Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

#795 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/795 Presented by: Pescador on the Fly We head to western Montana with Jake Hensley to talk about Missoula fly fishing. With nearly 20 years of guiding experience, Jake breaks down the essentials of fishing the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, and Rock Creek - three of Missoula’s most iconic rivers. We cover how to rig for high water, why dry-dropper setups are so effective, and what makes floating Rock Creek such a game-changer. Whether you’re new to the area or planning your tenth trip, Jake’s got real tips to help you fish smarter and enjoy more of what Missoula has to offer. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/795

#794 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/794 Presented by: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Visit Helena, MT, San Juan Rodworks, Togiak River Lodge Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we take a heartfelt journey into the life of one of steelhead fishing's most influential figures, Lani Waller. Through his brother Jack Waller, we hear untold stories about Lani’s early years, his deep connection to rivers, and the life-changing events that shaped him. From a childhood trauma that led him to the fly rod to the plane crash that forever changed his path, Jack shares what made Lani more than just a great angler. He was a true steward of the sport. If you’ve ever been moved by a cast, a river, or a story, this one’s for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/794

793 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/793 Presented by: Jackson Hole Fly Company, Pescador on the Fly, Four Wheel Campers, Smitty's Fly Box When you think of Alaska, you probably picture places like Bristol Bay or the Kenai Peninsula. But tucked away in southeast Alaska is the Tongass National Forest, a wild, untouched rainforest full of remote streams where you could be the only angler for miles around. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Kevin Main from Tongass on the Fly spends his days guiding fly anglers through some of the most untouched rivers of Southeast Alaska. In this episode, find out why fly patterns matter more than just covering ground in certain times of the year, why tides pretty much run the show up there, what it takes to chase steelhead and sea-run cutthroat in spots only reachable by mothership, and why a Stikine River float might be one of the most underrated trips in Alaska. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/793

#792 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/792 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Join us in one of our biggest episodes as we journey into a world that combines the thrill of the outdoors with a passion for conservation. This episode offers an intriguing dialogue featuring Craig Mathews and Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia Founder and an iconic figure in the outdoor world; unraveling their love for fly fishing, their unique backstories, and their shared principles around the sport and beyond. This is a replay episode from 2023 and also one of our most downloaded episodes so it's great to listen to it again. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/792

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/791 Presented By: Pescador on the Fly, Patagonia, Mountain Waters Resort, Intrepid Camp Gear. Sponsors: Https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors On this episode, we sit down with Wesley Hodges, a decorated military veteran turned premier fly fishing and hunting guide in Virginia. Wesley shares the wild journey that led him from a cane pole in Texas to discovering fly fishing at a Boy Scout camp, to a life-changing decision made in a tiki bar in Ecuador. What followed was the creation of Virginia’s first dedicated fly fishing and hunting lodge—an operation that now runs year-round across some of the most remote and productive water systems in the Eastern U.S. Right now, you'll discover why Virginia may be the "New West" for fly fishing, how to rethink your entire approach to trip planning, and the subtle techniques that make all the difference when targeting trophy Smallmouth bass. Wesley unpacks the essence of crafting full-circle outdoor experiences—one that fuses drift boats, dogs, wild trout, and grouse—all under one roof. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the game, this one is loaded with tactical gold. Wesley with a Smallmouth Bass Show Notes on Smallmouth Bass with Wesley Hodges 1:13 - Wesley Hodges discovered fly fishing as a teen at a Boy Scout camp, but it wasn’t until after his military service that he returned to the sport. That rediscovery led him to launch Virginia’s first dedicated fly fishing and hunting lodge, where he now guides guests through some of the state’s wildest rivers. 5:41 - After a transformative period living in Ecuador, Wesley Hodges returned to Virginia and launched a guiding business that evolved into the state’s first true fly fishing and hunting lodge. Located in Eagle Rock at the confluence of the Cowpasture and Jackson rivers, his lodge now operates year-round with a full staff, offering multi-day fishing and hunting experiences across a vast, fishable watershed. Here for more information. 9:58 - While Virginia has trout, Wesley Hodges positions the state as a true smallmouth bass destination. With fishable waters nearly year-round—from March through Thanksgiving—he emphasizes that fly fishing is a tool for all species, and smallmouth are the primary focus across his guided trips. 11:34 - Wesley explains that smallmouth bass fishing in Virginia transitions from pre-spawn in early spring to a topwater-focused season from mid-June through early October. During summer, anglers throw frog patterns and poppers all day, targeting big fish in just 1.5 feet of water, only inches from the riverbank. 14:01 - Wesley emphasizes that the biggest smallmouth are often found just inches from the riverbank, citing an old rule: “one inch from the bank equals a 20-inch fish.” Subtle depressions and undercut edges create ideal ambush spots for fish feeding on crayfish, cicadas, and frogs, making precise casting near the bank both strategic and more engaging for anglers. 15:24 - Wesley and his team primarily use Blue Ridge drift boats for guiding, having moved away from rafts due to the boats’ quiet, low-impact design, ideal for shallow Virginia waters. Built from durable UHMW material, these boats slide silently over rocks—minimizing fish disturbance—and come with exceptional on-site support, making them perfect for their smallmouth operations. 21:21 - Wesley leads summer topwater floats through Virginia’s river systems, favoring evening windows from 6:00 to 8:30 PM when the smallmouth bite peaks. His team utilizes highly technical rigs—customized floating lines, 10 to 13-foot leaders, and lightweight crayfish patterns—to quietly target fish in low, clear water, where precision and stealth are essential. 24:45 - Wesley’s team targets calm tailouts with floating lines, casting downstream close to the bank so flies reach the fish before the boat does. In these slow waters, they dead-drift subtle poppers for up to 20 seconds, drawing in large...

#790 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/790 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We're bringing back one of the classics for this special summer re-release — an early episode that quickly became a listener favorite. Originally Episode 13, this conversation with Michigan guide Kevin Feenstra is packed with insights on swinging flies for steelhead on the Muskegon River. Kevin breaks down his approach to fishing year-round, how he reads the water, and what makes the Muskegon such a unique place to chase steelhead. He also shares some of his thoughts on fly patterns, presentation, and how fish respond to changing water temps. If you’re into steelhead, two-hand rods, or just love hearing from someone who truly understands their home water, this one’s worth another listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/790

789 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/789 This summer, we’re diving back into the archives to bring you a classic episode: Episode 334 with the one and only Henry Winkler. Henry, the actor, author, producer, and passionate angler, joins us to talk about fly fishing, his legendary career, and his inspiring life story. We dive into his experience turning down Grease, landing his role on HBO’s Barry, and how he’s thrived while living with dyslexia. Plus, we explore his books, movies, and the surprising ways fly fishing and acting connect. Get ready for a conversation full of heart, humor, and wisdom. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/789

#788 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/788 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors This summer, we’re bringing back a favorite from the archive—originally released as episode 348, this conversation with Norman Maktima is packed with stillwater insights. Norman, a Team USA fly fishing competitor and guide at High Desert Angler, shared a deep dive into stillwater strategies—from euro-nymphing tactics to lake structure, fly line selection, and subtle boat positioning tips. Whether you're working leeches, chironomids, or just trying to improve your game, Norman brings the technical know-how with a grounded, fishy vibe. We also hear about his Native American heritage and what it was like going from youth team standout to the world competition stage. If you're into stillwaters or want to sharpen your nymph game, this one is worth a second listen. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/788

#787 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/787 Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club We chat with John Hunt of Moccasin Fly Club to talk about some top travel tips for DIY fly fishing, from organizing your gear to navigating rental car challenges in places like Mexico. We also dive into what makes hosted trips worth it, how to break into saltwater fishing, and what a day in the life looks like at their Colorado and New Mexico lodges. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first out-of-town fishing trip, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you prepare, travel smarter, and enjoy your time on the water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/787

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/786 Presented By: Fish The Fly, Stonefly Nets, On DeMark Lodge, Visit Idaho. BoneFishing in Hawaii might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of saltwater adventures, but for Marine veteran Mike Bressler, it's become both a calling and a way of life. In this episode, we head to the island of Oahu to uncover what makes Hawaii’s flats fishery so unique—and so challenging. From bonefish (known locally as ō‘io) to golden trevally, Mike shares what it’s like to guide in one of the Pacific’s toughest but most rewarding destinations. Whether you’re planning a DIY trip or dreaming of landing a 10+ pound bone, his insights are packed with practical value. We talk about everything from how to master casting in Hawaii’s relentless trade winds to how moon phases affect bonefish behavior. Mike also opens up about building his homegrown “Bone Lodge” for guests, the cultural realities of fishing in local waters, and why he takes veterans out monthly for healing on the flats. This episode is more than a fishing guide—it’s about patience, local respect, and finding purpose through saltwater fly fishing. Notes with Mike Bressler on Bonefishing Hawaii 2:03 - Mike Bressler explains that while bonefish are active year-round in Hawaii, spring and summer bring peak action. The largest fish stay on the flats during the winter spawning season, starting around November’s full moon. Still, Hawaii is a tough fishery—constant trade winds and challenging conditions make it a true test for any angler. As Mike puts it, “If you can get good out here, you can be good anywhere.” 3:15 - Mike Bressler is based on the island of Oahu, Hawaii’s most visited island, known for its iconic Waikiki, but also home to quieter country towns like Hau‘ula, where Mike lives. He explains that bonefish—locally called ‘ō‘io (pronounced "oyo")—can be found all around the island, from beaches to flats. While flats fishing is preferred, Mike notes he has even spotted bonefish from the shoreline. In addition to bonefish, the waters also host various trevally species, including bluefin, golden, and the rare giant trevally, though bonefish remain the main attraction for visiting anglers. Click here for more information. 5:46 - Retired Marine Mike Bressler discovered Oahu’s bonefish flats during a COVID quarantine on Ford Island. Now based in Hauʻula, he guides anglers year-round, with peak season from October to December. Windy conditions and remote flats make boat access and strong casting skills essential. 09:06 - Mike Bressler emphasizes that handling Hawaii’s wind starts with mastering the double haul and sidearm cast. He recommends aiming for at least a 40-foot cast under the wind and leading the bonefish, not landing the fly on their head. Sometimes, a short flip of the fly is all that's needed, as long as it's placed ahead of the fish's path. 9:49 - Mike Bressler explains that Hawaii’s largest bonefish are most active from October to December, as they begin their deep-water spawning cycle around full moons. He advises avoiding fishing three days before and after a full moon since fewer fish are found on the flats during that time. 12:29 - Mike Bressler and his wife host guests at their private rental, the Bone Lodge, a freestanding Airbnb-style unit that comfortably accommodates couples, small families, or fishing buddies. He offers customizable half-day and full-day guided trips, often using his 18-foot Kayo Boatworks skiff—weather permitting—to pole clients across the flats in search of bonefish. Click here to learn more. 16:36 - Mike Bressler explains that while fall offers peak conditions, big bonefish are still catchable in May. These “home guard” fish are older, resident fish that tend to stay shallow and fight with brute weight rather than long runs. Hawaii’s bonefish can reach impressive sizes—Mike has landed 12-pounders and knows of fish near 14, with the state record sitting at 15.7 lbs on...

#785B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B Presented By: Togiak River Lodge Jordan Larsen didn’t grow up with a fly rod in hand. In fact, he used to avoid fly shops entirely. But one summer filming anglers in Alaska changed everything. In this episode, we hear how Jordan went from lodge videographer to lodge owner, how spey casting rekindled his passion for fishing, and what it’s really like building a fly fishing program from the ground up—in one of the most remote places on earth. You’ll learn about the challenges of launching a lodge during COVID, lessons from running a multi-style guiding operation, and what it takes to bring a new spey season to life in Alaska’s Togiak River. Expect stories of bear fights, massive king salmon, hard-earned wisdom, and a deep love for the fish and the people. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785B

785 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785 Presented by: Four Wheel Campers, Patagonia, Jackson Hole Fly Company If you’ve listened to Phil’s two-part series on making sense of Stillwater fly lines, you probably get why this topic is so important. For anyone new to stillwater fly fishing, understanding fly lines, leaders, and tippets can be confusing. But when you’re fishing lakes, knowing your gear options, especially the right fly line, leader, and tippet, is key to success. Today, Chris Walker from Rio Products joins our Stillwater guru to dive deep into fly lines, leaders, and tippets tailored for stillwater fishing. This episode is packed with solid info to help you get your setup dialed and catch more fish on the lake. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/785

#784 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/784 Presented By: Mountain Waters Resort, FishHound Expeditions, Pescador on the Fly Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Today's guest takes us where technology meets the river. He shared the stage with Bill Gates multiple times, leads the charge in AI, and still finds time to run a guide business in the Sierras. We're heading into California to explore its wide variety of fly fishing, from bays to the beaches, to Baja and high mountain streams chasing golden trout. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with fresh tools and inspiration for planning your next fly fishing adventure. Tim Huckaby, Microsoft executive and guru on AI, is going to walk us through the Sierra Nevadas, what he does there for guiding, he's going to take us into San Diego, all the diversity of species down there, and all the interests that create this amazing life he has going. You'll find out what big species you can find in the bays of California and why the Hoi kayak is a must-have if you're heading down there. You're also going to get a few tips on fishing the Golden Trout wilderness, and what you can do if you're planning a trip down in that area. He knows it very well. Plus, we're going to find out what good AI and what bad AI looks like in the outdoors, coming from the man who's creating it. A very interesting conversation. So let's get this one going. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/784

#783 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/783 Presented by: Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Togiak River Lodge, Intrepid Camp Gear, Smitty's Fly Box Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to swing flies for giant rainbows on one of Alaska’s most famous rivers, this episode is for you. We sit down with Jack Mitchell of The Evening Hatch to dig into Kvichak River fly fishing. Jack shares what makes this river so special, how his late-season program came together, and why swinging flies here is unlike anywhere else. You’ll also hear tips for landing these hard-fighting rainbows and how this trip compares to his other fisheries in Washington. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/783

782 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/782 Presented by: Mountain Waters Resort Les Wentzell, founder of Mountain Waters Resort and our guide on this year’s big trip, breaks down fishing for Atlantic Salmon on Portland Creek. You’ll hear why a WiFi signal is the perfect way to think about covering water. Plus, get the scoop on what to do the moment you get a hookup, why a dead-straight cast can make or break your day, and Les’s simple but powerful leader formula, the secret weapon every angler needs. Here’s Les Wenzel from Mountain Waters Resort. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/78

#781 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/781 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In episode #4 of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad Johnson kicks things off with a July fishing report from the White and Norfolk Rivers, highlighting the sulfur hatch and prime hopper season. The transition from sulfurs in the evening to hoppers during the day opens up a ton of topwater opportunities, while nymphing with girdle bugs and pheasant tails remains productive. Chad shares fly suggestions like the Fat Albert, Psycho Ant, PMX, and two-bit hookers—solid patterns for the Ozark summer bite. The brief segment wraps with Diamond State Fly Shop’s usual shoutout, plugging tying nights and their new podcast, Guide Talk. The rest of the episode shifts into an intimate, storytelling-driven conversation with longtime friend and fellow guide Ben Levin. Together, they reflect on youth fly fishing competitions, the influence of legends like Dave Whitlock, and their early guiding experiences across the Ozarks, Idaho, Chile, and beyond. Chad and Ben trade heartfelt stories and fishing lessons from Whitlock himself—ranging from barefoot stream canoeing to master-level finesse casting. Packed with insight, nostalgia, and a touch of humor, this episode honors mentorship, deep friendships, and the never-ending journey of learning in fly #781 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/781

#780 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/780 Presented by: Visit Idaho If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to truly dial in Idaho fly fishing, today’s episode is for you. We’re joined by David Raisch, longtime guide at the Lodge at Palisades Creek and co-founder of Hawgfish, who has spent the last 25 years exploring some of the most diverse and overlooked fisheries in the West. From the famous Henry’s Fork to the sprawling South Fork of the Snake, all the way to the ledges of American Falls, David has seen it all. And today he’s sharing the lessons learned. You’ll hear why Idaho might be one of the most underrated fly fishing destinations, how to rethink your setup for big winter trout, and why those smallmouth bass flats deserve way more of your attention this summer. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/780

779 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/779 Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Fish The Fly, Patagonia, Four Wheel Campers Stillwater Fishing can feel like a mystery if you're not sure where to start. Should you go with a balanced leech or a chironomid? Use an indicator or not? And hey, does trolling still count? In this episode, we're joined by Greg Keenan, host of the Stillwater Edge podcast and a guy who lives and breathes lake fishing. Greg breaks down his systematic approach to Stillwater, shares his hybrid leader setup, and talks about how to actually find fish, not just cast and hope. We also get into stripping techniques, when to troll, and the new resources he's rolling out to help you level up on the lake. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/779

778B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/778B Presented by: Visit Idaho Jack Arnot, Team USA angler and dry fly tactician, is here to break down what it really takes to fish on the surface when the pressure’s on. From the Colorado Rockies to the technical rivers of Europe, Jack shares what it’s like to compete in world-class fly fishing events and how you can apply those same dry fly skills to your own local waters. We get into everything from gear setups to scouting new water (even when nothing’s rising), and why it's time to rethink what 7x and 8x tippet can do. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/778B

#778 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/778 Presented By: Drifthook Fly Fishing, Visit Idaho, Intrepid Camp Gear In today’s episode of In the Bucket podcast, we’re joined by George Cook, Dec Hogan, Scott O’Donnell, and Joseph Rossano—four deeply respected voices in the world of spey fishing, fly culture, and steelhead conservation. With decades of experience guiding, designing flies, telling stories, and fighting for fish, this crew brings insight and emotion to every swing of the conversation. We dig into the heavy realities facing steelhead today—closures, declining returns, and tough conversations around catch and release. George and Dec reflect on the evolution of gear and ethics from the early days of two-handers, while Scott shares hard-earned wisdom from guiding Alaska and beyond. Joseph brings an artist’s lens to the discussion, weaving together fish, people, and talks about The Salmon School - one of his recent projects. We also hear about legendary waters, once-booming runs, the responsibility of the angler, and how mentorship and storytelling can keep the heart of fly fishing alive—even as the rivers change. If you’re here for history, honest talk, or a deeper connection to fish and community, this episode is for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/778