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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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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.
High Stick NymphingKelly Galloup, a professional guide in Montana, talks about high stick nymphing and reading the water. Join us to learn techniques that will fine tune your nymphing presentations and hook you up with more fish.
Stalking Roosterfish on Baja's East CapeThe 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.
Permit on the Fly in Yucatan's Ascension BayDick Cameron has experienced over 800 permit landed and countless hundreds more hooked or near hooked either personally or through the accounts of his friends, clients and guides. To understand permit you need to be in the thick of them and Dick certainly is. Listen in to hear Dicks tips, tricks and secrets to getting hooked up with a permit.
A Passion for BonefishGet ready to explore the shimmering world of bonefish with Ian Davis, author of A Passion for Bonefish. Ian shares insights from how to read a flat and choose the perfect fly to unlocking the secrets of tides, moon phases, and guide teamwork. Whether you’re dreaming of stalking the flats or planning your next saltwater trip, this show will fuel your obsession for one of fly fishing’s most electrifying and elusive species.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What features of a bonefish’s anatomy make it such a challenging and thrilling fish to pursue on the fly?
- How do their sensory systems—especially eyesight—impact how we approach them as anglers?
- What types of flats and ecosystems do bonefish thrive in across different regions like the Bahamas or Belize?
- Can you walk us through the typical bonefish diet and how it may vary by location?
- What are some of the most consistently productive bonefish flies you've seen or used in different countries?
- Have any fly patterns surprised you in their effectiveness or versatility across different locations?
- How do wind conditions affect both casting and fish behavior on the flats?
- Are there any general rules anglers can follow to understand tidal movement and its impact?
- What makes the guide–angler relationship crucial in bonefishing success?
- What visual cues help an angler read the flats for likely bonefish hotspots?
- What behaviors should you look for when trying to distinguish feeding bonefish from cruising ones?
- What does a perfect bonefish fly presentation look like?
- Can you explain why strip-setting is so critical—and how it differs from trout setting?
- What’s the best way to land a bonefish safely for both the angler and the fish?
The Deschutes – Rainbows and SteelheadTom Larimer is an experienced guide who's passion for steelhead is only equaled by his love for trout. Listen in to Tom share his secrets about fly fishing the Deschutes River.
California Corbina on the FlyAl Quattrocchi has been fly fishing for corbina on the southern shores of California for many years. He's obsessed with the fish and the challenge to catch them. Some say it's one of the hardest fish to catch on the fly, even harder than permit. Join us and learn about this incredible fish and how to hook up with them on the fly.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How were you first introduced to corbina?
- What are the history, characteristics, and size?
- Where are corbina found?
- When is the best time of year to target them?
- What type of habitat do corbina prefer?
- What is their behavior like?
- What do corbina eat?
- What signs do you look for to find them?
- What weight fly rod do you use?
- Do you use floating, intermediate or sinking lines?
- What flies work best for corbina?
- Do you do more sight fishing or blind casting?
- What is the best way to present your fly?
- What are some of the mistakes fly fishers make when casting to corbina?
- What's the best way to land and handle a corbina?
Why Did Dave Whitlock Move to Oklahoma?Dave moved to Oklahoma for several reasons but the lower Illinois River is one of them where he caught 17 varieties of fish in one day. You won't want to miss this interview of one of fly fishing's most notable figures.
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?
Fishing Streamers For Trophy TroutKelly Galloup knows how to catch trophy trout, especially with streamers, but not in the way you might think. You'll have to listen to our podcast to find out his techniques and strategies. Kelly has written two books and has been published in nearly every major fly fishing periodical in the country. Kelly was also one of the hosts of Fly Fish TV on the Outdoor Life network.
Fly Fishing For Bluefish On The Eastern SeaboardJohn McMurray specializes in guiding and fishing Jamaica Bay's 10,000 acres of salt marsh flats just minutes away from New York City. Listen to this podcast to learn the secrets of fishing for bluefish in Jamaica Bay and other Eastern seaboard locations.
Stripers on the Massachusetts CoastCapt Dave Bitters guides us for striped bass on the Massachusetts coast. Learn the secrets of how to hook up with one of the most exciting East coast sport fish.
Fly Fishing the Driftless Area of the MidwestSteve 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.
Musky MagicErik Thue, a professional guide in Wisconsin, has been targeting musky with a fly for many years. His intimate knowledge of this elusive predator will help you get one on the hook. Join us to hear his secrets.
The State of the CharTom Boyd not only fly fishes he researches, takes DNA samples, tags and learns everything he can about the fish he targets. Join us to learn what he's learned about the char including arctic char, dolly varden, brook trout and bull trout both anadromous and landlocked fish.
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