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730 | Saving Wild Salmon with Rick Williams – Snake River Dams, Managed Extinction, Steelhead Conservation

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Release Date: 03/12/2025

907 | The Story Behind Fishpond and Modern Fly Fishing Gear with Johnny Le Coq show art 907 | The Story Behind Fishpond and Modern Fly Fishing Gear with Johnny Le Coq

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#907 Show Notes:   Presented by: , Sponsors:      What does it take to completely rethink how we carry gear on the water? In this episode, we dig into fly fishing innovation through the story of Fishpond and the mind behind it, Johnny Le Coq. From cassette tape cases to chest packs and carbon fiber nets, this one connects design, function, and purpose in a big way. We get into the early days of Fishpond, how disruption shaped the brand, and why conservation became just as important as the gear itself. Jonny also shares what he's focused on now, including a powerful citizen...

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906 | Scott Fly Rod Founder Larry Kenny on Design and Innovation show art 906 | Scott Fly Rod Founder Larry Kenny on Design and Innovation

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#906  Show Notes:  Presented By: , , , . Fly fishing has always evolved, but some moments change everything. From bamboo to fiberglass to graphite, each shift has redefined how anglers experience the water. In this episode, Larry Kenney shares what it was like to be at the center of one of the most important transitions in fly fishing history—the move to graphite fly rods. Larry, co-founder of Scott Fly Rods, takes us through the early days of rod building, the rise of graphite innovation, and the lessons he’s learned from decades in the industry. Along the way, he...

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904 | Upper Missouri Watershed Conservation with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from UMOWA show art 904 | Upper Missouri Watershed Conservation with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from UMOWA

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#904 Show Notes:   Presented by: We dig into what’s happening on the Upper Missouri right now, from macroinvertebrate data to water management challenges. This episode with Josh Seckinger and David Stagliano from Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance (UMOWA) connects the dots between science, fishing, and long-term river health. Show Notes:       

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903 | Fishing the Trico Hatch and the Missouri River Dry Fly School with Craig & Warren DeMark show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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) show art 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 show art 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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#730 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/730

Presented By: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Four Wheel Campers, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Togiak River Lodge

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/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 populations. Plus, we dive into the hatchery debate, what history has taught us about failed management strategies, and why he still has hope for the future of these fish. If you care about the future of wild salmon and steelhead, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/730