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Nymphing Strategies for Trinity River Steelhead: Flow, Depth, and Control
Alex Ross
Fly Fisher, Guide
Steelhead on the Trinity River aren’t accidental fish—and neither are the anglers who consistently find them. In this episode, professional guide Alex Ross breaks down the nuts and bolts of deep nymphing for Trinity River steelhead from a drift boat. We dive into reading flow-driven water, boat positioning, rigging for depth and control, fly selection by conditions, and the subtle adjustments that turn “good water” into hooked fish. If you want a practical, guide-tested approach to putting winter steelhead in the net on one of California’s most iconic rivers, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- For anglers who haven’t fished it, how would you describe the Trinity River compared to other West Coast steelhead rivers?
- How do dam releases and changing flows affect where steelhead hold?
- How do fish position differently in low flows versus high flows?
- What types of water on the Trinity consistently produce with deep nymphing?
- Are the techniques you use river specific, or do they work other places?
- How do you determine your starting depth?
- Do you prefer fixed indicators or adjustable systems from a drift boat—and why?
- What’s your philosophy on split shot vs. weighted flies?
- What are your go-to fly patterns for Trinity steelhead nymphing?
- What rod, reel, line, leader and tippet setup do you recommend?
- How can you tell if your weight is riding properly?
- How critical is boat control in deep nymphing success?
- What visual clues tell you a run will hold steelhead?
- what is the etiquette on back rowing and re-drifting a run?
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The DIY Fly Fishing Road Trip: From Tents to Airstreams
Robert Streeter
Fly Fisher, Fly Tyer, Author
What does it take to turn a simple camping trip into an unforgettable fly fishing adventure? Robert Streeter shares lessons from years on the road—from tent camping in remote waters to traveling in an Airstream in search of the next great fishery. Learn how to discover prime destinations, plan your trips, and create DIY fly fishing experiences that fit your lifestyle. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an Alaska expedition, this conversation will inspire you to hit the road and find your own adventure.Ask Robert Streeter your most important questions on a DIY fly fishing road trip...
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- Stillwater Trout Fishing
Phil Rowley is a master at fishing stillwaters for trout. Stillwaters are one of the most challenging opportunities for today's fly fisher. They offer a long active season with numerous hatches and presentation challenges. Fish grow big and fat and many fishers find this appeal hard to resist. But the transfer from rivers and streams is often difficult, especially if a prolonged trial-and-error approach is adopted. Listen in to hear Phil’s approach to Stillwater fly fishing and learn a few secrets along the way.
- Fishing Wet Flies, Old School Still Works
Bill Edrington knows what works and one of those things is fly fishing with wet flies for trout. If you haven't been using wet flies this show will be very enlightening and may change the way you fish in the future.
- Fly Fishing Iceland
Gunnar Petersen's company has over thirty years of experience hosting and guiding fly fishers in Iceland. Trout, Salmon and Arctic Char can be caught there in some of the most scenic places in the world. Fly fishing in Iceland is different than most countries so listen in and find out all you need to know about fishing this unique fishery.
- 52 Rivers
Shelley Walchak decided to challenge herself and set a goal to fish 52 rivers in one year. She quit her job and fished seven states in the Rocky Mountains, which turned into one of those journey's she'll never forget. Join us to hear how she conceived, planned and completed this epic fly fishing adventure.
- Stripping for Stripers
The East coast comes alive when the strippers come in - making the water boil with activity. Michael Mullaney, a professional guide in Cape Cod shares his secrets on catching one of the most popular sportfish on the Eastern seaboard.
- Tactics for Monster Carp
Barry Reynolds has a knack for catching big fish and carp are no exception. Listen in to find out the tactics Barry uses to hook into monster carp.
- Housantonic River - Trout and Smallies
Torrey Collins has guided and fished the Housatonic River for over 20 years. It's one of a few places where you can enjoy fishing an Eastern river for both trout and smallmouth bass. There's no doubt that there are trophies are in the river and Torrey will share with us his secrets of catching them on a fly.
- Sight Fishing for Trout
Landon Mayer has perfected the art of sight fishing for trout. His strategies and techniques have worked time after time landing him and his clients many trophy trout. Listen in and learn about the method he uses.
- What Fly for What Bug?
Peter Stitcher is an aquatic biologist who knows what flies work best to imitate the stage of insects in their lifecycle. Are you ever confused about what file to use when? Join us to learn about the lifecycles of the most common insects we encounter on rivers and lakes and how to pick the perfect fly for the job.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the three categories you use to describe flies?
- What is more important size, color or shape?
- Why are flies like the Red Dart and Blowtorch so effective?
- How do you organize your fly boxes?
- What is a life cycle and why is it important to understand?
- What are the life cycles for mayflies, caddisflies, midges and stoneflies?
- What stages of the life cycles are the most productive for fishing?
- What flies work best to imitate the different stages?
- What places do you look to see what insects are active?
- How would you imitate daphnia?
- Is fly selection just as important as drift depth and presentation?
- Tactical Nymphing - Euro Style
Devin Olsen, a medal winning member of Fly Fishing Team USA, shares the modern day nymphing techniques he and Lance Eagan use to catch fish in the European style. When competing on an international basis you have to be good and have to know how to adapt. Join us to find out how it's done.
- Kamchatka - Trout Fishing's Next Frontier
Rene Limeres a professional guide takes you to Kamchatka where there are still more fish than people. It may be the next and last frontier for fly fishers seeking huge trout and salmon. Join Rene and discover what it takes to land the big ones in Russia.
- Smallmouth Bass Top To Bottom
Jake Villwock is a professional guide working in Pennsylvania. He hooks up his clients everyday with big smallmouth bass. Listen in and learn about the flies he uses, how he ties them and how he uses them to catch trophy smallies.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Do smallmouth prefer living in pods or are they a solitary fish?
- Do smallmouth hold in similar lies as trout?
- What is a good weight rod, line, leader and tippet for smallmouth?
- Why do you use swivels in your terminal tackle setup?
- If you could only have one surface fly and one streamer for smallies what would they be?
- What are the trigger colors for smallmouth flies?
- Do you use weed guards on your flies?
- What topwater flies do you use besides poppers?
- What color combinations work best for streamers?
- What crayfish patterns do you like?
- What color is a must have on your crayfish patterns?/li>
- How do you fish crayfish patterns on the bottom?
- When an how do you fish crayfish patterns mid-column?
- Do bigger flies attract larger fish?
- South Florida's Fishing Paradise
Jim, the founder of Sweet Waters Adventure, has fished worldwide but finds South Florida one of his favorites. His fishing adventures from Sanibel to the tarpon capital of the world—Boca Grande—to rivers like the Manatee River and the Little Manatee in Manatee County, the Myakka River in Sarasota County, and the Peace River, which teemed with fish. Join us to talk with Jim about fishing these diverse fisheries and fishing with a colorful cast of characters like Fat Wally, Dick Clevenger, and Frank the Net.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your book South Florida's Fishing Paradise?
- What are some of the differences between the East and West coasts?
- How did you get started fly fishing in Florida?
- What was your first experience catching a fish on the fly?
- Who was Dick Clevenger and how did he shape your fishing?
- What was Boca Grande like back in the 70s?
- Who was Frank the Net?
- What makes Charolette Harbor such an interesting fishery?
- Where should one go to fish South Flordia water without a guide?
- Why have East Coast tarpon become so difficult to catch?
- Where can one find the best fishing in Florida now?
- If you were to move to Florida what would be the best place for fishing?
- Why have Florida fisheries deteriorated?
- What can be done to improve the fisheries in Florida?
- Fly Fishing the Truckee River
Mikey Wier has been guiding in the Lake Tahoe area for over 15 years and calls the Truckee River his home water. The Truckee River is a tailwater that flows from Lake Tahoe for 120 miles ending at Pyramid Lake, NV. Although this river is technically a tailwater, at times it flows like a freestone stream and at others it will fish like a Spring Creek. Listen in to learn Mikey’s secrets about fishing this challenging water.
- Nymphs for Streams & Stillwaters
Dave Hughes shares the secrets he's learned over a lifetime of fishing nymphs in both streams and stillwaters. Listen in to hear how he makes fishing with nymphs simple, direct and effective.
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