822 | Montana Fly Fishing and Photography Tips with Drew Baker

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/822

Presented By: Pescador on the Fly

Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

From shoulder surgery rehab to 10 guiding seasons across Rock Creek, the Blackfoot, and the Big Hole, Montana guide and photographer Drew Baker shares how he turned days on the oars into a career behind the lens. In this episode, Drew shows why the best Montana fly fishing photography tips aren’t about megapixels—they’re about telling a real story on the water.

You’ll learn how to capture authentic moments (not just grip-and-grins), build a simple kit that travels well, and plan your shots so you protect fish and still come home with wall-worthy images. We also dig into summer strategy across Montana, when to pivot rivers, and the underrated power of the point-and-shoot in your waders.

Show Notes with Drew Baker on Fly Fishing Photography

02:57 - Drew shared how photography became his focus, noting that breaking into the hunting industry was easier than fly fishing since many fishing content creators were established early, but his passion for photos began with fly fishing.

 04:30 - He recounted how rehabbing a shoulder surgery in college led him to daily fly fishing, on the advice of his physical therapist, which eventually turned into guiding in 2015. 

06:08 - Drew explained that Philipsburg, Montana offers access within 90 minutes to major rivers like the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Big Hole, and Beaverhead, giving guides flexibility depending on flows and client lodging.

07:19 - He described guiding on the upper 14 miles of Rock Creek, where outfitters without Forest Service permits are restricted, and how this stretch provides prime opportunities close to town.

09:11 - Drew talked about his collaboration with Jeff from Pescador on the Fly, capturing lifestyle product photography and storytelling video while fishing on the Missouri. 

10:28 - He discussed filming Happy Hustle masterminds, where entrepreneurs combine survival skills, fishing, and camping with business problem-solving, which has shaped how he organizes his own guiding and photography business.

14;21 - Drew explained that while phones can work for casual anglers, carrying a small point-and-shoot camera can inspire more creativity and story-driven photos.

16:19 - He detailed his pro setup: two Sony bodies, one wide-angle lens for scenery and one telephoto for wildlife or tight fishing shots, since swapping lenses mid-float risks water damage.

18:12 - On the Pescador shoot, Drew used his Sony A7 IV, a wide and tight lens, a DJI Pocket 3 gimbal camera for stabilized boat footage, and a drone to capture varied perspectives.

19:58 - He described how gimbals stabilize video, eliminating distracting shake, and why the DJI Pocket 3 has become a game-changer for filming on water. 

22:03 - Drew highlighted the DJI Pocket 3’s “creator combo,” which includes a wireless mic with 10-bit float audio, ensuring clear sound even in high wind conditions.

24:31 - He emphasized must-have accessories like a circular polarizer filter to cut water glare, an air puffer to clear droplets before wiping a lens, and a waterproof camera bag to safely store gear but keep it accessible.

26:46 - Drew encouraged anglers to document the whole story of a day-sunrise, fly selection, facial expressions, net shots, and release rather than just grip-and-grin photos.

31:22- When asked whether photography or video tells a better story, Drew chose photography, explaining that a single strong image can convey a complete narrative.

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/822