Traveled #26 | The South Fork Lodge with Justin Adams - Salmon Flies, Snake River, Cutthroat
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 03/15/2025
934 | The Origins of Spey Casting and Deschutes River Steelhead with John Hazel of Deschutes Angler Fly Shop
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#934 Show Notes: Presented By: , , Sponsors: What does it really take to film fly fishing at the highest level? In this episode, Todd Moen of Catch Magazine joins us to share the story behind some of the most iconic fly fishing films ever created—from steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest to remote destinations across the globe. We dig into Todd’s early production days filming for Fly Fishing the World, surviving a plane crash in the Bahamas, and how he eventually built Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual storytelling brands in fly fishing. Todd also...
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933 | How Science on the Fly is Helping Anglers Protect Rivers with Allie Cunningham
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#933 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: Allie Cunningham from Science on the Fly breaks down how anglers can become community scientists by collecting water samples from their local rivers. The project focuses on tracking nutrients, water chemistry, and long-term watershed health while helping everyday anglers better understand what’s happening in the places they fish. This conversation also highlights how grassroots conservation can create real change. From polluted wastewater entering Texas rivers to monitoring watersheds in the Amazon, Science on the...
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Alaska Spey Fishing, Outdoor Filming, and the Togiak River Lodge Experience with Tom Petry and Jorden Susewitz
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#932B Show Notes: Presented By: Sponsors: In this episode, Tom Petry and Jorden Susewitz of Film The Hunt share their experience at Togiak River Lodge, where a filmmaking project turned into a deep dive into spey fishing, Alaska wilderness, and the people who make the lodge special. What started as a content trip documenting the Larsen family's journey quickly became something more as both Tom and Jorden picked up spey rods for the first time and discovered the addictive pull of swinging flies. We dig into filmmaking in remote locations, learning to cast a two-handed rod, the challenges of...
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932 | Jim Teeny and Dick Sagara on Teeny Lines, Steelhead, and Stories from a Lifetime in Fly Fishing
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
932 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , There aren’t many anglers left who were there when modern fly fishing was still being figured out. Jim Teeny and Dick Sagara lived through that era, helped shape it, and still have the stories to prove it. In this episode, we dig into the early days of winter steelhead fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest, the birth of the Teeny fly lines, and the people who changed the sport along the way. We also talked about the famous “I spot ’em, I got ’em” philosophy that still sparks conversation today. This one moves from steelhead to tarpon...
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Hunting with a Fly #3 | Fly Fishing Barracuda on the Saltwater Flats with Vince Tobia
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#931B Show Notes: In this episode of Hunting with a Fly, Rick Kustich sits down with Vince Tobia of Cattaraugus Creek Outfitters to talk about one of the most overlooked predators in saltwater fly fishing—the barracuda. While many anglers head to the flats focused solely on bonefish, Vince explains why barracuda deserve a spot on every fly angler's radar. From sight-fishing tactics and presentation angles to gear setup and landing fish safely, Vince shares the lessons he's learned from years of chasing these aggressive apex predators across the Bahamas and beyond. #931B Show Notes:
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931 | The Sandy River Spey Clave and The Oufitter's Camp Cookbook with Mia Sheppard
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#931 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: Mia Sheppard has spent decades guiding and outfitting across the Pacific Northwest through Little Creek Outfitters. From steelhead rivers like the Deschutes and Grande Ronde to multi-day rafting adventures, she’s built a career around rivers, community, and outdoor culture. This episode covers the return of the Sandy River Spey Clave, Dutch oven camp cooking, the changing landscape on the John Day River, and a few classic stories from the river that longtime steelheaders will appreciate. Show Notes: ...
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A Guide to Inflatable Watercraft for Lakes and Their Use with Chris Callanan from Outcast Sporting Gear (Littoral Zone #25
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
930 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , In this episode, our stillwater guru, Phil Rowley, sits down with Chris Callanan from Outcast Sporting Gear to talk about inflatable watercraft for lakes. They dig into float tubes, pontoon boats, frameless boats, anchoring systems, safety, maintenance, storage, and how to choose the right setup for your fishing style. Chris also shares the history behind Outcast and how portable watercraft evolved from the old donut-style float tubes into today’s modern V-hull designs. Show Notes:
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929 | Inside Catch Magazine: Todd Moen on Fly Fishing Films, Music, and Storytelling
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#929 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: What does it really take to film fly fishing at the highest level? In this episode, Todd Moen of Catch Magazine joins us to share the story behind some of the most iconic fly fishing films ever created—from steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest to remote destinations across the globe. We dig into Todd’s early production days filming for Fly Fishing the World, surviving a plane crash in the Bahamas, and how he eventually built Catch Magazine into one of the most respected visual storytelling brands in fly fishing. Todd also explains why...
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Micro Leaders and Euro Nymphing with Mike Komara and Michael Bradley (Traveled #45)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#928b Show Notes: Presented by: Mike Komara and Michael Bradley are two of the five starters representing Team USA at the upcoming World Fly Fishing Championships in Eastern Idaho. They’ve spent years refining modern Euro nymphing tactics, and this episode digs into one of the biggest changes in competitive fly fishing over the last decade: the move from traditional sighter systems to fully colored micro leaders. The discussion also covers team strategy, competition preparation, dry-dropper adjustments, minimalist gear systems, and how presentation often matters more than the...
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928 | The Divot, Pivot, and Twist: Dry Dropper Fishing Beyond the Basics with Jason Randall
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
928 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Today, we’re digging into dries and dry dropper fishing beyond the basics with Jason Randall. We talk about better drifts, longer leaders, strike detection, presentation, and the small rigging changes that can completely change how your flies fish on the water. Jason also shares where dry droppers work best, where they fall apart, and a few subtle tricks that help your flies look more natural instead of just floating by. Show Notes:
info_outline#731B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/731B
Presented By: Yellowstone Teton Territory
The West is home to some incredible bug hatches, but only a few can match the size and intensity of the great salmon fly hatch. Today, we're diving into the magic of this hatch with Justin Adams of the South Fork Lodge.
We will talk about the Middle Fork, the Salmon River, and even the Grand Canyon. Find out how Justin puts a 90-degree bend in the leader to fish nymphs more effectively. Plus, he'll share the #1 thing he tells his clients and why fish on the South Fork have scuffed noses!
Episode Chapters with Justin Adams on the South Fork Lodge
04:54 - Justin started as a part-time guide while working for the Forest Service for 10 years. It was around 2018 when he went all in and started guiding over 100 days a season.
Fishing the South Fork
Justin says the South Fork is one of the best-known fisheries in the region. It holds a lot of fish per mile and can handle plenty of fishing pressure while still producing great days on the water. You can fish for cutthroat, brown trout, rainbows, and even hybrids called cutbows.
Seasons & Timing
Winter (December to February)
Fishing slows, but snowmobiling and skiing take over.
Ice fishing is possible on nearby reservoirs.
Spring (March to May)
High water from runoff, but big browns are on the move.
Worm patterns and big nymphs work best.
Summer (June to August)
The legendary Salmon Fly hatch happens around July 4th.
Dry flies dominate, with fish looking up for big bugs.
Fall (Sept–Oct)
Low water levels make for easier wading.
Brown trout start spawning, so target deep holes away from the beds.
Most anglers visit in July, especially around the 4th, when the salmon flies hatch.
Justin’s Go-To Set-Up for the South Fork
13:13 - Justin swears by a simple but deadly setup, which is the double Pat’s Rubber Legs or what they also call "two turds". He usually runs it under a mini bobber with a swivel setup, and if he needs more depth, he says he'll add a split shot.
Guides also swear by the Mic Drop, a simple olive-bodied fly with an orange collar. It looks like a zebra midge but could imitate just about anything. Sizes 16 to 20 work best, depending on the conditions.
https://youtu.be/QUK-if6brp0?si=CNuh5On4qwtoBGXQ
Rods
Justin swaps between 9 ft and 10 ft rods for nymphing. He uses the 10 ft rod (usually a 5-weight with a 6-weight line) for easier mending. Since they're mending all day, he says the extra length helps control the drift. It’s all about keeping the fly line behind the indicator for a slow, natural presentation.
Leader
Justin builds his leaders instead of using store-bought tapered ones. His setup uses a hinge system under the indicator, creating a 90-degree rig.
Why Fish on the South Fork Have Scuffed Noses
During the salmon fly hatch, the trout on the South Fork get aggressive. They’re actively picking them off the rocks instead of just waiting for bugs to land. Many fish end up with scuffed noses or even a bit of "road rash" from rubbing against the rocks while feeding.
The One Fly
The One Fly is a fly fishing competition and fundraiser on the South Fork and Upper Snake River. Anglers get just one fly. If they lose it, they’re out. Bigger fish earn more points, so strategy matters. The event brings in top anglers from all over, but local guides lead the way.
https://youtu.be/9ZxmTBHEqAs?si=04eovcZemagJD5h2
The Rainbros Tournament
Jimmy Kimmel and his crew fish every spring in their dry-fly-only competition. The rules are simple: Topwater fish are two points, subsurface is one, and a whitefish is a minus point. Michael Keaton, Jason Bateman, and Huey Lewis get in on it.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/731B