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
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#748 Show Notes: Presented by: , Sponsors: What does it take to build the top fishing magazine in Alaska—and still find time to chase 30-inch rainbows and 250-pound salmon sharks? In this episode, we sit down with Marcus Weiner, founder of Fish Alaska Magazine, to explore his favorite Alaska fish species, epic float trips, and the evolution of fly fishing culture in the Last Frontier. From top fishing tips for sockeye and dollies to behind-the-scenes stories about moose hunting and conservation, Marcus shares 23+ years of hard-earned wisdom from the rivers,...
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#747 Show Notes: Presented By: Swinging flies for Atlantic salmon in an area made famous by Lee Wulff? Our guest today has been doing just that for over 50 years. Rod Brophy, Master Guide at Mountain Waters Resort, breaks down his favorite surface techniques—including bombers, the Portland Hitch, and the classic riffle hitch. You’ll hear how he rigs his leader, what flies he uses year-round, and what it was like growing up in one of the most iconic salmon fisheries in the world. If you’re ready to step into Atlantic salmon territory and experience the thrill of the surface take,...
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#746 Show Notes: Presented By: , Would you board a 9-hour flight to catch trout in Patagonia or brave a three-hour mule ride into a river camp in Chile—all for the chance to fish water most people will never see? Today we’re joined by Chris Hunt, longtime fly fishing writer and co-founder of Hatch Adventure Travel. Chris shares what it takes to plan bucket-list fly fishing trips around the world, from the Missouri River and Idaho’s backcountry to Cuba, Argentina, and British Columbia. We’ll get his best travel hacks, hear how Hatch Travel started in the middle of a...
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#745 Show Notes: Presented By: , The Fly Fishing Film Tour started with a small group of anglers looking for something fresh. Today, these films are part of a new wave of storytelling in fly fishing. Our guest, RA Beattie, has been there since the beginning. In this episode, RA shares his journey and highlights from his films, including The Silent Spotter, a story about a deaf guide. We also dive into his connection with Clyde the Car and how he stays motivated despite changes in the industry. Plus, we’ll learn how he built a company making sustainable wood for guitars. Show Notes:...
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#744 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Sponsors: We sit down with the legendary Jack Dennis—author, guide, fly tier, and storyteller with a legacy stretching back over 50 years in the fly fishing world. From founding Team USA and the Jackson Hole One Fly to filming iconic episodes with Curt Gowdy and hanging with Ted Williams, Jack shares some of the most memorable moments in the history of the sport. We talk about the making of his Western Trout Fly Tying Manual, his friendships with Lee Wulff and Joan Wulff, and the rise and shift of fly fishing culture over the decades....
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#743B Show Notes: Presented By: Today’s guest is Josh Miller, a Pennsylvania-based guide and coach for Team USA’s Youth Fly Fishing Team. He’s helped shape some of the best young anglers in the world, and in this conversation, he’s sharing his roadmap for preparing for new water, making smarter decisions on the river, and understanding the nuances of fly presentation. Whether you’re prepping for a new fishing destination or just want to up your game, Josh has plenty of insights to share. Show Notes:
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#743 Show Notes: Presented By: , , , We’ve had episodes on fly fishing the Gaspé Peninsula before: the famous rivers, active Atlantic salmon to the surface, and why it's a fantastic destination. But today, we’re diving even deeper. Andrew Murphy, longtime guide and now lodge owner at Gaspé Coastal, takes us into his home waters and shows us how diverse the fishery really is. You’ll learn how to fish for salmon, stripers, and even sea-run brook trout, all on the same trip. By the end of this one, you’ll have the knowledge, and probably the...
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#742 Show Notes: Presented by: Sponsors: In this episode, we’re headed to one of Montana’s most iconic rivers — the Big Hole River. Known as one of the last strongholds for Arctic grayling and a key tributary of the Missouri River, the Big Hole is facing some serious challenges. Brian Wheeler, Executive Director of the Big Hole River Foundation, joins us to talk about declining trout populations, water quality concerns, and what’s being done to turn things around. Brian breaks down the science behind their five-year water quality monitoring project,...
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#741 Show Notes: Presented By: If you're dreaming about a fall trip to Montana to chase trophy trout under the big sky, this episode is for you. We're heading to the Missouri River with the DeMark family—Craig, Becky, and Warren—from On DeMark Lodge. They’re sharing what makes their small, family-run lodge near Craig, MT, one of the most dialed-in operations on the Missouri River. You’ll hear exactly what to expect in October—from long dry fly drifts over rising pods to aggressive streamer eats in shallow water. We get their full strategy for fishing fall hatches like...
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#740 Show Notes: Presented by: In this episode, we dive into the remote and wild fishing experiences offered by Northern Rockies Adventures with Daniel Schildknecht, Phil Rowley, and Lance Egan. From chasing Northern Pike, Lake Trout, and Grayling to navigating untouched rivers by float plane, this trip had it all. Plus, we get an inside look at an upcoming hosted trip that might be your next dream adventure. Strap in for big fish, wild landscapes, and some unforgettable moments on the Wet Fly Swing Podcast! Episode Chapters with Phil, Daniel, and Lance on Northern Rockies...
info_outline#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