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Matching Eastern Hatches
Henry Ramsay
Fly Fisher, Fly Tier, Writer
Mayflies 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?
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Fly Fishing Is More Than Euro Nymphing
Aaron Jasper
Fly Fisher/Guide/Fly Tier
Postponed Until October 22nd
Euro nymphing may dominate the rivers, but it’s only part of the story. Join Aaron Jasper as he reveals why being a versatile angler makes fly fishing more rewarding—and more productive. From lessons learned over 44 years on the water, to the balance between numbers and trophy fish, to his top five insights from 2025, Aaron shares wisdom that will help you catch more fish and deepen your love of the sport.Ask Aaron Jasper your most important questions on enjoyable and effective fly fishing...
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Hatch Strategies
Tom Rosenbauer has been with Orvis for over 30 years and has shared his knowledge across many topics. One of the most studied yet intimidating aspects of fly fishing for trout is an understanding of insect hatches. Tom will enlighten us on entomology and also how to approach trout, how to find where they feed, and how to present the fly so it is accepted as natural food without hesitation. Join us and learn some new techniques to catch more fish.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What do you need to know to be successful when fishing a hatch?
- What is the best way to seine the water?
- What if you don't get any insects in your seine?
- What’s the best way to find fish feeding on a hatch?
- How do you identify the insect that is hatching?
- How to you fish the different stages of a hatch?
- What do you do if you have multiple hatches at the same time?
- How important is it to match the hatch with your patterns?
- Do you prefer to fish a single fly or use a dry dropper setup?
- Do you find that smaller fish are the ones rising first at the beginning of a hatch?
- How do you target the bigger fish in hatches?
- How does the change in climate vary the color of hatching flies?
- What has been the most challenging hatch to match & have reasonable consistent success?
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"?
The Seasons of Stillwater - Rocky MountainsRichard Pilatze's expertise is high mountain stillwater fly fishing. He'll be talking with us about the stillwater fishing seasons in the Rocky Mountain region, detailing what the fishing conditions will be, what hatches occur and best methods to fish at that time of year. Join us a get dialed into high mountain stillwater fly fishing.
Roosters in the SurfMike Reiser shares his newly discovered fly fishing techniques in hooking and landing roosterfish in the surf. Consider this the advance course in stalking roosterfish that you won't find anywhere else.
Pike On The FlyBarry Reynolds knowledge of pike and musky is amazing. Listen in to this podcast as Barry covers your questions on fly fishing for pike and musky covering habitat, gear, flies and tactics - get ready for some explosive answers.
Smallmouth Bass with a Big Bite!Randy Ratliff's home waters are in Eastern Tennessee and he's fished these waters most of his life. An Orvis endorsed professional guide Randy knows what it takes to get smallmouth bass on the fly. Listen in and learn Randy's secrets for hooking up with the smallies with a big bite.
Magdalena Bay: Baja's Hidden SecretMike Rieser, a well know guide in Mexico, takes us on a tour of Magdelena Bay in Baja and its hundreds of miles of mangrove channels, pristine beaches and fabled Thetis Banks. Snook, corvina, spotted bass, cabrilla, golden trevally, grouper, pargo, bonefish, roosterfish, yellow tail, skip jack, dorado, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, billfish and more all await your cast. Join use to find out about the best way to take part in this exciting and remote fishery.
California's Best Fly FishingChip O'Brien, a professional guide in California for 18 years, provides us with a overview of California's wild-trout waters from Northern California to the Eastern Sierra.
Bahamas BonefishOliver White has fished all over the world for many exotic species but his home turf in the Bahamas is still where he is most comfortable. The flats of the Bahamas have always been known for outstanding bonefishing and Oliver knows it well. Join us to learn the ins and outs of fly fishing the Bahamas for bonefish.
Wet FliesDave Hughes guides us through wet flies covering soft-Hackles, flymphs, winged wets and all-fur wet flies. Learn Dave's secrets to tying and fishing these misunderstood gems.
Klamath RebornThe Klamath River was once a legendary steelhead and salmon fishery, and now, after the removal of four dams, has been reborn. Mikey Wier works for California Trout, which works to improve the habitats of several fish species throughout California. He was also a professional guide and fished the Klamath River before and after the removal of dams. Join us to learn how the river is doing and the best places and ways to fish it.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What was fishing like before the dam removals?
- What roles did the dams play in what fish were available to target?
- Were there other similar dam removal projects that served to inform how this project should proceed?
- Can you describe the most significant changes to the Klamath River's ecosystem since the removal of the dams?
- What role have local tribes played in the restoration and management of the Klamath River fishery?
- How has the removal of the dams affected water quality and temperature in the river?
- Have there been any notable changes in fish populations or species diversity in the Klamath River post-dam removal?
- How have sediment releases during the dam removal process impacted the river's habitat and fishery?
- Now that steelhead migration up the Klamath is possible, how many years are we looking at to see the Klamath to become once again a legendary fishery with world class steelhead?
- What are the optimal water conditions anglers should look for when planning a trip to the Klamath River now?
- How have hatches and insect populations changed in response to the river's restored flow?
- What are the expectations for the Klamath River fishery in the coming years as the ecosystem continues to recover?
- What advice would you give to anglers who are planning their first trip to the Klamath River since the dams were removed?
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?
Fly Fishing Soft-HacklesAllen McGee specializes in both traditional and progressive soft-hackle flies and fly fishing methods. He pushes the boundaries of these wet flies and knows how to get the most out of this often ignored fly fishing method. Join us and learn how to use the soft-hackle method of fishing to catch more fish.
Seasons of the Arkansas RiverTaylor Edrington, a professional guide, literally grew up on the Arkansas River in Colorado. His lifetime of experience on the river is invaluable to any fly fisher wanting to conquer this great river. Join us as Taylor walks us through the different seasons and how to effectively fish those seasons.
Tying the Classic Salmon FlyMike Radencich has been tying the classic salmon fly since 1990. These flies are the most beautiful of all fishing flies. They are truly cativating whether fished on big water or proudly framed and displayed. Listen to Mike share over 20 years's experience in both tying and photographing these exquisite flies.
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