698 | Dry Fly Fishing Tips with Mark Raisler from Headhunters Fly Shop
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 12/27/2024
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#845 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Lance Gray gives us a full guide-level breakdown of Northern California — from the Feather River steelhead runs to the stillwaters that shaped generations of Chico anglers. He talks about reading Davis and Almanor, when stillwaters light up, and why steelhead require technical knots, clean leaders, and perfect presentations. Lance also brings us into the heart of the Chico fly-fishing community, where teaching, mentorship, and his Guide School continue to shape new anglers. It’s part NorCal fishing tour, part education...
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#844 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: We sit down with Nick Chambers of The Conservation Angler to talk about the current state of wild steelhead. Nick has spent more than 20 years studying these fish in their home waters, from the Skagit River in Washington to the spring-fed systems of southern Oregon. He has snorkeled over reds, gathered juvenile dispersal data, and followed steelhead migrations across entire watersheds. We dig into what the latest research is showing, why some rivers continue to support strong wild fish while others...
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843 Show Notes: Presented by: When Kelly Galloup shows up, you know it’s about to get good. In this episode, Chad sits down with one of the most influential voices in modern streamer fishing for a deep dive into Best Streamer Strategies for Giant Trout, wild eats, and the stories that shaped today’s big-fly game. If you’ve ever thrown a streamer and wondered how the masters make it look easy, this conversation is your front-row seat. Show Notes:
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Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/842 Presented By: , , Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors If you’ve been dreaming about Deschutes fly fishing with less pressure and more solitude, today’s episode is your roadmap. We sit down with Warm Springs tribal member and guide Randy Nathan, owner of the Eagle Crossing Restaurant at the Deschutes River crossing, to talk about what it really takes to fish the reservation side: permits, timing, access, and the flies that consistently get eats. From steelhead season strategies to the famed salmonfly hatch, Randy shows why this...
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#841 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, we sit down with Joe Clark of Trout Yeah Guide Service to talk about his trout bum life. Joe has guided everywhere from Steelhead Alley to Pennsylvania spring creeks, and he’s also coached Team USA Youth to three straight World Championship titles. We dig into what it means to read new water with confidence, how to use drift angles instead of heavier flies, and why sensitivity and feel often matter more than the gear you’re holding. Joe also shares stories from Idaho, Montana, and the Kootenays, along with his own...
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840 Show Notes: Presented by: There’s nothing quite like chasing Alaska Chinook on the Swing. Imagine standing knee-deep in the Togiak, that wild pulse of Alaska running through your boots. The river’s quiet and still... until a chrome-bright Chinook melts your 30-pound tippet like butter. Larry Richmann says it best: “All it takes is one swing.” Our guest today, Larry Richmann, is a Michigan-born guide who splits his year between swinging flies for kings in Alaska and chasing steelhead on the Saint Joe. In this episode, he shares how a self-taught spey caster found his...
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#839 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: Ben Smith of Arizona Wanderings walks us across Arizona — from the high-country creeks that hold Apache trout to the canals and reclaimed ponds around Phoenix, where carp and tilapia lurk. He talks native-fish recovery efforts, the best shoulder-season windows for trout, small-stream tactics (long leaders, stealth, and micro presentations), and the surprisingly wide variety of warm- and cold-water opportunities within a few hours of the city. Along the way, Ben shares how he started blogging, why he still ties flies and furled leaders,...
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838 Show Notes: Presented by: Ever wonder what it’s like to grow up where fly fishing isn’t just a hobby — it’s the family business? Today we’re heading to Eastern Idaho, where the Berry family has spent over a century guiding anglers through the waters of the Teton, Henry’s Fork, and South Fork of the Snake. Our guest, Brian Berry of Teton Valley Lodge, shares the incredible story of how his great-grandfather turned a handful of guided trips in 1919 into one of the oldest operating lodges in the West. Brian takes us deep into the history, craftsmanship, and...
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#837 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: In this episode, we dig into Central Texas fly fishing with guide and musician-turned-angler Alvin Dedeaux of All Water Guides. Alvin shares how his path from the music scene, where Nirvana once opened for his band, led him to become one of the top Orvis-Endorsed outfitters in the country. We dive into the incredible diversity of Texas fly fishing, from Guadalupe bass on the Colorado and Llano Rivers to sight fishing for redfish on the Texas coast. Alvin breaks down when and where to find the best action, what...
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Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/836 Presented By: , , and Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Stillwater fly fishing in Alaska is one of the state’s most underrated experiences — and George Krumm, editor of Fish Alaska Magazine, wants to change that. In this episode, George joins to share why Stillwater Fly Fishing in Alaska holds massive potential for trophy trout, and how understanding the lake’s ecosystem can help anglers unlock consistent success throughout the season. From post–ice-out timing and hover-line techniques to identifying scud-rich lakes and...
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Presented By: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Heated Core
In this episode, we dive into the art of dry fly fishing with Mark Reisler, owner of Headhunters Fly Shop and a passionate angler with over 25 years of experience. You'll learn expert tips to improve your casting technique, discover Mark's go-to dry flies, and explore strategies to hook more fish on the surface this season.
Episode Chapters with Mark Raisler on Dry Fly Fishing Tips
1:11 - Mark discusses the December and Christmas season which highlights the popularity of trout spey fishing on the river. He further explained how the river is described as ideally suited for spey rods, with skagit lines, sink tips, and streamers (such as leeches and flashy patterns) being effective during the winter months.
4:21 - Mark recalls the changes that led him to steelhead fishing and how his father introduced him to it.
9:05 - The guest went into detail about how he came up with the fly shop idea back in the fall of 2008. Mark shared how he started as a shuttle driver, transitioned to running the kitchen, and eventually decided to become a fly fishing guide. He proudly shares how he and his partner just celebrated their 17th year into fly fishing business.
22:40 - Mark talked about how to become a great professional angler. He proudly shared that he has been practicing five times a week with a yarn rod to stay sharp in rowing and fundamentals, consistently following the same routine for 30 years.
33:35 - Mark then shared the variety of insects found in each season. He explained the importance of presenting the hatches and perfecting casting techniques.
34:38 - He further explained how the "Hail Mary" cast has a low success rate. Additionally, he went into detail about how an angler should approach rising fish and elaborated on the best techniques for using a fly and achieving a proper drift.
44:45 - Mark proudly shared how the river easily adapts to each season. He explained that the nature of the river makes it very easy for wading. He also shared that the best technique is to sneak up on fish slowly "like how to catch a deer".
50:39 - He then shared his insights on drifting and how to properly cast to the front side of the bell curve and the centerline. He offered advice on how he assesses the water and determines what needs to be done first before diving further into his technique.
Conclusion with Mark Raisler on Dry Fly Fishing Tip
In this session, Mark shared his journey and expertise in steelhead fishing, offering a wealth of knowledge for anglers of all levels. He emphasized the importance of consistent practice, maintaining a routine for 30 years to master rowing and fundamentals to dry fly fishing.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/698