_outline#702 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/702
Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Waters West
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors
In this episode, Brian Niska and Jeff Liskay talks about our upcoming Skeena Spey School and what makes the Skeena River a prime location for steelhead fishing.
Expect to learn the art of spotting fish upstream, techniques to keep your fly in the "bucket" longer, and discover the best rods and lines suitable for both the West Coast and Great Lakes regions. This episode is packed with essential tips for anyone looking to enhance their steelhead fishing experience, including the top four criteria for finding fish on any steelhead water.
Whether you're planning a trip to the majestic Skeena River or simply looking to improve your angling skills, this episode promises to equip you with the knowledge and inspiration you need.
Episode Chapters with Brian Niska and Jeff Liskay on the Skeena Spey School
2:46 - Jeff expresses excitement about visiting the Skeena Spey Lodge, emphasizing the value of learning from experienced steelhead guides and the camaraderie among participants. Brian, the owner of the lodge, describes its unique appeal, highlighting the opportunity to catch pristine steelhead in shallow waters.
5:39 - Jeff shares that the biggest steelhead he has seen in the Skeena is close to 30 pounds. Brian explains that while the fishing season runs from mid-July to the end of October, late August to early September is particularly favorable because as water temperatures drop, fish begin to settle in the runs, increasing catch rates.
12:00 - We discuss the differences and similarities between fishing in the Great Lakes and the Skeena River, particularly for steelhead. Jeff emphasizes the importance of understanding how to fish the fly properly, noting that techniques learned in the Great Lakes can be valuable when applied to the Skeena.
14:29 - Jeff asks Brian about his approach to guiding anglers on the lower Skeena River. Brian explains that he doesn't typically have anglers fish one after the other in a step-and-cast manner. Instead, he assigns each angler their own section of the river, focusing on specific features such as diagonal bars or clusters of rocks, which can indicate where fish might choose to linger.
21:44 - We discuss the fluctuations in steelhead fish populations on the West Coast and the Great Lakes. Brian notes that natural variability in fish numbers has always existed, but modern technology and communication amplify awareness of these changes.
26:50 - Brian describes the Skeena, highlighting that within 15 minutes in any direction, one can experience solitude, yet the area is easily accessible due to its modern airport and proximity to town amenities. The lodge is conveniently located near the airport, equipped with Wi-Fi, and benefits from fresh supplies due to its closeness to town.
27:57 - Brian outlines the itinerary for those who are planning to fish the Skeena. He also emphasizes the importance of using a 12 to 13-foot rod with a Skagit or Scandi head, rather than larger rods, to fish effectively. He advises guests to maintain a mindset of optimism and confidence, believing that any suspicious movement in the water could be a fish.
30:59 - I share a memorable experience where I caught a bright coho, initially mistaking it for a steelhead. Brian explains that the catch varies year to year, with some years having more steelhead than coho, and vice versa. He notes that coho are aggressive fish that often hit harder than steelhead, describing them as tough fighters resembling Chinook salmon in build.
33:09 - Jeff provides valuable tips for fishing the Skeena River, emphasizing the importance of using one's eyes as the best tool. His first tip is to let the fly dangle in a foot of water for potential success. His second tip involves working through a run and paying attention to the movement of the fly.
34:57 - We talk about strategies for effectively fishing in challenging water conditions, particularly when dealing with obstructions like rocks. Jeff explains his approach by imagining himself as the fly to better understand fish behavior. He notes that fish often lay in front of or beside rocks, contrary to the common belief that they stay behind them. Jeff describes his technique of slowly moving his weight down to allow the fly materials to undulate and then positioning the rod toward the middle of the river to slow down the swing and keep the fly in place longer.
36:29 - Brian, although experienced, admits he hasn't fished every tributary but shares his insights on different sections of the river, emphasizing the importance of adapting fishing techniques based on the environment. He highlights the contrast between moving fish and those that linger in specific areas, particularly in the Bulkley and Morice rivers.
42:00 - We discuss the nuances of steelhead fishing, emphasizing the use of spoons and fly presentations. Brian advises focusing on changing presentation methods rather than the fly itself, and underscores the importance of patience when a fish strikes, recommending anglers allow the fish to take the fly without interference.
45:02 - We get into the click and pawl vs disc drag reel. Jeff advises against doing nothing, referencing the classic advice from George Cook, and mentions that while click and pawl reels are good for beginners, they can lead to challenges as the fight progresses. He also shares experiences of anglers struggling with these reels during intense fish fights.
Brian adds that while some guides prefer click and pawl reels for personal use, they often provide clients with disc drag reels for better control. He personally favors disc drag reels, particularly the Islander TR3, for their strong drag and capacity, especially when dealing with exceptional fish.
48:45 - Jeff provides some insights into the importance of proper reel backing, especially when fishing for steelhead. He emphasizes checking for loops in the backing to prevent accidents and ensuring it's wound tightly. He also prefers using 40-50 pound gel spun backing, as it holds up well during long fights with fish, especially in challenging conditions like across boulders.
50:16 - Jeff provides valuable tips on the fishing gear used in the Great Lakes and how it transitions when fishing in the Skeena region. As a general strategy, Jeff advises having both a light and a heavy rod setup in both regions. This allows for flexibility, accommodating shallow and deep water conditions.
53:38 - Brian elaborates on the rods and lines he uses. He also describes various setups he might have in a boat. He highlights the flexibility of using a boat on the Skeena River, allowing for multiple gear setups, compared to the limitations when hiking along the bank.
1:00:10 - I raise the common challenge of locating fish in unfamiliar waters. Jeff suggests observing the river from an upstream perspective, as it reveals subtle features like flat spots and resting areas that are less obvious when looking downstream. This approach helps anglers identify potential fishing spots, whether on a small river or a larger one like the Skeena.
Brian expands on Jeff's idea by emphasizing the importance of location and understanding the river's dynamics. He outlines four key criteria for finding fish:
- Structure: Look for features like salmon reds, woodydebris, or large rocks.
- Speed and Depth: Ideal fishing spots often have water around two and a half to three feet deep.
- Location on the River: Areas near rapids, tributaries, or bends can be promising.
- Lane of Travel: Anglers should focus on areas where fish are naturally traveling.
1:05:08 - Brian discusses how he manages expectations for guests at his lodge, stressing the challenges of steelhead fishing. He also emphasizes that fishing is more than just catching fish; it's about the knowledge and confidence gained.
1:08:49 - Jeff shares his enthusiasm for the Great Lakes Dude podcast, highlighting the wealth of information and knowledge he gains from engaging with experts like biologists and fishing guides.
1:12:19 - Brian talks about their collaboration with The Conservation Angler (TCA), led by John McMillan. John is both a scientist and a passionate steelhead angler, which uniquely positions him to contribute to conservation efforts.
1:15:06 - We give a shoutout to The Deep Wade podcast, hosted by John McMillan and Nick Chambers. Brian mentions on of his favorite episodes of the said podcast where they interviewed Bill Herzog, aka the Metal God, and one of the best steelhead anglers.
1:15:38 - For those who want to get a chance to win a spot in our Skeena Spey School fly fishing trip and gear giveaway, head on to wetflyswing.com/giveaway.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/702