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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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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.
Trout SenseJason Randall will share with us what trout see, hear and smell. The more you know about trout the more fish you'll catch. Listen in to learn more about what's going on under the water.
Pyramid Lake CutthroatsDenis Isbister travels the world in search of fish but Pyramid Lake is on his home turf. Join us on this show where Denis will talk about how to get the trophy Lahontan cutthroat trout on the fly, which call Pyramid Lake their home.
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?
Salt Water's Greatest GamefishTom Boyd has fished the salt for more than 50 years and has done exhaustive research on saltwater fish behavior, spawning, migration patterns and baitfish. Listen in to hear Tom talk about some of the greatest gamefish and how to catch them on a fly.
The Upper Columbia River's Unmatched TailwaterKelly Laatsch, a professional guide of more than 25 years, calls the Upper Columbia his home water. This tailwater produces average rainbows at 16 inches, with 20-inch fish common. Big rainbows, up to 28 inches, are caught and released every year. Join us and learn about this great tailwater and how to best fish it.
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?
Fly Fishing Pressured WatersFishing pressure is at an all-time high—but smart anglers adapt. In this episode we're joined by Nick Conklin and Collins Illich to break down advanced tactics for fooling highly educated fish on crowded waters. From strategy shifts to subtle presentations, this conversation delivers practical insights you can apply to pressured rivers anywhere.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- How do you define “pressured water,” and what are the earliest signs anglers should recognize?
- How has fishing pressure changed over the last decade on popular Western rivers?
- Can you share with us some of the things that should concern anglers with time management?
- When and where should we fish to avoid highly pressured waters?
- What role does timing—time of day or season—play in beating pressure?
- On a river like the South Platte, below Cheeseman Dam, it looks like the coming months will be a combination of low water (>100 CFS), crowds, and low temps/snow pack (hopefully!). Any recommendations around that specific set of factors?
- If you come across a run where you saw another angler fishing, how long should you wait to fish that run?
- How important is stealth compared to presentation on crowded rivers?
- When fishing pressured water, how do you decide between changing flies versus changing tactics?
- Is it better to add more flies as droppers when fishing for smart trout?
- Do you find that you need to downsize your flies for pressured waters?
- Do you change leader/tippet for pressured waters, and if so, what do you recommend?
- What habits separate consistently successful anglers from frustrated ones?
- With the pressure continuing to get stronger what changes do you see coming in the next 20 years that will change the way we fish today or our access to fisheries?
Photography - How to Capture What You SeeCarol's photographs and paintings have not only appeared in most of her husband Skip's 21 fly-fishing and -tying books, but also on the covers and interior pages of such magazines and books as Grey's Sporting Journal, Fly Fisherman, Yale Angler's Journal, American Angler, Fly Fishing & Tying Journal, and America's Favorite Flies. Join us and learn how to take better photographs of the beautiful places you fish, your fishing buddies, fish and of course yourself.
Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:
- What don't my photos turn out the way I see them?
- What do you recommend for pocket-sized, waterproof, point and shoot camera?
- Can you take good photos with your phone?
- What do you do to protect your camera from water?
- Do you use polarizing or warming filters?
- How to keep from stressing out the fish?
- How can you get a good photo of your fish when you are alone?
- What makes a compelling photograph?
- What time of day makes for the best photographs?
- What is the rule of thirds and how can it make my photos better?
- How can I improve the photos I'm taking?
The DIY Fly Fishing Road Trip: From Tents to AirstreamsWhat 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.
Campeche's Baby TarponBaby tarpon are not as small as you might think - 10, 20 or 30 pound fish are always a blast on a fly rod. Join Brian O'Keefe as he shares his expertise in hunting down baby tarpon on the flats of Campeche, Mexico.
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?
Fly Fishing the Finger Lakes Region of New YorkMike Hogue, a professional fly tier and fly shop owner, has fished the Finger Lakes region of New York for over 25 years. The lakes, unique unto themselves in beauty, offer salmon, rainbow trout and lake trout all available on the fly. Listen in as Mike takes us on a tour of this unusual fishing destination and shares his secrets to success in fishing in this area.
- What finger lakes are the most important for fly fishing?
- Do you fish both the lakes, streams and tributaries?
- What species of fish can be targeted with a fly?
- What lake should you fish if you want to catch a Lake Trout on the fly?
- Are there migratory rainbow runs on all the lakes?
- What time of year do each of the migratory runs happen?
- Which lake has the famous Brown Drake hatch?
- What type of boat is the best to use on the lakes?
- What type and size of flies work best for the salmon?
Floating Alaska! Self-Guided Fishing ExpeditionsDon Crane has floated many western US and Canadian rivers but Alaska's have always been at the top his list. Short on cash? Self-guided fishing expeditions may be the way to go. Listen in to hear Don tell you everything you need to know about putting together a productive, inexpensive and organized trip to Alaska.
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.
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