Littoral Zone #16 | Fly Fishing Australian Lakes and Beyond with Tom Jarman
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 03/24/2025
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#945 Show Notes: Presented By: , , Sponsors: Drew Evans of House of Fly returns to the podcast to share why carp may be one of the most underrated gamefish in fly fishing—and why they offer some of the best preparation for chasing bonefish, redfish, and other saltwater species. Drawing from years of experience fishing Idaho's rivers and traveling to the flats, Drew explains how sight fishing for carp builds the casting, presentation, and fish-spotting skills that translate almost anywhere in the world. The conversation also explores choosing the right fly line, matching rods to your...
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#944B Show Notes: Presented by: Paul Bowen has spent over 50 years fly fishing and tying flies throughout eastern Idaho. From the South Fork of the Snake to Henrys Lake, Hebgen Lake, and a variety of lesser-known reservoirs, he's developed a reputation for effective stillwater patterns and thoughtful fly design. This conversation covers his favorite lake tactics, fly modifications, and the long-running Eastern Idaho Fly Tying Expo. Show Notes:
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944 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Some rivers don't reward bigger boats. They reward smarter access. Water Master Rafts have built a reputation for helping anglers reach water that bigger boats often can't. In this episode, Rich Stuber joins me to share the story behind the company, how he went from employee to owner, and why portability has become such a big part of the way many anglers fish today. We get into what makes Water Master boats different, from their unique design and welded construction to rowing, fins, stability, and fishing rivers solo. Rich also shares some insights...
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#943 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , In this episode, Davy Wotton discusses why many anglers are missing fish before their flies even land. While most anglers focus on casting farther, Davy argues that shorter, more controlled casts in traditional wet fly fishing often result in better presentations and more fish caught. Show Notes:
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#942 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: Matt Thornton shares the story behind Wilderness Calling and how a simple conversation about conservation funding turned into one of the most ambitious steelhead research projects currently underway. We dig into satellite telemetry, Oregon steelhead fishing, Alaska guiding, and the challenge of understanding fish that spend most of their lives far from shore. Show Notes:
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#941B Show Notes: Presented By: A successful Montana fly fishing trip isn't just about choosing the right river—it's about building the right experience. Kathryn Bartlett, General Manager at Gallatin River Lodge, shares how thoughtful planning, flexible scheduling, great guides, and a comfortable home base can transform a fishing vacation into something much bigger. For anglers looking to explore Montana's legendary waters while still enjoying everything the region has to offer, Gallatin River Lodge provides a unique starting point. #941B Show Notes:
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941 Show Notes: Presented by: , , What does it take to keep producing nine-pound trout year after year? In this episode, we’re heading to Henry’s Lake with Kevin Skenandore of the Henry’s Lake Foundation. Kevin has spent decades fishing these waters and is now helping lead conservation efforts aimed at protecting and improving one of the West’s most iconic stillwater fisheries. We talk about the new Feed the Fish program, how volunteers are restoring spawning habitat in tributary streams, and what water temperature and oxygen levels mean for trout survival. Kevin also...
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#940 Show Notes: Presented by: Phil Rowley and Darren Huntsman share why Henry's Lake remains one of the premier stillwater fisheries in North America. More importantly, they explain how the techniques taught during the Henry's Lake Stillwater School can help anglers improve on lakes everywhere. Show Notes:
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#939 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Paul Arden, founder of Sexyloops and one of the most respected fly casting instructors in the world, returns to the podcast to share lessons from more than three decades of teaching anglers how to cast more efficiently. From beginners learning loop control to experienced anglers searching for more distance and accuracy, Paul breaks down the fundamentals that separate average casters from great ones. The conversation covers fly casting plateaus, loop control, back-cast awareness, the 170 cast, double-haul mechanics, fly line selection, and...
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#938B Show Notes: Presented By: Sponsors: Chris Teas joins Jeff Ditsworth of Pescador on the Fly to share lessons learned from more than five decades of fly fishing around the world. From growing up fishing Wisconsin and Colorado waters to traveling across South America and beyond, Chris explains why experience has taught him to simplify gear, focus on presentation, and stop overcomplicating fly fishing. The conversation covers fly fishing travel mistakes, stolen gear, packable rods, Euro nymphing, guide tactics, and why Chris believes most anglers only need a handful of flies to catch fish...
info_outlinePhil #735 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/735
Presented By: Four Wheel Campers, Pescador on the Fly, Yellowstone Teton Territory
In this episode of The Littoral Zone with Phil Rowley, Tom Jarman, a top competitive fly angler and winner of the 2024 Australian Fly Fishing Championships, breaks down his best strategies, tactics, and flies for fishing Australian lakes and beyond. Episode Chapters with Tom Jarman on Fly Fishing Australian Lakes
Tom was born in Melbourne, Australia, but he spent part of his childhood in England, where he first picked up a fishing rod. When his family returned to Australia in 2000, his passion for the sport grew and he got into competitive fly fishing at 15.
He later studied environmental science, while spending summers guiding in Tasmania. Now at 31, Tom has built a life around fly fishing—guiding, coaching, and sharing his knowledge with others.
Tom started his YouTube channel to showcase the incredible fishing in Victoria. His videos highlight both river and lake fishing. Tom also designed a range of flies with FlyLife Magazine, built specifically for Australia’s unique fisheries.
The Shrek Fly
Tom and Phil dive into the effectiveness of the Shrek fly. Designed by Joe Riley, this fly stands out with its metallic green and gold hues, mimicking Australia’s native baitfish. It’s so effective that even anglers from the U.S. have adapted it for their own waters.
Check out Tom’s video tutorial on How To Tie Shrek and see why this fly is a must-have in your box:
https://youtu.be/wsoHmpErZMI?si=vNAEzwNVU4UgLdjT
Key Tips from Competition Fishing
17:38 - Tom shares what he's learned from competitions that every angler can use:
Structure your day to maximize your chances of success.
Location is key. Fish aren’t everywhere, so focus on finding them.
Cover water fast. In a boat, you’d move quickly to locate fish. Apply this same mindset on the bank.
Fish key spots. Target windward shores, calm areas, drop-offs, weed beds, and rocky structures.
Don’t get stuck in one place too long, especially if the fish aren’t biting.
Gear Tips for Stillwater Fishing
Rod
Tom swears by a 10-foot rod for Stillwater fishing. It gives him better casting control, helps manage flies near the boat, and allows for longer leaders. Here’s what he prefers:
10 ft 6 wt – Tom's all-around choice.
10 ft 7wt – Great for streamers and windy conditions.
10ft 8wt – Helps cast farther in competitions.
Tom also likes stiffer rods in windy conditions for quicker hook sets. A strong rod means better control, especially when fish push farther out.
Leader
Tom keeps things simple when fishing subsurface. Instead of a tapered leader, he uses a level fluorocarbon leader for better contact with his flies. He also uses a beaded fly at the end to help the cast turn over, even in the wind.
When fishing dry flies, he switches to a tapered leader to transfer energy smoothly. He trims off the extra thick butt section and the non-tapered tip, then adds a tippet ring before tying on his tippet.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/735