711 | Sight Fishing for Northern Pike with Matt Martin - Smooth River Guiding
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 01/27/2025
845 | Feather River Steelhead & NorCal Stillwaters: Lance Gray’s Guide-Level Breakdown
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 | Saving Wild Steelhead with Nick Chambers of The Conservation Angler
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#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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Kelly Galloup on the Best Streamer Strategies for Giant Trout (CJ's Reel Southern Podcast #8)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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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842 | Deschutes Fly Fishing with Warm Springs Guide - Randy Nathan
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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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The Trout Bum Life with Joe Clark of Trout Yeah Guide Service - Team USA, The Popsicle (Traveled #36)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#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 | Alaska Chinook on the Swing with Larry Richmann - Togiak River Lodge
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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 | Apache Trout Rivers, Desert Creeks & Carp in the Canals with Ben Smith of AZ Wanderings
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#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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The Teton Valley Lodge with Brian Berry (Traveled #35)
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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 | Central Texas Fly Fishing with Alvin Dedeaux from All Water Guides - Redfish, Guadalupe Bass, Colorado River
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#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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836 | Stillwater Fly Fishing in Alaska with George Krumm
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
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...
info_outline#711 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/711
Presented By:
Pescador on the Fly, TroutRoutes, On DeMark Lodge, Four Wheel Campers
When you think of a predatory fish, what are the first few species that come to mind? For many anglers, Northern Pike is among the most thrilling predators to catch. If fishing for northern pike is on your radar, today’s episode is a must-listen.
In this episode, we will break down sight fishing for Northern Pike with Matt Martin of Smooth River Guide. Find out his secrets to targeting big Northern Pike by sight. Here's what you'll learn:
Muskie vs Pike
Best time to target Northern Pike
Sight Fishing Northern Pike
How to Find Pike in Shallow Bays
Best Flies (and color) for Northern Pike Fishing
The perfect strip, and when the fish strike
Episode Chapters with Matt Martin on Sight Fishing for Northern Pike
Matt Martin grew up in Barrie, Ontario, and now lives in Midland, a town on the shores of Georgian Bay. Georgian Bay is known as the 30,000 Islands region. It's the world's largest freshwater archipelago.
Matt guides on over 50 lakes and a dozen rivers, targeting 14 different species. Northern Pike is definitely a top species to target, but it can still vary depending on where you are in the province.
Here’s a breakdown of the species you can fish in the area:
Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass
Northern Pike – Pike season runs from May to June and then again in September.
Walleye
Muskie
Chinook Salmon
Coho
Rainbow Trout
Steelhead
Brown Trout
Muskie vs Pike
Unlike pike, which are easier to catch, muskies are tough. You might not even see one all day, and the chances of getting a hit are low. Muskies are more challenging to catch because they have a lower population and a bigger home range.
For those who want to target muskie, Matt recommends booking more than one day to increase your chances.
Best Time to Go Fishing for Northern Pike
The best time for northern pike fishing is in the spring. The season opens on May 1st in Ontario, and that’s when pike are easiest to catch. Here's why:
In the first week of May, pike can be found in less than two feet of water, sunbathing in sandy bottom bays.
The main lake water is still cold (around 42-43°F), but the back bays warm up to the 50s. Pike use the warmer water to increase their metabolism.
According to Matt, sight fishing for pike is a whole new level of fun.
Sight Fishing for Northern Pike
Matt uses an 18-foot Lund Deep V fishing boat for sight fishing. He says it's perfect for the larger lakes, especially when the waves get rough. Matt uses advanced gear like a Minn Kota motor and Garmin LiveScope to spot pike before casting.
Fishing for Northern Pike in Shallow Bays
In the spring, focus on large, warm bays, especially those near river mouths. These areas draw pike because they offer the perfect hiding spots in weeds or along logs, where pike can ambush prey. Pike are ambush predators, so they wait below the surface to attack.
When fishing for pike, Matt says to keep your fly around 2 to 4 feet above the fish because pike strike from below.
Best Flies for Fishing Northern Pike
Matt prefers using bright, easy-to-see flies when fishing for pike, especially in spring. He avoids natural tones and uses colors like white, yellow, or bright pink.
The key is using flies that mimic the white belly of baitfish. Pike are drawn to movement, so keep that fly above them and use a strip to get their attention.
Stripping Your Fly for Pike
The way you strip your fly is crucial for catching pike. Most strikes happen during the pause between strips, not while you're actively moving the fly.
For some flies, like the Game Changer, Matt recommends a quick, short strip with a half-second pause to let the fly sink a bit.
Other flies like the Yard Sale need a longer strip with a hard kick at the end to make the fly wobble like an injured fish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEUP5cEOB6M
Essential Gear for Catching Big Northern Pike
Pike can be super aggressive, so it’s key to be prepared with the right gear to protect you and the fish. Here are some things to remember when fishing for Northern Pike:
Use a large, deep net to keep the fish in the water while you unhook it.
Have multiple sets of tools like jaw spreaders and pliers for safe handling.
Protect the fish to make sure they’re safely released after catching them.
Pike can live up to 20–25 years in the wild. Matt says it’s okay to keep smaller ones (around 27 inches), but those big 40-inch fish should go back in the water. If you keep one, make sure it’s injured and can’t survive being released.
Matt's Go-to Tips for Fishing for Northern Pike
Start in Shallow Bays
Bring Multiple Rods and Lines
Use 8-10 weight rods and carry lines with different sinking rates: floating, intermediate, type 3, and type 5.
Add a 12-inch section of 20-25 lb bite wire to your leader.
Short Leaders Work Best
Use Durable Pike Lines
Focus on bays with creeks, green weeds, and the right structure.
Matt’s final advice? Stick with it and have faith—pike are
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/711