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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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A Lifetime of Fly Fishing for Steelhead
Trey Combs has been fly fishing, guiding and writing about steelhead for more than 50 years. He's an expert on this fish and has now written his fourth book on steelhead. Join us to learn about the history of steelhead fishing and all that he has learned about fishing for this extraordinary and challenging fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your book Flies for Atlantic Salmon & Steelhead?
- What is your prediction for the health of steelhead runs?
- What is the cause of the devastation of steelhead runs on the Thompson River?
- What was the first steelhead fly?
- What do you consider to be the most versatile fly rod for steelhead?
- What is your recommended terminal tackle setup?
- What is your favorite steelhead fly to use in British Columbia?
- What is your favorite fly for low water?
- What caused you to start using more black flies?
- What is the most effective way to present your flies?
- How does your presentation change from spring to fall
- Why do you like to keep your fly broadside in the current?
- How do you use The Muddler for steelhead?
- What changes do you make to The Muddler so that it performs better?
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.
Trout Spey and the Art of the SwingSteven Bird started trout spey fishing long before the current trend started. Many fly fishers equate spey fishing with steelhead or salmon on large rivers but it can be applied on small rivers or streams for trout just as effectively. Join us to learn about the gear, flies and techniques used for trout spey fishing that you can use on your next outing.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write your book Trout Spey & The Art Of the Swing?
- What got you started spey fishing?
- What is trout spey?
- What advantages does two-handed spey fishing for trout offer?
- What is the ideal rod for trout spey?
- What is the difference between a trout spey rod and a switch rod?
- What type of lines are used with trout specy?
- How do you select a tip?
- How do you set up your leaders?
- What are the different parts of a wetfly presentation?
- What is the Leisenring Lift?
- What determines what size, color and proportions of your flies?
- Do you fish multi fly rigs?
- What are you favorite wet fly patterns?
Stillwater Fly Fishing with Competition-Inspired StrategiesDevin Olsen, well known for his innovative river and stream techniques, reveals his top stillwater competition and loch-style strategies from his travels around the world. Discover how to elevate your fishing game with these proven, competition-inspired tactics you can apply to your local stillwaters. Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the best and transform your fishing effectiveness!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- Can you give us an overview of teh 2024 World Fly Fishing Chanpionship?
- What was the lake fishing like during competition?
- What were your goals in writing your new book Stillwater Fly Fishing – Competition-Inspired Strategies for Everyday Anglers?
- When and how did you get into flyfishing & fly tying?
- Can you explain what the trophic state of stillwater is and how understanding it can help us to be more productive fishing?
- What are the different zones that compose a lake and how does understanding them help us as fly fishers?
- What are the stillwater food webs?
- To be prepared for the different situation you may encounter what rods, reels and lines do you recommend we have?
- What was the original name of the Stimulator?
- What flies do you find effective in stillwaters?
- What are some ways you use the generalist leader?
- How does wind affect where the fish are located?
- Do you ever get blanked or have really marginal days on stillwater?
- Can you explain loch style fishing and how to be effective with it?
Single-Handed Fly Casting - A Modular ApproachJason Borger knows fly casting he was almost born with a fly rod in his hand. Through slow motion video he's broken down the elements of making the perfect cast and uses it teach others. Join us and find out about Jason's modular approach to learning fly casting.
Southern Appalachia Trout FishingThe Great Smoky Mountains, Catalouchee Creek, Hazel Creek, Abrams Creek and down to the tailwaters of the Nantahalla River Ian Rutter has fished it all. Listen to Ian share his secrets and life long love for this beautiful fly fising haven.
Fly Fishing for Monster Browns on StreamersChristy McReynolds knows how to hook up with monster brown trout on the fly. She’s a lifelong angler and has developed her skills on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in East Tennessee, where she and her husband Jason run their guide service FlyingSoHo. Join us and learn her secrets to finding, hooking up, and landing these fish of a lifetime.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What is the best time of year for hunting monster browns on streamers?
- Are large brown trout more active at certain times of the day?
- Are browns tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures?
- What are the ideal conditions for brown trout to grow big?
- Are browns more selective than rainbows?
- Is fishing good before or after they spawn?
- What weight rod do you use for larger fish?
- Do you use floating or sinking lines?
- What is your leader and tippet setup?
- What types of streamers do you prefer?
- what color flies do you use for dirty and clear water?
- Where do find large fish holding most often?
- What retrieve methods do you use for streamers?
- What tips can you give on setting the hook and fighting large fish?
Are You Making Mistakes Fly Fishing?Sara Low, a professional guide in New York, has seen just about every mistake her clients could possibly make. She'll help you with fly-fishing techniques and help you to break bad habits. Common issues include correctly approaching fish, improving fly selection, proper presentation, consistent and accurate casting, efficient hooking and landing of fish. Join us and learn how to correct those bad habits you might not even know about.
Nymph, Brush and Night Fishing for TroutJoe Humphreys has taught fly fishing for over forty years and still loves to share his insights. Nymphing is one of his favorite approaches; he shares a lifetime's worth of experience on this as well as fishing brush and night fishing on this show.
Tactical Nymphing - Euro StyleDevin 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. Join us to find out how it's done.
Fly Fishing For Mako SharksWant to pit yourself against a mako shark? Conway Bowman tells us about his special techniques to attract, catch, and release mako sharks on the fly. This exciting new approach allows you to sight cast to Makos, see the take, and enjoy one of the most acrobatic and powerful fights of your life.
South Platte River - The Ultimate ChallengePat Dorsey has been guiding fly fishers for more than 25 years and calls the South Platte River in Colorado his home waters. The South Platte River can be one of the most challenging world-class trout fisheries in America. Pat knows this water better than most any other guide. Listen to this podcast to hear his strategies and tactics for successfully fly fishing this outstanding water.
Fly Fishing the SurfLee Baermann has been fly fishing the surf for over 40 years. Lee guides us on California's southern coast finding beach structure, surf species, productive flies and fishing techniques. Join us and find out how get the best out of the surf.
Fly Fishing for Trophy Trout in Georgia's Noontootla CreekKent Klewein is well known in Georgia for being the top guide for putting clients on trophy rainbow and brown trout on Noontootla Creek and its tributaries. Learn how to hook up with these trophies southern style on this show.
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.
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