711 | Sight Fishing for Northern Pike with Matt Martin - Smooth River Guiding
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 01/27/2025
737 | Fly Fishing the Gunnison with John Radle – Bauer Fly Reels, Salmonfly Hatch, Black Canyon
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#737 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: What if your next fly fishing trip required hiking your gear a mile into a canyon, floating through whitewater, and casting big bugs at canyon walls? Would you do it for a shot at dry fly takes? Today, we’re heading deep into the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness with John Radle, former guide and now general manager at Bauer Reels. John shares what it takes to run this iconic stretch of water during the famous salmonfly hatch, how to scout for trout by looking at water splashes on canyon walls, and what makes the Gunnison rainbow so...
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CJ's Reel Southern Podcast #1 | Chad Johnson and Alex Lafkas - Streamers from Michigan to Arkansas
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#736 Show Notes: Sponsors: Welcome to the very first episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast! This podcast is all about one thing—trophy fishing. Whether it’s brown trout, smallmouth, stripers, or even musky, we’re diving deep into the tactics, flies, and mindset it takes to target big fish. To kick things off, Chad Johnson is joined by Alex Lafkas from Michigan—a longtime streamer junkie and one of the fishiest guys I know. They swap stories about their early days figuring out the White River, compare notes on streamer retrieves, fly patterns, and how to read fish...
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Littoral Zone #16 | Fly Fishing Australian Lakes and Beyond with Tom Jarman
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Phil #735 Show Notes: Presented By: , , In this episode of The Littoral Zone with Phil Rowley, Tom Jarman, a top competitive fly angler and winner of the 2024 Australian Fly Fishing Championships, breaks down his best strategies, tactics, and flies for fishing Australian lakes and beyond. Episode Chapters with Tom Jarman on Fly Fishing Australian Lakes Tom was born in Melbourne, Australia, but he spent part of his childhood in England, where he first picked up a fishing rod. When his family returned to Australia in 2000, his passion for the sport grew and he got into competitive...
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734 | The Bycatch Crisis with Adam Cuthriell: How Trawlers are Killing Alaska's Wild Salmon
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#734 Show Notes: Presented by: Did you know that large-scale trawling is wiping out Alaska’s wild salmon, halibut, and other key species? In this episode, we talk with Adam Cuthriell of Fishhound Expeditions about the bycatch crisis—where thousands of fish are caught and discarded every year. Adam breaks down how trawlers operate, the impact on fisheries, and what we can do to fight back. From signing petitions to making smarter seafood choices, we all have a role to play. Tune in to learn how you can help protect Alaska’s fish and fishing communities. Episode Chapters...
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733 | 5 Rules for Streamer Fishing with Gunnar Brammer - Predator Flies, Musky Fishing, Minnesota
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#733 Show Notes: Presented By: , , Sponsors: What makes streamer fishing so different from dry flies and nymphing? Is it about imitating baitfish, triggering aggression, or just throwing the biggest fly you can? Today, we’re bringing back Gunnar Brammer, streamer expert and fly designer, to break down predatory fish behavior, how to cast oversized flies, and why natural materials like bucktail still outshine synthetics. Gunnar shares his five essential streamer fishing rules, the biggest mistakes beginners make, and how to design flies that fish actually want to eat. Plus, we talk...
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732 | Chad Johnson's Reel Southern Podcast - Streamer Fishing, White River, Big Johnson
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#732 Show Notes: Presented By: , , In this episode, Chad Johnson, a legendary guide on the White River, shares his best tips for targeting big browns with streamers. You’ll hear a classic Dave Whitlock story, learn when the big fish bite, and find out why Chad still loves the area—even after the famous Dally's Fly Shop moved on. Plus, there’s a big secret dropping today about a brand-new podcast. Don’t miss it! Show Notes:
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Traveled #26 | The South Fork Lodge with Justin Adams - Salmon Flies, Snake River, Cutthroat
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#731B Show Notes: Presented By: The West is home to some incredible bug hatches, but only a few can match the size and intensity of the great salmon fly hatch. Today, we're diving into the magic of this hatch with Justin Adams of the South Fork Lodge. We will talk about the Middle Fork, the Salmon River, and even the Grand Canyon. Find out how Justin puts a 90-degree bend in the leader to fish nymphs more effectively. Plus, he'll share the #1 thing he tells his clients and why fish on the South Fork have scuffed noses! Episode Chapters with Justin Adams on the South Fork...
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731 | Fly Fishing Massachusetts with George Sylvestre - Cape Cod, Tailwaters, Midges
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#731 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Sponsors: Switching from freshwater to saltwater fly fishing isn’t always easy, but today’s guest makes it simple. In this episode, we talk with guide George Sylvestre about fly fishing Massachusetts and the flats of Cape Cod, the Tailwaters of the Northeast, and how to make a smooth transition between fresh and saltwater. George shares his top three differences between the two, plus expert tips on casting, reading the water, and targeting fish in both environments. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started,...
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730 | Saving Wild Salmon with Rick Williams – Snake River Dams, Managed Extinction, Steelhead Conservation
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#730 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , Sponsors: What if we could bring back wild salmon and steelhead to the rivers where they once thrived? With historic runs in the Columbia and Snake Rivers plummeting, it's time to ask—what can we do to reverse the damage? Today, we chat with Rick Williams, fisheries biologist, master fly casting instructor, and co-author of Managed Extinction, a follow-up to the groundbreaking book Salmon Without Rivers. Rick breaks down the four Snake River dams, the barriers to fish recovery, and what needs to happen to restore wild salmon and steelhead...
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729 | Stillwater Fly Fishing Myths Debunked with Denny Rickards
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#729 Show Notes: Presented By: , , Stillwater fishing has always been close to my heart, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges and misconceptions. I’m excited to have Denny Rickards on today’s episode because we'll debunk some stillwater fly fishing myths. Denny is one of the most knowledgeable stillwater anglers out there, and he’s here to share his step-by-step approach to finding big fish in lakes. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a solid framework for what to do (and what not to do) when fishing stillwaters. You're in...
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