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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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Olympic National Forest SteelheadLael, a professional guide in Washington, lives and breathes steelhead fishing in the Olympic National Forest. A steelhead catch is something that will change you as a person during and for sure after the fight, whether you win or lose the first battle. Join us to learn Lael’s secrets to success for steelhead!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes the Olympic National Forest so special?
- What differences are there between wild and hatchery steelhead?
- What is the best time of year to fish for steelhead?
- What are the differences between the types of rivers in the area?
- What are the differences between fishing with a single-handed rod and spey rod?
- What type of line do you use and what types of tips do you use?
- What are the ideal types of flies and what makes them stand out to the fish?
- What method works best for steelhead nymphing or swing flies?
- How is the take different between nymphs and streamers that you swing?
- What do you recommend for clothing when fishing in the winter?
- Do the moon phases and weather affect the steelhead bite?
- What is the health and status of Olympic National Forest steelhead?
Steelhead on the FlyDec was a professional steehead guide for 14 years, now he fly fishes just for fun. Listen in to hear Dec's secrets to hooking up with the steelhead of your dreams.
Mastering the NymphJason Randall fishes with fly fishing giants such as George Daniel, Landon Mayer, Lefty Kreh, Ed Jaworowski, Ed Engle, Gary Borger, and Joe Humphreys and on this show Jason will share their top nymphing techniques, flies, and tactics. Randall covers everything from rigging flies, reading the water, casting, and fighting fish. Join us to see what Jason has learned from fishing with the masters.
Catskills to the Madison RiverJim Slattery is the mastermind behind the iconic Stimulator fly. Learn about his journey from the Catskills to the banks of the Madison River, his expertise in traditional fly tying, and his role in conservation. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most influential figures in fly fishing and discover the secrets behind his success. Tune in for an inspiring and educational conversation!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started fly fishing?
- What were your home waters growing up?
- When did you start tying flies?
- How did you learn to tie flies?
- Did you have any mentors? If so, who?
- What are some of the biggest challenges you faced while perfecting your fly tying skills?
- When did you first tie what’s known today as the Simulator?
- What problem did the Stimulator solve?
- What was the original name of the Stimulator?
- What changes have been made to the Stimulator over the years?
- Did you work in the fly fishing industry when you were young?
- When did you start Jim's Fly Company?
- How did the opportunity to buy Campfire Lodge happen?
- What makes Campfire Lodge a unique destination for anglers and nature enthusiasts?
- Can you discuss the importance of mentorship and passing on traditional fly tying techniques to the next generation?
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.
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.
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.
Casting Forward, Onward, and SeawardSteve Ramirez is a fly fisher, writer, educator, master naturalist, philosopher, and outdoor adventurer. He's traveled four continents writing about fishing, landscapes, human cultures, and the natural world. He's written for many of the major periodicals and is publishing his latest book Casting Seaward. This book is the third in a book series that started with Casting Forward and was followed by Casting Onward. Join us and hear Steve's thoughts on fly fishing, conservation, restoration, and his hopes for the future of planet earth.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- When did you start writing?
- What effect do your previous careers have on your writing today?
- What do you use fly fishing as the basis for your stories?
- What are your books about and what effect do you hope they'll have on your readers?
- Does writing energize you or exhaust you?
- Do you make notes during a trip and then write about it later?
- How do you think your writing will help the natural world?
- Where and when do you write?
- In all your travels what was the most challenging species, you fished for?
- Of all the places you've traveled and fished, what is the most memorable?
- What can we do as fly fishers to help combat global warming?
- As humans are we working to conserve, preserve, or destroy our natural world?
- Do you think the world would be better off without humans?
- Do you think we can reverse the current trends that adversely affect our environment?
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.
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?
The Angler as PredatorGary Borger explores the angler as predator. As successful fly fishers, we need to play the role of the predator, focusing closely on the fish’s ability to sense its environment. What kind of predator are you? Join us and find out...
Mighty Mouse To The Rescue!Richard Pilatzke has been working diligently on dialing in his mouse game. Trout love them bass love them so what does it take to get the fish to attack. Is it in the fly pattern, the presentation or a combination of both? Listen in to this podcast to hear what Richard has learned so you can catch more fish on a mouse.
Nymphs for Streams & StillwatersDave Hughes shares the secrets he's learned over a lifetime of fishing nymphs in both streams and stillwaters. Listen in to hear how he makes fishing with nymphs simple, direct and effective.
Fall Stillwater TacticsBrian Chan, an expert on fly fishing stillwaters, explores the challenges and opportunities that present themselves in fishing stillwaters in the fall.
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.
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