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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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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.
New Mexico's Trout WatersSpencer Seim has been guiding in northern New Mexico since 1995 and calls the Cimarron River, Rio Grande, Costilla Creek, and Ute Creek his home waters. Listen in to hear where and when to come to this picture perfect area and find out how to best fish these mountain waters.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What are the top three most scenic and productive trout streams in northern New Mexico?
- What is the best time of year to fish northern New Mexico?
- Where can you catch the native Rio Grande Cutthroat trout?
- What is Rio Costilla Creek best known for?
- What is the special hatch that occurs on the Cimmarron River?
- What river has an incredible trico hatch?
- What river is known for its awesome dry fly fishing?
- What is Spencer's connection to the book "The Feather Thief"?
Surf, Sand & Silver - Fly Fishing the Padre Island National SeashoreStep onto the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world as we explore the legendary fly fishing of the Padre Island National Seashore with acclaimed angler Phil Shook. From bull reds prowling the surf to speckled trout, jacks, snook, and migratory tarpon, this remote stretch of Texas coastline offers endless adventure—and requires smart strategy to fish well. Phil breaks down how to read the surf, locate productive cuts and guts, choose the right flies, handle wind and waves, and target each species through the seasons. If you love saltwater fly fishing, this is a masterclass you won’t want to miss.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Where is the Padre Island National Seashore and what does it offer fly fishers and other visitors?
- What is the human history of the island?
- How did fly fishers first find out about all the action on these beach safaris?
- What are the game fish that fly fishers find on the National Seashore?
- Are there sharks present, and are they a concern?
- What are the prime seasons, and conditions for the best fly fishing action along the Seashore?
- What is at the end of the road, and why do flyfishers want to get there?
- Is this an area that is easy to wade, or do you need a boat to really fish it?
- Is the Seashore good for day trips or solely for long drives and camping out?
- When you arrive at the Padre Island surf, what are the first signs or indicators you look for before making a cast?
- What rod weights and setups do you recommend to cover everything from trout to bull reds and jacks in the surf?
- What are your go-to fly patterns?
- How do you adapt your retrieve when dealing with wave surges that constantly push and pull the fly?
- What fish-holding features do guides and anglers look for on safaris down the seashore?
- When targeting fast-moving predators like jacks or tarpon, how do you adjust your strip speed or positioning?
Stillwater StrategiesTim Lockhart has fished for over 30 years. Over those years he’s developed a practical system for productive fly fishing in stillwaters. Listen in to learn how to find the best lakes and prime water along with his best presentation strategies.
The Evolution of NymphingAaaron Jasper goes where the fish are and most of the time it’s under the surface. He’s spent the last few years studying, researching and testing old and new nymphing methods. On this show we explore many of those methods including the latest in European nymphing techniques.
Skeena River - Steelhead DreamsGill Mckean has been guiding on the world-famous Skeena River for more than 25 years. He’s guided a client to massive steelhead estimated at 34 pounds and has personally landed many in the 30-pound range. Join us to learn from Gill about this incredible fishery and of course how to land that steelhead of a lifetime.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the best time of year to fish for steelhead?
- Are there other streams and rivers to fish in the area?
- What species are available besides steelhead?
- What style of flies do you prefer?
- Is the spey rod the most commonly used rod on the Skeena?
- What type of line do you use and what types of tips do you use?
- What's the difference between Skagit and Scandi heads?
- What is the most productive depth for getting strikes?
- What triggers the fish to strike?
- What is the secret to hooking up with a trophy steelhead?
Federation of Fly Fishers - An In-Depth LookPeter Van Gytenbeek and Ron Cordes have been on the board of directors for the Federation of Fly Fishers since 2003. Their passion and enthusiasm for the FFF is hard to match. Van and Ron answer questions about the FFF, their role in the fly fishing world and their goals and ambitions as an organization. Whether you're a member or not listen to this podcast to find out what this fine organization is doing for you.
Effective Stillwater Fly FishingMichael Gorman, a professional guide of more than 30 years helps us make the most of every stillwater fishing outing - even those ego-bruising days when the fish seem to reject everything. Join us to learn Michaels strategies, techniques and secrets.
Improving Your Casting Fundamentals to Catch More FishDusty Wissmath, a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, will explore the fundamentals of casting that are so important to catching more fish. Are you struggling with a castitng problem? Here's your chance to ask a question of one of the best casting instructors around.
Colorado Guide FliesPat Dorsey, a professional guide in Colorado, will give you the inside scoop on what the top Colorado guides have in their fly boxes. These are the flies they use day in a day out to get their clients into fish. You don't want to miss this one.
Fly Tying Made Clear and SimpleSkip Morris is a full-time fly fishing author and speaker who has published 22 books and over 350 magazine articles on fly fishing and fly tying. Skip makes fly tying so simple anyone can do it. If you’re interested in fly tying but haven’t given it a try yet listen in and Skip will provide all the information you need to get started and to be successful.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you get started tying flies?
- Is it more expensive to tie your own flies than to buy them?
- What tools do I absolutely need to get started tying flies?
- What should I look for in a good vise?
- What are the important features of a good bobbin?
- What are the basic materials needed to get started?
- What is the difference between the different brands of hooks?
- What is your go-to thread material?
- What sizes of thread should I get to begin with?
- What do the different grades of capes mean?
- Do you weight your flies or use other methods to get deeper?
- Do you think adding purple to a dry fly marks it fish better?
- What tips do you have for tying very small flies?
The Delaware River StoryLee Hartman, a professional guide and conservationist, will take us on a journey through the natural and unnatural history of the Delaware River. Many consider the Delaware the best wild trout fishery east of the Mississippi but it hasn’t been easy to keep it that way. Learn why it’s so important to protect this coldwater fishery and look forward to Lee sharing a few tips along the way about how to be successful fishing this great river.
- What species of fish are native to the Delaware River?
- What part of the Delaware River is the best for trout fishing?
- When is the best time to fish for shad?
- When did the Delaware River become a true trout river?
- Is it best to fish the river from a boat or wading?
- Where do you find the brown trout most often?
- What insect hatches can you expect on the river?
- What is a "Delaware River Fox"?
- What is being done to preserve the river as a world-class trout fishery?
TailwatersAaron Jasper is known for finding and hooking up with big fish and what better place to do this than tailwaters. Most of the world's tailwaters can be fished any time of the year so listen in as Aaron shares his tips and tactics for fishing these super productive waters.
Planning the Fly Fishing Trip of a Lifetime to AlaskaBryan Whiting, a high school teacher in Colorado, had dreamed of fishing in Alaska with his boys. Actually going, however, just seemed beyond the possible. How do I make the time? Where do I specifically go? When do I go? What do I ask when deciding between lodges, camps or guides? How do I make sure I don't get ripped off? What equipment do I need? Bryan will share his experience in getting the answers to these questions and many more on this show.
Cicada MadnessDave Zielinski has been tracking down annual and periodical cicada emergences in an effort to figure out their mystery and the fish that hunt and devour them for the past 20 years. If you'd like to zero in on one of these epic emergences, tune in and learn from Dave about the timing, fishing techniques, and patterns that you'll need to crack the code.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What makes cicada emergences so significant for fly fishers?
- What does a cicada look like?
- How many different species are there?
- What is the life cycle of cicadas?
- What is the difference between periodical and annual cicadas?
- How often do the periodical emergences occur?
- How long does an emergence last?
- When is the best time of day to fish during a cicada emergence?
- What signs are there that an cicada emergence is happening?
- What are the differences between the 13 and 17 year cicadas?
- What color combinations are best for cicada fly imitations?
- Do you have a favorite fly size and pattern?
- What presentation methods work best when fishing with cicadas?
- Is there an online source that tracks cicada emergences?
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