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 437 shows in our Archive!
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?
More about Alex Ross...
Listen to the Show...
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...
Register for our free drawing.
Add event to your calendar
More about Robert Streeter...
Miss a Show? - Browse our Show Archive!
Over 437 Shows for you to listen to!
-
Tying NymphsCharlie Craven is a top-selling signature fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants. He's also a great teacher so if you want to learn a bunch of great fly tying techniques join us for an in-depth study of tying nymphs.
Golden Dorado in BoliviaJeff Currier has been on another great adventure - this time in Bolivia for Golden Dorado. Dorado have voracious teeth and put up an incredible fight. Listen in to find out how Jeff did and whether he landed his trophy fish.
Fly Fishing Is More Than Euro NymphingEuro nymphing may dominate the rivers, but it’s only part of the story. Join Aaron Jasper as he reveals why being a versatile angler makes fly fishing more rewarding—and more productive. From lessons learned over 44 years on the water, to the balance between numbers and trophy fish, to his top five insights from 2025, Aaron shares wisdom that will help you catch more fish and deepen your love of the sport.
Tackling TailwatersTerry Gunn lives and guides on one of the most beautiful tailwaters in the world at Lee's Ferry on the Colorado River. Tailwaters provide exceptional fishing and knowing how to fish them can make or break your day. Listen in and learn Terry's secrets to getting the most out of your day on a tailwater.
Fly Fishing the Frying Pan RiverTim Heng has fished just about every inch of the Frying Pan River in Colorado and has been doing it for almost 30 years. Learn all about the Frying Pan and the secrets of hooking up with its big trout.
Tying Guide Flies and Other FavoritesColorado professional guide Landon Mayer is well known in the Rockies for putting his clients on to incredible trophy trout. Landon shares tying steps and fishing and rigging tips for several of his signature guide flies for trout and bass. These nymphs, dry flies, and streamers have proven to be effective around the world. Join us and get the lowdown on why these flies work and how you can use them to catch more fish. GoFundMe page for Landon: https://gofund.me/b29b467e
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started fly fishing?
- What are the elements of a guide fly?
- What size flies do you typically tie and fish?
- Do you prefer to tie flies for a specific location or general flies that can be used at multiple places?
- In a typical day of fishing, how many different fly patterns do you fish?
- What inspired you to create the Tube Midge?
- Why is the Tube Midge an important fly to have in your box?
- What makes the Trident Tube Midge different from other stillwater midge patterns?
- How do you rig for the Trident Tube Midge, and how do you fish it?
- What was the reason you created Mayer's Mini Leech?
- What colors do you type Mayer's Mini Leech in?
- What makes the Mini Leech Jig Damsel different from other stillwater damsel patterns?
- What are the key elements of the Mini Leech Jig Damsel?
- How did you come up with the Tails Up Trico, and why is it such a deadly pattern?
- What is your most tied fly, and is it the most effective fly in the varied waters and conditions we face in fly fishing?
- Which fly you designed surprised you the most on how successful it was and how popular it became? ...and why?
The Delaware River StoryLee Hartman, a professional guide and conservationist, will take us on a journey through the natural and unnatural history of the Delaware River. Many consider the Delaware the best wild trout fishery east of the Mississippi but it hasn’t been easy to keep it that way. Learn why it’s so important to protect this coldwater fishery and look forward to Lee sharing a few tips along the way about how to be successful fishing this great river.
- What species of fish are native to the Delaware River?
- What part of the Delaware River is the best for trout fishing?
- When is the best time to fish for shad?
- When did the Delaware River become a true trout river?
- Is it best to fish the river from a boat or wading?
- Where do you find the brown trout most often?
- What insect hatches can you expect on the river?
- What is a "Delaware River Fox"?
- What is being done to preserve the river as a world-class trout fishery?
Tenkara's EvolutionDaniel Galhardo brought Tenkara fly fishing to North America and has introduced a new an exciting way to fly fish. Learn about the history and fishing in Japan that inspired him to create a company based on Tenkara. Daniel will also share how he started and built his business into the success it is today.
Nymphing Strategies for Trinity River Steelhead: Flow, Depth, and ControlSteelhead 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?
Top Saltwater FliesDrew Chicone is one of the top saltwater fly tiers today. His innovative patterns and variations on old favorites catch fish and that's what it's all about. In his recent three volume set of fly tying books, Top Saltwater Flies, Drew provides his top patterns for bonefish, permit and tarpon. Join us to learn how Drew comes up with his designs and his specific techniques in tying flies that catch fish in the salt.
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?
The Evolution of NymphingAaaron Jasper goes where the fish are and most of the time it’s under the surface. He’s spent the last few years studying, researching and testing old and new nymphing methods. On this show we explore many of those methods including the latest in European nymphing techniques.
Trout - Hidden in Plain ViewDuane Redford will delves into what the top 10% of anglers are seeing and doing differently from the fly fishing masses, and how they are consistently putting fish in the net in every situation. Join us and learn from a master angler how to increase your odds of catching more trout.
The Angler as PredatorGary Borger explores the angler as predator. As successful fly fishers, we need to play the role of the predator, focusing closely on the fish’s ability to sense its environment. What kind of predator are you? Join us and find out...
Midge PresentationDavy Wotton, a master of fly fishing streams, will help refine your small fly presentation skills. Listen in to learn about the gear, leader, tippets, approach, casts and all the critical factors to be successful with midges.
Learn more about fly fishing and listen to our podcasts by these top experts...
Supporting Member Of...
Sponsored by: Ugly Bug Fly Shop — Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics — Lees Ferry Anglers
Enrico Puglisi Flies
Copyright © 2026 Ask About Fly Fishing | As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases through links from this website.
