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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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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.
Wet Fly MagicDave Allbaugh, a professional guide in Pennsylvania, has spent the last 30 years both on the stream and at his vise perfecting his wet fly fishing techniques and flies. His methods are effective throughout the year and he takes great pride in teaching his clients this lost art of fly fishing. Join us and learn Dave’s secrets to wet fly fishing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Are wet flies the same as nymphs and soft hackle flies?
- What are flymphs?
- What materials do you use for bodies and hackle?
- What size do you tie your wet flies?
- What flies do you start out with in April and May in PA?
- What is your favorite "go to" wet fly when there is no hatch in progress?
- What variations of flies do you use when searching?
- What are some of your favorite classic wet fly patterns?
- What weight type of rod do you use for wet fly fishing?
- What lines work best for wet fly fishing?
- What is your leader and tippet setup?
- How do you rig up a multi-fly setup?
- How do you present your flies for the best results?
- Is upstream or downstream presentations more effective?
- Do you add any action/movement to your flies?
Fly Fishing for Striped BassRich Murphy has been fly fishing for striped bass for more than 25 years and knows the northeast coast of the US like his backyard. Find out all of Rich’s secrets of catching and landing these exciting saltwater trophies.
Tailwaters of the Uncompahgre RiverMatt McCannel, a professional guide, introduces us to the tailwaters of the Uncompahgre River (Paco). On the western slope of the Colorado Rockies, this tailwater yields incredible trophy browns and rainbow. Browns exceeding the 20-pound mark lurk in the shadows of boulders and stumps. Join us as Matt guides us down the river and shares his secrets to catching these monster fish.
Questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What's the best time of year to catch the trophy browns and rainbows?
- How do you find the trophy fish?
- What type of water do they inhabit?
- Do they attack streamers?
- What do they eat?
- What are the top three fly patterns that attract the big fish?
- Does Euro nymphing work for these fish?
- How accurate does your presentation have to be to get good takes?
Check out this video: Matt McCannel Sight Fishing Paco's Trophy Trout
Tactics for Bass, Panfish, Pike & Other Warmwater SpeciesTim Jacobs is a guide and FFI Certified Casting Instructor who fishes both the warm waters of the midwest and the cold waters of the Rocky Mountains. Tim will be sharing tactics including rigs, techniques and fly patterns that you can use to catch more bass. panfish, pike, and other warmwater species. Join us and learn Tim's secrets to warmwater fly fishing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Where do you do most of your warmwater fishing?
- What does a fly fisher need to know about lakes to be productive?
- Is it more productive to fly fishing from a boat?
- How do you dissect an unknown lake?
- What types of rods and lines do you need for warmwater fly fishing?
- Where should you look for largemouth bass?
- What is your primary method for finding fish?
- What types of flies do you use for largemouth bass?
- When fishing rivers for smallmouth bass, how do you work the water?
- What's your go-to fly for smallmouth bass?
- Where do the pike hold in the water column?
- How do you rig up your leader and shock tippet for pike?
- What are your favorite types of flies for pike?
- Where is the best place to find pike?
Fly Tying and Fishing with John BarrJohn Barr designed the Copper John, the Barr Emerger and many other successful fly patterns. Learn from John how to tie and fish these incredibly successful patterns. If you don't use them now you will by the end of the show.
Alaska's Other FishThere's more to Alaskan fly fishing than just salmon - Pudge shares her professional experience as a guide with other exciting species including trout, grayling, char and sheefish.
Giant Homosassa TarponCapt. Earl Waters, a Florida native, has been chasing and catching the giant Homosassa tarpon for over 25 years. Learn his secrets on hooking up and landing these incredible trophies.
Golden Dorado in BoliviaJeff Currier has been on another great adventure - this time in Bolivia for Golden Dorado. Dorado have voracious teeth and put up an incredible fight. Listen in to find out how Jeff did and whether he landed his trophy fish.
BugsPaul Weamer, a professional guide and author, having fished both the eastern and western United States teaches us about the “Bugs”. Matching the hatch is always challenging but Paul knows how to simplify it so that you can quickly and easily identify the insects and pick the right fly to imitate them. Join us and learn entomology the easy way.
Surf, Sand & Silver - Fly Fishing the Padre Island National SeashoreStep onto the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world as we explore the legendary fly fishing of the Padre Island National Seashore with acclaimed angler Phil Shook. From bull reds prowling the surf to speckled trout, jacks, snook, and migratory tarpon, this remote stretch of Texas coastline offers endless adventure—and requires smart strategy to fish well. Phil breaks down how to read the surf, locate productive cuts and guts, choose the right flies, handle wind and waves, and target each species through the seasons. If you love saltwater fly fishing, this is a masterclass you won’t want to miss.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Where is the Padre Island National Seashore and what does it offer fly fishers and other visitors?
- What is the human history of the island?
- How did fly fishers first find out about all the action on these beach safaris?
- What are the game fish that fly fishers find on the National Seashore?
- Are there sharks present, and are they a concern?
- What are the prime seasons, and conditions for the best fly fishing action along the Seashore?
- What is at the end of the road, and why do flyfishers want to get there?
- Is this an area that is easy to wade, or do you need a boat to really fish it?
- Is the Seashore good for day trips or solely for long drives and camping out?
- When you arrive at the Padre Island surf, what are the first signs or indicators you look for before making a cast?
- What rod weights and setups do you recommend to cover everything from trout to bull reds and jacks in the surf?
- What are your go-to fly patterns?
- How do you adapt your retrieve when dealing with wave surges that constantly push and pull the fly?
- What fish-holding features do guides and anglers look for on safaris down the seashore?
- When targeting fast-moving predators like jacks or tarpon, how do you adjust your strip speed or positioning?
Big Redfish in the Louisiana BayousAlec Griffin was hooked on redfish his second day in New Orleans and was amazed at their ferocity when attacking a fly. He's been chasing them ever since. Learn Alec's secrets about hooking up with big redfish on a fly.
Williams Fork River - More Than A Buggy PlaceChris Wells has been a full-time professional guide for more than 20 years. One of his favorite rivers to guide on is the Williams Fork in central Colorado which he calls one of the "buggiest places" he knows. Yellow sallies, caddis, midges, baetis, tricos, stoneflies and red quills are more than abundant and the trout feed like crazy on them. Join us to learn about the Williams Fork River, why it's so special for Chris and how to fish it for the best results.
Next Episode in the Works: Stay with Us!Hello, listeners! We wanted to give you a quick update: while we're still finalizing our next guest for the show, rest assured that we're working hard to bring you another exciting and insightful episode. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, feel free to check out our past episodes or drop us a line with any topics you'd like to hear more about. Thanks for your continued support and patience!
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