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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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Kootenai River- Big, Bold and BeautifulDave Blackburn has been fishing and guiding the Kootenai River in Montana for over 25 years. If you want to know how to fish and where to fish on this great western trout river listen in and Dave will share his hard earned secrets.
Fly Fishing the Olympic PeninsulaDoug Rose, a professional guide in the famed Olympic Peninsula of Washington, takes us through the area from the rainforest and oyster country to the coast and backcountry. Chinook, chum, coho, pink and sockeye salmon are all available along with winter and summer steelhead, resident rainbows, coastal cutthroat and native char. It's like fly fishing heaven! Join us to learn where, how and when to fish this beautiful world-class fishery.
Finding TroutTom, has worked in many capacities at Orvis from retail clerk to lead enthusiast and what’s always been true no matter what his position is that he’s a teacher. Tom has shared more about fly fishing than probably any other person in the sport. We are fortunate to have him again on the show to talk about finding trout. Join us on this show to learn about where to find trout in runs,. pocket water, riffles, and places you never thought to look.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you start out on your fly fishing journey?
- How do trout feed?
- How far will a brown trout move in a typical day?
- What are the prime currents to fish?
- What cast do you use to avoid drag?
- What temperatures are optimal for feeding trout?
- How do you approach a new stream?
- When is the best time to fish riffles?
- What are the prime holding areas in runs?
- What type of hydro cusion to trout prefer?
- Where do fish hold in a pool or flat water?
- What is the best way to fish pocket water?
- When trout are not rising what tactics do you use to find fish?
- What matters most fly size, color or presentation?
Fly Fishing Soft-HacklesAllen McGee specializes in both traditional and progressive soft-hackle flies and fly fishing methods. He pushes the boundaries of these wet flies and knows how to get the most out of this often ignored fly fishing method. Join us and learn how to use the soft-hackle method of fishing to catch more fish.
Carp Flies - How To Tie And Fish ThemJay Zimmerman, a professional guide and fly tying instructor, has been chasing carp since he was a kid. Carp are a finicky bunch and need special attention. Jay shares with us his best flies for carp - how to tie and fish them.
Tenkara for Big FishKarin Miller has redefined tenkara fly fishing fusing traditonal tenkara methods with American know-how and ingenuity. She's chased and landed large, powerful species, all over the globe including tarpon, bonefish, permit, shark, barracuda, carp, sockeyes, silvers and chum salmon as well as plenty of trout all on her tenkara rods. Join us on this podcast to find out how you can use tenkara rods and methods for just about any species.
Matching Eastern HatchesMayflies to caddisflies, knowing how to match the hatch can make or break your day on the water. Henry Ramsay, author of Matching Major Eastern Hatches will dive deep into the life cycles of key insects, the flies that best imitate them, and the strategies you need to fool more trout. Whether you’re new to entomology or a seasoned angler looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you unlock the secrets to more productive days on the stream.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Henry, what inspired you to write Matching Major Eastern Hatches and how does it differ from other hatch-matching books?
- For someone new to Eastern waters, how important is it to understand insect life cycles compared to simply having the “right” fly?
- What do you consider the six most important insect groups anglers need to master in the East?
- What role does observation—both streamside and in-hand—play in accurately identifying a hatch?
- Do you think that more emphasis should be placed on fly fishermen being able to identify nymph and pupa stages of mayflies and caddis flies?
- When matching a hatch do you prefer a fly that is a direct match or more of a general look fly?
- Mayflies are the poster child of hatch-matching—what are the major Eastern species anglers should know?
- How can you tell when trout are feeding on emergers?
- Regarding multiple flies, what conditions determine the setup you use?
- How important are mayfly spinner falls to the trout angler?
- Caddisflies often confuse anglers compared to mayflies—what key differences should we focus on?
- How do you fish caddis emergences differently from mayflies in terms of presentation?
- Stoneflies are often overlooked in the East compared to the West—how important are they in Eastern streams?
- What common mistakes do anglers make when trying to fish a stonefly hatch?
- Midges can be intimidating because of their size—how critical are they to Eastern fly fishers?
- How do you adjust your fly selection when conditions are tough and trout ignore traditional hatch patterns?
Midge SecretsRick Takahashi considers midges the most important year-round foods source for trout and they are in almost every stream and lake around the world. Listen in to learn about tying and fishing midges that will work no matter where live.
Hunting Musky With A FlyRick Kustich caught his first musky around 1990 and has been lured by these apex predators every since. Join us to learn Rick's secrets to getting these fish of 10,000 casts hooked up on a fly. We'll cover equipment, flies and special techniques you won't want to miss.
Atlantic Salmon MagicTopher Browne worked as a professional guide and has fished for Atlantic salmon in Canada, Iceland, Scotland, Norway and Russia. Listen in to hear his secrets on hooking up with and landing these incredible fish.
Photography - How to Capture What You SeeCarol's photographs and paintings have not only appeared in most of her husband Skip's 21 fly-fishing and -tying books, but also on the covers and interior pages of such magazines and books as Grey's Sporting Journal, Fly Fisherman, Yale Angler's Journal, American Angler, Fly Fishing & Tying Journal, and America's Favorite Flies. Join us and learn how to take better photographs of the beautiful places you fish, your fishing buddies, fish and of course yourself.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What don't my photos turn out the way I see them?
- What do you recommend for pocket-sized, waterproof, point and shoot camera?
- Can you take good photos with your phone?
- What do you do to protect your camera from water?
- Do you use polarizing or warming filters?
- How to keep from stressing out the fish?
- How can you get a good photo of your fish when you are alone?
- What makes a compelling photograph?
- What time of day makes for the best photographs?
- What is the rule of thirds and how can it make my photos better?
- How can I improve the photos I'm taking?
An Aussie ExpeditionTed Lund, editor of Fly Fishing in Saltwaters magazine, has recently returned from an extraordinary expedition to Australia and the Coral Sea and will be sharing his experiences on planning the trip and fishing for the dogtooth tuna, bluefin trevally, the coral trout and many more exotic fish.
Fly Fishing for LeadershipWe know good leadership when we see it. Just as we know a good fly angler we meet on the river. It's not their age or equipment, or the flies stuck on their wader patch. It's the way they behave towards the river, the fish, the environment, their dog, and their fellow anglers. Can we learn fundamental leadership principles through fly fishing? Listen in and learn from Christian Bacasa how leadership and fly fishing can work together to help you in your pursuits.
Women In Fly FishingThis show features a panel of three top women fly fishers from Alaska, Idaho and as far down as the Florida Keys. Cecilia 'Pudge' Kleinkauf, Lori-Ann Murphy and Diana Rudolph are our guests. All three know their fly fishing and know the business of fly fishing—they are all working professionals in the industry. Join us on this podcast to learn more about fly fishing and how women are raising the bar—Diana won the Hawley Invitational Tarpon Tournament, a male-dominated event and she holds two I.G.F.A. fly division records.
Sodium Free StripersHenry Cowen has been pursuing striped bass for over 30 years in both salt water and fresh water. Join us to find out how Henry finds, hooks and lands these freshwater giants.
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