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?

When the sun goes down, big brown trout come out to hunt—and few flies trigger more violent takes than a well-fished mouse. In this episode, Michigan guide Tommy Lynch breaks down the art and science of fly fishing with mouse patterns. We cover mouse fly design, rods and lines, presentation tactics, reading water at night, and how to safely fish after dark. If you want to target your biggest trout on purpose, this episode delivers the playbook.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What is it about mouse patterns that triggers such aggressive strikes from big brown trout at night?
• Are trout actually keying on real mice, or is it more about sound, silhouette, and disturbance?
• What time of year do you find mouse fishing to be most productive?
• Why do anglers target nighttime browns with mouse patterns, when subsurface steamers can be really effective at night and have much higher hook-up percentages?
• Are there particular geographic locations where nighttime mouse pattern fishing is most productive?
• What features do you look for in a great mouse fly—materials, buoyancy, tail, legs?
• Do you prefer foam, deer hair, or hybrid mouse patterns, and why?
• How does color matter at night—dark vs. light vs. natural tones?
• What’s your go-to retrieve when fishing a mouse pattern after dark?
• Do you prefer skating, waking, or subtle twitching—and when does each shine?
• What are the most common presentation mistakes anglers make with mouse flies?
• How do you “map” a piece of water during the day to fish it effectively at night?
• What rod, line, and leader setup do you recommend specifically for mouse fishing?
• What safety considerations should anglers think about before fishing at night?

Fishing 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?

Lake Champlain may be one of the most diverse fly-fishing waters in North America, and it remains largely underexplored by fly anglers. Professional angler Drew Price breaks down how to target the lake’s incredible mix of species—from explosive bowfin and prehistoric longnose gar to northern pike, bass, carp, freshwater drum, and even salmonids. Drew shares practical strategies on seasonal movement, sight-fishing tactics, fly selection, and reading complex habitat across this massive fishery. If you’re ready to go beyond trout and discover a truly wild, multi-species fly-fishing experience, join us and open your eyes to what Lake Champlain really offers.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• Lake Champlain has a long and complex history—can you give us a brief overview of how the lake formed and how glacial forces shaped what we see today?
• What are the major geographic regions or “zones” of Lake Champlain, and how does fishing change as you move between them?
• Lake Champlain experiences strong seasonal changes—ice cover, spring runoff, summer stratification. How do these seasonal cycles impact fish distribution and angling strategy?
• What are the top species that fly fishers are interested in fishing for?
• What are the best seasons and water temperatures for fly fishing smallmouth bass on Lake Champlain?
• Which shallow habitats—bays, weed beds, marshes—produce the most consistent largemouth action?
• Where do pike stage during spring, summer, and fall, and how shallow do they really get?
• Is carp fishing on Champlain primarily a wading game, a boat game, or both?
• Where do bowfin typically hold in Lake Champlain, and what habitats should fly anglers focus on?
• When are gar most visible and accessible to fly anglers on Lake Champlain?
• Are drum a target species or more of an opportunistic catch while carp fishing?
• What fly patterns best match the forage base for landlocked salmon in the lake?
• Given all the species available to a fly fisher what are your recommendations on planning a trip to Lake Champlain?
• If an angler wants to target multiple species what would you suggest?

Step 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?

Rick Kustich is just getting started when icy winds sweep across the Great Lakes and most anglers pack it in, Rick shares his proven strategies for finding and catching winter steelhead in freezing conditions. Discover how these powerful fish adapt to the cold, what flies trigger their strikes, and the best techniques for slow, deep presentations when water temps drop near freezing. Whether you’re a die-hard steelheader or dreaming of your first chrome in the snow, Rick’s insights will help you turn winter’s chill into your hottest season yet.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• • What makes winter steelheaders such a unique and dedicated breed of anglers?
  • How do Great Lakes winter steelhead differ biologically and behaviorally from their Pacific-coast ancestors?
  • Why do you think winter steelhead have adapted so well to the Great Lakes since their introduction in the late 1800s?
  • Can you explain how water temperature and metabolism affect a winter steelhead’s movement and feeding behavior?
  • How do weather patterns—especially snow, rain, and barometric changes—impact the bite?
  • What are your go-to rod and line setups for both swinging and nymphing winter steelhead?
  • How do you balance the need for depth and control when choosing sink tips or leaders?
  • What types of holding water are most productive for winter steelhead—boulder pockets, gravel runs, or tailouts?
  • How important is timing in a winter day—should you be fishing the warmest part of the afternoon?
  • How do subtle water temperature changes, even a degree or two, alter fish activity and feeding?
  • When you’re selecting flies, what patterns give you the best chance—Intruders, Sculpins, Eggs, or something else?
  • How has the two-handed or “Spey” revolution changed the way anglers target winter steelhead in the Great Lakes?
  • How effective is Euro-nymphing for Great Lakes steelhead, and what are its pros and cons in winter conditions?
  • What method if any do you use to deter ice on your fly rods guides when fishing cold weather?
  • Winter steelheading often means long hours with few bites. How do you keep your mental focus and motivation high?

When the temperatures drop and most anglers hang up their waders, Jason Randall heads to the river. In this episode Jason reveals how to outsmart winter’s toughest conditions and find trout when the water turns icy. Learn how to locate warmwater seeps, choose the right flies for slow, cold currents, and keep yourself warm, safe, and successful all day long. Discover why winter may just be the most rewarding season to fish — if you know where to look and how to adapt.

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• Was there a particular experience or observation that made you realize winter trout fishing required a different mindset?
• What exactly triggers the transition from summer to winter lies?
• How does cold water affect a trout’s metabolism and feeding behavior?
• Do trout often move upstream in winter?
• How can anglers identify warm groundwater seeps or springs that attract trout in winter?
• How can fog reveal spring or seep activity. How do you use that to locate fish?
• Do trout behave differently in freestone streams versus spring-fed rivers during cold months?
• What adjustments should anglers make to drift speed, weight, and depth?
• Since trout react more slowly in winter, how should anglers adapt their timing when setting the hook or re-drifting?
• Once you find one, what’s your process for working that area effectively?
• How do you keep your line from freezing up on the rod?
• Can small degrees of warming trigger feeding? How can anglers take advantage of these short windows?
• What are your go-to patterns for the winter months?
• You suggest imitating immature stages of insects. How does that impact fly design and choice?
• How do you keep your fingers functional for knots and handling fish?
• How do you safely land and release trout in freezing conditions without harming the fish?

They’re fast, powerful, and one of the toughest fish to fool on a fly—roosterfish, or El Gallo. Join us as legendary angler Tom Boyd shares his decades-long pursuit of these magnificent predators in Costa Rica. From world-record catches to breakthrough tactics, Tom reveals what makes roosters so elusive, how to spot and hook them, and why landing one is considered the pinnacle of saltwater fly fishing. Don’t miss this chance to learn the secrets of chasing one of the ocean’s most extraordinary game fish!

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What makes roosterfish one of the most challenging saltwater fish to catch on a fly?
• How do their unique auditory and visual senses make them so difficult to fool?
• Can you explain the role of the dorsal comb and how roosterfish use it to hunt or herd baitfish?
• How does the behavior of roosters differ between calmer waters like Baja beaches and the rougher open Pacific waters of Costa Rica?
• Tell us about your very first encounter with a roosterfish on the Costa Rica/Nicaragua border—what did you see and how did it change your fishing path?
• Walk us through your 1998 catch in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo—the first large roosterfish taken on fly under IGFA rules. What made it possible that day?
• How did that world-record catch open doors for you, including your work with Crocodile Bay in Costa Rica?
• What role does structure—like reefs, points, or guano-covered cliffs—play in locating roosters?
• What do you look for in bird activity when scanning a beach for signs of roosterfish?
• What’s your preferred rod, reel, and line setup for roosterfish in Costa Rica?
• Tell us about the development of Boyd’s Wounded Baitfish fly. What made it so effective?
• How closely do you try to “match the hatch” when choosing fly colors and sizes for Costa Rica?
• What retrieves have you found most effective—steady strips, erratic jerks, or wounded-baitfish movements?
• What are your tips for setting the hook properly on roosterfish, given their tendency to spit flies?
• How do you recommend fighting a rooster—rod angles, pressure, and handling jumps?
• Roosterfish are listed as “data deficient” by the IUCN. What past and current research have you done that will help us to understand roosterfish better in Costa Rica and other parts of the world.

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?

Alabama is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and diverse fly fishing destinations in North America—and Matt Lewis is here to prove it. Join us as we uncover more than 50 hidden gems across the state, from Appalachian streams teeming with redeye bass to coastal marshes alive with trophy redfish. Whether you're chasing bass, bream, or saltwater giants, Alabama has it all. Don’t miss this eye-opening journey through one of fly fishing’s best-kept secrets!

Just a few of the questions asked and answered during the interview:

• What inspired you to write Alabama’s Best Fly Fishing and showcase this state as a fly fishing destination?
• Many anglers overlook Alabama—why do you think it’s a hidden gem in the fly fishing world?
• Why is Alabama called "America's Amazon"?
• How would you describe the diversity of Alabama’s fisheries compared to other states in the South or across the country?
• Can you walk us through the typical bonefish diet and how it may vary by location?
• What makes the redeye bass so unique and special for fly anglers?
• What type of water do you find these fish?
• What are the best strategies and fly patterns for targeting redeye bass in Alabama streams?
• What other bass species are popular to target?
• Alabama is known for trophy striped bass—what are your go-to methods and flies for targeting them?
• What other species of fish are available to fly fish for?
• If you could only choose one place to fish which location would go to?
• What makes Alabama’s Gulf Coast marshes and estuaries special for fly anglers?
• What species are there to target in the marshes and estuaries?