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!
-
Guide FliesLandon Mayer spends hundreds of hours each year on the water guiding his clients to trophy trout. He doesn't have time to tie complex time-consuming patterns so he ties simple easy-to-tie fly patterns that get the job done, day in and day out. Join us to learn about Landon's top patterns and how he fishes them to catch trout around the world.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes a great guide fly?
- What's your thought process when designing your fly patterns?
- What materials do you consistently try to incorporate into your patterns?
- What suggestions do you have for paring down the number of flies you carry to the water?
- Do you have a core set of guide flies that you use year-round or do you have different selections for the different seasons?
- Do you have a secret pattern that is not in the book?
- Do you think adding UV or hot spots to a fly makes a difference?
- How do you prepare for your day on the water - rods, rigs, flies, presentations?
- What are your favorite techniques for stillwater?
- What methods do you use to get your flies to the right depth?
- What fly do you think is deadly that is not a guide fly?
- What do you do when a larger fish chases a smaller fish that you have hooked up?
- What fly do you go to most often to catch fish?
Reading Water Challenges in Mount Hood CountryGary Lewis has fished in seven countries and across the US and the one challenge that he has always faces is how to read the water especially new water or water that has been affected by weather or other external factors. Listen in as we explore three fisheries in the Mount Hood Country of Oregon and how each presents a different challenge when reading the water.
Stripping for StripersThe East coast comes alive when the strippers come in - making the water boil with activity. Michael Mullaney, a professional guide in Cape Cod shares his secrets on catching one of the most popular sportfish on the Eastern seaboard.
Fly Fishing Trout Lakes: A Biologist's Point Of ViewBrian Chan, a professional fisheries biologist, has spent most of his life studying the insect life of trout lakes. Brian will share the secrets of what happens in that underwater world and how it will help you to catch more fish.
The Deschutes – Rainbows and SteelheadTom Larimer is an experienced guide who's passion for steelhead is only equaled by his love for trout. Listen in to Tom share his secrets about fly fishing the Deschutes River.
Madison River: Upper, Lower and in the ParkKelly Galloup lives and runs his shop and lodge just minutes from the Madison River. He's guided on the river for over 17 years and knows the river intimately. Whether you want to fish the upper, the lower or the section in Yellowstone Park he'll be able to guide you to success. Listen to this podcast and discover what it takes to be successful on this famous river.
What Every Tropical Flats Fly Fisher Needs To KnowMike has fished the saltwater flats of Belize, Christmas Island, Cuba, the Yucatan, and the Florida Keys. The techniques and methods he’s learned along the way are invaluable. Join us as Mike shares what he’s learned about fly fishing the flats, including tackle, knots, casting, presentation, tactics, and much more.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- If I was making my first saltwater flats trip, what are the things I need to do to prepare for the experience to get the most from the trip?
- Do you prefer 7 wt or 8wt for most species, locations?
- What features should I look for in a reel?
- Do you use primarily floating lines or is it wise to have other types with you?
- What knots do you need to know for saltwater?
- How do you prepare for your casts on a boat?
- Are there clues or simple rules as to which flats hold fish at which tides?
- What would you recommend a DIY traveler do to find productive flats before traveling to an area?
- I have trouble seeing the movement of the fish. so my first cast is not as accurate as I would like it to be. I fish from a boat, am I not getting the right information from the guide. Is it a communication issue?
- What flies do you like using for bonefish?
- What techniques are most productive for permit?
- What tips do you have for catching tarpon?
- What are your favorite flies for snook?
- Is it best to wade into the tidal current or with it (follow the tide shallower?)?
Steelhead Quest for AwarenessTerry Meyers has guided for steelhead most her professional life and has been involved in conservation efforts to preserve the species. To bring awareness to the plight of the steelhead she went on a quest to catch a steelhead in every month of the year and write about it as she fished. Join us to hear about her quest and become educated in the future of steelhead.
Pennsylvania Trio: LeTort, Yellow Breeches & Big Spring CreeksTom Baltz has been living and fishing the limestone valleys of south-central Pennsylvania for the past 40 years. The LeTort, Yellow Breeches and Big Spring creeks are just a few minutes from his home giving him the opportunity to understand and fish them to perfection. He's fished alongside some of the most notable fly fishers of our time including Vince Marinaro and Charlie Fox. Listen in to hear Tom give you a tour of these three great creeks and tips on how to fish them.
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.
Persuading PermitBruce Chard is in the business of persuading permit to take his fly and he won't take 'No' for an answer. Listen to this show to find out Bruce's insider secrets of persuasion.
Urban Fly Fishing: Dallas/Fort WorthGreg DeMars has fished all over the world but the waters around the Dallas/Fort Worth area are his home waters. Greg will guide us to the hidden gems and unexpected fishing spots in the heart of the bustling Metroplex. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a curious novice, join us to uncover secret creeks teeming with fish, all set against the urban backdrop of DFW. Don't miss out on this adventure that's just around the corner!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the key differences when comparing urban fishing to more remote locations?
- Do urban fish tend to generally be more aggressive?
- What weight rods do you recommend?
- Are the waters in the Dallas Fort Worth area easily accessible to the public?
- What are the river laws in Texas?
- What are the most common species to target in the DFW area?
- What are some of your favorite flies?
- Are most of the rivers and streams suitable for wading?
- Can you tell us about the downtown Dallas area fisheries?
- What does the North Dallas area offer that is different from downtown?
- What is fishing like in Timber Creek and Lewisville Lake?
- Are Big Fossil Creek and Big Bear Creek good places to fish in Fort Worth?
- What fishing is available in the Mid-Cites area?
New York City Fly Fishing - Only a Cab Ride AwayNew York City area is one of the most densely populated areas in the country. However, if one were to take a map, a pencil compass and make a 90 mile circle around New York City there are hundreds of high quality fly fishing streams within this area. Join us as we take a tour of some great fisheries in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania all within a short drive of the 'Big Apple'.
Wild Rivers of Northern New MexicoDoc Thompson, a professional guide for 15 years, has been taking fly fishers to where the fish are in the wild rivers of northern New Mexico including the Rio Grande, Cimmaron and the Rio Castilla. Listen in to learn about these unique fisheries and how to fish them.
Fly Fishing The Texas Hill CountryThe Texas Hill Country offers the fly angler more opportunities than can be exhausted in a lifetime! Chris Johnson grew up fly fishing the heart of Texas, and to this day it is still one of his favorite places on the planet. From Guadalupe Bass to Rio Grande Cichlids, the Texas Hill Country has it all! On this podcast, Chris will take you on a quick tour of some of Texas’ most breathtaking rivers. Chris will cover public access points, specific techniques for each river, fly selection, fish species, and will also talk about some of the other species that call the Texas Hill Country home.
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.
