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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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Matching Eastern HatchesMayflies to caddisflies, knowing how to match the hatch can make or break your day on the water. Henry Ramsay, author of Matching Major Eastern Hatches will dive deep into the life cycles of key insects, the flies that best imitate them, and the strategies you need to fool more trout. Whether you’re new to entomology or a seasoned angler looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you unlock the secrets to more productive days on the stream.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Henry, what inspired you to write Matching Major Eastern Hatches and how does it differ from other hatch-matching books?
- For someone new to Eastern waters, how important is it to understand insect life cycles compared to simply having the “right” fly?
- What do you consider the six most important insect groups anglers need to master in the East?
- What role does observation—both streamside and in-hand—play in accurately identifying a hatch?
- Do you think that more emphasis should be placed on fly fishermen being able to identify nymph and pupa stages of mayflies and caddis flies?
- When matching a hatch do you prefer a fly that is a direct match or more of a general look fly?
- Mayflies are the poster child of hatch-matching—what are the major Eastern species anglers should know?
- How can you tell when trout are feeding on emergers?
- Regarding multiple flies, what conditions determine the setup you use?
- How important are mayfly spinner falls to the trout angler?
- Caddisflies often confuse anglers compared to mayflies—what key differences should we focus on?
- How do you fish caddis emergences differently from mayflies in terms of presentation?
- Stoneflies are often overlooked in the East compared to the West—how important are they in Eastern streams?
- What common mistakes do anglers make when trying to fish a stonefly hatch?
- Midges can be intimidating because of their size—how critical are they to Eastern fly fishers?
- How do you adjust your fly selection when conditions are tough and trout ignore traditional hatch patterns?
On The BowBill Horn has chased bonefish, tarpon and permit for over 40 years in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, Hawaii and Mexico. He's been "On the Bow" too many times to count. Join us to hear Bill share his experiences, the good, bad and ugly of chasing these trophy fish in the salt. You might just pick up a tip or two you can use next time you are on the bow.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Are the bonefish coming back in Florida?
- Do you have more success fishing for bonefish from a boat?
- Where do you find the larger bonefish?
- Are bonefish bigger in the Bahamas?
- What flies work best for bonefish?
- Are bonefish, permit and tarpon easier or harder to catch now than in the past?
- How do you present your flies to permit?
- What's the best way to set the hook on a permit?
- Is Florida still a "go-to" location for tarpon?
- Where can you find the larger migrating tarpon?
- Is the juvenile tarpon fishery still great?
- What flies are working best for tarpon through the seasons?
- Looking to the future how do you see the health of the flats fisheries and their fish?
Music City Fly GirlsSusan Thrasher is a professional guide and instructor in East Tennessee. She co-founded The Music City Fly Girls a “no drama” fly fishing club which is a bit different than most clubs you may have been part of. Join us to find out how they run their meetings, plan outings across North America and learn from their journeys. You just might get some great ideas for your club!
Fly Fishing The Island of Hokkaido, JapanRick Wallace is a well-traveled Australian fly fisher who lived and fished the island of Hokkaido, Japan extensively for four years. Unknown to many fly fishers taimen, rainbow trout, char and salmon are all prime targets on the island of Hokkaido. Taimen can get as large as one meter! Listen in to learn more about this fishery and find out where, when and how to fish this northernmost island in Japan.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What fly fishing opportunities are there on the island?
- Where is the best place to stay on Hokkaido?
- What is the best time of year to fish on the island?
- Is the taimen found on Hokkaido similar to those in Mongolia?
- What is the best way to fish for taimen?
- What flies do you use for taimen?
- Where do you fish for rainbows and char?
- When is the best time to fish for salmon?
To hire local Japanese guides for fishing on Hokkaido visit Trout & King.
Fishing Baja's Sea Of CortezJay Murakoshi has spent over 40 years developing his expertise in fishing for dorado, roosterfish, jacks and tuna in Baja's Sea of Cortez. Listen to this podcast learn his secrets about hooking up with these exciting fish.
A Tale of Three FishJim Stenson has traveled the world to fish for many species. The "Holy Trinity," as some call them, are still three of the toughest fish to catch. Permit, steelhead, and Atlantic salmon can frustrate even the best fly fishers. Join us to hear Jim talk about some of his exciting and difficult adventures in search of these elusive fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- In your quest of the three fish which came first?
- What is the story about catching your first steelhead?
- What has been your most unique experience fishing for steelhead?
- Where do you go most often today to fish for steelhead?
- How has fishing for steelhead changed since you first started fishing for them?
- What are the important factors in fishing for steelhead?
- What was your first experience fishing for Atlantic salmon?
- What have you learned over the years about fishing for Atlantic salmon?
- How has fishing for Atlantic salmon changed since you first started fishing for them?
- What techniques have you used for Atlantic salmon?
- What makes permit so hard to catch?
- What locations have you been going to for permit?
- What have you learned over the years since then about fishing for permit?
- Over the years which fish has caused you the most amount of consternation?
- Which fish do you dream about catching the most?
Dynamic NymphingGeorge Daniel, a competitive fly fisher has effectively used just about every nymphing technique there is. He's been to Europe and competed against some of the best European fly fishers in the game. He's observed, learned and applied the best techniques to his craft. Listen in to learn George's nymphing techniques and you'll be a better fly fisher for it.
Fly Fishing the Driftless Area of the MidwestSteve Born has been fly fishing the pristine waters of the Driftless Area of the Midwest for years and it still lures him back again and again. Find out why this area is so special and learn Steve's secrets for being successful in these waters.
Streamer StrategiesRich Strolis a professional guide who's spent many years on the Farmington and Housatonic rivers shares his secrets about fly fishing with streamers. Rich had developed streamer tactics that many consider unconventional but they work! Listen in to hear him talk about what he's learned.
Fly Fishing the Gunnison RiverJason Booth has guided over 6,000 fly fishers down the Gunnison River over the past 23 years so he knows this river like the back of his hand, maybe better. Join us to learn about the secrets of the Gunnison River in Colorado - where to go and how to fish it.
A Steelheader's WayLani Waller has pursued steelhead for over four decades and is considered one of the foremost experts on trophy British Columbia steelhead. Learn Lani's best techniques for catching steelhead on the fly.
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.
Fly Fishing Virginia's Blue Ridge ParkwaySam Johnson, an expert angler, shares his secrets of fly fishing along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Discover the best fishing spots across the Blue Ridge Parkway's 217 miles in Virginia and learn about the unique strategies and techniques that make this region a fly fisher's paradise. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, Sam's wealth of knowledge and captivating stories will inspire and guide you on your next fishing adventure. Don't miss out on this informative and exciting discussion!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your books on the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- How did the Parkway come to be?
- Was fishing considered in its design?
- How long is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
- When was constructions started?
- How long did it take to complete?
- Is there camping in the park?
- What time of year would be the best time to visit?
- What different types of water are available to fish?
- What species of fish can you fish for?
- What are some of the major hatches?
- What are your favorite flies for the Parkway waters?
- What is your strategy for fishing the different types of water?
- What are the some of your favorite streams and rivers to fish?
- How does the fishing in Virginia differ from the fishing in North Carolina?
The Madison – A River of Many FacesBrian McGeehan has been a professional fly fishing guide since 1995 and considers the rivers of southern Montana his home waters. Listen in to hear how to fish the Madison River - a river that will always challenge you and show you a different face at every turn.
Fly Fishing California's InshoreThe bays, estuaries, and beaches that rim the California coast offer some of the best fly fishing opportunities to be found anywhere in the world but not without their own unique set of challenges and demands. Join Ken Hanley on this podcast to learn the secrets of fly fishing this extraordinary coast.
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