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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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Paraná River Golden Dorado
Join us as we head to the heart of Argentina with expert guide Fabian “Fabi” Anastasio to explore the thrilling world of fly fishing for golden dorado on the Paraná River. With over a decade of experience navigating its shifting sandbars, clear side channels, and explosive currents, Fabi shares his deep insights into the behavior of dorado, the tactics that consistently produce, and what makes the Paraná one of the most dynamic fisheries on the planet. Don’t miss this action-packed episode full of sharp hooks and golden flashes!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the Paraná River such a unique and productive fishery for Golden Dorado?
- How do the river’s hydrology and seasonal flow changes affect dorado behavior and fly fishing success?
- What role do baitfish migrations play in locating active Golden Dorado?
- What makes the Golden Dorado such a prized target for fly fishers compared to other predatory fish?
- Can you describe the differences in fishing approaches between the upper, middle, and lower sections of the river?
- What are the typical water flow patterns throughout the year, and how do they influence fishing tactics?
- What rod and line setups do you recommend for Golden Dorado?
- How do you rig your leaders for abrasion resistance, especially with dorado’s sharp teeth?
- What flies and in what hook size do you recommend for these fish?
- Can you explain the dorado’s hunting tactics and how they work together to ambush baitfish?
- How do you identify productive water when targeting dorado on sandbars versus banks or structure?
- What clues should anglers look for on the surface or shoreline that indicate dorado activity?
- Why are Golden Dorado so hard to hook and keep hooked?
- What are the most common mistakes anglers make when fighting a dorado?
Fabi guides out of three lodges depending on the season: Karandá Lodge, Suindá Lodge, and Pirá Lodge.
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?
Fly Fishing Colorado's South Platte RiverPat Dorsey has guided on the South Platte for more than eleven years. He spends at least 200 days per year on the stream so he knows the water intimately. Join us on this podcast to learn everything you need to know about fly fishing one of the most challenging trout streams in the United States.
Fly Fishing the Inland OceansJerry Darkes takes us on a tour of the Great Lakes including both warmwater and cold water fisheries. Learn about the best places to go for steelhead, northern pike, lake trout, smallmouth bass, trout and salmon.
What Fly for What Bug?Peter Stitcher is an aquatic biologist who knows what flies work best to imitate the stage of insects in their lifecycle. Are you ever confused about what file to use when? Join us to learn about the lifecycles of the most common insects we encounter on rivers and lakes and how to pick the perfect fly for the job.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the three categories you use to describe flies?
- What is more important size, color or shape?
- Why are flies like the Red Dart and Blowtorch so effective?
- How do you organize your fly boxes?
- What is a life cycle and why is it important to understand?
- What are the life cycles for mayflies, caddisflies, midges and stoneflies?
- What stages of the life cycles are the most productive for fishing?
- What flies work best to imitate the different stages?
- What places do you look to see what insects are active?
- How would you imitate daphnia?
- Is fly selection just as important as drift depth and presentation?
Hatch StrategiesTom Rosenbauer has been with Orvis for over 30 years and has shared his knowledge across many topics. One of the most studied yet intimidating aspects of fly fishing for trout is an understanding of insect hatches. Tom will enlighten us on entomology and also how to approach trout, how to find where they feed, and how to present the fly so it is accepted as natural food without hesitation. Join us and learn some new techniques to catch more fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What do you need to know to be successful when fishing a hatch?
- What is the best way to seine the water?
- What if you don't get any insects in your seine?
- What’s the best way to find fish feeding on a hatch?
- How do you identify the insect that is hatching?
- How to you fish the different stages of a hatch?
- What do you do if you have multiple hatches at the same time?
- How important is it to match the hatch with your patterns?
- Do you prefer to fish a single fly or use a dry dropper setup?
- Do you find that smaller fish are the ones rising first at the beginning of a hatch?
- How do you target the bigger fish in hatches?
- How does the change in climate vary the color of hatching flies?
- What has been the most challenging hatch to match & have reasonable consistent success?
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.
High Country Fly FishingMarty has hiked and backpacked into many high mountain lakes and streams and discovered that it requires a few different skills and techniques to master fly fishing for trout at altitude. Listen in to hear Marty share what he's learned.
Famous Fly FishersNorm Zeigler interviewed twenty-one famous people who fly fish and has published his interviews in his latest book Famous Fly Fishers. These people are famous for what they have done in their careers and not for their contributions to fly fishing. Politicians, businessmen, bankers, musicians, astronauts, scientists and artists are just a few of the professions these fly fishers represent. Listen in while Norm tells us their stories of why they fish and what this great sport means to them. Whose stories will he tell? You'll have to join us to find out.
Midge PresentationDavy Wotton, a master of fly fishing streams, will help refine your small fly presentation skills. Listen in to learn about the gear, leader, tippets, approach, casts and all the critical factors to be successful with midges.
Great Lakes Steelhead on the FlyRick Kustich has fly fished for Great Lakes steelhead for over 30 years. Listen in and take advantage of his in depth knowledge on advanced strategies and techniques, two-handed rods, swinging flies and new fly patterns that are sure to get you hooked up on some trophy steelhead.
How to Get a Grand Slam in the SaltRick Hartman a professional guide on the Texas coast who specializes in redfish. Listen in to Rick's secrets on hooking up with the big ones.
Tomorrow's Fly FishersFanny Krieger has been involved with fly fishing instruction for over 25 years. Listen in to find out how she unravels the mystery of fly fishing for children of all ages into a simple, easy to understand and fun adventure.
Currier's QuestJeff is well-known and well-traveled. He hosts fly fishing trips worldwide and is well known for his presentations at the fly fishing shows, and his incredible artwork. He constantly travels and develops techniques for catching the most exotic fish imaginable in places where even the most avid adventurer refuses to go. His quest to catch 500 different species on the fly continues. Join us as Jeff shares some of his adventures in his quest and find out if he’s getting close to meeting his goal.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you first become interested in fly fishing and what inspired you to embark on this quest to catch as many different species as possible?
- Do you have a specific goal?
- What is your current count?
- Which fish has so far been the most fun to catch?
- Which has been the hardest to catch?
- What has been the most challenging journey you’ve had to take to get to a fish?
- Which fish do you think will be the most challenging to catch?
- Which fish are you the most excited to catch?
- Can you share some insights or techniques that you've developed to increase your success rate when targeting various species?
- What fish are next on your list?
- 10 years from now, what’s your prediction on how fly fishing will change?
- How has your pursuit of diverse species affected your perspective on fly fishing and its role as both a sport and a means of connecting with nature?
- What advice would you give to other fly fishers who are interested in pursuing a similar quest to catch as many different species as possible?
How to Get a Grand Slam in the SaltEarl Waters has achieved over 300 grand slams in the salt for his clients and himself so he knows his stuff. Find out from Earl how to land a tarpon, permit and bonefish all in one day.
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