CJ's Reel Southern Podcast #1 | Chad Johnson and Alex Lafkas - Streamers from Michigan to Arkansas
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Release Date: 03/26/2025
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...
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895 | Mountain River Lodge with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
895 Show Notes: Presented by: , , Picture this. You’re in Colorado with mountains in every direction, and the South Platte running just across the road. In this episode, I sit down with Jason Pickerill and Jacquie Mosher from Mountain River Lodge. We talk about how this place began as a historic motor lodge and how they’ve upgraded it into a true base camp for anglers, hikers, hunters, and groups exploring some of the best water in the state. We also dig into the Dream Stream, Mueller State Park, shoulder seasons, and why fall in Colorado is hard to beat. This is the home...
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894 | Long Island Fly Fishing with Paul McCain of River Bay Outfitters
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
#894 Show Notes: Presented by: , , , Sponsors: Long Island fly fishing isn’t the first thing most people think of when they picture New York. Traffic, skyline, beaches maybe. But tucked behind all that is a network of spring creeks, salt marshes, kettle ponds, and over a thousand miles of shoreline that most anglers never see. In this episode, I sat down with Paul McCain, owner of River Bay Outfitters — the only dedicated fly shop on Long Island. Paul’s been building community, guiding anglers, and chasing everything from native brook trout to stripers for decades....
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Hunting with a Fly #1 | Fly Fishing Like a Hunter with Joe Goodspeed
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Show Notes: Sponsors: Fly fishing doesn’t fall apart because it’s too difficult. It falls apart because most anglers treat it like random casting instead of controlled hunting. Too many flies. Too many casts. Not enough intention. In this first episode of Hunting with a Fly, I sat down with Joe to break fly fishing down to its core principle: approach it like a hunter. Read water like terrain. Move with purpose. Cast only when it matters. Joe’s message is simple. The anglers who consistently catch fish aren’t guessing — they’re stalking, positioning, and presenting with...
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893 | The Fly Fishing Bootcamp: Streamers, Euro Nymphing, Spey and more
Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast
Join the Bootcamp at: https://wetflyswing.com/bootcamp In this episode, we break down the full lineup of the Fly Fishing Bootcamp, a 12-session, multi-day event designed to cover the complete range of modern fly fishing skills. From fly casting mechanics with Kalyn Hoggard and Marty McVey, to steelhead strategy with Jeff Liskay, dry fly precision with Bob Lindquist, modern nymphing with Norman Maktima, trout fly tying with Mike O’Brien, two-handed casting with Jeff Putnam, bass tactics with Brian DeLoach, entomology with The Salmonfly Project, streamer strategy with James Garrettson,...
info_outline#736 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/736
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/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 behavior. Plus, you’ll hear a quick monthly update from Morgan Guss of Diamond State Fly Shop on what to look for in the Ozarks this time of year.
If you love chasing big fish and geeking out on gear and techniques, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it.
Episode Chapters with Chad Johnson and Alex Lafkas on Streamers from Michigan to Arkansas
Fishing the Ozarks: March Update with Morgan Guss
March is a big transition month for fishing in the Ozarks. Water levels fluctuate, bringing both challenges and opportunities. Streamer fishing can be hot, especially near the dam during shad kills. Minnow patterns remain a solid bet throughout the river. On the lakes, stripers, largemouth, and crappie start moving as the water warms. Whether you’re fishing the rivers or the reservoirs, now’s the time to get out and find some big fish.
Streamer fishing for big browns has deep roots in Michigan, but it has evolved in places like Arkansas' White River. Alex Lafkas shares how adapting to different water conditions is key. In Michigan, extreme seasonal shifts change fish behavior, while Arkansas’ tailwaters stay within a smaller temperature range. This means retrieves, fly selection, and feeding patterns vary between the two regions. Timing also plays a huge role—understanding when and where the biggest fish move makes all the difference. Whether you’re chasing trophy trout up north or in the Ozarks, learning how to read the water is the secret to success.
Feeding vs. Aggression: Understanding the Brown Trout Bite
When streamer fishing for big browns, knowing the difference between a feeding bite and an aggression bite is key. Smaller flies, like sculpins and minnow patterns, work best when fish are actively feeding. But when targeting trophy fish, upsizing to seven or eight-inch streamers can trigger an aggressive reaction. These big fish aren’t always hungry, but they will strike to defend their territory.
In Michigan and Arkansas, seasonal changes and water conditions affect how trout react. During winter and early spring, minnows and sculpins are prime food sources. As water warms, trout shift to eating crayfish and hoppers. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps anglers choose the right fly and increase their chances of hooking a trophy brown.
The Power of Water Temperature in Fly Fishing
Water temperature affects more than just whether fish are active—it helps determine what they eat. Instead of just thinking about if it's too hot or too cold to fish, anglers should use temperature to decide on fly selection and approach.
- Cold Water (Winter & Early Spring): Minnow and sculpin patterns work best.
- Warming Water (Late Spring & Summer): Trout key in on crayfish and larger prey.
- 50-Degree Sweet Spot: Brown trout tend to jump more when water hits 50°F.
The Power of the Pause in Streamer Fishing
When fishing streamers for big brown trout, knowing when to pause can make all the difference. Brown trout naturally feed in the drift, meaning they often strike when the fly stops moving. If you don’t give them that chance, you’re missing fish.
- A long pause lets the fly hang in the water, making it look like an easy meal.
- Fast retrieves can work in shallow water but should still include pauses.
- A trout that follows five feet behind the fly isn’t likely to eat—focus on the ones that charge in.
The key takeaway? Don’t overwork the fly. If a fish is committed, let it eat!
Reading the Fish: How Body Language Can Make or Break Your Catch
One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is focusing too much on their fly and not enough on the fish. Trout will tell you what they want if you pay attention. A fish that follows but doesn’t eat may need a different angle, speed, or presentation. Instead of just changing flies, try adjusting your retrieve or adding weight.
- Watch their behavior – If a trout is tracking your fly but hesitates, try a head-first approach.
- Use the right depth – Fish will rarely rise far to eat, but they will crush a fly that drifts naturally into their zone.
- Stick with what’s working – If one color or pattern has been producing, keep it in the mix, even when the bite slows.
Big fish aren’t just about luck—they're about reading the water, adjusting, and making the right move at the right time.
Chasing the Bite: Why Big Fish and Tough Days Are Worth It
Streamer fishing isn’t about numbers—it’s about the chase. The goal isn’t to catch the most fish, but to land the one that makes your whole day. Big browns, like trophy bass or muskies, take patience and persistence. The bite windows are short, the effort is high, but the reward is unforgettable.
- Match the fly to the conditions – Olive and white is a staple, but don’t ignore subtle shifts in water color and light.
- Read the fish – Watch their body language and adjust your retrieve. A following fish isn’t always a feeding fish.
- Stick to your game – Whether it’s throwing big streamers, chasing a trophy, or dialing in a new technique, fish the way that excites you.
The One Thing Most Anglers Get Wrong
Want to fish big streamers? Get your casting right first. Alex sees it all the time—anglers spend thousands on a guided trip but never put in the time to practice casting. A solid double haul and accurate placement can make or break your day.
- Tight loops matter – A sloppy cast won’t get the job done with big flies.
- Backhand casts are key – Keep those heavy streamers away from your guide’s head.
- Practice before your trip – A little time on the lawn or a local pond can save you frustration on the water.
A simple fix? Take a casting lesson. Spend an hour dialing in your cast, and you’ll get way more out of your next trip.
Connect with Alex & Chad Johnson
If you're looking to book a trip in Michigan or Arkansas, Alex takes new clients when available—just email him at alex@alflyfishing.com.
For guided trips in the Ozarks, Chad Johnson is booking trips through CJ’s White River Outfitter. Whether you're after big browns or smallmouth, he and his team have you covered.
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/736