688 | Grand Teton Fly Fishing with Scott Smith - Jack Dennis, Snake River, Trout
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 12/04/2024
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
779 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Stillwater Fishing can feel like a mystery if you're not sure where to start. Should you go with a balanced leech or a chironomid? Use an indicator or not? And hey, does trolling still count? In this episode, we're joined by Greg Keenan, host of the Stillwater Edge podcast and a guy who lives and breathes lake fishing. Greg breaks down his systematic approach to Stillwater, shares his hybrid leader setup, and talks about how to actually find fish, not just cast and hope. We also get into stripping techniques, when to troll, and the new...
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
778B Show Notes: Presented by: Jack Arnot, Team USA angler and dry fly tactician, is here to break down what it really takes to fish on the surface when the pressure’s on. From the Colorado Rockies to the technical rivers of Europe, Jack shares what it’s like to compete in world-class fly fishing events and how you can apply those same dry fly skills to your own local waters. We get into everything from gear setups to scouting new water (even when nothing’s rising), and why it's time to rethink what 7x and 8x tippet can do. Show Notes:
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#778 Show Notes: Presented By: , , In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, we’re joined by George Cook, Dec Hogan, Scott O’Donnell, and Joseph Rossano—four deeply respected voices in spey fishing, fly culture, and steelhead conservation. With decades of experience guiding, designing flies, telling stories, and fighting for fish, this crew brings insight and emotion to every swing of the conversation. We dig into the heavy realities facing steelhead today—closures, declining returns, and tough conversations around catch and release. George and Dec reflect on the evolution of...
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#777 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: In this episode, we're joined by Josh Nugent from Out Fly Fishing to talk all about fly fishing the Bow River. Josh shares what makes this river so special, how to plan your trip, and even some surprising lessons from his time studying the world’s best fly casters. When it comes to legendary trout rivers in North America, Alberta's Bow River is near the top of the list. Flowing from the Rockies just outside Banff National Park, the Bow is known for its big browns, healthy rainbows, and...
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#776 Show Notes: Presented By: , , Sponsors: In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude Podcast, Jeff is joined by industry rep Phil Cook, one of the most respected fly anglers in the region. Phil shares his journey from growing up fishing Michigan’s Au Sable River to leading Backeddy Sales, where he represents top fly fishing brands. They talk about the evolution of Great Lakes fly fishing—from streamer innovations to smallmouth bass tactics, the rise of Atlantic salmon, and hunting Cohos in skinny water. Phil reveals his passion for sight-fishing, his approach to gear testing,...
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#775 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: In this episode, we head to the Southeast to explore South Carolina fly fishing with Mike Watts of Rivers and Feathers. From chasing wild trout in the Southern Appalachians to building community through Clemson University’s fly fishing club, Mike shares what makes his home waters so special. If you’re curious about Southeast fly fishing, small stream tactics, or want a glimpse into a growing regional fly fishing scene, this episode is for you. Show Notes:
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#774 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Brian Wise, streamer fanatic fly tyer, and the guy behind fly fishing the Ozarks, joins us today to share some of his hard-earned lessons that he's picked up from guiding and fishing Missouri's famed trout water. You'll find out why weightless streamers might be your new best friend. How slack kills a good presentation and what fly design really matters when chasing big browns. Plus, Brian's gonna walk us through the rules of streamer fishing. Spoiler alert, there's only one... and why the 10-pound trout can still live and hang out in...
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
773B Show Notes: Presented by: We’re back with John Hunt from Moccasin Fly Club, and this time he’s giving us the ultimate fly fishing and hunting roadmap for Colorado and New Mexico. From the Colorado River to the South Platte and even into New Mexico’s San Juan, John lays out his top 10 spots to hit this year — some big names and a few hidden gems too. Show Notes:
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#773 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Sponsors: We sit down with Kirk Deeter, editor of Trout Magazine and one of the most recognizable voices in fly fishing media. From the challenges facing today's fisheries to the stories behind the stories he publishes, Kirk opens up about the role of journalism, conservation, and storytelling in the fly fishing world. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or deeply involved in river advocacy, Kirk offers insight on how you can engage more deeply with the sport—and the issues that matter. Show Notes: ...
info_outlineWet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#772 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , In today's show, we have the return visit from a veteran guide and industry professional, Eric Leininger. You may recall Eric was on the show back in In the Bucket episode #5 with Stu Foxall and Scoop Mason. Today, Eric is going to be joined by his good buddy, Zach Carothers, the guy who stepped aside from a successful music career to follow and share a passion for fly fishing as he pursues a new career as a guide. So yeah, we've got old guide and new guide perspectives and some good entertainment coming your way today. Expect adult language, some great...
info_outlineShow Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/688
Presented By: Grand Teton Fly Fishing
Scott Smith, owner of Grand Teton Fly Fishing, takes us on a journey through the Yellowstone area. We’ll uncover tips for fishing the area's rivers, learn about pre-hatches, and hear Scott’s biggest tip for landing those tricky fish sipping bugs off the surface.
Plus, Scott will also share stories about his mentor, Jack Dennis. This is going to be a good one!
Show Notes with Scott Smith on Grand Teton Fly Fishing.
02:03 - Scott grew up fishing creeks in North Georgia. Fly fishing for him came later when he picked up a rod at 12 at a garage sale and taught himself through magazines and VHS tapes. He eventually met Jack Dennis, who became his mentor.
Check out our episode with Jack Dennis.
Starting Grand Teton Fly Fishing
05:52 - Scott moved to Jackson Hole in the late '90s. Over the years, he built a career, mentored new guides, and created a loyal client base. In 2011, he and Mark Fuller took over Jack Dennis' business and started Grand Teton Fly Fishing.
11:55 - Scott tells us about the waters they guide in western Wyoming. They cover Yellowstone National Park's lakes to Grand Teton National Park's Snake River headwaters. Scott says they customize trips based on how long guests stay and what they want to do.
Fishing in Jackson Hole
15:41 - We hear about what fishing looks like throughout the year in Jackson Hole. Scott says they do a lot of drift boat fishing to cover large rivers like the Snake, but there’s still plenty of wade fishing when the conditions are right.
March to October is the best fishing season, with good hatches and fewer crowds.
Early March is great for dry fly fishing, especially with midges and blue-winged olives.
The peak fishing season starts in mid-June and continues in July through September.
Fishing in September and October
23:20 - We talk about the fishing conditions in September and October. As the water cools down, the fishing gets better, with some great hatches like the Hecuba fly. Scott says this is also when the Jackson Hole One Fly event usually happens.
28:09 - Scott says that the Snake River is both forgiving for new anglers and challenging for experts. The Snake River is home to the Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat, a subspecies of the Yellowstone cutthroat.
34:52 - Scott says that when he's guiding, he always looks for spots where fish are likely to be. The key is looking for subtle sips, usually signs of bigger fish feeding.
40:10 - If you’re not seeing much action on the surface, Scott suggests switching to attractor patterns or terrestrials like beetles and ants. You can also add a dropper fly, but it might limit how close you can fish to the bank.
Scott’s Top 8 Fly Patterns
1. Small chubby (black, purple, tan)
2. Small black foam flies
3. Golden Stone Water Walker
4. Parachute Adams
5. Parachute Hare's Ears
6. Mercer's Missing Link
7. Callibaetis Flies
8. Small streamers
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/688