Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

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

#777 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/777 Presented by: Fish The Fly, Patagonia, Jackson Hole Fly Company, San Juan Rodworks Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we're joined by Josh Nugent from Out Fly Fishing to talk all about fly fishing the Bow River. Josh shares what makes this river so special, how to plan your trip, and even some surprising lessons from his time studying the world’s best fly casters. When it comes to legendary trout rivers in North America, Alberta's Bow River is near the top of the list. Flowing from the Rockies just outside Banff National Park, the Bow is known for its big browns, healthy rainbows, and endless opportunities for anglers. If you're planning to go on a fishing trip in Alberta, this episode is for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/777

#776 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/776 Presented By: Patagonia, Jackson Hole Fly Company, Visit Idaho Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude Podcast, Jeff is joined by industry rep Phil Cook, one of the most respected fly anglers in the region. Phil shares his journey from growing up fishing Michigan’s Au Sable River to leading Backeddy Sales, where he represents top fly fishing brands. They talk about the evolution of Great Lakes fly fishing—from streamer innovations to smallmouth bass tactics, the rise of Atlantic salmon, and hunting Cohos in skinny water. Phil reveals his passion for sight-fishing, his approach to gear testing, and why movement, research, and Google Earth are anglers' best tools. They also dive into fishing philosophy, rod design, cutting-edge materials, and even the upcoming cicada hatch—Phil’s next big adventure. It’s a deep and fishy chat that celebrates curiosity, craftsmanship, and time on the water. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/776

#775 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/775 Presented by: San Juan Rodworks, Mountain Waters Resort, Togiak River Lodge, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode, we head to the Southeast to explore South Carolina fly fishing with Mike Watts of Rivers and Feathers. From chasing wild trout in the Southern Appalachians to building community through Clemson University’s fly fishing club, Mike shares what makes his home waters so special. If you’re curious about Southeast fly fishing, small stream tactics, or want a glimpse into a growing regional fly fishing scene, this episode is for you. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/775

#774 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/774 Presented By: San Juan Rodworks, Stonefly Nets, Pescador on the Fly, Intrepid Camp Gear Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Brian Wise, streamer fanatic fly tyer, and the guy behind fly fishing the Ozarks, joins us today to share some of his hard-earned lessons that he's picked up from guiding and fishing Missouri's famed trout water. You'll find out why weightless streamers might be your new best friend. How slack kills a good presentation and what fly design really matters when chasing big browns. Plus, Brian's gonna walk us through the rules of streamer fishing. Spoiler alert, there's only one... and why the 10-pound trout can still live and hang out in 10 inches of water. We're heading to the Ozarks with Brian Wise of Fly Fishing The Ozarks. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/774

773B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/773B Presented by: Moccasin Fly Club We’re back with John Hunt from Moccasin Fly Club, and this time he’s giving us the ultimate fly fishing and hunting roadmap for Colorado and New Mexico. From the Colorado River to the South Platte and even into New Mexico’s San Juan, John lays out his top 10 spots to hit this year — some big names and a few hidden gems too. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/773B

#773 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/773 Presented by: Pescador on the Fly, FishHound Expeditions, Four Wheel Campers Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors We sit down with Kirk Deeter, editor of Trout Magazine and one of the most recognizable voices in fly fishing media. From the challenges facing today's fisheries to the stories behind the stories he publishes, Kirk opens up about the role of journalism, conservation, and storytelling in the fly fishing world. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or deeply involved in river advocacy, Kirk offers insight on how you can engage more deeply with the sport—and the issues that matter. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/773

#772 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/772 Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear, Visit Idaho, Smitty's Fly Box, FishHound Expeditions In today's show, we have the return visit from a veteran guide and industry professional, Eric Leininger. You may recall Eric was on the show back in In the Bucket episode #5 with Stu Foxall and Scoop Mason. Today, Eric is going to be joined by his good buddy, Zach Carothers, the guy who stepped aside from a successful music career to follow and share a passion for fly fishing as he pursues a new career as a guide. So yeah, we've got old guide and new guide perspectives and some good entertainment coming your way today. Expect adult language, some great fishing tips, more than a few laughs, and a peek behind the scenes with two of the most interesting guide characters in the industry. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/772

#771 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/771B Presented by: Visit Idaho In this episode, we have Jess Westbrook, an expert in the world of youth fly fishing and giving back in a big way. From mentoring foster kids to helping lead one of the most dominant youth teams in fly fishing. This conversation is full of inspiration, tactical tips and techniques. Find out why top anglers adapt quickly to changing conditions.

#771 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/771 Presented by: TroutRoutes, Intrepid Camp Gear, Fish The Fly, Jackson Hole Fly Company In this follow-up episode, Phil Rowley is back with Jerry McBride, one of the key people who helped create the Balanced Flies. He's here to break down exactly how he fishes these flies on Stillwater lakes. If you’ve ever tied on a balanced leech and wondered, “Now what?”, this episode is packed with all the gear, presentation tips, and little-known tricks you need to get dialed in. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/771

#770 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/770 Presented by: San Juan Rodworks In this episode, we’re joined by Gary Davis, the founder of San Juan Rodworks. Gary shares his unique journey from the golf course to the world of fly rods. We dive into how his background in golf and a passion for music influence his approach to fly rod design. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler looking for an upgrade, Gary breaks down the importance of rod action, offers tips for beginners, and explains why quality matters more than price. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/770

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/769 Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors In this episode of CJ’s Reel Southern Podcast, Chad covers early summer fly fishing in the Ozarks. He starts with a quick June fishing report, highlighting the transition from caddis to sulfurs on the White and Norfolk Rivers, and why high water during a sulfur hatch can make for surprisingly good dry fly action. Chad also touches on the opportunities for smallmouth bass and carp fishing during May and June, especially in the creeks and tributaries in the region. We hear Chad’s philosophy of trophy fishing—not just chasing giants, but understanding what a “trophy” means in each fishery. He shares insights into his dying minnow technique, a game-changing approach to streamer fishing that relies on vertical jigging and triggering strikes on the fall. Packed with storytelling, honest reflections, and practical takeaways, this episode is a guide to fishing smarter, respecting your local waters, and having a better mindset for trophy fish. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/769

#768: Wet Fly Swing Pro here: https://wetflyswing.com/pro I share the updated pan for Wet Fly Swing Pro, the membership community for this podcast. If you click the link above and enter your name and email, I'll follow up with you on the next steps and to learn more. Wet Fly Swing Pro will connect you to like minded anglers, some will become life long friends. It will also connect you with Dave during Q and A Calls and experts who have been on the podcast. Get started here: https://wetflyswing.com/pro

#767B Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767B Presented by: Visit Idaho The Women's Fly Fishing World Championship is coming to the U.S. for the first time, and it’s happening in Island Park, Idaho. In this episode, we’re joined by Team USA's women's team president, Melissa Smith, who'll give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to compete on Stillwaters. Melissa will share tips for tackling a new lake, from doing your homework before a trip to figuring out what’s working once you’re on the water. If you’re looking to get better at Stillwater fishing, this one’s packed with practical tips to help you get dialed in. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767B

Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767 Presented By: TroutRoutes, Stonefly Nets, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, Patagonia Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Today, we sit down with UK fly fishing legend Peter Cockwill for a wide-ranging chat on small stillwaters, chalk streams, and the decades-long friendship with our friend Jim Teeny. Peter shares his origin story insights into stocking trout with simple flies and why you shouldn't overlook that shallow downwind bank when fish and still waters. We've even got a backcountry story. This one is jam-packed with wisdom, humor, and lots of old stories. Peter Cockwill returns with more insight from the stillwater side of the fly fishing world. We dive into fishing clearwater with minimal flies, using the wind to your advantage, and how to fish without a boat on stillwaters. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/767

754 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/766 Presented By: Fish The Fly, Pescador on the Fly, Waters West, Drifthook Fly Fishing California is one of the most populous states in the US and one of the most diverse places to fly fish. From the base of the Sierra Nevadas to the Pacific Coast, steelhead in the North, carp on the flats, and saltwater opportunities in Southern California. It's just about all here. Today you're gonna get an inside look at where to fish and what to expect straight from a guy who reps some of the top brands in fly fishing and helps design gear you're probably using right now. Matt Callies, product designer at Loon Outdoors fly tyer and longtime fly fishing rep joins us to share some of his go-to tips from years in the game. You're gonna hear which Loon product tops the charts these days and has for a while, what new gear is turning heads, and what life on the road as a rep really looks like. Plus, Matt's going to break down one liter he always carries. And why building your own might not be worth the hassle anymore. Heading back to Cali, here we go... Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/766

# 765 Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/765 Presented by: Stonefly Nets, Smitty's Fly Box, Grand Teton Fly Fishing, San Juan Rodworks Did you know the Feather Thief story actually connects back to today’s guest? Spencer Seim is a New Mexico fly fishing guide and classic fly tyer whose deep knowledge and love for traditional patterns helped shape the story behind The Feather Thief. We get into his take on that whole crazy story, what it meant for the tying world, and what stood out most to him from the book. Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/765