Covering fish from Trout to Tarpon, from tying flies to casting them - you'll find it all right here on Ask About Fly Fishing - the best fly fishing podcast for learning more about fly fishing.
Want to Catch More Fish? Just listen to any of our in-depth podcasts - we have over 437 shows in our Archive!
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...
Listen to the Show...
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...
Register for our free drawing.
Add event to your calendar
More about Robert Streeter...
Miss a Show? - Browse our Show Archive!
Over 437 Shows for you to listen to!
-
Long Island's Fly Fishing TreasuresPaul McCain guides out of his shop, River Bay Outfitters on Long Island. He fishes many types of water both fresh and salt and for many species of fish. Long Island has so much to offer it's difficult to know where to begin. Paul will guide us to some well known and not so well known places on Long Island and open your eyes to all that's possible. Join us and explore Long Island fly fishing.
Questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the prime areas for striped bass?
- Where can you fish the flats on Long Island?
- What is public access like for fishing the shoreline?
- Where do you find the larger striped bass?
- What are the four best flies for striped bass and bluefish?
- Where can you fish for trout and bass at the same time?
- What rivers are the best for trout fishing?
- What are kettle and mill ponds?
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?
The Feather MechanicGordon van der Spuy is renowned as one of South Africa's premier fly tiers, and his passion for the craft shines through in every aspect of his work. For Gordon, the function always dictates the form when designing flies. He doesn’t just follow recipes; he reimagines them to create flies that truly perform. Join us for an engaging exploration of Gordon's innovative approach to tying and fishing flies that deliver results.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write “The Feather Mechanic?”
- How did you get started fly fishing and fly tying?
- How did your early fly tying experiences shape your approach to the craft?
- In your book, you emphasize “form follows function”. Can you tell us how you learned about this and how it has affected your fly tying?
- How do you become a “thinking fly tier?”
- How do you approach designing a new pattern?
- How do you approach problem-solving when a fly design doesn't work as expected?
- What is your process for testing the effectiveness of a new fly design?
- Your instructions for tying The Skinny Damsel incorporate many techniques that are used when tying other types of flies. Can you walk us through the steps of tying this fly?
- What is your opinion regarding split thread vs dubbing loop techniques for placing materials? And do you have a particular place for each or do you regard them as interchangeable?
- What common mistakes do fly tyers make, and how can they be avoided?
- What is the domino effect?
- Can you explain the concept of tying small flies on large hooks?
- What are the benefits of using CDC feathers over other types of feathers?
- What role do historical fly-tying techniques play in your modern fly designs?
Spring Creek SeductionMatt Supinski is the master of selectivity and even wrote a book on it so who else to lead us on a journey to understand how to fish spring creeks. Spring creeks will not only seduce you but test your skills at the highest level. Join us to learn Matt’s secrets to spring creeks.
Atlantic Salmon MagicTopher Browne worked as a professional guide and has fished for Atlantic salmon in Canada, Iceland, Scotland, Norway and Russia. Listen in to hear his secrets on hooking up with and landing these incredible fish.
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.
Trout, Salmon and CharTom Boyd has traveled the world studying trout, salmon and char. He's tagged them, done DNA analysis, studied their habitat and range as well as individual characteristics. In his recent book Trout Salmon and Char he presents new findings, behavior patterns and proven tactics to catch more fish. Join us and pick Tom's brain about this new data he's collected so you can better understand these fish and catch more of them.
Mexico’s Grand Slam ExpresswayPhil Shook has traveled and fished extensively throughout Mexico. Phil considers the three giant estuaries off Highway 307 in Quintana Roo some of the best flats fishing in Mexico. Ascension, Espirtu and Chetumal will definiely have you on the hunt for your grand slam.
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.
Fly Fishing Art and IllustrationDave Whitlock has been creating fly fishing fine art paintings and illustrating his books and articles for most of his life. Listen in to find out how Dave got started, how he creates and how he sells his artwork.
The Brown Trout-Atlantic Salmon NexusVeteran author, guide, adventurist and chef; Matthew Supinski shares with us the brown trout/Atlantic salmon lineage and the two species remarkable adaptability and resilience. He highlights fly fishing tactics, fly patterns, artistic appreciation, and culinary/foraging opportunities. Join us on this podcast to learn about two of the world’s most intriguing, beautiful and noble fish.
Hunting Musky With A FlyRick Kustich caught his first musky around 1990 and has been lured by these apex predators every since. Join us to learn Rick's secrets to getting these fish of 10,000 casts hooked up on a fly. We'll cover equipment, flies and special techniques you won't want to miss.
Fly Fishing for Trophy RedfishCaptain Gary Dubiel, has been guiding the North Carolina waters for over 20 years. Gary is renowned for his expertise in light tackle and fly fishing, In his home waters, catching redfish up to 50 inches is not unusual. Join us to learn Gary’s secrets to locating and hooking up with these trophy redfish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Can you tell us about your background and how you got started with fly fishing for redfish?
- What makes redfish such a sought-after species for fly anglers?
- What types of water do you fish?
- Can you describe the ideal habitat for finding trophy redfish?
- What is the best time of year for trophy redfish in your area?
- How do the weather conditions affect your approach to fly fishing for redfish?
- How important is line selection, and what type of fly line do you prefer for redfish?
- What types of fly patterns do you find most effective for redfish, and why?
- What is the Pop-N-Fly rig?
- Do you normally sight fish to one fish or to a school?
- What techniques do you use to spot and stalk trophy redfish in shallow water?
- How do you present your fly?
- What type of retrieve do you use and is it different depending on what type of fly you are using?
- What does a typical full-day guided trip entail, and what type of boat do you operate?
- Can you share a memorable story from your guided trips with clients catching trophy redfish?
Silver Creek - The Crown Jewel Of Western Spring CreeksSilver Creek, Idaho is certainly known among fly anglers as one of the pinnacle and sacred waters in the sport. A technical dry fly fishery that forces the best out of anglers. John, lives and guides just a few steps away from this famous fishery. Listen in to find out how to conquer this incredible fishery.
Fly Fishing Trout Lakes Part II: A Biologist's Point Of ViewBrian Chan is back for Part II of Fly Fishing Trout Lakes. We had so many questions for his intial show that we had to schedule a special extended edition to get through the questions. If you thought the first show was great wait until you see what we have in store for you in this one.
Learn more about fly fishing and listen to our podcasts by these top experts...
Supporting Member Of...
Sponsored by: Ugly Bug Fly Shop — Olympic Peninsula Skagit Tactics — Lees Ferry Anglers
Enrico Puglisi Flies
Copyright © 2026 Ask About Fly Fishing | As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases through links from this website.
