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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?
More about Alex Ross...
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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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The Most Common Nymph Fishing MistakesRick Hafele has made many nymphing mistakes over the years and also watched others do the same. Sometimes knowing what not to do can make the difference as well. Join us to sort it all out and clean up your nymphing.
Skinny Water TroutJason Borger guides us through skinny water for trout - one of the most challenging and frustrating fly fishing scenarios one can encounter.
Casting Forward, Onward, and SeawardSteve Ramirez is a fly fisher, writer, educator, master naturalist, philosopher, and outdoor adventurer. He's traveled four continents writing about fishing, landscapes, human cultures, and the natural world. He's written for many of the major periodicals and is publishing his latest book Casting Seaward. This book is the third in a book series that started with Casting Forward and was followed by Casting Onward. Join us and hear Steve's thoughts on fly fishing, conservation, restoration, and his hopes for the future of planet earth.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- When did you start writing?
- What effect do your previous careers have on your writing today?
- What do you use fly fishing as the basis for your stories?
- What are your books about and what effect do you hope they'll have on your readers?
- Does writing energize you or exhaust you?
- Do you make notes during a trip and then write about it later?
- How do you think your writing will help the natural world?
- Where and when do you write?
- In all your travels what was the most challenging species, you fished for?
- Of all the places you've traveled and fished, what is the most memorable?
- What can we do as fly fishers to help combat global warming?
- As humans are we working to conserve, preserve, or destroy our natural world?
- Do you think the world would be better off without humans?
- Do you think we can reverse the current trends that adversely affect our environment?
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.
An Entirely Synthethic FishAnders Halverson has done an exhaustive study of the origin of the rainbow trout, it's history and how it has been stocked throughout the world. Listen in to learn about this fish we love so dearly.
Great Smoky Mountains Fly FishingKevin Howell has been guiding the rivers and streams of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee since the mid-1980's. Kevin considers the Davidson River, Tuckaseegee River, and many small mountain streams his home waters. Join us to talk about fly fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains and find out which flies Kevin favors for these waters.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the different types of fisheries in the Smoky Mountains?
- What fish species are available to fly fishers in the streams and rivers?
- What makes the area so favorable for trout?
- What are the top rivers to fish?
- What is the Davison River well known for?
- What's the best way to fish the Davidson?
- What hatches do you have on the Davidson?
- What are the best flies to use?
- What type of fishery is the Tuskaseegee River?
- What techniques do you use on the Tuskaseegee?
- What fly rods and lines do you recommend?
- If you could only pick five flies to put in your fly box, what would they be?
- What type of water do you find in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park?
A Tale of Three FishJim Stenson has traveled the world to fish for many species. The "Holy Trinity," as some call them, are still three of the toughest fish to catch. Permit, steelhead, and Atlantic salmon can frustrate even the best fly fishers. Join us to hear Jim talk about some of his exciting and difficult adventures in search of these elusive fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- In your quest of the three fish which came first?
- What is the story about catching your first steelhead?
- What has been your most unique experience fishing for steelhead?
- Where do you go most often today to fish for steelhead?
- How has fishing for steelhead changed since you first started fishing for them?
- What are the important factors in fishing for steelhead?
- What was your first experience fishing for Atlantic salmon?
- What have you learned over the years about fishing for Atlantic salmon?
- How has fishing for Atlantic salmon changed since you first started fishing for them?
- What techniques have you used for Atlantic salmon?
- What makes permit so hard to catch?
- What locations have you been going to for permit?
- What have you learned over the years since then about fishing for permit?
- Over the years which fish has caused you the most amount of consternation?
- Which fish do you dream about catching the most?
Stillwaters SimplifiedTim Lockhart is a stillwater fly fishing junkie and stillwaters provide some of the best opportunities for big fish. If stillwaters have intimidated you in the past get ready for an awakening. Join us and learn about the critical lessons for catching more trout in lakes, ponds and reservoirs.
Fly Patterns For Pennsylvania WatersEric Naguski, a professional guide in Pennsylvania, has over 20 years of experience in fishing the state’s waters. Eric will be showcasing some of his favorite flies, tips on tying them and how to rig and fish them. Join us so you can learn how to fish the waters of Pennsylvania more productively.
The Feather ThiefKirk Johnson is the author of the true-crime adventure “The Feather Thief”. Intrigued by the theft of hundreds of rare bird specimens from the Tring museum in England, Kirk journeys into the underground world of fanatical fly tiers and plume peddlers looking for the truth behind why the theft took place and what happened to all the birds that were stolen. Join us and hear the story that has drawn so many readers to this great book.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did the heist go down?
- Who was Alfred Russel Wallace and what did he have to do with the heist?
- How did Edwin Rist get involved tying classic salmon flies?
- What was the value of the stolen birds?
- How were the stolen birds and feathers sold?
- Were the buyers of the stolen goods complicit?
- Did Rist have an accomplice?
- Was the heist planned?
- How did the judge rule when Rist when to court?
- Did Rist show any remorse about what he had done?
- Were the stolen birds ever recovered?
Tangling with TarponThose that have fished for the Tarpon say it's addicting. So if you dare join Tad Burke a professional guide in the Florida Keys and learn his secrets about hooking up with a Tarpon and staying hooked.
Nymphs for Streams & StillwatersDave 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.
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.
Fly Fishing Tactics & Fly Designs for Henry's Fork Toughest TroutRene Harrop has fished the Henry's Fork for 56 years. His experience is unmatched on this challenging spring creek. Join us and learn about the fish, insects and fly fishing techniques for this incredible fishery.
Moving From Rookie to Novice to ProPudge Kleinkauf, as a professional guide in Alaska, has answered hundreds of questions throughout her career helping rookies move on up the ladder. Join us and get your questions answered that will help you move from rookie to novice to pro.
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