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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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500 Trout StreamsWhat happens when a man who’s fly fished for over fifty years, who’s graduated with a university degree in English, who’s published 19 print-and-paper books on fly-fishing topics with three publishers, decides to spend three years writing his first book of essays about his beloved sport? Can you imagine? Join us to learn how Skip came to write his latest book 500 Trout Streams and hear a few of his favorite stories.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What was the first writing you got published?
- Do you make notes about your fishing trips to use later in your writing?
- Do you have a writing routine, if so what is it?
- What prompted the writing of 500 Trout Streams?
- What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching?
- Is there still a market for long-form print pieces?
- Did you really fish 500 trout streams?
- What is your favorite book on fly fishing by another writer?
- What authors do you look to for their writing skills and style?
- Will you be writing more essays in the future?
Hackle - Facts About FeathersThomas Whiting, president and owner of Whiting Farms, Inc., producer of the finest fly tying feathers for the tyers of the world will share his knowlege about those wonderful feathers we use everyday. From raising chickens to the science behind genetic breeding to selecting the proper hackle to use on your flies - Tom will cover it all in great detail.
Cicada MadnessDave Zielinski has been tracking down annual and periodical cicada emergences in an effort to figure out their mystery and the fish that hunt and devour them for the past 20 years. If you'd like to zero in on one of these epic emergences, tune in and learn from Dave about the timing, fishing techniques, and patterns that you'll need to crack the code.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes cicada emergences so significant for fly fishers?
- What does a cicada look like?
- How many different species are there?
- What is the life cycle of cicadas?
- What is the difference between periodical and annual cicadas?
- How often do the periodical emergences occur?
- How long does an emergence last?
- When is the best time of day to fish during a cicada emergence?
- What signs are there that an cicada emergence is happening?
- What are the differences between the 13 and 17 year cicadas?
- What color combinations are best for cicada fly imitations?
- Do you have a favorite fly size and pattern?
- What presentation methods work best when fishing with cicadas?
- Is there an online source that tracks cicada emergences?
Backpack Fly FishingDan Steere has moved towards a simpler easier to manage method of fly fishing. Let's face it you can't take all your gear on a backpacking trip and still have room for your food and tent. If you want to catch a wide variety of fish with simple, minimalist equipment that can fit into a daypack or backpack you'll want to listen to Dan's ideas and methods. Join us to see how you can get back to a simpler approach to fly fishing and enjoy it.
Nymphing to Catch More FishMichael Gorman, a professional and savvy guide, has vast knowledge on one of the most effective methods of catching fish – nymphing. His well-tested techniques are effective on both trout and steelhead. Join us to pick Michael’s brain on all things nymphing.
Saltwater Fly Pattern DevelopmentDrew Chicone has developed and improved many saltwater fly patterns during his professional fly tying career. Learn how Drew approaches his fly design from both a creative and functional aspect. Join us on this podcast and learn about his techniques, materials and testing.
Olympic National Forest SteelheadLael, a professional guide in Washington, lives and breathes steelhead fishing in the Olympic National Forest. A steelhead catch is something that will change you as a person during and for sure after the fight, whether you win or lose the first battle. Join us to learn Lael’s secrets to success for steelhead!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the Olympic National Forest so special?
- What differences are there between wild and hatchery steelhead?
- What is the best time of year to fish for steelhead?
- What are the differences between the types of rivers in the area?
- What are the differences between fishing with a single-handed rod and spey rod?
- What type of line do you use and what types of tips do you use?
- What are the ideal types of flies and what makes them stand out to the fish?
- What method works best for steelhead nymphing or swing flies?
- How is the take different between nymphs and streamers that you swing?
- What do you recommend for clothing when fishing in the winter?
- Do the moon phases and weather affect the steelhead bite?
- What is the health and status of Olympic National Forest steelhead?
West Branch of the Ausable RiverJoin us as Evan Bottcher reveals the secrets of the West Branch of the Ausable River, a legendary fly fishing destination. With a rich history of legendary anglers and diverse insect hatches, Evan shares expert tips and techniques honed since childhood. Perfect your skills and discover captivating stories in this not-to-miss show!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the West Branch of the Ausable River such a unique fly fishing destination?
- Can you tell us about the history of fly fishing on the West Branch and its significance in the region?
- How has the river's reputation among anglers evolved over the years?
- What is the overall health of the river's ecosystem and the quality of the water?
- What species of trout are most commonly found in the West Branch of the Ausable River?
- What is the best time of year to fly fish the West Branch, and how does the fishing change with the seasons?
- Are there any specific regulations anglers need to be aware of when fishing this river?
- What are the different sections of the river and how do vary in terms of fishing difficulty and trout density?
- What's best way to fish the areas that are difficult to wade?
- What role do local hatches play in planning a successful day of fishing on the river?
- What is your favorite hatch?
- Where and when are streamers likely to be effective on the Ausable?
- Is it true that many times larger flies produce better than those that match the hatch?
- What are some key strategies for fishing this river, especially for first-time anglers?
- Do you have any recommendations for targeting deeper pools versus shallower runs on the West Branch?
- Where an how do you sight fish for striped bass?
- How does the presence of large boulders and pocket water impact your approach to fishing specific sections of the river?
Tying Streamers: Tips and TechniquesCharlie Craven is a master fly tier and has figured out the best fly tying techniques for just about any challenge. His latest book Tying Streamers addresses the techniques used to tie both classic and modern streamer patterns. Charlie is always a great source for good tips on tying so join us to find out what he’s discovered about the best way to tie streamers.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How do you make wooly buggers more durable?
- What is the best way to tie in a palmered hackle?
- Are articulated patterns more effective than non-articulated patterns?
- What are your favorite materials for tying streamers?
- What are the three most important triggers when tying streamers?
- Do you prefer streamers that are thick and dense or sparse and thin?
- How do you keep streamers from fouling?
- How do you choose a hook for your streamers?
- What are your considerations for choosing streamers for different water types?
Cruising for CarpPaul Rose was sight fishing for tailing carp before it was “hip”. He's tackled all the challenges associated with these freshwater bonefish and considers these explorations with his clients the basis for their saltwater training school. Listen in to learn about fly fishing for carp - something you can do almost anywhere in the world.
Passionate About PanfishBart Lombardo, a professional guide in New Jersey, is passionate about panfish. Catch the excitement and join us to learn the best tactics to hook these lively fish. From selecting the right flies to mastering the presentation, Bart shares his top secrets from years of experience.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What sparked your passion for fly fishing, particularly for panfish?
- What species fall under the heading of panfish?
- How do seasonal changes affect panfish feeding habits and locations?
- What types of water bodies and structures do panfish prefer during different times of the year?
- How can anglers identify prime panfish habitats when exploring new waters?
- What is the optimal temperature when panfish "come alive" in the spring?
- What weight fly rod do you prefer when fishing for panfish?
- Which fly lines do you use floating, intermediate, or sinking??
- What is your go-to fly for panfish?
- Which do you prefer, lakes, ponds or rivers? Urban water or rural?
- How does your retrieval method change based on the panfish species you're targeting?
- How do your strategies change for spring, summer, and late-season in the fall?
- What should I do to increase my chances of catching large sunfish - 10 or more inches?
Mastering Musky on the FlyAdam is obsessed with musky. He’s been fishing for musky for over 25 years. He’s also built a fly shop called Musky Town which is devoted to helping fly anglers catch more musky on the fly. Join us to learn Adam’s secrets to mastering musky on the fly.
***Due to technical difficulties, Adam’s episode has been rescheduled for fall 2023.
Smallmouth Bass StrategiesDave Karczynski is passionate about smallmouth. Smallmouth bass are in more streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs than any other game fish. Join us and learn about the cutting-edge techniques and fly patterns being used today to catch these exciting game fish.
Fly Fishing for Steelhead - Queen Charlotte Islands and the Dean RiverGreg Thomas pursues wild steelhead in out of the way places, with a focus on British Columbia. Recently he's fished the Queen Charlotte Islands and the central British Columbia coast. In July he lucked into the best week in 10 years on the Dean River and had 17 fish to the beach in three days. Listen to Thomas' adventures and you'll learn how to reach these unique fisheries where 10-to 20-pound wild steelhead can be found, often in good numbers.
52 RiversShelley Walchak decided to challenge herself and set a goal to fish 52 rivers in one year. She quit her job and fished seven states in the Rocky Mountains, which turned into one of those journey's she'll never forget. Join us to hear how she conceived, planned and completed this epic fly fishing adventure.
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