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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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Want To Be A Fly Fishing Guide?Zach Lazzari worked as a professional guide for 10 years in places like Colorado, Montana, Alaska and Patagonia. If you’ve always wanted to know about what it’s like to be a guide tune in to this show. Zach will give you the inside scoop on getting your first job, living like a guide, the great times you will have and the not so great time you may have.
Ira Gruber's Atlantic Salmon FliesIra W. Gruber is known for the Atlantic salmon fishing techniques and 38 flies he developed over a lifetime of fishing on the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. Join us to hear from his grandson Ira D. Gruber the story of Ira's life as an angler and the stories about a few of his most famous flies.
A Passion for TarponAndy Mill has a passion for tarpon and has 11 tarpon tournament wins to show for it. If you want to learn how to hook up and land trophy tarpon you need to listen to this show.
Fly Fishing Wyoming's Grey ReefRyan Anderson has been guiding for 17 years, 15 of those seasons were on the North Platte. A Casper native he knows Grey Reef better than just about anyone else. Listen in to hear how a real pro fishes this trophy class fishery.
Matching Warmwater Baitfish: Patterns and Techniques for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Muskie, and Other PredatorsMaster guide Kevin Feenstra reveals his proven techniques for targeting bass, musky, pike, and carp using baitfish patterns the fish love. Drawing from over two decades of guiding experience on Michigan's mighty Muskegon River, Kevin shares his expert strategies for reading water and presenting flies to these hard-hitting fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- You recently published Matching Warmwater Baitfish. What inspired you to write it and how did it come about?
- What makes baitfish patterns so effective for targeting predatory fish like smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, and others?
- How important is fly size when imitating baitfish for different predators?
- What are the key differences in how smallmouth and largemouth bass hunt baitfish?
- What are your go-to baitfish patterns for smallmouth bass, and how do they differ from those for largemouth?
- What are some effective retrieves when fishing baitfish patterns for bass?
- What makes muskie such a challenging species to catch on the fly?
- Can you explain the "figure eight" technique and when to use it when targeting muskie?
- What is your goto pattern for musky?
- What is your favorite throwback fly to convert muskie that follow but won't eat?
- What are some effective techniques for fishing baitfish flies in heavy cover or structure?
- How do water clarity and light conditions affect baitfish fly selection?
- Is there a searching baitfish pattern that you prefer to use when fishing new water?
- What are some key materials for tying realistic and effective baitfish imitations?
- What advice do you have for anglers looking to improve their success with baitfish imitations?
Trout TipsLandon Mayer, a veteran instructor and professional guide, will help you analyze your past mistakes and learn how to adapt to a wide range of fishing conditions. He uses unorthodox solutions for common fly fishing problems but they are all designed to help you catch more fish. Join us and Landon will help you sharpen your skills.
Fly Fishing the Bighorn RiverMichael Mastrangelo is a professional guide on the Bighorn River in Montana, which is considered one of the finest rivers in the world for fly fishing. Listen it to hear Michael share his secrets about fly fishing this incredible fishery.
Pacific Coast Flies & Fly FishingThe Pacific Coast offers fly fishers a wealth of angling opportunities from Alaska to the tip of Baja California. Scott Sadil's recent book Pacific Coast Flies & Fly Fishing covers many of the proven flies to use for trout, salmon, steelhead, and both inshore and bluewater species and how to fish them. Join us to learn about some of these popular fly patterns, their use, and a bit of history about how they came to be.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did your latest book Pacific Coast Flies & Fly Fishing come about?
- Do you primarily "match the hatch"?
- Do you fish with whatever works?
- What makes "Bird's BWO Emerger" work?
- Why does the "Vanilla Bugger" attract fish?
- What does "My Favorite Terrestrial" imitate?
- How did the "Green Butt Muddler" come about?
- Does the "Miracle Fly" really work miracles on steelhead?
- How can you be more productive fishing the surf?
- When do you decide to use the "Bullador" in the salt?
- Where do you use "Squid Me" to get the best results?
- Is the "Trilobite" a good fly for surf perch?
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.
Fisheries Conservation Now And In The FutureDr. Peter Moyle was recognized by Fly Fisherman Magazine as the 2020 Conservationist of the Year for his lifetime of conservation work in California and in watersheds across the West. Peter's forward-thinking and get it done attitude has saved and restored fisheries across California including McCloud River, Putah Creek, the San Joaquin River and the Klamath River. Listen in to find out how Peter identifies and works through the issues associated with saving and restoring these fine fisheries.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How were you able to preserve the McCloud river for future generations?
- How did you bring Putah Creek back to life?
- What are the challenges now that Putah Creek has been restored?
- What has been done to encourage Stripers and Salmon to run up the San Joaquin River?
- What is the status of the Smelt in the Delta estuaries?
- What key action was taken to preserve the Klamath River?
- How can conservation groups attract younger members?
- What problems do you face when dams come down?
Catching ShadowsRich Strolis, a signature fly tyer for Montana Fly Company, designs and ties flies with a purpose. The toughest fish require a different approach and different flies. Listen in and learn about Rich's unique designs and how to fish them.
Fly Fishing Southern BelizeCharles Leslie started guiding in Belize when he was 19 years old. He learned to fly fish from Lefty Kreh and over the past 50 years he's become a master of casting and fly presentation to permit, tarpon, bonefish and snook. Join us to learn Charlie's approach to fishing which is based on the tides, weather, migratory patterns and other conditions that ensure you have the best opportunity to land the fish of a lifetime. Learn more by visiting Charlie Leslie Fly Fishing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the differences in fishing Southern versus Northern Belize?
- What are the best times of year to fish Southern Belize?
- Do you need to be a good caster to fish for permit, bonefish, tarpon and snook?
- What's the secret to casting in the wind?
- Where are the best places to fish for bonefish?
- How do you present your flies to bonefish?
- Where are the best places to fish for snook?
- What are the best flies for snook?
- Where do you find migrating tarpon?
- What is the best way to fish gummy minnows for tarpon?
- When fishing for permit do you wade the flats or fish from the boat?
- What should you consider when presenting your fly to a permit?
- What's the secret to getting a good hook set with a permit?
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.
Rivers of Northern CaliforniaAnthony Carruesco, a professional guide in northern California, guides on the Lower and Upper Sacramento, the Klamath, Pit and McCloud rivers. These beautiful waters produce rainbows, browns and pacific steelhead. Whether you float or wade, want to fish nymphs, dries or streamers, you'll be right at home. Listen in and learn all about these rivers and how to hook up with what some people consider California's gold.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- When is the best time of year to fish northern California rivers?
- What rivers are the best for wade fishing?
- What is the difference between fishing the Upper and Lower Sacramento River?
- How do you rig up to nymph deep rivers?
- What suspension device was developed to fish these rivers?
- What river is considered the premier trout fishery in California?
- What river has the best stonefly hatches?
- What river has the best steelhead fishing?
- Where do you fish for rainbows and char?
- What are the most prolific hatches on these rivers?
The Clark Fork River - Where Big Trout Travel in PodsJohn Perry guides on the Clark Fork River which he considers one of the most productive rivers in the West. Techniques that work on other rivers many times have to be adapted on the Clark Fork for you to catch fish. Learn how John approaches this great fishery to get maximum success.
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