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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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Fly Fishing EvolutionGeorge Daniel has been experimenting, innovating, and developing strategies and techniques since he started fly fishing. One thing he’s discovered is that fly fishing doesn’t stand still; it evolves. Join us to learn about the cutting-edge strategies for nymphing, dry fly, and streamer fishing that are used on the water today. Equipment, fly patterns, rigs, and casting are all fair game.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your latest book Fly Fishing Evolution?
- What rod do you use for most of your fishing?
- Does the weight of the rod determine the size of fish I can catch?
- What do you see as the next step in rod development?
- In what circumstances would you select a Tenkara rod over traditional tackle?
- Do you carry more than one rod when fishing?
- How do you rig for two flies, and when do you use this?
- Do you see advantages to using a non-slip loop knot to attach your flies?
- Do use the drop-shot nymphing technique? If so when?
- How do you avoid having your mono rigs twist and tangle?
- What do you use for your sighter?
- When is it time to switch from a euro nymphing rig to a suspension rig?
- What are your thoughts on confidence flies?
- What are the flies you use most often for nymphing?
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.
Fly Fishing for Monster Browns on StreamersChristy McReynolds knows how to hook up with monster brown trout on the fly. She’s a lifelong angler and has developed her skills on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in East Tennessee, where she and her husband Jason run their guide service FlyingSoHo. Join us and learn her secrets to finding, hooking up, and landing these fish of a lifetime.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the best time of year for hunting monster browns on streamers?
- Are large brown trout more active at certain times of the day?
- Are browns tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures?
- What are the ideal conditions for brown trout to grow big?
- Are browns more selective than rainbows?
- Is fishing good before or after they spawn?
- What weight rod do you use for larger fish?
- Do you use floating or sinking lines?
- What is your leader and tippet setup?
- What types of streamers do you prefer?
- what color flies do you use for dirty and clear water?
- Where do find large fish holding most often?
- What retrieve methods do you use for streamers?
- What tips can you give on setting the hook and fighting large fish?
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.
Lake Nassar's Nile PerchJeff Currier has just returned from Egypt and his second adventure in search of the exotic Nile Perch. Join Jeff to learn about what it takes to figure out a fish that is seldom caught on a fly.
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.
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.
Fly Fishing SudanJeff Currier, a world traveling fly fisher, went to Sudan to fly fish. Where did he go? What did he fish for? What was his adventure like? Listen in and find out as we go on another Currier adventure.
Wet Fly Techniques for Big TroutDavy Wotton has caught a lot of big trout in the past 30 years and wet fly fishing in the traditional style is one of the biggest reasons for his success. Listen and find out about Davy's techniques and how to master them.
Smallmouth Bass with a Big Bite!Randy Ratliff's home waters are in Eastern Tennessee and he's fished these waters most of his life. An Orvis endorsed professional guide Randy knows what it takes to get smallmouth bass on the fly. Listen in and learn Randy's secrets for hooking up with the smallies with a big bite.
Kamchatka's Wild RainbowsWill Blair started working as a guide in Kamchatka in 1997 and was immediately captivated by the area. Kamchatka is still one of the most remote wild rainbow fisheries in the world and fishing it is an experience not found anywhere else. Join us to learn about fishing Kamchatka from one of the most respected experts in the industry.
Fly Fishing for Atlantic SalmonPaul Marriner shares his 25+ years of experience fly fishing for Atlantic Salmon. Learn his secrets about tactics, flies, casting and playing this classic trophy fish.
Matching Warmwater Baitfish: Patterns and Techniques for Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Muskie, and Other PredatorsMaster guide Kevin Feenstra reveals his proven techniques for targeting bass, musky, pike, and carp using baitfish patterns the fish love. Drawing from over two decades of guiding experience on Michigan's mighty Muskegon River, Kevin shares his expert strategies for reading water and presenting flies to these hard-hitting fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- You recently published Matching Warmwater Baitfish. What inspired you to write it and how did it come about?
- What makes baitfish patterns so effective for targeting predatory fish like smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie, and others?
- How important is fly size when imitating baitfish for different predators?
- What are the key differences in how smallmouth and largemouth bass hunt baitfish?
- What are your go-to baitfish patterns for smallmouth bass, and how do they differ from those for largemouth?
- What are some effective retrieves when fishing baitfish patterns for bass?
- What makes muskie such a challenging species to catch on the fly?
- Can you explain the "figure eight" technique and when to use it when targeting muskie?
- What is your goto pattern for musky?
- What is your favorite throwback fly to convert muskie that follow but won't eat?
- What are some effective techniques for fishing baitfish flies in heavy cover or structure?
- How do water clarity and light conditions affect baitfish fly selection?
- Is there a searching baitfish pattern that you prefer to use when fishing new water?
- What are some key materials for tying realistic and effective baitfish imitations?
- What advice do you have for anglers looking to improve their success with baitfish imitations?
Fly Fishing for White BassBill Butts loves white bass - they're hard hitting and put on a tough fight. Find out from Bill what it takes to catch these great freshwater sport fish on a fly.
Fly Fishing the Boundary WatersJim Blauch has guided the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota for the past 20 years. If you want solitude and crazy smallmouth bass fly fishing listen in and Jim will spill the beans on this great destination.
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