705 | Fly Fishing the Land of the Giants with Jeff Lattig of Living Water Guide
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 01/13/2025
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_outline#705 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/705
Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Heated Core, Visit Helena, MT
Are you ready to fish one of the best tailwaters out west? Today, we’re heading to the Land of the Giants on the Missouri River with Jeff Lattig from Living Water Guide.
Jeff shares tips on fishing rivers and reservoirs, even in winter. We’re talking about the must-have fly color for winter, how to avoid a sloppy mend, and why the short leash nymphing method might just change the way you fish.
Show Notes with Jeff Lattig on Fly Fishing the Land of the Giants.
03:06 - Winter on the Missouri River is slightly different, but it’s still a great time to catch some big fish. The day usually starts later, at around 9:30 or 10 AM, just to let the sun warm things up a bit.
Jeff talks about fishing deep, slow winter water and using flies like pink scuds and worms. If the wind is calm, you might even get some great midge fishing with dry flies. Jeff says pink flies, like pill poppers and lightning bugs, are popular in winter.
Winter Fishing vs Summer Fishing in the Missouri
Winter fishing on the Missouri River can be easier than fishing in the summer. Fish are a bit slower and less picky, so it’s easier to catch them. But they’re also not as hungry, so it’s all about finding the right depth and being patient. Jeff said the best part about winter fishing is fewer anglers.
Dry Fly Fishing on the Missouri
09:16 - Dry fly fishing on the Missouri can be trickier than on rivers like the Clark Fork or Blackfoot. The flies are smaller, so even a small mistake, like a sloppy mend, can cause your fly to sink. Plus, the weeds in the water add an extra challenge.
Jeff said downstream hook sets can be challenging for beginners. You must wait for the fish to take the fly before setting the hook.
When to Set the Hook and How to Avoid Sloppy Mends?
Jeff says the key is patience. You want to wait until the fish completely takes the fly. Here’s what Jeff recommends to avoid sloppy mends:
Avoid sloppy mends by using a reach cast to place your fly where you want it.
Stack your line out to feed it properly and get that perfect drift.
Short leaders (9 to 12 feet) are usually enough—no need for crazy long leaders!
Leader Size and Technique for Dry Fly Fishing on the Missouri
The leader size for dry fly fishing in Missouri depends on the fly you’re using. Here’s the breakdown:
For smaller flies (like size 18), choose a 4x to 5x leader.
For larger flies (like chubby Chernobyls or grasshoppers), use 2x or 3x to prevent twisting and get a good turnover.
The technique stays the same even in the winter. Jeff says that if there aren’t many fish rising, they fish blind.
https://youtu.be/9U1jUdOjsLA?si=TGkZjLa7cE5f2_8Q
Hopper Season on the Missouri
13:03 - Hopper season runs from late July through September. During this time, Jeff targets shallow waters (less than 2 feet deep) with grasshoppers. Here's what you should look for:
Faster, choppy water with good oxygen levels
Current breaks and structure, especially wood (as Jeff says, "wood is good")
Fish with a single hopper or a hopper dropper
Missouri is known for its epic grasshopper fishing, but other hatches like PMDs, caddis, tricks, and pseudocloeons.
What is Short Leash Nymphing?
17:34 - Short leash nymphing is a technique where you target super shallow water, where larger fish tend to feed. The method involves using soft landing indicators placed a few feet above the flies, typically two to three feet.
Anglers cast to specific spots like gravel bars or drops where fish feed. The technique requires precision and frequent casting. Check out this article on Short Leash Nymphing on the Missouri River.
How Do You Find Fish in Shallow Water?
To find fish in shallow water, look for areas where the water gets shallow, like gravel bars, shorelines, or center river flats. These are the spots you want to target when nymphing.
Make sure your flies, indicators, and weight are set for that depth. Short leash nymphing makes it easy because you can visually spot those shallow areas and focus your efforts there.
Dealing with Weeds When Nymphing
Weeds can be a big issue when nymphing, especially in the summer months in Missouri. Sometimes, you might need to switch to unweighted flies to float over weed beds, especially in faster or deeper water.
Jeff says that areas near the dam have less vegetation due to cooler water, but warmer temperatures bring more weeds further downriver.
https://youtu.be/wxbXwDgqhAU?si=BxebQWXWKz3XArRG
Fly Fishing the Land of the Giants
The "Land of Giants" is a stretch of river below Hauser Dam, about 3 to 4 miles long and known for its huge fish. You can catch fish around 18 to 22 inches, with some reaching 24 inches or more.
This section is regulated with permits. Only 50 guides can operate there for commercial use. Jeff says they use jet boats to fish the area.
26:45 - You don’t need a drift boat to fish the Missouri, but it helps. Wade fishing can be great, especially when flows are low. Below Hauser Dam is the sweet spot for guided trips. If you’re into walleye or spin fishing, places like Hauser or Canyon Ferry Reservoirs are options, too, but most fly fishing happens below Hauser.
Best Time to Fish
June and July are the best months for fishing. The main hatches are pale morning duns and caddis. As summer turns into fall, expect Trico and pseudocloeons, and then in late October, the Blue-wing olives show up. Even in winter, there’s still fishing with midges and chironomids.
Tips to Catch More Fish in the Land of Giants
40:33 - Jeff Lattig shares two key tips for fishing the Land of Giants:
Let Your Fly Hunt: When fishing with an indicator, let your flies hunt instead of constantly casting.
Know Your Depth: Make sure your flies are at the right depth. If you're fishing 10 feet of water, keep your flies close to the bottom.
Top Winter Flies for the Land of the Giants
You don’t need to match the hatch exactly—it's more about the drift and timing. Here are some top choices for flies that work great in winter:
Pill Popper
Pink Lightning Bug
Radiation Baetis
Thin Mint
Parachute Adams
Griffith’s Gnat
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/705