Covering fish from Trout to Tarpon, from tying flies to casting them - you'll find it all right here on Ask About Fly Fishing - the best fly fishing podcast for learning more about fly fishing.
Want to Catch More Fish? Just listen to any of our in-depth podcasts - we have over 443 shows in our Archive!
Imposters - The Flies We Fish And The Fish They Catch
Skip Morris
Fly Fisher/Fly Tier/Author
Skip and Carol Ann Morris are well known in the fly fishing world and they have stories to tell... Their latest book Imposters takes us on a trip of colorful fly fishing experiences blending stories, insights, history and instruction all based on those imposters at the end of our lines. Join us on what will be a fun as well as enlightening episode as they share those experiences with us.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did the idea come about for you book Imposters and how did you decide to work together on it?
- The title of the book is Imposters. At the most basic level, what are we really asking a fish to believe when we put an artificial fly in front of it?
- Could you provide some insight into how flies which appear to represent nothing in nature seem to catch fish like crazy?
- Fly tiers can become obsessed with making a fly look exactly like the insect they're imitating. How much does anatomical accuracy really matter to the fish?
- The two of you checked the dimensions of your fly drawings with a draftsman's divider so the tails, wings, hackles, thoraxes, and other components would have correct proportions. Why was that level of accuracy important to you, and how difficult is it to draw a fly accurately enough that a fly tier could actually learn from the illustration?
- Do you find that when drawing a fly it forces you to notice details about its proportions, materials, or construction that even the person tying it might overlook?
- In "The Promise, the Beaver, and the Branch," an apparently insignificant piece of water turns out to be much better than you expected. What can that experience teach us about learning to read water without prejudging it?
- Your chapter-opening illustrations don't simply show flies; they often combine the fly with fish, insects, anglers, wildlife, or scenes from the essay. For example, the opening illustration for "The Promise, the Beaver, and the Branch" brings together the trout, beaver, insect, branch, and fly. How do you decide which elements of Skip's story should become the visual story?
- Carol Anne because you're illustrating something Skip knows intimately as both a tier and fisherman, what is the collaboration like? Does Skip ever look over your shoulder and say, "That hackle is too long," or do you have artistic veto power?
- I am a new fly tyer, what pattern is a good start for me for an imposter pattern?
- The Guest Box includes everything from chironomid pupae to Booby Flies and your Predator. Is it more useful for an angler to organize a fly box around specific insects or around how and where the flies will be fished?
- Carol Ann you've spent a lot of time fishing with Skip as well as illustrating his books. Has being an artist changed the way you observe things when you're on the water—the insects, fish, light, vegetation, or other details that the rest of us might walk right past?
- How should an angler change the fly and presentation when trout appear to be taking insects trapped in or just below the surface film?
More about Skip Morris...
Listen to the Show...
Fly Fishing the Legendary North Umpqua for Steelhead
Joe Howell
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Guide, Author
The North Umpqua is legendary among steelhead fly fishers—but success on this demanding river takes more than simply showing up with a fly rod. Former guide and author Joe W. Howell shares what you need to know to fish the North Umpqua with confidence. Discover how to read its distinctive water, choose productive flies and techniques, approach steelhead effectively, and adapt to changing river conditions. Along the way, Joe draws on years of experience to help you better understand—and appreciate—one of America’s most storied steelhead rivers.Ask Joe Howell your most important questions on fly fishing the North Umpqua for steelhead...
Register for our free drawing.
Add event to your calendar
More about Joe Howell...
Miss a Show? - Browse our Show Archive!
Over 443 Shows for you to listen to!
-
Saugeen River - 100 Miles of Diverse Fly FishingJohn Valk, a professional guide and outfitter, has been fly fishing for over 40 years. His knowledge of the Saugeen River in Ontario Canada is hard to beat. The Saugeen is one of the most diverse fisheries you'll find with brook, rainbow and brown trout, salmon, steehead, smallmouth bass, northern pike, perch and panfish. What more could you want? Join us to learn more about what the Saugeen has to offer.
- Chasing Trout in the Chill - Beating the Cold and Catching More
When the temperatures drop and most anglers hang up their waders, Jason Randall heads to the river. In this episode Jason reveals how to outsmart winter’s toughest conditions and find trout when the water turns icy. Learn how to locate warmwater seeps, choose the right flies for slow, cold currents, and keep yourself warm, safe, and successful all day long. Discover why winter may just be the most rewarding season to fish — if you know where to look and how to adapt.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Was there a particular experience or observation that made you realize winter trout fishing required a different mindset?
- What exactly triggers the transition from summer to winter lies?
- How does cold water affect a trout’s metabolism and feeding behavior?
- Do trout often move upstream in winter?
- How can anglers identify warm groundwater seeps or springs that attract trout in winter?
- How can fog reveal spring or seep activity. How do you use that to locate fish?
- Do trout behave differently in freestone streams versus spring-fed rivers during cold months?
- What adjustments should anglers make to drift speed, weight, and depth?
- Since trout react more slowly in winter, how should anglers adapt their timing when setting the hook or re-drifting?
- Once you find one, what’s your process for working that area effectively?
- How do you keep your line from freezing up on the rod?
- Can small degrees of warming trigger feeding? How can anglers take advantage of these short windows?
- What are your go-to patterns for the winter months?
- You suggest imitating immature stages of insects. How does that impact fly design and choice?
- How do you keep your fingers functional for knots and handling fish?
- How do you safely land and release trout in freezing conditions without harming the fish?
- Casting, Mending, and Presentation for Difficult Angling Situations
The challenge of fly fishing can increase dramatically when conditions become difficult. Whether it be due to weather, water, cover, hatches, distance, or a combination of those factors, when the angling gets tough, it pays to have a few tricks up your sleeve. Learn from Jason about ways to make difficult angling situations easier and more productive.
- The Bighorn River – World’s Best Tailwater
Steve Galletta has a passion for dry fishing and matching the hatch, that's what attracted him to the Bighorn River 10 years ago. A professional guide, Steve will share his secrets about one of the world's best tailwater rivers.
- Fly Fishing and Photographing the World
Barry and Cathy Beck have traveled the world fly fishing and photographing their adventures. Learn how their secrets about traveling for fly fishing and how to get the best photographs for youself or your clients.
- Fly Fishing the Driftless Area of the Midwest
Steve Born has been fly fishing the pristine waters of the Driftless Area of the Midwest for years and it still lures him back again and again. Find out why this area is so special and learn Steve's secrets for being successful in these waters.
- Stalking Roosterfish on Baja's East Cape
The Roosterfish is one of the most sought after trophies of the Mexican coast. It's beauty and elusivness make it a challenge you won't want to miss out on. Join Mike Rieser and find out what it takes to stalk and connect with one of this incredible fish.
- Tactical Nymphing - Euro Style - Part II
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. We had so many questions on Devin's first show that we going at it again. Join us to continue this great topic.
- Fighting and Landing Trout
Kurt Finlayson a former member of the Fly Fishing USA Team and former coach of the US Youth Fly Fishing Team knows how to get fish to the net. To win competitions this is essential. Listen to this podcast and learn his techniques for fighting and landing trout that you can use to bring your hookups to the net.
- Fly Fishing The Island of Hokkaido, Japan
Rick Wallace is a well-traveled Australian fly fisher who lived and fished the island of Hokkaido, Japan extensively for four years. Unknown to many fly fishers taimen, rainbow trout, char and salmon are all prime targets on the island of Hokkaido. Taimen can get as large as one meter! Listen in to learn more about this fishery and find out where, when and how to fish this northernmost island in Japan.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What fly fishing opportunities are there on the island?
- Where is the best place to stay on Hokkaido?
- What is the best time of year to fish on the island?
- Is the taimen found on Hokkaido similar to those in Mongolia?
- What is the best way to fish for taimen?
- What flies do you use for taimen?
- Where do you fish for rainbows and char?
- When is the best time to fish for salmon?
To hire local Japanese guides for fishing on Hokkaido visit Trout & King.
- Fly Tying Techniques You Can't Do Without
Charlie Craven is one of the best fly tiers and fly tying instructors you'll run into. No matter how much you know or how long you've tied you'll be sure to learn a few more tips and techniques during this show.
- Catskills to the Madison River
Jim Slattery is the mastermind behind the iconic Stimulator fly. Learn about his journey from the Catskills to the banks of the Madison River, his expertise in traditional fly tying, and his role in conservation. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most influential figures in fly fishing and discover the secrets behind his success. Tune in for an inspiring and educational conversation!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started fly fishing?
- What were your home waters growing up?
- When did you start tying flies?
- How did you learn to tie flies?
- Did you have any mentors? If so, who?
- What are some of the biggest challenges you faced while perfecting your fly tying skills?
- When did you first tie what’s known today as the Simulator?
- What problem did the Stimulator solve?
- What was the original name of the Stimulator?
- What changes have been made to the Stimulator over the years?
- Did you work in the fly fishing industry when you were young?
- When did you start Jim's Fly Company?
- How did the opportunity to buy Campfire Lodge happen?
- What makes Campfire Lodge a unique destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts?
- Can you discuss the importance of mentorship and passing on traditional fly tying techniques to the next generation?
- Fly Fishing Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway
Sam Johnson, an expert angler, shares his secrets of fly fishing along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Discover the best fishing spots across the Blue Ridge Parkway's 217 miles in Virginia and learn about the unique strategies and techniques that make this region a fly fisher's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Sam's wealth of knowledge and captivating stories will inspire and guide you on your next fishing adventure. Don't miss out on this informative and exciting discussion!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your books on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- How did the Parkway come to be?
- Was fishing considered in its design?
- How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- When was constructions started?
- How long did it take to complete?
- Is there camping in the park?
- What time of year would be the best time to visit?
- What different types of water are available to fish?
- What species of fish can you fish for?
- What are some of the major hatches?
- What are your favorite flies for the Parkway waters?
- What is your strategy for fishing the different types of water?
- What are the some of your favorite streams and rivers to fish?
- How does the fishing in Virginia differ from the fishing in North Carolina?
- Fly Gear
Gary Borger discusses the how, when, where and why to develop the ideal equipment selection strategy for your fly fishing. Whether it be rod action, flexion profile, reel characteristics or leader construction Gary has an opinion based on a lifetime of experience, listen in and hear what he has to say.
- Fly Tying Made Clear and Simple
Skip Morris is a full-time fly fishing author and speaker who has published 22 books and over 350 magazine articles on fly fishing and fly tying. Skip makes fly tying so simple anyone can do it. If you’re interested in fly tying but haven’t given it a try yet listen in and Skip will provide all the information you need to get started and to be successful.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started tying flies?
- Is it more expensive to tie your own flies than to buy them?
- What tools do I absolutely need to get started tying flies?
- What should I look for in a good vise?
- What are the important features of a good bobbin?
- What are the basic materials needed to get started?
- What is the difference between the different brands of hooks?
- What is your go-to thread material?
- What sizes of thread should I get to begin with?
- What do the different grades of capes mean?
- Do you weight your flies or use other methods to get deeper?
- Do you think adding purple to a dry fly marks it fish better?
- What tips do you have for tying very small flies?
Learn more about fly fishing and listen to our podcasts by these top experts...
