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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?
More about Alex Ross...
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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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Over 437 Shows for you to listen to!
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Addicted To The RiseNate Brumley has never sunk a nymph or fished a streamer. He has over 50 years’ experience fishing a dry fly exclusively. If you want to learn about fishing dry flies and tying them join us and help pick his brain. I'm sure there are many secrets to be uncovered.
Fly Fishing Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness AreaSteve Schweitzer and Michael Kruise have explored, fished and documented over 100 fishing destinations in Indian Peaks Wilderness Area (IPWA) of Colorado. The IPWA is a beautiful place to fly fish and is easily accessible from the Denver metro area. Join us to learn about the best fly fishing locations, how to fish them and what flies work best.
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.
Fishing Wet Flies, Old School Still WorksBill Edrington knows what works and one of those things is fly fishing with wet flies for trout. If you haven't been using wet flies this show will be very enlightening and may change the way you fish in the future.
Fly Line Design and ApplicationJim Teeny, originator of the integrated sinking fly line, is always on the cutting edge of fly line design. Learn the differences between the lines and how to use them best to catch more fish.
How to Get a Grand Slam in the SaltRick Hartman a professional guide on the Texas coast who specializes in redfish. Listen in to Rick's secrets on hooking up with the big ones.
Angling Approaches for StreamsLearn from Jason Borger techniques for getting to those hard to reach fish and tips on making those perfect casts. He will focus specifically on mending, approach and presentation, and ways to fish the fly to both trout and smallmouth bass.
Fly Fishing the Yellowstone RiverCraig Mathews has fished the Yellowstone River for over 30 years. Join us to hear Craig tell about the best strategies and tactics to use on this renowned river.
Fly Fishing MaineBob Mallard has fly fished and guided the Maine waters for over 40 years. Maine has the most diverse fly fishing opportunities in New England and is a popular destination for anglers seeking trout, landlocked salmon, striped bass, and a host of other game fish. Join us and explore the rivers, streams, ponds and lakes of this magnificent state.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How did you decide what waters to include in your book Fly Fishing Maine?
- What fish species are available to fly fishers in Maine?
- What are the top species fly fishers target?
- What are the top rivers to fish in Maine?
- What are the State Heritage Fish Waters?
- What waters qualify for fly fishing only?
- When is the black fly hatch most prevalent?
- What's causing the decline of landlocked salmon?
- Where do 90% of the native brook trout live?
- Is Artic Char the new "bucket list" fish?
- What fly rods and lines do you recommend?
- What is public access like to the rivers, lakes, and ponds?
- How are striped bass fairing in Maine?
The Feather MechanicGordon van der Spuy is renowned as one of South Africa's premier fly tiers, and his passion for the craft shines through in every aspect of his work. For Gordon, the function always dictates the form when designing flies. He doesn’t just follow recipes; he reimagines them to create flies that truly perform. Join us for an engaging exploration of Gordon's innovative approach to tying and fishing flies that deliver results.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What inspired you to write “The Feather Mechanic?”
- How did you get started fly fishing and fly tying?
- How did your early fly tying experiences shape your approach to the craft?
- In your book, you emphasize “form follows function”. Can you tell us how you learned about this and how it has affected your fly tying?
- How do you become a “thinking fly tier?”
- How do you approach designing a new pattern?
- How do you approach problem-solving when a fly design doesn't work as expected?
- What is your process for testing the effectiveness of a new fly design?
- Your instructions for tying The Skinny Damsel incorporate many techniques that are used when tying other types of flies. Can you walk us through the steps of tying this fly?
- What is your opinion regarding split thread vs dubbing loop techniques for placing materials? And do you have a particular place for each or do you regard them as interchangeable?
- What common mistakes do fly tyers make, and how can they be avoided?
- What is the domino effect?
- Can you explain the concept of tying small flies on large hooks?
- What are the benefits of using CDC feathers over other types of feathers?
- What role do historical fly-tying techniques play in your modern fly designs?
Fly Fishing the San Juan RiverJohn Tavenner a professional guide on the San Juan River in New Mexico knows every inch of this trophy producing tailwater. Listen in while he tells his secrets of fly fishing for big trout with little bugs.
Fly Fishing Arkansas' White RiverDavy Wotton is a professional guide on the White River in Arkansas and no doubt one of the top experts on the river. Learn Davy's secrets about hooking up with monster browns in this show.
Fish FoodRalph Cutter literally wrote the book on fish food. To write Fish Food he donned his snorkeling gear and studied species underwater. Listen in to learn what Ralph has discovered about the food trout eat and why - it's sure to make you a better fly fisher.
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.
Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped BassDive into the exhilarating world of fly fishing for trophy striped bass in our next show with John Field! Join us as he shares the behaviors, preferred foods, and best fishing spots for these spectacular sportfish. Learn the flies and techniques that promise success. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, don’t miss this thrilling discussion that could lead you to your next big catch!
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What do you consider a trophy striped bass?
- Can you explain the four major Atlantic stocks and their migrations?
- Are there similar migrations in California?
- What physical characteristics and sense of stripers do we, as fly fishers, need to know?
- What are the key factors that affect the movement of large fish?
- What are their primary food sources?
- Does the size of the fly help with hooking larger fish?
- Do you need to match your fly pattern the baitfish they are feeding on?
- What are a few of your go-to flies?
- What are your favorite top water patterns?
- What weight rods and types of lines do you recommend?
- What knots do you use in your setup?
- Are you more likely to catch a trophy striped bass from a boat or from shore?
- Where an how do you sight fish for striped bass?
- How do you present and retrieve your flies?
- What type of fight do the larger fish give and how do you fight them?
- What is the best way to handle a fish you've caught to ensure their survival?
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