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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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Tying Euro NymphsTim Cammisa of "Trout and Feather" has been a YouTube creator of fly tying and fishing videos for over seven years. If you haven't watched his video tutorials, you should. Euro nymphing has been very popular and has produced some incredibly effective flies. Join us to learn the ins and outs of tying euro nymphing flies and how to fish them.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Euro nymphing has been floating around for quite a while now, what happened to Czech nymphing, Spanish nymphing and French nymphing? Where is Euro nymphing today?
- Euro nymphing rods have evolved over the past 15 years. What does one look for in a Euro nymphing rod today?
- Is it possible to use ‘standard’ fly rods to Euro nymph?
- How is the line for Euro nymphing different than what we use for other nymphing we do?
- What role does a reel play in the Euro nymphing setup?
- There seems to be a lot of variation in leaders and tippets. What options are there and what do the pros use?
- What are some casting techniques that you’ve learned that work well?
- What is a Euro nymph?
- Why are Euro nymphs so effective?
- What are the characteristics of Euro nymphs?
- What is the average size hook you like to use?
- Are Euro nymphs always tied on jigs hooks?
- Do you ever add extra weight or only use the bead?
- Do you think the number of tailing CDL fibers is important on a fly?
- Do you find there is a common theme with body material and tails?
- What is the future of Fly Design in regards to euro nymphing?
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.
Kootenai River- Big, Bold and BeautifulDave Blackburn has been fishing and guiding the Kootenai River in Montana for over 25 years. If you want to know how to fish and where to fish on this great western trout river listen in and Dave will share his hard earned secrets.
Tactical Nymphing - Euro Style - Part IIDevin Olsen, a medal winning member of Fly Fishing Team USA, shares the modern day nymphing techniques he and Lance Eagan use to catch fish in the European style. When competing on an international basis you have to be good and have to know how to adapt. We had so many questions on Devin's first show that we going at it again. Join us to continue this great topic.
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?
Tarpon On The WormBruce Chard, a professional guide the Florida Keys, takes us for a ride through the palolo worm hatch. This once a year event will get anyone's adrenaline pounding. Join us to find out where, when and how to fish this incredible event.
Skinny Water TroutJason Borger guides us through skinny water for trout - one of the most challenging and frustrating fly fishing scenarios one can encounter.
The Feather ThiefKirk Johnson is the author of the true-crime adventure “The Feather Thief”. Intrigued by the theft of hundreds of rare bird specimens from the Tring museum in England, Kirk journeys into the underground world of fanatical fly tiers and plume peddlers looking for the truth behind why the theft took place and what happened to all the birds that were stolen. Join us and hear the story that has drawn so many readers to this great book.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did the heist go down?
- Who was Alfred Russel Wallace and what did he have to do with the heist?
- How did Edwin Rist get involved tying classic salmon flies?
- What was the value of the stolen birds?
- How were the stolen birds and feathers sold?
- Were the buyers of the stolen goods complicit?
- Did Rist have an accomplice?
- Was the heist planned?
- How did the judge rule when Rist when to court?
- Did Rist show any remorse about what he had done?
- Were the stolen birds ever recovered?
Fly Fishing Wyoming's Grey ReefRyan Anderson has been guiding for 17 years, 15 of those seasons were on the North Platte. A Casper native he knows Grey Reef better than just about anyone else. Listen in to hear how a real pro fishes this trophy class fishery.
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.
Bristol Bay’s Sockeye Salmon and Rainbow TroutBill Horn has had a fifty-year connection with Alaska. Each year 60 million or more wild salmon run up the rivers of Bristol Bay and of course, rainbow trout are right there with them. Bill will share his knowledge of the natural history, culture, and management of this fishery along with fishing strategies, fly choices, and trip planning. Listen in to learn more about this outstanding and one-of-a-kind fishery.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write Crimson Wave?
- Why is Bristol Bay so important?
- What does Bristol Bay represent?
- Who are the people that live in Bristol Bay?
- Why are sockeye salmon important to commercial fishing?
- Are the sockeye salmon a sustainable species?
- Why are sockeye hard to catch on a fly?
- Why don't sockeye have the respect that other salmon have?
- What is the lifecycle of sockeye?
- Is it better to fish for sockeye nearest the sea before they begin to change color?
- What weight rod do you use for sockeye?
- Why are sockeye important to rainbows?
- What fly fishing techniques or presentations do you use for rainbows?
- What is the status of the controversial Pebble Mine project?
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?
Next Episode in the Works: Stay with Us!Hello, listeners! We wanted to give you a quick update: while we're still finalizing our next guest for the show, rest assured that we're working hard to bring you another exciting and insightful episode. Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime, feel free to check out our past episodes or drop us a line with any topics you'd like to hear more about. Thanks for your continued support and patience!
Long Flies for Big FishGary Borger knows that fishing long flies holds the greatest opportunity for the fly rodder to take big fish in any water type. Listen in to find out Gary’s secrets about long flies and how to fish them including tactics such as the Broadside Float, the Leisenring Lift, Shotgunning, the Jigging Swing, and many other methods.
Why Did Dave Whitlock Move to Oklahoma?Dave moved to Oklahoma for several reasons but the lower Illinois River is one of them where he caught 17 varieties of fish in one day. You won't want to miss this interview of one of fly fishing's most notable figures.
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