The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
Produced by The Orvis Company and hosted by Tom Rosenbauer, author of The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide, this podcast will provide you with tips on how to get the most of your time on the water. Read more about Orvis at www.orvis.com/podcast.
info_outline
How to find great fly fishing close to home, with Greg DeMars
04/30/2025
How to find great fly fishing close to home, with Greg DeMars
I've had a number of guests on the podcast teaching us about urban fly fishing and it will be an ongoing process because everyone has different takes on how to approach it. There is nothing better than a few hours of peace before or after work, without needing to drive for hours, and you can find it, even in the middle of our largest cities. My guest Greg DeMars [40:25] specializes in the urban fisheries around Dallas, Texas, but the tips he offers are valuable for any urban area throughout North America—and probably beyond. Urban fishing can be exciting and interesting and challenging—it's not just about trout or permit! In the Fly Box this week, I thought we had some unusually interesting questions, including: Will you ever have a podcast on targeting yellow perch on a fly rod? Is there any need for a "shorty" Euro line if I want to Euro nymph with my regular weight-forward line? Can't I just attach a very long leader? Are swimming holes "fish-free" zones or are they worth targeting in early season before the swimmers arrive? Where can I find Orvis BigEye hooks? When I fish in fast water I have problems shooting line because my excess line gets carried away by the current. I don't want to use a stripping basket. Is there another solution? I never use tippet, only leader material. Do I need special tippet? What knot would you recommend instead of the Perfection Loop? I have problems catching flying insects over a trout stream and my hat doesn't work. What would you suggest? How do you tell what fish are feeding on under the surface? Can you elaborate a bit on why you should make your first cast count? How important is that and how do I do it without making a few bad casts first? When tying nymphs, I have trouble getting CDC to wind evenly. And I don't like using a dubbing loop. Any tips on how to make my CDC flies look better? What tips or recommendations do you have for getting into fly tying?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/36366480
info_outline
Best Practices for Wader Care and Fit, with Natalie Cullum
04/22/2025
Best Practices for Wader Care and Fit, with Natalie Cullum
I get a lot of questions about wader care, storage, and washing instructions. Fit can also affect how long waders last and how comfortable they are. Waders are one of our most expensive purchases, outside of a rod and reel, and in order to make them last longer we need to take good care of them, so they stay waterproof and comfortable. My guest this week is Natalie Cullum [27:14], Orvis product developer in charge of waders and technical outerwear. She knows all about the fabric used in waders, the technology involved in their construction, and how critical fit is in their comfort and durability. If you are looking for a new pair of waders this season, or if you want to make your current pair of waders last longer, this podcast is essential listening. In the Fly Box this week, we have some interesting questions and tips from listeners, including: Is the Orvis Tippet Knot a suitable substitute for the blood knot? Do you think there is a chance that dry-fly purism will come back? Does a saltwater line cast worse in fresh water? Can you suggest a use for the fluffy material at the base of a Coq de Leon feather? Do you have any tips for dry flies in salt water? A listener suggests some kind of national organization to purchase public lands that are planned on being sold as part of the inflation reduction act. Will there be Orvis Pro Wading Boots in size 15? What is it that Tom brings on the water that most people might not have in their pack or vest? I keep catching landlocked salmon of the same size. Can you suggest a way to target the bigger ones?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/36261710
info_outline
Secrets of Southern Tailwaters, with Tic Smith
04/17/2025
Secrets of Southern Tailwaters, with Tic Smith
Tic Smith [37:18] is head guide at Orvis-endorsed Southeastern Anglers and is a veteran guide with many decades of experience on southern tailwaters. Our discussion centers on his home river, the Hiwassee, but the tips and tricks he shares will be valuable on many other tailwaters. He talks tackle, flies, presentation, and most importantly reading the water from a drift boat. In the Fly Box this week we have some great trips and interesting questions from listeners, including: Can I re-use an old Depth Charge running line with a shooting head, and if so how should I connect it to my heads? Can I put my reel in the water when landing a fish? Would the 7-foot, 9-inch Superfine Graphite rod be a good one for redeye bass? Will it add to the fun factor? A listener has a question about getting around another angler while fishing public water surrounded by private land. A biologist answers a question from a previous podcast—where are all the baby carp? What is this Tenkara stuff all about? Can I use conventional flies on a Tenkara outfit? An anonymous listener please for listeners to contact their elected representatives regarding the defunding of the EPA's Office of Research Development. How do native brook trout get so high up in remote streams? I can catch fish in low gradient brown trout streams on nymphs and dries but streamers don't seem to work. Why? Will floods that have increased flows tenfold in a river have a deleterious effect on the trout population? Can you recommend a good long dry-fly leader that is knotless? Is it as good as a hand-tied leader? What kind of fly-fishing gear should I avoid using in salt water?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/36199935
info_outline
What Rahm Emanuel Loves About Fly Fishing
04/07/2025
What Rahm Emanuel Loves About Fly Fishing
It's always interesting to find out that public figures can be as obsessed with fly fishing as we are. People like Harrison Ford, Jeff Daniels, Tucker Carlson, Bette Midler, Jimmy Kimmel, and Dick Cheney are all serious fly fishers. (And no, I don't have any of them on tap for my podcast). But Rahm Emanuel [37:25] is a dedicated listener to this podcast, and when I had a chance to interview him I took it. There is no politics in this podcast interview—just a fanatic fly fisher who talks about why he loves it, how he finds time in his busy life to go fly fishing, and what excites him the most about it. This was a lively and fun interview with a fair amount of good-natured ribbing. In the Fly Box this week I have no voice files to play (hint, hint) but lots of great e-mails with interesting questions and a few tips from listeners, including: A listener looks for advice on how to carry his fishing gear on a plane. How do I fish plunge pools? Why don't I catch anything in the deep spot below the waterfall? What rods do I need for fishing both small streams in Smoky Mountain streams and steelhead fishing in Ohio? A listener gives advice on the Orvis Dropper Rig Fly Box and why you need to check local regulations before you use a 3-fly rig. A listener relates a story of his great customer service experience Why did trout smash my size 20 dry fly but not connect? Will smallmouth bass and rainbow trout hold in the same water? What knots do you recommend for different presentations and why? What is the best way to get my fly under the mangroves without hanging up?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/36031545
info_outline
All You Wanted to Know About Dubbing, with Tim Cammisa
03/31/2025
All You Wanted to Know About Dubbing, with Tim Cammisa
I get lots of questions about dubbing, which is a simple process that we sometimes complicate with hundreds of different blends and as many opinions on how to apply it. But it's an essential skill in fly tying, so Tim [35:18] and I spend a whole podcast exploring types of dubbing, when you would use them, and different methods of applying this essential material. Tim is always a fun guest and this one is no exception. In the Fly Box this week, we have a some great tips from listeners and of course plenty of questions, including: A great tip from a listener on how to estimate a fly line size using a kitchen scale. Does UV resin dry completely? Can I add head cement to the head of my Elk Hair Caddis? What is the protocol for tipping at a fly-fishing school? When you carry extra lines to the river, do you put them on extra spools or carry extra reels? And where do you put them? I have some 20-year-old tippet I was given. Should I use it? Do you have any recommendations for easily transferable materials that can be used for fry flies as well as streamers? A tip from a listener on how to safely carry a full-size camera when fishing. Where do baby carp hide? I never see them. Does adding split shot make it harder to hook fish? A tongue-in-cheek story about using songbird feathers on flies. I want to buy a house on a trout stream. What should I know before I do this?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35919115
info_outline
Ozark Smallmouth Bass, with Country Singer JD Clayton
03/24/2025
Ozark Smallmouth Bass, with Country Singer JD Clayton
My guest this week is country singer JD Clayton [35:35], a talented singer/songwriter and all-around nice guy who loves to fly fish for smallmouth bass in his native Ozarks. He fills me in on what their fishing is like, and why he loves this rural part of the country so much. In the Fly Box this week, I answer some questions and we have a couple tips from listeners, including: What are some guides to western aquatic insects you recommend? What wading boots do you recommend for hiking into remotes ponds and streams? What water temperatures are ideal for trout, and are there certain temperatures to expect hatches? What do you think the effect of dry summers and falls has on small trout streams in New England? What time of year is best for crayfish patterns, and how should I fish them in smaller streams? My large indicator dry flies keep falling over and landing upside-down. What do you think is causing this? What can I do to preserve and clean the cork handle on my fly rod? Great tips from a listener on a chair for tying flies and some lighting and magnification tips. How should I wash my waders? How can I determine the line weight of an old fly line with no identifying marks?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35817465
info_outline
Get Ready for this Year's Cicada Hatch, with Dave Zielinski
03/10/2025
Get Ready for this Year's Cicada Hatch, with Dave Zielinski
This week my guest Dave Zielinski [39:53], author of the comprehensive book Cicada Madness, tells us when and where you can encounter this year's brood of periodical cicadas—and if you can't make that event, he'll tell you how to find waters that host regular emergences of annual cicadas, which are not quite as large but can offer spectacular fishing if your timing is right. All kinds of fish go crazy over the giant bugs, from trout to bass to carp-- even gar and catfish. Learn how to fish these flies, and how to tie them in this highly informative and timely episode that will help you plan this year's cicada expedition. In the Fly Box this week, we have a good mix of interesting questions and tips from listeners, including: What are your thoughts on drop beads for saltwater flies? I am having problems with blood knots and leader sections ending up the right length. On which Orvis rods will overlining help? How can I get my fly deep enough to catch walleye on a fly? A listener has various questions about fishing for striped bass on Cape Cod. What line should I put on my new Orvis Superfine graphite? Two fly-tying tips and a first aid tip from a doctor. I am swinging 5 or 6 wet flies at the same time, all in line, and sometimes drop fish on the lower flies. How can I fix this? How can you catch fish that are nearly impossible to approach in low, clear water? Some great tips from a listener on how to stay warm when winter fishing.
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35596315
info_outline
All About Crayfish and How to Fish Their Imitations, with Jake Villwock
03/03/2025
All About Crayfish and How to Fish Their Imitations, with Jake Villwock
Crayfish are prey that most gamefish can't resist. They're high in calories, abundant, and relatively easy for bass, trout, and many other gamefish to capture. Yet most of us don't know much about their life cycle and behavior (myself included). Guide Jake Villwock [47:02] has spent his life studying these critters, which gives him important insight on the right fly patterns, but even more important how and when to fish them. You'll learn a lot on this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, there are lots of good questions and I hope my answers will help you in your fly-fishing journey. They include: I can't seem to get my fly deep enough in bass lakes with my floating line. Should I get a sinking line for my 8-weight and fish surface flies with my 5-weight? A listener asks for help from listeners in ways to lessen the pain of losing his beloved fishing dog I fished a river that has always been full of trout and didn't see a thing. What happened to the fish? Should I apply my dubbing with clockwise or counterclockwise twists? Can I tie my dropper onto the tag end of my improved clinch knot? What are your thoughts and comments on how long a trout stays spooked? Why do you prefer a sling pack and where do you put your net? Do resident brook trout in a river get pushed around by migrating steelhead? Do they still feed? I didn't catch any fish in high, cold water. What should I have done? What do you think about tying a loop in the end of my tippet and attaching flies with a girth hitch? Why don't people use landing nets for striped bass? I saw an anti-reverse fly reel on EBay. What do you think of them?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35494390
info_outline
Backcast: George Daniel on Winter Fly Fishing
02/24/2025
Backcast: George Daniel on Winter Fly Fishing
This episode was originally published on January 30th, 2021 This week, continuing our series of podcasts on winter fly fishing for trout, I interview George Daniel, author and guide. George is also an Orvis ambassador and field tester, and teaches fly fishing at Penn State. As you'll discover, there are many similarities with winter fishing in other parts of the country, along with some flies and techniques a bit more appropriate for the Northeast. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great tips and questions, including: Do you use touch dubbing, split thread dubbing, and composite loop dubbing techniques? I'm looking for a fly line to fish streamers for bass, trout, and panfish. Which line should I get? What leaders do I need for my Clearwater Trout Spey setup, for both Skagit and Scandi lines? What's your technique for catching largemouth bass, and what are your favorite flies? Why can't I get my dubbing noodle to behave? Which intermediate line should I get for fishing streamers and indicators in four to eight feet of water? A great tip on a method for wetting marabou and other materials without putting them in your mouth. I went fishing before a cold front and got skunked. I thought fishing was supposed to be good before a cold front. What line and leader and tippet would you use for trout in lakes in 15 feet of water?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35198115
info_outline
Backcast: More Winter Fishing Tips with Rachael Leinweber
02/17/2025
Backcast: More Winter Fishing Tips with Rachael Leinweber
This episode was originally published on January 14th, 2021. My guest this week is Rachael Leinweber [39:38], general manager of The Angler's Covey fly shop in Colorado Springs. One in a series of podcasts about winter fly-fishing tips, Rachael has some great ones for us, and it's been interesting to see how each guide we've talked to has a slightly different take on effective winter tactics. In the Fly Box this week, we have the following questions and tips: Is there an easier way to balance a fly rod than buying a heavier reel? How can I get my parents to approve of my fly-fishing passion?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35198055
info_outline
Be Prepared for Medical Emergencies When Fly Fishing, with Mike Tayloe
02/10/2025
Be Prepared for Medical Emergencies When Fly Fishing, with Mike Tayloe
My guest this week is Mike Tayloe [33:07], who is a fishing guide, EMT, and wilderness medicine trainer. Tayloe (he prefers this to Mike) has trained many Orvis-endorsed guides and lodges on emergencies that you'll encounter on the water. Basically, they're the same emergencies you'll find at home but without the ability to get a rescue squad or ambulance quickly. The bad news is that we can't give you training on wilderness medicine on a podcast. The good news is that Tayloe will tell us how to get training for these emergencies (an online course is not the recommended way to go) and how to put together your own first aid kit so that you are prepared to deal with common medical problems. He goes into great detail on what to include in your kit, and recommends places to either get a complete pre-made kit or where to buy the right components—and the best course is not to buy a cheap kit in a big box store. This podcast, with proper training and a good kit, could save your life or that of a fishing buddy. In the Fly Box this week, we have a number of questions that may answer questions you have had, such as: When should I use split shot as an "in-line" rig as opposed to the drop shot method? Is it better to use fewer big split shot or a number of smaller ones? What can I do with egg yarn other than make egg flies? Mayfly nymphs look flat. Why don't we use more flies with a flattened shape? Should I cast my streamers upstream, across-stream, or quartering down and swinging? Where should I look for striped bass along a marshy shoreline? How important is color on emerger flies. Most of the patterns I see imitate the color of the duns but shouldn't we be more concerned with the color of the nymph? Why are high-end fly rods more expensive than high-end conventional rods? When tying flies, should I tie every size in the right range or should I skip sizes?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35197760
info_outline
Ten tips on making your fishing writing better, with Dave Karczynski
02/03/2025
Ten tips on making your fishing writing better, with Dave Karczynski
Dave is one of the best young voices in fly fishing [38:14]. He's the real deal—he is a fishy guy and can handle a fly rod with the best of them, but he's also a teacher of writing at the college level and a published author. (His new book is terrific and the title is Calling After Water.) Dave gives us what I consider a mini master class on how to write about fly fishing so that your stories are engaging, concise, and fun. I know you will find many useful tips in this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have an assortment of great questions from listeners, including: What are the benefits of tube flies? Can I nymph fish for steelhead with a Spey rod? Is there a benefit from using UV fly-tying materials? What is the best way to attach pre-made droppers to my leader? Tippet ring, surgeon's knot, or blood knot? Why do people look down on swinging wet flies for trout? How can I fish a bigger river without wasting my time trying to fish it all? Is it better to go to a smaller streamer when fish are just bumping the fly? How can young people help to improve our environment?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35120065
info_outline
How Agriculture and Trout Unlimited Work Together, with Cameron Aker
01/27/2025
How Agriculture and Trout Unlimited Work Together, with Cameron Aker
Many of our trout waters run through agricultural areas. We need food and clean water and we'd like to fish for trout in these waters, but sometimes these things don't play well together. It's when all user groups get together and come up with solutions that we have the best of both worlds. Cameron Aker [39:29] is the Outreach Coordinator for the Driftless Region of Iowa, and in this week's podcast he tells us how farmers, landowners, Trout Unlimited, and various government agencies have worked together to manage the land for food production while protecting sensitive coldwater fisheries. You'll learn how they do this, who funds the work, and how you can look into starting a similar initiative in your area. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual roundup of basic questions, good tips, and more advanced questions, including: How do I know when it's appropriate to use resin instead of head cement? I am very new to fly fishing and want to keep my initial fly selection simple. Do you think that's a good idea? Is it a good idea to tie a sacrificial mono loop at the end of my fly line to preserve the loop? What size dry flies do you use in the East for dry/dropper rigs? Are there more "vintage" Orvis reels that you still use? Are there notable distinctions between the various kinds of dubbing? I saw a single caddisfly on the snow recently. Is this unusual? I had something snap my 12-pound fluorocarbon tippet in a clean break while fishing in salt water. What could have caused this? What do you keep on your fly tying desk, other than the typical tools and materials? What should I bring for a traveling fly-tying kit? Great tips from a listener on how to lessen backache when tying flies. How do you target cold, high rivers?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/35009195
info_outline
New Tips on Playing and Releasing Trout, with vs Jim McLennan
01/20/2025
New Tips on Playing and Releasing Trout, with vs Jim McLennan
I often get questions about the proper way to play and release trout and I invited Jim McClennan [42:51] to talk about his tips and his philosophy on bring trout to hand. Jim has been a guide, fly shop owner, writer, and star of fishing films for as long as I have been in the business. He gives his tips on how to play trout quickly, how to land them, and shares a new trick I hadn't heard about for releasing fish without ever touching them with minimal stress to the fish. You'll have to listen to the podcast to find out this trick. In the Fly Box this week, we have some unusually great tips from listeners as well as some interesting questions, including: Is there a performance difference between a hand-tied knotted leader and a knotless leader? A tip from a listener on the best way to begin your life as a fly tier. Do trout lose the rods and cones in their eyes when they get to be about 17 inches long? Are there any colors you would avoid when fishing a Sparkle Minnow? As a beginning fly tier, what tools and materials should I get first? What is the effect of major floods on small brook trout streams? A great tip from a listener on exactly what type and size of nitrile gloves are best for winter fishing. Can you give us a history of Superfine Graphite rods, and what is the new release like? If I use a 12-foot leader with a 9-foot rod, how can I easily land fish? If my waders end up frozen, will that hurt them? How can I fish in a river where everyone else is fishing indicators? I don't like fishing indicators. Can I keep my fly rods in the trunk of my car over the winter? A listener has a hard time wrapping his head around the fact that trout can learn and that trout in rivers with a lot of fishing pressure have learned to avoid certain flies. Is there any scientific research on this topic?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34918330
info_outline
Creating New Trout Streams, with Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited
01/13/2025
Creating New Trout Streams, with Chris Wood of Trout Unlimited
Well, maybe we're not creating new trout streams, but we are creating waters that now support trout and cold, clean water by mitigating abandoned mine runoff. These are streams have been lifeless in some cases for over 100 years. There are hundreds of thousands of abandoned mines leaking acids and toxic metals throughout the country, and until a recent law was passed if an independent organization went in to clean these up, they could be held liable for any damages. The technology is there but the law prevented them from helping. With recent passage of a Good Samaritan law, a number of test cases will be established to prove that independent organizations can work to clean up these mines without legal risk. Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, [41:35] walks us through what has been done and what can be done in the future to ensure cleaner water for fishing, drinking, and swimming. Chris is always an articulate and interesting guest and we know you'll enjoy this podcast. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great new questions and tips including: What is a good chair for fly tying? What is a good light for fly tying? How do you organize your tying desk? What setup should I use to fish streamers in a narrow, brushy piece of water? A piece broke off the jaws of my fly-tying vise. How can I prevent this from happening in the future? Why don't they make polarized sunglasses with clear magnifying inserts? A tip from a listener to always pack an extra pack with dry clothes in case you fall in. Should I recycle my hooks after all the dressing has fallen off a fly? I want a rod for pike and musky fishing. What is the difference between the 10-weight and 11-weight Clearwater rods? Is it bad a stretch a leader by hanging a pair of forceps on it? For small stream trout, should I get a Battenkill Disc or Battenkill spring-and-pawl reel? If I want to practice casting to my "off" side prior to a float trip, should I practice casting with my left hand or use my right hand to cast over my left shoulder?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34829415
info_outline
What You Get When You Upgrade Your Fly Rod, with Shawn Combs
01/06/2025
What You Get When You Upgrade Your Fly Rod, with Shawn Combs
What benefits do you get when you upgrade from a $40 Big Box store rod to a Clearwater or Encounter? How much better is a Recon rod, and will you see and appreciate the performance improvements? And what are you missing out on by getting a Recon instead of a Helios? This is a common podcast question, and I've asked Shawn Combs [44:53], Orvis rod and reel designer, to walk us through the various price points of Orvis rod and how the rods differ. There is a true price/value equation in Orvis rod models, but is the difference important to you? We hope to guide you through those questions. In the Fly Box this week, we have some terrific questions. No phone calls this week so they are all e-mail questions, including: Which river types are richer in insect life, and does that affect your success with dry flies? Why is there so much shame about fishing around brown trout redds but not the same with brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout? How do you set up your leaders for striper fishing? Why don't we go through the eye of the hook twice on every knot, as we do for the Trilene Knot? Why is there so much spot burning with social media? A listener who had a life-threatening experience in a kayak gives us some great tips on being safe on the water. Any thoughts on organizing fly boxes? A listener tells us that washing CDC feathers will not let them float properly but I respectfully beg to differ. A tip from a listener on how to lessen line tangles when fishing from a pedal kayak. What is meant by "nervous water"?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34731955
info_outline
How to Fly Fish from a Paddleboard, with Peter Laurelli
12/23/2024
How to Fly Fish from a Paddleboard, with Peter Laurelli
Peter Laurelli [40:07] is a film-maker and fly fisher, and specializes in fly fishing from a paddleboard. And not in just any place—Peter fly fishes off the northeast coast for striped bass and false albacore, and if you can fish from a paddleboard in these conditions you can do it anywhere. Peter shares his tips on launching and landing a paddleboard, as well as tips for rigging a paddleboard for fly fishing, and of course approaching fish and playing and landing them. If you want to see a sample of his fishing and filming in salt water you can see it here: Surf & Inshore Fly Fishing - SIFF18: Four Years For Life It includes some spectacular drone footage of striped bass and false albacore schools feeding on baitfish. In the Fly Box this week we have some interesting questions, including the inevitable queries about what rod and reel to buy and how to handle issues with leaders. Questions include: Can I replace the tippet ring I use in my leader setup with a Perfection or Surgeon's Loop? Can I use 6X or even 7X when hanging a size 14 nymph from a larger dry fly? Can you recommend a quality reel for the fiberglass rod I own that won't break the bank? What is your take on fishing tandem streamer setups? I'm planning on taking my first tarpon fishing trip to Florida in June. Is a 10- or 11-weight rod suitable or do I need to go to a 12-weight? Can I use my Mirage LT IV for bonefish? I want a rod for midwest trout and bass. Can you help me pick one? I typically modify my knotless leader back and forth. But at what point should I replace my leader with a fresh one? What are your thoughts on glow-in-the-dark fly lines for striped bass at night? Which species does Tom always go barbless for, and which does he stick with a barbed hook? What is your take on the no-targeting regulation proposed for striped bass?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34559085
info_outline
Backcast: Casts for Difficult Trout
12/16/2024
Backcast: Casts for Difficult Trout
This episode was originally published on January 27th, 2022. This week, my guest is Orvis casting guru Pete Kutzer [47:31], and we talk about casts for difficult trout. Often you don't need great casting skills or special casts to catch trout, but there are times when a little razzle-dazzle will make the difference. Pete talks about those situations and what to do--and he also introduces a new way of making a Bow-and -Arrow cast that was new to me. I think anyone can benefit from Pete's advice. In the Fly Box this week, we have these great questions and tips from listeners: What do you think about tying on eyeless hooks and making eyes out of silk bead cord? What do you mean by the term "swinging flies"? Can I target grass carp on a fly? Can you ice fish with flies? How do I fish a lake for trout from my kayak? What do you think of the electric socks that are controlled by an app? A great tip from a listener on avoiding spooking trout in small streams. Can a figure-8 knot be used in fly fishing? What do you recommend for a rod for fishing larger eastern rivers? How can I correct a casting issue where my fly gets caught on my line-to-leader connection? Do I need to buy a specific saltwater outfit for Belize or will my current steelhead rod work? Do you recommend weed guards for fishing in Belize? How much do brown trout move in the fall? Do you think it's possible that a stocked tiger trout could have moved 30 miles from where it was stocked? Can I overline my 3-weight rod by two line sizes for really short casts? My wife has problems with glare on the water. Do you think there is something wrong with her eyes? Which precautions should I take releasing trout in subzero weather?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34462865
info_outline
Backcast: Winter Fishing Tips from Boulder, with Antonio Rodrigues
12/09/2024
Backcast: Winter Fishing Tips from Boulder, with Antonio Rodrigues
This week's show is a Backcast episode from January 8th, 2021. This week, we're continuing our series on winter fly fishing for trout. I interview Antonio Rodrigues [42:50] manager of Front Range Anglers in Boulder, Colorado, and he has a different take on winter fly fishing, and some different methods. I've found it fascinating to see how each guest approaches this differently and hope you pick up some tips as well. In the Fly Box this week, we have these questions and tips from listeners: What do you use for a fly box when surf fishing? I have not had good luck with guide trips and want to know what you recommend so I get a better trip next time. Are fly rods built on continuous blanks and then cut into sections, or is each section made separately? And are sections interchangeable from one rod to another? What is the purpose of adding flash to nymph patterns? A tip on using special flies for casting practice. What do I do about fishing places where lots of swimmers have been? Are wire bite guards worth it?Can I tie a 3X tippet to a 3mm tippet ring? Are all Orvis leader lengths built to the same basic taper or are they different? Another suggestion on where to donate flies you don't want. What uses do you have for magnets when fishing? What do I use huge streamer patterns like the Manbearpig for, and how should I fish them?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34345345
info_outline
Backcast: Hatchery Trout vs Wild, Pressured vs Remote
12/02/2024
Backcast: Hatchery Trout vs Wild, Pressured vs Remote
Originally posted February 5. 2012. In the fly box this week, we talk about where fly tying materials come from, getting wet flies to swing deeper, fishing logs, and fishing small flies under water. In the main topic, we discuss different kinds of trout and how to fish for them--hatchery vs. wild, and pressured trout streams vs. remote trout streams. We've had some great suggestions for podcast topics lately so keep them coming
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34232985
info_outline
How to get Started in Trout Spey, with Pete Kutzer
11/25/2024
How to get Started in Trout Spey, with Pete Kutzer
Any kind of two-handed fishing is confusing for those of us who mostly fish with a single-handed rod. I asked the great Pete Kutzer [37:34]to simplify the selection of a rod, reel, line, leader, and tips for getting a start in swinging flies for trout and he then offers a number of tips for casting, attaching the leader, fly selection, and more. It's a great basic guide to getting started in this fun way to fish for trout. In the Fly Box, I thought we had some unusually interesting questions this week, including: Will weed guards on my flies help me from catching on oyster bars? If the tip of my hook gets bent over, should I try to put it back into shape? Can I catch striped bass in New England in the winter? What can you tell me about Orvis boron rods from the 1980s? Can I get one rod for tarpon, bonefish, pike, muskie, giant trevally, triggerfish, snook, redfish, and dorado? Why did you not mention the Davey Knot when you talked about knots a few weeks ago? How can I keep my yarn indicators floating? I am having trouble getting long downstream drifts with a dry fly. I keep moving the fly. What do you suggest? I can't seem to catch any fish on scuds. When, where, and how should I fish them? A tip from a listener on learning to fall safely. Can I use a Skagit or Scandi line on my 10-foot 8-weight?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/34131196
info_outline
Fishing the Alps, with Miha Ivanc
11/18/2024
Fishing the Alps, with Miha Ivanc
I frequently get questions from listeners traveling to Europe, curious about fly fishing opportunities in Italy, France, Austria, and Switzerland. I've never fished there and don't have any answers, so I reached out to Miha Ivanc [40:52] of Krka River Lodge in Slovenia, who has fished all through the Alps. In the podcast you'll learn where to fish, what species to expect (like their native marbled trout), how to fish for them, and where to get permission to fish. It should be an eye-opener to most of us. In the Fly Box this week, we have some particularly interesting questions, including: Can I use flies for ice fishing? I mostly fish lakes and am having problems on streams. With long casts I get drag and with shorter casts I worry about spooking fish. What should I do? Can I work downstream with a streamer and then work back up through the same water with a dry dropper? Is there a risk in tippet material breaking down in sunlight when it is on a tippet holder exposed to the sun? I see people catching trout on worms but I can't seem to fool them on flies. What am I doing wrong and do you have any tips? Is it legal to raise jungle cock for feathers in the US, and is anyone doing it? A listener corrects me on a statement I made regarding using molted feathers from songbirds to tie flies. Do you have any tips for traveling to Chile to fish at Magic Waters? If I see water striders and small baitfish in a pool, does that mean there won't be any larger trout there? How much life can I expect from a leader I made myself? Can I tell the difference between wild and hatchery trout by looking at them? I can't seem to catch more than two trout from any one pool. What am I doing wrong?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33967157
info_outline
The Elusive Golden Trout, with Jessica Strickland
11/11/2024
The Elusive Golden Trout, with Jessica Strickland
Jessica Strickland [38:07] is Trout Unlimited's California Inland Trout director and is an expert on the historical and curent range of this rare trout species. Where do they live today as compared to their original range? Can you still fish for them, and do you need to hike for many miles or are they more acessible close to a trailhead? You'll learn the answer to these questions and many more in this interview. In the Fly Box this week we have some great questions, including: For Colorado and Oklahoma trout fishing, should I get a 5-weight, 4-weight, or 3-weight rod? Is there a rule for overlining a trout rod when it is longer than 9 feet? Can I Spey cast with a single-handed rod? The welded loop on my running line broke. What is the best way to make a new loop to attach it to my head? Do you have any tips for catching stocked rainbow trout after they have been in the river for a while? A great suggestion from a listener on how to educate other anglers from walking on trout redds. My felt soles have not been working well. Are there different grades of felt on wading boots? What are the guidelines for tipping a guide? When bushwacking should you carry your rod with the tip pointed forward or back? Can I leave the legs off small nymphs? I have trouble tying them in. Can I tie a small fly on a bigger hook? What are your tips for winter fishing in the Northeast?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33887267
info_outline
14 Tips for Spring Creek Fishing, with Brant Oswald
11/04/2024
14 Tips for Spring Creek Fishing, with Brant Oswald
Brant Oswald [23:20] is a veteran guide, teacher, and fly shop operator with over 40 years in the business. He's one of the best spring creek anglers I know and guides on them almost every day, so I asked him to come up with some tips on better spring creek techniques. Even if you never fish spring creeks, his tips really apply to any slow or low water situations so these tips will be valuable to any trout angler. In the Fly Box this week, we have the usual great tips and questions, including: I have an old, heavy bamboo rod. I can't reel heavy enough to balance it. Is the balance between a rod and reel weight really that important? I am frustrated with fish eating my strike indicator. Should I tie a big egg pattern to act as a strike indicator? A suggestion for making a great cat toy out of old flies (with the hook cut off!) and a question about the use of cat hair in tying flies. What is the proper way to prevent drag? Should I mend my entire line or just the leader? A tip from a listener on how to keep fly line from wrapping around your rod tip. A tip from a listener on the best way to hang up your waders for the season. Why do waders often fail at the junction between the bootie and the upper? I just bought a drift boat and want to learn how to row. Should I hire a guide to take lessons on rowing? How do trout behave when the water gets higher and dirtier?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33767092
info_outline
So, You Want a Job in the Fly-Fishing Industry? With Kirk Deeter
10/28/2024
So, You Want a Job in the Fly-Fishing Industry? With Kirk Deeter
I get regular questions from people about getting a job in the fly-fishing industry, both in the podcast mailbox and in person at shows and store visits. It's a tough question and I don't have all the answers so I called upon my buddy Kirk Deeter [35:04], who as founding publisher of Angling Trade magazine and currently editor of Trout magazine, along with many other jobs in the industry, is the consummate fly-fishing insider. He talks about the joys and the pitfalls of looking for a job in this tiny niche. I think he has some great tips to share, whether you are a young kid looking for a first job or a seasoned veteran of another industry looking for a more rewarding career. In the Fly Box this week, we have some helpful tips, including: How should I treat CDC feathers I got from a friend who hunts waterfowl? A listener asks why people who write into the Fly Box don't just go out and try the things they are asking about. A spooky Halloween story from a listener How do I avoid a size 12 dry fly twisting on a 6X tippet? What is the best Orvis rod for hopper fishing on western rivers? Can I keep my fly rods set up all season? Do I need to wax the ferrules? How can I do a better job of hooking trout on a downstream cast? Am I missing something by not using tapered leaders when fishing for bass and panfish? If a 6X leader makes a size 12 fly twist, why don't we just use 1X and 2X leaders on all of our flies, down to a size 24? How can I get a single nymph down into deep, fast water without using split shot? Would a longer rod help keep my Clouser Minnows from hitting the rocks behind me on my back cast? I have a 5-weight rod and want to fish for bass, carp, and suckers. Should I get a 6-weight or a 7-weight rod?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33635532
info_outline
North American and European Fly Tying Cross Pollination, with Barry Ord Clarke
10/21/2024
North American and European Fly Tying Cross Pollination, with Barry Ord Clarke
Barry Ord Clarke [50:21] is one of the world's most popular fly tiers, through his books, videos, and web site. Originally from the UK but living in Norway, Barry keeps his pulse on the world of fly tying on both sides of the Atlantic. He discusses the fly patterns developed in North America that Europeans have embraced, and also details the history of some well-known and lesser-known European patterns and techniques that you may not have heard about. It's a good way to get a broad overview of the international fly-tying community. In the Fly Box this week, we have a short interview with bassist Daniel Kimbro [37:18] on a music festival he is organizing for flood relief in East Tennessee, and also some great tips and questions, including: How do I keep my fly line from wrapping around my rod when I am tying on a new fly? A listener is looking to add a 7-weight rod for bass fishing and throwing trout streamers and looks for advice. Can I use a 6-weight sinking or sink-tip line on both my 5-weight and 7-weight rods? Do you know of any good fly-fishing books for a 6-year-old? And what is the best first saltwater fly-rod fish for kids? Is there a difference between Zonker strips and Rabbit strips? Why have I gotten occasional bite-offs from large brown trout? Do you have any tips for casting wiggle-tails? I have trouble casting them. Do you think eyes make a difference on pike flies? Can I legally keep songbird feathers that I find under my bird feeders? A tip for using toothpicks at the fly-tying bench. When tying a clinch knot, does it matter if you twist the fly or wind the tag end around the standing part? Any tips for the bow-and-arrow cast? How many more casts should you make in a small pocket if you miss a fish? Would it be unethical to target swarms of trout during spawning season? A listener gives a tip for tying a clinch knot at the bend of a hook to attach a dropper. If I move a trout on a streamer but do not connect, does it make sense to come back for that fish later in the day?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33540062
info_outline
Trout, Tarpon, and Other Critters in Costa Rica, with Kevin Jackson
10/14/2024
Trout, Tarpon, and Other Critters in Costa Rica, with Kevin Jackson
Did you know you can catch trout and tarpon in the same trip, along with exotic jungle species? I didn't either, but Kevin Jackson [42:22] of Fly Fish Costa Rica shares with us the wide variety of fly fishing you can have in this diverse and well-preserved ecosystem. And also the rare wildlife you might see in this country that offers saltwater, jungle, and mountain trout fishing. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions and hopefully answers that will help many of you solve the same problems in your fishing, including: I keep getting accused of "flossing" Pacific salmon when fly fishing for them but I see them aggressively take my flies. What are your thoughts on this? What purpose does dubbing serve on a dry fly? Does it add buoyancy? A listener thanks us for the podcast on knots and also on our support of policies to address climate change . I recently opened a box of my grandfather's tackle from 1944 that includes a bamboo rod, gut leaders, flies, and a silk fly line. Should I use them? What sort of performance should I expect from the new Orvis Superfine bamboo fly rod? What impact will the recent disastrous floods in North Carolina have on the future of fly fishing? I want to purchase a vintage Orvis bamboo fly rod. Would one be a reliable fishing tool? When I switch dry flies, should I be more concerned with size, pattern, or color? What can I do to prevent the unnatural curves in saltwater flies after they are used? My brother and I were using the same streamer in a slow-moving river. I caught a bunch of fish and he didn't but I was casting my streamer at a different angle to the current. Do you think this made the difference?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33442682
info_outline
Backcast: Fishing through climate change, with John Gierach
10/07/2024
Backcast: Fishing through climate change, with John Gierach
Tom is on a fishing trip this week. While on this trip he learned his friend and legendary fly-fishing author, John Gierach had passed away at 78. In his honor Tom asked me to post his last intervew with John from May of last year and to share this with all of you: "John Gierach was one of the finest voices in fly fishing. He passed away suddenly last week. Always humble and kind, his writing never reached into navel gazing but he just told great, honest, and funny stories and like all great writers he never wasted a word. I once had the pleasure of spending a week sharing a cabin with him in Labrador and he was exactly the man in person that he was in his writing. We will all miss him greatly." Here is the show descrption from May 19, 2023 Our climate is changing, and regardless of whether you think it's human caused or natural it is changing. If you don't believe that you need to get outside more. John Gierach [58:00], thoughtful guy that he is, wanted to tal.k about this subject and how he deals with changes that have happened in his lifetime, and what we can all do to deal with climate change and still enjoy fly fishing, because as he says "we still gotta live" and to some of us fly fishing is life. I n the Fly Box this week we have lots of questions, many of them quite basic but still fun to answer because you can always give them a new twist. What is the best rig to catch trout with worms? (I hope he meant worm flies and not real worms) What can I do to keep my Depth Charge line from tangling? I am moving to Texas and want one rod for inland bass and one for inshore saltwater. Is there one outfit that can do this? Am I better off buying one high-end rod or several lower priced rods if I fish in a variety of trout situations? Can you overline bamboo and fiberglass fly rods? I have a dog that likes to chase rocks and sticks. Any tips on how to train a dog to be a good fishing companion? Is there any way to tell a trout rise from a chub rise? I am confused by fly line numbers and hook numbers. Can you explain them? What do fish deep in a lake take my Pat's Rubber Legs fished quickly? What do the fish think it is? How do you fish your Rabbit's Foot Emerger patterns? What do I do with my rod when tying on a new fly or landing a fish? Is there a better knot than a clinch knot for tying on size 18 to 22 flies? My welded loop has cuts in it. What can I do to fix that? What kind of dry/dropper arrangement do you use when there is nothing visibly hatching? A good tip from a listener on walking the banks of your favorite rivers in low water to get a sense for the bottom structure. Can you tell the difference between a male and female trout by looking at the anal fin?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33352302
info_outline
Is Fly Fishing Really Good for Your Mental Health? With Melissa Ceren
09/30/2024
Is Fly Fishing Really Good for Your Mental Health? With Melissa Ceren
We keep hearing that fly fishing is good for your mental health. It gets you out in the natural world, involves problem solving, and keeps you active and moving throughout the day (unless you sit in a drift boat watching a bobber). But is it always good for your mind? Are there times when fly fishing can make your mood worse, and are there things you can do to make sure a day on the water is good for you? I discuss this, and play devil's advocate a bit, with Melissa Ceren [35:20], who is both a fly-fishing guide and a licensed therapist. We had a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it. In the Fly Box this week, we have some great questions from listeners, including: If I break a section of a rod, why won't a section from a different rod fit it? Are the diameters different in different types of rods? Are there benefits to fishing nymphs without an indicator? When fishing, are you more likely to change the fly size up or down if the one you're using is not working? Am I missing some flexibility by not carrying two rods when wade fishing? What is the best way to fish for a trout that lives under a bridge? When I get a tangled mess I usually cut everything off and re-tie. Should I be carrying a safety pin to untangle my leader? I am having problems with drag when fishing straight upstream. Do you have any tips to help this? I keep foul-hooking small brook trout when using a dry dropper. Why does this happen and what can I do to avoid it? I accidentally dropped my fly box in the river. I don't see any rust on them, but should I throw all of them out? What is "attitude" when discussing the choice of dry flies? What is your current recommendation on the noise created by studded boots or metal wading staffs? I have gone on 8 saltwater fly-fishing trips and have been skunked on 6 of them. It's a combination of bad guides and bad weather. What can I do to avoid this? What is the best way of getting my fly off a branch if I don't want to wade in and spook the pool?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33253217
info_outline
Secrets to Tying Good Fishing Knots, with Robert Ketley
09/23/2024
Secrets to Tying Good Fishing Knots, with Robert Ketley
I have long enjoyed Robert Ketley's [31:06] column in California Fly Fisher magazine because he often delves deeply into aspects of fly fishing that we don't pay much attention to. And he's a tireless researcher. So when I noticed a deep dive he did on fly-fishing knots using a microscope I knew I had to get him on the podcast. You won't learn about which knot is best, but you will learn about why knots hold and why they break, how to tie a knot properly, and what happens when a knot gives way. In the Fly Box this week, we have some unusually good questions, including: Will the 10-foot 7-weight Helios D rod offer me enough tippet protection when using 5X for steelhead? My local wild trout stream has almost dried up this year. Where do the fish go, and how long until this stream can recover? When wading deep, when I pick up the line and cast I notice I make waves in the water. How can I eliminate this? When swinging wet flies in a tight stream I need to use a roll cast, but how do I make another roll cast after my flies complete their swing? I see fish on the bottom of a spring creek but I can't catch them using my tight line technique. What do you think I am doing wrong? I was scolded by an outfitter when I changed direction when fighting a big fish. He said it will wear a hole in their mouth and they will get off. Was I doing it wrong? Can I go from a 4X leader with a tippet ring to a 7X tippet? Will not having tapered sections in there be bad? I don't have much finger dexterity and have trouble saving my tippet scraps. Do you have any suggestions? A listener reminds us that in lakes in Maine that are listed as fly fishing only, it is illegal to troll a fly. When trolling a fly from my canoe, how can I get my fly deeper? Which be the best Helios rod for fishing the Henry's Fork?
/episode/index/show/orvisffguide/id/33163707