674 | Alaska Grand Slam with George Krumm - Fish Alaska Magazine, Togiak River Lodge, Chinook Salmon
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 11/01/2024
903 | Fishing the Trico Hatch and the Missouri River Dry Fly School with Craig & Warren DeMark
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
903 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, Craig and Warren break down what really matters when you’re fishing the Missouri during peak dry fly season. We get into fishing the Trico hatch, how timing and rhythm often beat perfect fly choice, and what anglers miss when targeting rising fish. You’ll also hear about the Missouri River Dry Fly School at On DeMark Lodge. Find out what you can expect on the water, and how to apply the techniques you'll learn there anywhere you fish. 903 Show Notes:
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902 | Winter Steelhead Fishing Tips: Dax Messett on Swinging Flies, Tides, and Reading Water
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Presented By: , , . Steelhead fishing rewards patience, repetition, and time on the water. In this episode, Dax Messett shares practical winter steelhead fishing tips on reading water, fishing near tidewater, choosing the right setup, and making better swings on coastal rivers. We also get into the lower Rogue, the Klamath, leader strength, tide influence, and how to land fish cleanly without a net.
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901 | Montana Spring Creek Fly Fishing with Chase Glowacki from Montana Fly Fishing Lodge
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#901 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, Chase walks through Montana spring creek fly fishing — from the Yellowstone and Stillwater to spring creeks and the Shoshone. We dig into double-nymph rigs, streamer strategies, dry-dropper setups, and how fall fishing in Montana changes the whole game. If you’re planning a Montana trip or just want to fish smarter on big western rivers, this one is packed with ideas. Show Notes:
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901 | Jim McLennan on Bow River Fly Fishing Then and Now
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
901 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , In this episode, I sit down with Jim McLennan to explore Bow River fly fishing across generations. We talk about the shift from classic dry fly fishing to streamer fishing, increased boat traffic, and the challenges of managing a well-known tailwater fishery in Alberta. We also get into key hatches like golden stones, how dam operations impact river conditions, and how fly fishing techniques have evolved on the Bow River. Jim shares stories about legends like Lefty Kreh and Gary LaFontaine, along with insights from his books, including Blue Ribbon...
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The Science of Hatches: What the Salmonfly Project Is Teaching Anglers with James Frakes and Jackson Birrell
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Watch the full video: Take the Angler Survey: Support the Salmonfly Project: In this episode, we dig deep into one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of fly fishing: entomology, or the study of aquatic insects, and how it directly connects to success on the water. James Frakes and Jackson Birrell from the Salmonfly Project break this topic down in a way that makes it approachable, practical, and actually useful for anglers at any level. Instead of overwhelming you with scientific jargon or Latin names, they focus on what matters most: understanding bugs...
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Henry's Lake Fly Fishing with Darren Huntsman (Littoral Zone #23)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
899 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Henry's Lake fly fishing has a reputation that stretches across North America. Big trout, shallow water, legendary hatches, and a history filled with anglers chasing trophy fish. In this episode, Phil Rowley sits down with Idaho native Darren Huntsman, a lifelong angler who has spent decades learning the nuances of this famous stillwater. Darren grew up fishing nearby rivers and lakes, eventually falling in love with Henry's Lake for the same reason many anglers do—the chance to chase truly big trout in a bug-rich, shallow lake that fishes differently from...
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Fly Fishing New Mexico with Trisha Valdez – Small Streams to Big Tailwaters
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Sponsor: Sponsors: Fly fishing in New Mexico offers an incredible range of water that many anglers overlook. From tiny mountain creeks hiding in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the famous San Juan River tailwater, the state delivers everything from technical dry fly fishing to big trout below dams. In this episode, I sat down with Trisha Valdez to talk about growing up around the Mora River, how she found fly fishing later in life, and why local rivers often shape us more than destination trips. Trisha also shares the story behind New Mexico Lady Anglers, the community she...
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898 | The Steelhead Swing System and the Fly Fishing Bootcamp with Jeff Liskay
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Watch the Video: http://wetflyswing.com/steelheadbootcamp Sponsors: https://www.wetflyswing.com/sponsors/ In this episode, Jeff Liskay breaks down the core ideas behind successful swung-fly steelhead fishing and why so many anglers struggle with it. Instead of focusing on gear or the perfect fly, Jeff explains that success starts with understanding where steelhead actually hold in a river. He shares lessons from decades of chasing steelhead across the Great Lakes, West Coast, and beyond, emphasizing how reading water, identifying structure, and recognizing current changes are the...
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897 | The Science of a Perfect Fly Cast with Ed Jaworowski
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
897 Show Notes: Presented by: , , In this episode, we dig into the science of a perfect fly cast with legendary casting instructor Ed Jaworowski. We talk about rod loading, loop control, timing, and the small mechanics that make a cast efficient and accurate. Ed also shares how he learned alongside Lefty Kreh, and why mastering these details can keep anglers improving for decades. Show Notes:
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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...
info_outlineShow Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/674
Presented By: Togiak River Lodge
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/togiak
George Krumm, editor of Fish Alaska Magazine and all-around fishy dude, is going to share his experience on Alaska grand slam catching all five salmon species in the same day on a recent trip to the Togiak River.
You're going to find out which technique he used to make it happen; where some of the other great trips are around Alaska and things you should be thinking about; and what he thinks is the best thing to help turn around the Chinook decline for the Pacific rim. Plus you're gonna found out how you can plan your Alaska trip easily with a resource at Fish Alaska Magazine.
Episode Chapters with George Krumm on Alaska Grand Slam
3:06 - George began his journey into fly fishing when he was about seven years old. His dad gave him a small vice and showed him how to tie flies. The very first fly he tied was a gray hackle peacock. George became truly passionate about fly fishing when he started catching fish with the flies he had tied himself.
5:08 - He shares a bit about how he began his career at Fish Alaska. Melissa Norris and his brother, Marcus, founded both Fish Alaska and Hunt Alaska magazines. For Fish Alaska, George primarily writes about fly fishing. Additionally, they have a "Fly of the Month" column, which is sponsored by Mossy's Fly Shop.
8:12 - George first connected with the Larsen brothers, who own the Togiak River Lodge, during his visit in 2022. His goal was to explore Chinook fishing and write a story about it. Unfortunately, the trip wasn't very successful due to poor water and weather conditions. Despite this, George believes that the Togiak River is a standout location for Chinook fly fishing, as it still boasts strong runs of fish in various sizes.
11:48 - George visited the lodge in mid-August this year, aiming to catch coho salmon on a fly. He successfully caught all five species of Pacific salmon—Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink salmon—in a single day on a fly rod. His cousin Tom achieved this feat twice in one week.
13:39 - He describes their success, noting that on an average day, he and Tom caught over 75 salmon of various species. Although their main goal was silvers, they caught multiple types of salmon, with the King salmon being the most challenging to catch at that time of year. Interestingly, they managed to achieve a "grand slam" of catching various salmon species by accident.
15:40 - We discuss sockeye salmon, which are less talked about in freshwater fishing. George mentions significant runs in areas like Naknek and Kenai. Sockeye are valued for their red meat and while they usually feed on plankton in the ocean, they can become territorial and bite more when in large groups.
For Chum salmon George mentions that they are strong fighters, often leading to broken rods, though they might not look impressive. Pink salmon are smaller and change color quickly, causing them to be underrated, but fresh pinks are tasty, similar to trout.
20:31 - George enjoys the methodical aspect of spey casting, especially for winter steelhead, where catching even one fish is rewarding. He contrasts this with the excitement of fishing in the Togiak River, where large fish are caught more frequently.
26:47 - George highlights the Togiak River Lodge's multiple packages for anglers. He also notes an important change in their policy: during the first few weeks of the fishing season, the lodge will limit the number of anglers from 24 to 14. This adjustment is aimed at providing a better experience for those specifically interested in fishing for King salmon.
27:34 - We dig into the evolving perspectives on fishing practices in Alaska, emphasizing a shift away from the traditional "whack them and stack them" mentality towards more sustainable approaches. George highlights the importance of targeting abundant fish species such as sockeye, pink, and coho salmon, while questioning the necessity of taking large quantities of fish home.
Our conversation highlights the need for anglers to adapt to changing times and prioritize sustainable practices. While Alaska has been perceived as having unlimited fish supplies, current trends suggest a need for caution and conservation.
33:36 -We discuss the current state of fly fishing and the associated challenges in different regions, including Alaska and the Skeena system. Fishing restrictions, such as closures on Chinook fishing, are not only happening in Alaska but in other areas as well.
38:50 - George recounts spending extensive time fishing on the Kenai River and now frequently visits the Naknek River for its excellent rainbow trout fishing opportunities. He also highlights the overlooked potential of stillwater fishing around Anchorage and the Kenai Peninsula. He notes that many lakes in Alaska are stocked with fish and, unlike in the lower 48 states, they are not heavily fished. This means that these lakes often contain multiple age classes of fish, some reaching up to 30 inches long.
43:53 - The Fish Alaska website provides a free trip planning service. This service allows users to input information, after which they receive details and recommendations about where to go. George explains that the service typically recommends lodges or outfitters in the area of the user's intended destination. Additionally, when users submit their information, it is shared with these recommended operations, who may also contact the users to offer further assistance.
44:40 - George addresses the challenges facing the Chinook salmon fishery, particularly the commercial troll fishery in Southeast Alaska. A significant issue is that the fish caught are often not native to Alaska, and the average size of Chinook salmon along the west coast is decreasing. This size reduction is attributed to the fish being more vulnerable to overfishing in the ocean before they can return to spawn.
He suggests that Chinook salmon management should be coordinated along the entire west coast, acknowledging their migratory and feeding patterns rather than being limited by political boundaries.
49:08 - George also expresses concern about the potential decline of Coho salmon in South Central Alaska, noting low returns in areas like Anchorage and Homer. He speculates that if Coho face decline, it might not be due to trawl fisheries but rather the impact of pink salmon hatchery operations.
53:43 - George clarifies the difference between trawl and troll fishing, emphasizing the impact of the former on marine environments and fish populations.
56:44 - He describes the experience of visiting the Togiak River Lodge, detailing the journey and accommodations. He also highlights the excellent food they have in the lodge.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/674